Bill & Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends - Canadian Homecoming

Reviewed by Andrew Reeve-Smith

Another very slick and professionally produced DVD from the Gaither Homecoming series. This time, we're live in Toronto's Air Canada Centre. The quality of the production and music throughout the DVD is excellent, and as is the traditional format of the Homecoming series, a number of different artists are given the opportunity to sing and perform. The majority of songs involve good ol' knee-slapping, uplifting, traditional congregational songs and these are interspersed by lighter moments of comedy as well as solo and group performances. Most notable in a predominance of Southern gospel are gospel man Jessy Dixon's soulful rendition of "Come Out Of The Wilderness", Ivan Parker's reading of the MercyMe smash "I Can Only Imagine" and CCM veteran Russ Taff's very moving version of Gloria Gaither's song "More Than Ever", on which he is supported by The Isaacs, who, with their distinctive new country sound, are superb. This was the highlight of the concert for me. Gloria gets to give an inspirational message toward the end, but this becomes too sickly sweet for my taste. On the DVD there are also behind the scenes footage of Bill and Gloria on their tour bus.