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Producer:  Jeff Collins
Label:  Crossroads
Website:  www.cristfamilymusic.com

This recording was my very first introduction to the Crist Family, as it was to many other people, and I have to say that I am impressed.  The group has a pretty diverse sound and they showcase many varying styles.  The main female singer in the group sounds like a mix between Sandy Knight and Faye Speck…powerful at times, but yet at times, very eloquent.  My only concern is that she sings most of the songs on here, which doesn't leave much for vocal variety, but as a whole, the group seems to pull off some pretty good stuff and I find this group, at least on recording, to be most enjoyable to listen to.

The jazzy sounds of the infectious, "GREAT BEYOND" gets the recording off and running before moving on to the convention flavor of "I'VE COME A LONG WAY".  Slowing things down a bit, "IT'S BEEN A JOURNEY" is the first of three tunes written by Sandy Knight and each Knight tune seems to fit the Crist Family like a glove.  Picking the pace back up, we come to the Diana Gillette penned tune, "I'VE GOT VICTORY IN MY SOUL" before moving on to the comforting lyrics of "I KNOW WHY", penned by Daryl Williams and Mary Brown.

Showing their more progressive side, the group "jumps" into "JUMPIN' IN" which was recorded by the Pfeifers a few years ago.  Moving on the group renders their own renditions of two more Sandy Knight penned tunes entitled, "DON'T LOOK AT THE STORM" and the big band feel of "STEPPING STONES OF FAITH".

Written by Rodney Griffin and Joel Lindsey, the reassuring message of "HE KNOWS" is my personal favorite song on this recording.  Though the song will probably never make it to radio, I think the song showcases the group at their best and is the strongest cut on this recording.

The funk sounds of "IT TAKES FAITH" leads into the final song, the Praise & Worship classic, "DRAW ME CLOSE".  The Crist Family does a fantastic job of making the song all their own and it goes to prove that if done right, Praise & Worship can work in Southern Gospel.

I look forward to hearing much more from this family.  They have a strong and unique sound, which helps them not get lost in the mix.  As mentioned earlier, though there isn't a lot of versatility in the vocals, they more than make up for that in their music and arrangements as they run through many varying styles and songs.  I appreciate their music and think that with the right ingredients, they will really become a force within the industry.  This is one group I definitely will be watching.

Personal Favs:  I'VE COME A LONG WAY; IT'S BEEN A JOURNEY; I'VE GOT VICTORY IN MY SOUL; I KNOW WHY; HE KNOWS; DRAW ME CLOSE

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