SPOTLIGHT CD/DVD REVIEW: THE HOPPERS HONOR THE FIRST FAMILIES OF GOSPEL MUSIC- THE HOPPERS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD/DVD REVIEW:
THE HOPPERS HONOR THE FIRST FAMILIES OF GOSPEL MUSIC
THE HOPPERS
GROUP MEMBERS: CLAUDE HOPPER, CONNIE HOPPER, DEAN HOPPER, KIM HOPPER, KARLYE HOPPER, AND MIKE HOPPER
LABEL: GAITHER MUSIC GROUP
PRODUCER: BILL GAITHER
RELEASE DATE: 2017 (CD), MAY 2018 (DVD)
CD SONG LIST:
Be An Overcomer
Lord, Lead Me On
God Walks the Dark Hills
I’m Longing for Jesus to Come Back
One More River
He Is Mine and I Am His
I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey
I’d Rather Have Jesus
He Looked Beyond My Fault
Some Glad Day
Gentle Shepherd
THOUGHTS:
Southern Gospel Music has a tradition of great family groups including the LeFevres, The Rambos, The Speer Family, The Happy Goodmans, and many more. Also included in this list of pioneers is The Hoppers. For this CD and DVD, this beloved family teams up with Bill Gaither to honor several of the legendary Southern Gospel families. The group pays tribute to the great Speer Family with rousing renditions of "He Is Mine And I Am His," featuring Claude on the verse and "Some Glad Day." Bill Gaither joins them on the latter adding his bass with one step out line honoring the late Brock Speer. Kim Hopper shines on "God Walks The Dark Hills," while Claude is again featured on"I Wouldn't Take Nothing." Both of these classics honor the Happy Goodmans. The Hoppers smooth, tight harmonies do justice to the classic Chuck Wagon Gang songs "Lord, Lead Me On," and "I'd Rather Have Jesus," which feature Connie. The Rambos are also honored with a powerful rendition of "He Looked Beyond My Fault," (featuring the trio of Kim, Dean and Karlye) and the groovy, Dean led "One More River." "I'm Longing For Jesus To Come Back," is a mid-tempo, banjo infused tune that was recorded by the Rushings according to Bill Gaither. Connie Hopper takes the lead on the verses with her soothing alto. The group also covers the Gaither classic "Gentle Shepherd." The harmony and the arrangement were stellar making this one of the best versions of this song in my opinion. The opening track, while not honoring any group in particular, has a deep meaning for the family. As mentioned on the DVD, Dean and Claude have had several health issues over the past few years. The group emotionally discussed the trials and how God has blessed them and brought them through. As the song says, be an overcomer. "In Jehovah’s might put the foe to flight, and the victor’s crown you shall wear at last." The DVD not only features great performances of these timeless classics, it includes discussions with the group as well as a historical introduction from Gaither on each group. Overall, both the CD and DVD are must buys! One of my favorite tribute projects in recent years. Highlights include: "Some Glad Day," "He Is Mine And I Am His," "He Looked Beyond My Faults," "Lord, Lead Me On," and "Gentle Shepherd."
4.5 out of 5 stars!
For more information and to purchase: www.gaither.com and http://thehoppers.com/