Customer Reviews

A Cappella

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am quite new to the ranks of Gaither fans. I have never been a big fan of Gaithers; so many of their songs seem trite and sappy when you look at them on paper. But as I had recently acquired their CD "Everything Good" more or less accidentally, and loved the one a capella selection on that CD (the inspiring O Love That Will Not Let Me Go), decided to pick up a whole CD of their a capella songs.

What I found completely fulfilled my highest hopes. The group is the current (2004) Gaither band, which is excellent. The relatively recent introduction of David Phelps (tenor) and Russ Taff (baritone) was a great move. Both of them have fantastic voices, and Phelps' arranging talents are highlighted on this CD.

The CD starts out with two songs in what you might call "street corner style" - how you might expect an a capella quartet on the street corner to sing (though, of course, incomparably better than most street corner singers). "Low Down the Chariot" is an intentional tribute to the Jordanaires. Leave It There/What a Friend We Have in Jesus is somewhat similar, although What a Friend starts to move into the next style.

This "next style" is best exemplified by "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Here is a perfect example of the group doing an old hymn but showing off the a capella arrangement style of David Phelps. If you know "O Love" from "Everything Good," you know what I mean. Absolutely spine-tingling.

They then move into more of a barbershop style. "Delivered from the Hands of Pharaoh" is an upbeat, close harmony style that sounds like it's as much fun to sing as to listen to. The later song "Heaven's Joy Awaits" is similar, and both thoroughly enjoyable.

"He Will Carry You" is a baritone lead (featuring Russ Taff) song that reminds me of a cross between street corner 50s do-wop, and (in places) Gregorian Chant.

"Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners," of course, is another old hymn, but one done in a different style, as a lead plus drone accompaniment. The later song "I Then Shall Live" is done in the same style. I didn't like this as much as the other hymn style at first, but it's growing on me.

"Sing a Song/I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" is a throwback to the early 70s and done in a "Coke commercial on the hill" style (though, again, much better than the old Coke commercial). It's a fun little medley.

"Center of My Joy" and "Gentle Shepherd" are two Gloria Gaither songs that (as I mentioned) I had previously dismissed as trite and sappy. Whether it would be such in another setting or not, in this setting (sung by committed Christians, and in this beautiful and peaceful arrangement) they're beautiful.

With "God Bless America," they again shift styles. I don't know how to describe the style, but if you can imagine a quartet of Michael Feinsteins (well known Gershwin singer), that comes close. In addition to the chorus, they sing the verse of this great old song, which I really appreciate. If you like songs of the 30s and 40s, you'll love it.

"I Then Shall Live" is another kind of Gaither song I had previously dismissed - Gloria Gaither (I thought at the time) picking up somebody else's melody and recycling it; in this case, the melody from the hymn "Be Still, My Soul" (from Sibelius's "Finlandia"). Be that as it may, this is a beautiful arrangement that matches the grandeur of the original.

Another awesome display of these gifted individuals. I must say that track 11 - "I Then Shall Live" is majestically beautiful. Also, David Phelp's arrangements are absolutely wonderful. The use of some chording is reminiscent of some of the great jazz vocal bands from the 60's (like The Four Freshmen).

Thanks for this project! It is truly inspiring.

This has got to be the best of GVB. The tight rich harmonies will send chills up your spine. He Will Carry You, America, I Like to Teach the World; what a wonderful mix of songs that will lift your spirit.

I must say that this is the closest to perfect music I have ever heard . I grew up on southern gospel and since have added contemporary Christian to my music loves but this is the music I want to hear in heaven. :) I have always loved the Gaithers and think David Phelps is a master. These men are surely annointed by God to bring their listeners joy, inspiration and in some cases chills. Don't hesitate to get this God-breathed CD.

This cd is by far the greatest ever produced by the Gaither Vocal
Band. Bill, Guy, David and Russ have shown, through this effort,
that they are tremendously talented and versatile in their style
of music. The Gospel World should be honored to claim such talent. I am a GVB fan from way back, and have heard a lot of
their music, but this cd, the choice of songs, the arrangement of each song, the blend of voices, is so touching! I listen to
it over and over again. It is truly a God-inspired work. My life has been spiritually enhanced by this cd. I hope they continue to produce such works. My prayers are with them.

When something isn't broke don't fix it-in other words this group needs to stay the same. David Phelps is the concrete of this foursome-such God given talent- the power of his voice. He brings out the best in everyone he sings with.I acutally got goosebumps when I heard the last 2 songs. I have bought 2 of David's cds featuring him only and I have to admit he looses something on his own. David has the rare quality of singing best when others accompany him- others cause his voice tones to change and bring out the best in him. When he sings with the other 3 men he can unleash some of the most gripping chords- you can actually hear chords that aren't being sung but are produced when they are singing in perfect harmony-true barbershop.

Some nice arrangements in here and all of the guys are definitely powerful, skilled singers, but it's infrequent on this CD that you hear the group singing as that -- a group. I kept getting distracted by the distinctly different qualities of each voice poking through, battling one another even. There's not much blend or match between the voices here, particularly when they are really "letting loose" and cranking the chords. They each want to belt it out, and it sounds more like four different guys singing at the same time, than one group singing together.

The track that most consistently comes across with a unit sound, where the individuals meld into one sound, is the last track. That's really wonderful...until the spoken prayer comes in, which seems to take away from the emotion of the words & harmony of the song, doggone it.

Having listened to this groupe a lot, I thought that there would be a lot more base action. It is not entirely what I expected, but still I like it a lot. I really love Low Down the Chariot and Gentle Shepard. I would recomend it.

There is absolutely no question these guys can sing. But they scream the lyrics of nearly every song. I have really gotten into a cappella lately and was looking forward to this CD. I was very disappointed. It would be excellent if it wasn't so darn loud. This is one CD I will pass on to someone else.

What a wonderful album, I listen to it in the car Praising Jesus!!!

It always makes me remember "how Great is our God". Fantastic harmonies and super Words!!! Exceptionally good!