Bill & Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends - London Homecoming

Reviewed by Martin Mackenzie

I was surprised by the large number of Gaither Gang who made 4000 mile journey to be in the Westminster Central Hall for this event. Apart from the occasional break when various team members go on location, the only British flavour is Mark Lowry's irreverent attention to British institutions, even risking the wrath of Her Majesty with his plan for Buckingham Palace! After the opening with Kim Hopper and Jessy Dixon and the then current line up of the Gaither Vocal Band (ie, still with Mark), we have a rousing rendition of "Looking For A City". It would be worth the money, however, just to see and hear the recently departed Jake Hess singing "Too Much To Gain To Lose". Anthony Burger performs an incredible piano medley that brings the whole Hall alive. Jessy Dixon "Walks Up The King's Highway" again. Well, he dances much of the way, as usual! It closes with a tribute to another living legend, Rex Nelon, who had come to London with the group but died the day before the recording. Mary Tom Speer, who must be in her 70s, also put in a worthy contribution. All in all, I found this one of the better GGS releases and if you don't already have a room full of this series, I highly recommend it. Also reviewed in CR83: Originally recorded at Westminster Central Hall, London in January 2000, this DVD follows on from the video release of 2001.  The album kicks off with a toe tapper "Come On Children, Let's Sing", featuring Kim Hopper and Jessy Dixon.  Interspersed with several shots of London landmarks, the album is entirely made up of Gaither regulars, such as Russ Taff, Jeff and Sheri Easter.  Gloria Gaither's narrative introducing their classic "Because He Lives", I found very moving and this gets a fine rendition from Allison Durham Speer.  This must have been one of the most difficult concerts that the Gaither's have ever given, in so far that long time stalwart Rex Nelon passed away the night before the recording, so their closing tribute to him "The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference", featuring the Gaither Vocal Band was for everybody most moving and uplifting.  The DVD gives you some nice alternatives, such as out takes and profiles of some of the artists.  A fine souvenir of the only Homecoming Friends so far held in England. 8 squares Dave Brassington