Bill & Gloria Gaither & Their Homecoming Friends - Homecoming Picnic

Reviewed by Dave Brassington

This is a recording made outside in a picnic park in Lebanon, Tennessee and brings together an engaging batch of Southern gospel Homecoming Friends. Indeed, the album is bright and fresh and the 19 tracks represent extremely good value with not a duff track in earshot. "Sky Full Of Angels" by TaRanda Greene (an artist I was not previously familiar with) is a particular standout while veteran Ben Speer sings "I Was There When It Happened" which was one of the very first gospel tracks the great Johnny Cash ever recorded for Sun Records. The latest version of The Gaither Vocal Band are in great form with the very catchy "I Heard It First On The Radio" and "Palms Of Victory" led by Larry Ford is another very strong track. Perhaps the most poignant track has to be "Mama's Teaching Angels How To Sing" with a very frail looking Dottie Rambo sat on a front porch backed by The Isaacs with a full bluegrass band. Sadly Dottie Rambo has just been killed in a tragic tour bus accident. This is an album I have played a lot and is certainly one of the best albums the prolific Gaithers have recorded in some time.