Gaither Gospel Series - We Will Stand and Build A Bridge DVDs, CD Review

Jan

2004

Gaither Gospel Series - We Will Stand and Build A Bridge DVDs

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Label: Gaither Music Group

Producer: Bill Gaither

Last fall, Bill Gaither demonstrated his organizational skills by putting all the top artists from bluegrass on one stage. Now he’s applying the same method to black gospel music. For We Will Stand and Build A Bridge , a few of the Homecoming regulars were joined by folks like the Mighty Clouds Of Joy , Mom Winans , the Barrett Sisters , Cissy Houston , Albertina Walker , Larnelle Harris, Tremaine Hawkins , and Mary Mary . All the action takes place at the Potter’s House, better known as the church where Bishop T.D. Jakes pastors. Jakes gets in on some of the singing and he does a little preaching too. The Potter’s House Mass Choir is also a big contributor singing backup on this video and taking the spotlight for the song “Center Of My Joy.” Fans of recently deceased SG legends, Vestal Goodman and Jake Hess, will enjoy seeing their heroes taking part in this event. Other Homecoming regulars include the Isaacs , Jeff and Sheri Easter , Lynda Randle , Cynthia Clawson , and of course, Jessy Dixon , who’s really in his element for this one. The Katinas , Benjy Gaither , the Martins and a Spanish group called El Trio de Hoy give the projects some added flavor.

These DVDs are outstanding. The audio and video quality is first class all the way. Gaither has once again shown his flair for including just enough variety to make a project interesting while maintaining a common unifying element. In this case, it’s a wonderful style of music that has roots dating back to the 19th century. Another theme is unity within the body of Christ that reaches across racial boundaries. One of the special moments occurs when Russ Taff is joined on his classic “We Will Stand” by Jessy Dixon and Guy Penrod . Another is when Vestal joins Mom Winans and Lynda Randle for “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.” Also, Jake and Jessy have a little fun with “Get Away Jordan.” Some readers will probably complain about it, but I think it was important that we review a project like this for SoGospelNews. It’s true these DVDs contains very little that would be classified as Southern Gospel, but I believe these projects demonstrate members of the Southern Gospel community reaching out and celebrating other forms of music that are equally valid and equally loved. You don’t see that very often. You know . . . when you boil it all down, it’s all about the message. Examining just how many ways that timeless message can be presented should be a joy. I say a hearty “Thanks” to Gaither Music Group for putting in the time and effort to do it right.

Next month, we’ll look at Rap Homecoming. (OK. Now I’m just kidding!)

Reader Comments

David,.. you may be right about "some" people complaining.. but,.. I am one SG music fan that really enjoyed seeing the short TV version of BUILD A BRIDGE. I worshipped right along with them! Can't wait to get the DVDs.

Chuck

Commented by sglive365.com RADIO On 02/01/2004

David, another great review. I would hope that SG fans aren't so narrow minded that that they cannot accept just a little of very good music form other genres. You stated it well that this project bridges across racial lines, as well as cultural lines. The editiing on this one was much better than some of the previous ones. Since you didn't rate it, I give them **** stars

Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
My Blog

Some people are like Slinkys… Not really good for anything, but they
still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs - Author Unknown

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/01/2004

I haven't seen the whole video set, just "We Will Stand" on TV last week, and if that is just scratching the surface on what these videos are like, I will love these videos. It is so awesome seeing such a diverse group of people worshipping, singing and seemingly having a blast together.

Some may not like this set, but I have a sneaking feeling I will love them! Cannot wait to get my set.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/01/2004

Deon,

Actually, I gave these DVDs a five star rating.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/01/2004

I have both these dvds and they are indeed awesome! David, you are so right when you say, "It's all about the message." In the watching of the dvds, I wanted to jump right up and worship along with them!!! I've heard Babbi Mason say about worship, "In our church, WORSHIP is a VERB"! That's what these dvds cause you to do - worship!!!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/02/2004

David Phelps you returned an e-mail to my grandson tommy and you would have thought he had just won the lottery. thank you he was so excited and that made this ole grandma HAPPY!!!

:thumbsup: :whistle:

Commented by June Albright On 02/03/2004

:thumbsup: Both videos were awesome. Great job by all. There was no prejudice among anyone. That's the way it will be in Heaven,Praise God!God Bless Bill Gaither and TD Jakes.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/05/2004

I have seen the "We Will Stand" video and it is awesome! :thumbsup:

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/06/2004

I like some good black gospel every now and then. Some will disagree with me here, but I have never thought that the Gaither Videos reflect just Southern Gospel music like most people do, but they show off all genres of gospel.

I've only seen "Get Away Jordan" done by Jessy and Jake, and I have to admit, it was pretty good. What would have been the clincher for these videos would have been to have the Fairfield Four on them.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/09/2004

"I would hope that SG fans aren't so narrow minded that that they cannot accept just a little of very good music form other genres. You stated it well that this project bridges across racial lines, as well as cultural lines." Deon Unthank

Not to be negative...IMO, you should always keep in prospective that if a person is a fan of SG then they (more than likely) aren't going to like a different style. Don't count on many SG fans liking the video.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 02/18/2004

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