Bill & Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends - Canadian Homecoming

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Not to be confused with the Gaither's 'Live From Toronto' venture, although both albums were recorded in Canada's largest city, feature the same range of musicians and both were released on the same date! This package is liberal timewise - 75 minutes and 19 tracks, but typically scanty in sleevenotes, with no lyrics and no additional info. A striking array of personalities appear (Larry Ford, Lynda Randle, Jessy Dixon, The Isaacs, Booth Brothers, Russ Taff and many others), and although it is collectively termed "Southern gospel", we get snatches of bluegrass, country, black gospel, soul, hymnody, instrumental and, most prevalent, inspirational ballad. The musicianship is faultless and many of the tracks are charged with deep spiritual truths, which fail not to make an impression. Gaither fans will have heard some songs before however, and one or two covers are just a tad too predictable ("You Raise Me Up", "I Can Only Imagine"), while other melodies carry a touch of the cringe-factor. As for standouts, well, Stephen Hill delivers a delightful soulful ballad in "Something Within", the Isaac's tenderly render "It Is Well" and "Through It All" is a touching cover of the Andrae Crouch classic. Though it's not nearly as good as their recent 'Israel Homecoming' recording, this is another fine production from the ever growing Gaither team, and Gaither fans will love it.