Bill & Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends - Love Can Turn The World

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

The irrepressible Gaither team appear to be gaining appeal far from home with their versatile blend of Southern gospel melodies. Here we find them in Johannesburg. Yet, wherever they are, they stick to their own brand of musical entertainment. The only track hinting at their African location is the title cut, "Love Can Turn The World", with its uniting of voices from the Gaither Vocal Band and the African Children's Choir. Elsewhere there's the usual variety of musical styles - bluegrass, country, gospel - even Latino - and, particularly, inspirational. The musicians featured are ones that Gaither fans will know only too well - Russ Taff, Lynda Randle, Ivan Parker, The Isaacs, Jessy Dixon, Guy Penrod, and, for a touch of youthful charm, Ernie Hasse & Signature Band. Equally varied are the songwriters - almost as numerous as the (18) tracks on offer. The exceptions are the three tracks composed by Mr and Mrs Gaither themselves - and they've come up with some great ones in their time. My favourite - surely the finest track here - is "Hear My Song, Lord". I've always been a sucker for finely-honed harmony vocals. The three-layered harmonies here bowl me over, with their tender, well-arranged beauty. I've played that track over and over! The stream of inspirational beauties that bring this disc to a close also have their effect - "There Is A River" being another worthy. Some will have heard many of these songs before. But you gotta admit - the Gaither team carry a musical charm and professionalism totally their own.