Bill & Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends - How Great Thou Art (Hymns)

Reviewed by Allan Clare

Within 30 seconds the sweeping violins, brass and choir have dragged you into the chorus of the title track. Subtlety takes a back seat and off we go for over an hour of live hymnal worship. Scores of singers, musicians and choirs sing and play their hearts out on "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" and "It Is Well With My Soul" to name but three of the 16 evergreens performed here. These are NOT contemporary readings of the classic hymns, but they ARE heartfelt and atmospheric renditions and there are some quality vocals from the likes of David Phelps, the Crabb Family, Lily Fern Weatherford, Larry Ford, Wintley Phipps and Janet Paschal. And for theology rich in poetry, you can't beat some of the old hymns. As "God Leads Us Along" puts it: "Some through the water, some through the flood/Some through the fire, but all through the blood." If you like the sound of great hymns performed in the Gaithers' bombastic style of Southern gospel, then you will enjoy this.