Bill & Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends - Hymns

Reviewed by Dave Brassington

This release follows on from the excellent 'Church In The Wildwood', it is in effect virtually volume two, with the addition of The Isaacs and cameo appearances from Cliff Barrows and George Beverley Shea, although the latter two do not sing. I was familiar with many of the titles on this set from country and bluegrass recordings. The DVD starts with "Hallelujah! We Shall Rise" and then we are treated to a succession of well known hymns, including "A Beautiful Life", "God Put A Rainbow In The Clouds", "Just A Little Talk With Jesus", "Life's Railway To Heaven" and concludes with a very moving version of "Softly And Tenderly" by Cynthia Clawson. The two standout tracks for me were the old traditional "Wayfaring Stranger" by The Isaacs and a song I was not familiar with, "A Rose Among The Thorns" which is a beautiful tune sung in brilliant a cappella fashion by the male quartet The Bishops. In conclusion, this is another very fine DVD, though not quite as good as 'Church In The Wildwood'. It was refreshing to listen to another fine Gaither offering without the comedy spots that for me spoil some of their other releases.