3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1: Concept: Steve Hurst is one of Southern Gospel’s most-respected voice teachers. This CD/DVD set contains a live recording of one of his voice workshops. For those who are unable, whether logistically or financially, to attend one of his schools or workshops in person, this recording’s availability is a welcome resource.

2: CD/DVD availability: The case includes three DVDs, and three CDs that contain the same audio. Having an identical audio version also available is incredibly helpful for rehearsal.

3: Scope: There are extensive discussions on voice placement, vocal registers, proper breathing, power, and vocal warm-ups. But the presentation is wide-ranging; Hurst also covers posture, facial expressions, hand gestures, nerves, and the Biblical ministry objectives for speakers and singers. 

:1: Ads: Interspersed with the segments are ads for the Steve Hurst School of Music. Though mildly distracting, these aren’t a huge minus—certainly not enough to avoid purchasing this incredibly valuable resource.

The Booth Brothers’ rise was so connected to their early appearances on the Gaither videos that this Homecoming compilation DVD is, for all intents and purposes, a greatest-hits collection.

The format of a best-of-Homecoming video is now familiar to most Southern Gospel fans: The video is structured around a narration where Bill Gaither interviews the group members, prompting comments to introduce the songs. The songs aren’t always the complete songs; the intros and encores are often dropped.

Though the conversation is biographical, it’s not exactly chronological. The focus is on the current lineup. Jim Brady has been with the group a decade now—he joined in 2002—so they’re hardly short on strong material. It is, however, slightly odd to see the group’s breakout moment, their Homecoming Appearance of “Still Feelin’ Fine,” not appear until halfway into the program. That song and “Castles in the Sand” are the only two featuring previous baritone singer Joseph Smith.

With footage pulled from over a decade of archives, there is naturally some inconsistency with more recent footage at a higher quality than the two older songs from the Joseph Smith era. Of course, the camera work is consistently strong from beginning to end.

Longtime Homecoming aficionados will already have most of these songs. (“Above the Moon” was filmed around a piano, with Bill Gaither playing piano and adding a bass part. There are also a cappella choruses of “Through it All” and “He Saw it All.”) But this video is an excellent introduction to the group for newcomers, while long-time fans will enjoy the narration and conversations.

3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1: Song and group lineup: The lineup of groups appearing at this live tribute to legendary producer Lari Goss is basically a who’s who of Gospel Music: The Booth Brothers, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Babbie Mason, The Hoppers, The Mark Trammell Quartet, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, TaRanda Greene, The Martins, The Nelons, Karen Peck, Charlotte Ritchie, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, Melissa Brady, Geron Davis, and the Christ Church Choir. 

Imagine each of these groups performing their greatest songs, with a…

2: Live orchestra: Lari Goss’s orchestrations are magnificent, but that magnificence just isn’t fully appreciated when they are delivered by three or four singers on stage with a soundtrack machine. The orchestra here wasn’t just any orchestra—it was the Nashville String Machine, the studio performers who are on so many of the original versions of these songs.

It doesn’t hurt that the house band includes Kevin Williams on guitar, Wesley Pritchard on bass guitar, Mike Hopper on drums, and, on many songs, the man himself, Lari Goss, on piano!

3: Video image quality: Thanks to the filming taking place at TBN’s studios, the cinematography—image quality, lighting, and resolution—is magnificent.  

:1: Nothing: This DVD doesn’t have a single flaw.

Here’s a case in point: Narrations. For those of you who enjoy them, they’re often pleasant, subdued moments. But many of you, on the other hand, skip the narrations. When was the last time you heard a narration get a standing ovation? That’s exactly what happens with Gerald Wolfe’s narration on “Statement of Faith.”

You can give this DVD to someone new to the genre, and comment “This is what Southern Gospel is all about.” If this doesn’t get someone hooked on Southern Gospel, there’s a fairly strong chance nothing will.

3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1. Audio Quality: The project sounds excellent. Particularly on “Don’t Let the Sandals Fool Ya,” tenor David Sutton and bass Eric Bennett played it safe at points, but it paid off when they nailed the notes they did sing.

2. Great Piano Shots: The cameramen caught Jeff Stice at his best moments, choosing ideal angles. There were even some boom camera close-up shots of the keyboard—which is, evidently, a hard shot, given how rarely it is attempted.

3. “Goodbye World Goodbye” skit: Jeff Stice and David Sutton have done their harmonica/piano duet on this song for years. This is probably the best video version captured yet—the cameramen’s shots captured the energy of the skit well.

4 (bonus). Still Small Voice: This piano-and-vocals ballad, featuring David Sutton, proved that Triumphant doesn’t need tracks to command the stage.

:1. One thing I would change: Dialog. There wasn’t any dialog. Perhaps these ten songs were filmed for individual airing on TBN. But the lack of any dialog—introductions, jokes, testimonies etc.—prevents the project from fully capturing the essence of a Triumphant Quartet concert.

:2 (bonus). Another thing I would change: Song Selection. It would have been nice to see songs from their latest project.

3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1. “Satan and Grandma”: Since bringing on two former Imperials members, Elliot McCoy has had the vocal talent to bring the group name back to the forefront. He needed the song. This is that song. Tenor Jeremy Hudson turns in such a strong performance that even theological nitpickers will be willing to look past the line about Grandma getting her wings. With this song, Three Bridges is back.

2. Staging: On “Cooling Water,” Three Bridges sang around a classic quartet-style microphone. It’s not something you expect from a progressive group, yet it worked brilliantly.

3. Live Band: A four-piece live band added welcome energy to an already energetic vocal presentation. The drummer, bass guitarist, and electric guitarist appear to be the same as on Palmetto State Quartet’s companion video.

:1. One thing I would change: Choir outfits. The final four songs were filmed with a choir. Many of the ladies’ necklines were low enough to concern conservative viewers.

3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1. Four-piece band: Palmetto State Quartet has a full-time pianist, Casey Martin. For this taping, they were joined by a drummer, bass guitarist, and electric guitarist. The full live band sets the video apart from videos recorded by tracks-only or tracks-dominant groups.

2. Stage presence: While one group member just stood and sang, the others provided welcome on-stage energy.

3. “There’s Something Going On at the Well”: This is a welcome reprise from a far earlier edition of the group, the Brion Carter / Jeff Pearles era. It is a perfect fit for their four-piece live band sound.

:1. One thing I would change: “Walk This Way.” A casual listener could be forgiven for assuming this song promotes a works-based salvation. The baritone singer and emcee introduced the song by saying, “If you want to get to where Jesus is, then you’ve got to walk the way he walked, amen.” The song does mention grace—”Just let God’s Spirit lead you by His amazing grace”—but the message could have been more clear. To his credit, emcee and former pastor David Darst did articulate the Gospel when introducing “No Place Too far from Grace.”

Traditional or Progressive

Middle-of-the-road with a distinct country influence.

A DVD rating factoring in “Walk This Way” wouldn’t be fair to the quality of the remainder of the DVD.

Credits

Producer: None credited on packaging. • Group members: Not credited on packaging (but introduced on the video as tenor Robert Fulton, lead Paul Lancaster, baritone David Darst, bass Larry Strickland, and pianist Casey Martin. Fulton has been replaced by Wesley Smith since the taping.) • Review copy provided.  • Song list: All Hail the Power; Walk This Way; Don’t That Sound like Heaven; There’ll Be No Dying Anymore; Good Morning; Rainbow Avenue; The Debt Has Been Paid; Something’s Going on at the Well; No Place Too Far from Grace; Moment of Grace; Holy Ghost Revival.

You’ve seen reviews of Gaither Homecoming DVDs. You’ve even seen occasional reports from news websites allowed into Gaither Homecoming tapings. But you probably have not seen coverage that starts with reporting from the live concert (found in its original form here) and focuses on the transition from the live event through the final product.

• Daddy Sang Bass (#15 on Tent Revival Homecoming): The requisite fixes to the live performance were made. The humor in the live skit translated well to DVD.
• On the Other Side of the Cross (#7 on The Old Rugged Cross): The intro was replaced by a post-production voice-over.
• Yes, I Know (#1 on Tent Revival Homecoming): Unlike the other opening track, this one did feel like the start of a concert on the DVD. (Dailey & Vincent’s songs were taped ten or fifteen minutes before the main program began, to allow time for instrument set-up and tear -down,
• When the Saints Go Marching In (#2 on Tent Revival Homecoming).

3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1. Gold City set: When Brian Free, Ivan Parker, Mike LeFevre, and Tim Riley stepped on stage together for the first time in nineteen years, the atmosphere was electric. And they did not disappoint: They reminded everyone why that lineup of Gold City has been called all-star.

2. The Live Band: This is the way Southern Gospel is supposed to sound. Not only was there a live band, but the live band was in-the-pocket, knew the material, and delivered an all-around solid performance.

3. Groups Appearing: While it would be impossible to assemble an all-star program featuring every classic group with living members, Daywind accomplished more than anyone thought was possible. If you were stranded on a tropical island and could only take one DVD with you, this is the one.

:1. One thing I would change: Interlacing: The video was recorded with a professional camera and lighting crew, and looks excellent. But it would look even better if it wasn’t interlaced. (There were also a few audience shots where the aspect ratio was incorrect, but they went by fast enough that it’s a minor quibble.)

DVD Rating: 5 stars.

Cinematography: 4 stars. Average song rating: 4.5 stars.

Credits

Producer: Norman Holland. •  Review copy provided.  • Song list: This Great Caravan (New Gospel Singing Caravan); I Found a Hiding Place (New Gospel Singing Caravan); The King of Who I Am (Lulu Roman); Medley: Things Are Gonna Get Better / When I Lift Up My Head / New Shoes / Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing / Holy Hills of Heaven / Sheltered in the Arms of God / Remind Me Dear Lord / Too Much to Gain to Lose / He Looked Beyond My Fault (Rambos), Medley: Tears Will Never Stain / Things Are Gonna Get Better (Rambos); O For a Thousand Tongues (Nelons), We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown (Nelons); Operator (Downings); Greater is He that is In Me (Downings); I’m So Glad He Found Me (Hinsons); He Can (Hinsons); Lighthouse (Hinsons); When I Get Carried Away (Gold City); I Think I’ll Read it Again (Gold City); Midnight Cry (Gold City); Keep on the Sunny Side (Lewis Family); Something About That Name (Cathedrals Tribute); Champion of Love (Cathedrals Tribute); Home (Singing Americans); I Bowed On My Knees & Cried Holy (Singing Americans).

3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1. Vocal Control: Every member of the Mark Trammell Quartet knows the limits within which his voice sounds ideal, and stays within those limits. Case in point: Pat Barker’s solo on “Calvary Medley”; unlike other bass singers, who can get so focused on impressing audiences with their voice’s low end that they have put little effort unto the upper end, Barker’s verse here is more likely to make you think of a 1970s Squire Parsons than of Glenn Dustin or Tim Riley.

2. Opening three songs: Gerald Wolfe joined the group for the first three songs, playing piano on “Old Convention Song,” “Gentle Shepherd,” and “Wedding Music.” These performances were so strong that the audio from two actually found its way onto the group’s latest live project, Treasures, reviewed here.

3. Image Quality: This video was professionally filmed and looks excellent. Granted, it would look even better if it wasn’t interlaced, but that aside, this is easily the best-looking DVD the group has released. (And no, Pat, I’m not talking about your hair. You look better than I do, but you sing better than you look!)

:1. One thing I would change: More Piano: In a typical Mark Trammell Quartet concert, the group will eschew soundtracks for much of the program, with lead singer Dustin Sweatman and Mark Trammell playing piano and bass guitar, respectively. After some delightful comedy, Gerald Wolfe played piano for the first three songs.  The remainder of the program featured songs with soundtracks. It would have made the video even stronger had they used more live piano and bass. 

Traditional or Progressive

Delightfully traditional.

Video Rating

4 stars.

Credits

Group members: Joel Wood, Joel Wood, Joel Wood, Joel Wood, Joel Wood (happy now, Joel? ), Dustin Sweatman, Mark Trammell, and Pat Barker (who looks better than I do, but sings better than he looks). • Review copy provided.  • Song list: Old Convention Song; Gentle Shepherd; Wedding Music; Leave Your Sorrows and Come Along; I Believe, I Believe, I Believe; One Drop of Blood; How Long Has it Been; It’s Almost Over; Testimony; Calvary Medley; I Want to Know.

3:1 Reviews offer three highlights of an album and one area that could have been improved.

1. Technique: The video is a one-hour introduction to the basics of proper voice technique, both generally and as specifically applied to bass singers. Gerald Williams explains this technique in an easy-to-understand way, with memorable metaphors and illustrations.

2. Delivery style: Williams strikes the perfect balance of authority and a friendly delivery. He comes across as warm and likable without making it seem unnatural or forced.

3. Pithy quotes: Williams’ memorable metaphors and warm delivery are enhanced by numerous pithy and well-put quotes. Case in point: “If you’re not real low, wait till you are before you try to sing low.” Another: “There’s an old saying: ‘The show has to go on.’ Well, yes it does, but you don’t have to abuse yourself to get it done!”

:1. One thing I would change: The live concert footage of the Melody Boys in concert, demonstrating the techniques Williams explains, is at a significantly lower resolution than the rest of the film. The final result would have been stronger had the Melody Boys recorded new footage, even a simple one-camera shot, in a living room around a piano.

That minor quibble aside, this video is highly recommended for any Southern Gospel vocalist. Beginners on a tight budget could not make a better investment than spending $20 on this DVD (available here).

Review copy provided.