Gaither Vocal Band CD Review
Gaither Vocal Band and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Together
Gaither Gospel Series. DVD. SHDVD4781
****
A lively coming together of old and new in Southern Gospel!
Having heard the CD previously, I was right in my assumption that the DVD would be a whole lot better. Recorded to a wildly enthusiastic crowd in Louisville, Kentucky, the coming together of the latest incarnation of the Gaither Vocal Band and the exciting new sound of Ernie Haas & Signature Sound produces a memorable concert. The swing band backing produces an aura of excitement and drive which lifts some of the older tunes to a new level. The album kicks off with the lively Holy Highway, and I particularly enjoyed the version of Sweet, Sweet Spirit, which will forever be associated with live performances by Elvis Presley. Both groups do some songs on their own, John In The Jordan, by Ernie Haas is outstanding, while Brand New Song is a great track by the Gaither Vocal Band. Nothing But The Blood is a tour de force by both groups who sing so well together. Although the backing cannot be classed as country, such stalwarts as Kevin Williams on guitar, and Jeff Easter on harmonica are present, and the fantastic Gordon Mote is playing keyboards. Gordon performs two solos, Get Up In Jesus Name, accompanied by the Gaither Vocal Band, and Wake Up Dancing, just by himself on keyboards. There is also a fantastic video clip where some of the guys go to get a cup of coffee in Louisville and Gordon ends up directing the traffic, no mean feat considering he is blind! The album has a really good running time of two hours and presents tremendous value. Personally I could have done without the America medley but the concert finishes on a very high note with three great tracks, Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus, I Then Shall Live and These Are They. Even if Southern gospel is not normally your cup of tea, I don’t think anybody who enjoys good music could fail to like this. David Brassington