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Produced by:  Stewart Varnado
Crossroads Music

I have always had the utmost respect for musicians in Southern Gospel Music.  I think Southern Gospel has the finest musicians in the world.  With that said, I have never been one who “gets into” instrumental recordings.  They’ve just never done much for me.  But from the first licks of the steel guitar on the Goodman classic “WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY”, which kicks off the CD, I was hooked!

This recording features a potpourri of classic songs like “WHERE NO ONE STANDS ALONE”, “WHEN HE WAS ON THE CROSS” (beautifully done), “CHILD OF THE KING”, “FAMILY BIBLE”, “BELL OF JOY KEEP RINGING” (Wally Varner must be proud) and “TAKE MY HAND, PRECIOUS LORD”, as well as classic hymns like “VICTORY IN JESUS” (by the time the song is over, your heart will be racing!) along with a medley including “THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME”, “I’LL FLY AWAY” and “LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS.”  All are excellently arranged and flawlessly played.

Stewart gives credit to piano extraordinaire Floyd Cramer as one of his earliest and lasting influences.  As a tribute to Mr. Cramer, these songs are played in a style most befitting to one of the greatest piano stylists of all time.  Stewart even concluded the recording with one of Cramer’s biggest hits, “LAST DATE” and is exceptionally done. 

Stewart surrounded himself with some of the best studio musicians around including John Hughey, Bruce Watkins, Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Jimmy Carter and John Hammond.  Also utilizing the excellent orchestral arranging skills of Steve Mauldin, Stewart has one of the most well rounded and best sounding instrumental recordings I think I have ever heard.  If you but own one instrumental recording, make sure it’s this one.

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