Bill & Gloria Gaither & Their Homecoming Friends - Homecoming Picnic

Reviewed by Dave Brassington

Filmed on location at Fiddler's Grove, which is an historic village in Lebanon, Tennessee, this is by far the best Homecoming Friends release I have seen for a long while. Its charm is the campfire setting, relaxed atmosphere and the genuine good time feeling that ensues. There is plenty of good old Southern gospel harmony, with excerpts from the days gathering so the listener is able to meet the artists informally. Some of the highlights include Gordon Mote, who is introduced as the Friends' new piano player, and he does a fine song, "Sweet Forgiveness". Veteran Ben Speer revives one of Johnny Cash's Sun Records tunes "I Was There When It Happened". The Gaither Vocal Band are outstanding when they perform "I Heard It First On The Radio" standing on the front porch of an old mountain shack. I also enjoyed "Palms Of Victory" featuring Irishman Larry Ford, while harmonica virtuoso Buddy Greene is featured when he teams up with The Isaacs for two fine instrumentals "Sally Goodin/Wildwood Flower". With a running time of 90 minutes 'Homecoming Picnic' represents very good value for money.