Customer Reviews

Christmas in the Country

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am ecstatic to find this CD (bought the video too!). On Christmas Eve 2000 my TV was on late and just when I was about to turn it off, I inadvertently hit the channel button instead of the power off. Whatever channel was struck, at that moment, a singer began to sing a Christmas carol and for a few minutes I was spellbound hearing the song "O Holy Night" being sung like I had never heard it sung before. I was stunned with the beauty of this rendition and thought about it for one entire year wondering if I would ever again find this vocalist. By pure coincidence, while channel flipping tonight, I happened to see the Bill Gaither Group on TV and recognized the vocalist. I then searched Amazon Music under Gaither and saw the review that described this song incredibly sung by David Phelps. I listened to the sample and knew I had finally found this treasure. I am grateful that technology supports such searches. I feel blessed to have found this beautiful gift which will be shared with my family every Christmas from now on.

I love this CD. I have many of the Gaither CDs and videos. I also was fortunate to see them live recently. OH HOLY NIGHT is my favorite Christmas song. I have never heard it sung better than David Phelps does, backed by the Homecoming Friends. Simply incredible. You must have the video! All the Gaither CDs and videos are a mix of beautiful music and so much laughter and fun. I have my favorites, but I would recommend any of them. (...)
Hallellujah! All the Saints say......AMEN and AMEN!

There really is no such thing as a bad Homecoming CD or video. Every one of them contains enough wonderful moments to make them essential purchases for all Southern Gospel fans. So, why did I only give this one four stars, instead of five, you ask. In comparing it to their other Christmas concert video, Joy to the World, I felt this one didn't quite measure up to the magical holiday feeling of the first one. I can't really put my finger on why.

There are some great songs on this one though. My favorites were Tennessee Christmas, featuring Babbie Mason and Guy Penrod. I do have to laugh at the verse Guy Penrod sings. He does a wonderful job, but the words don't really fit him. He sings about being attracted to the glamour and excitment of Hollywood. If there is anybody who would be less likely to head for LALA land, I can't imagine who it would be. That's not a criticsm. It just amuses me to hear him sing this.

Bob Cain passed away the day this CD/video was made. Russ Taff sings his theme song, What a Wonderful World. Frankly, I have to say he sings it better than Bob Cain did.

One song which really did capture the sparkle of Christmas is the medley sung by Greater Vision. If you find yourself repeatedly hitting the replay button on that song, you should buy the Greater Vision Christmas Album, which is one of the all time best Southern Gospel Christmas CDs.

I advise buying Christmas in the Country. However, if you don't already own the Giather's Joy to the World Cd or video and ony want to buy one Gaither Christmas project, opt for Joy to the World over this one.

Christmas In The Country is the newest release for the holidays from the Gaither Gospel Series. I own the video of this concert and had a blast watching it. The singing is superb, the song selection has everything from "standards" to some new and soon to be standards. Highlights include Babbie Mason singing, "Tennessee Christmas" (which could play on secular radio), Russ Taff singing "What A Wonderful World" in tribute to a "Homecoming Friend", Bob Cain that passed away recently after a bout of cancer. The Happy Goodmans bring the house down with a song called, "Unspeakable Joy". My favorite moment came when George Younce (formerly with The Cathedral Quartet), Jake Hess (A gospel legend), Ernie Haas (tenor for the Cathedral Quartet), and Wesley Pritchard (a regular on the Homecoming Series videos) sing "Glory To God In The Highest". They could have sung that all night long and I think the crowd would have loved it! Check this out!

I bought this CD because David Phelps sings "Oh Holy Night". While the other singers on this CD are very good, David Phelps is outstanding!!

When I want to get into the Christmas Spirit I put on "Christmas in the Country". I love the Gaither's and all their DVD's, but this one is by far my favorite!

The only way to listen to this group is live. If you can't hear them live, then listen to a live recording. Only then can you appreciate their tight harmonies and amazing vocal ranges. If you don't well up during the singing of "Oh Holy Night" ... well.. I do, every time I hear it. Incredible!

I think I share the sentiments of many Gaither Vocal Band and David Phelp's fans when I say that this live version of "O Holy Night" is the best I have ever heard. And I've heard or seen about 30 different versions. It's a great showcase of David's talent and Anthony Burger's, as well. Two people who always 'bring it all to the table' when performing. They are the Michael Jordans of the music world. Whenever you see them perform, whether on TV, CD, or in person, you always get your money's worth and become inspired.

This cd is totally awesome. All the people who are singing on it have the Godgiven talent I have not heard in anyone else. They have that rare talent of singing unmistakably, yet mean every word they sing. You can see the joy in their eyes as they see the Father smiling down on them saying,"This is my daughter/son, and I love her dearly." They all are very special to my heart. The night this video was made, the homecoming gang had a diffuclt time singing because one of their friends died that very afternoon. Bob Cain. Russ Taff sang What A Wonderful World to honor Bob, but it just wasn't the same as hearing Bob sing it himself. That is the only song that is hard for me to listen to on this cd. It's still a beautiful song though. And all the other songs on this cd are wonderful and special. I am glad this video was recorded in my sweet state of Alabama. Most of the singers are from Alabama anyway. So, most of us are "country folks" as most people say. But, being just fourteen, I have a life ahead of me, and an eternity to look forward to, and so do these gospel friends of mine, so no matter what i'm called, I'm gonna keep singin' for my Father, as will these singers of the ages. Get this cd and hear some real Christmas in the Country.