Search - Gaither Vocal Band :: A Cappella

Wonderful CD!

Gary Bisaga | Leesburg, VA USA | 05/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am quite new to the ranks of Gaither fans. I have never been a big fan of Gaithers; so many of their songs seem trite and sappy when you look at them on paper. But as I had recently acquired their CD "Everything Good" more or less accidentally, and loved the one a capella selection on that CD (the inspiring O Love That Will Not Let Me Go), decided to pick up a whole CD of their a capella songs.What I found completely fulfilled my highest hopes. The group is the current (2004) Gaither band, which is excellent. The relatively recent introduction of David Phelps (tenor) and Russ Taff (baritone) was a great move. Both of them have fantastic voices, and Phelps' arranging talents are highlighted on this CD.The CD starts out with two songs in what you might call "street corner style" - how you might expect an a capella quartet on the street corner to sing (though, of course, incomparably better than most street corner singers). "Low Down the Chariot" is an intentional tribute to the Jordanaires. Leave It There/What a Friend We Have in Jesus is somewhat similar, although What a Friend starts to move into the next style.This "next style" is best exemplified by "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." Here is a perfect example of the group doing an old hymn but showing off the a capella arrangement style of David Phelps. If you know "O Love" from "Everything Good," you know what I mean. Absolutely spine-tingling.They then move into more of a barbershop style. "Delivered from the Hands of Pharaoh" is an upbeat, close harmony style that sounds like it's as much fun to sing as to listen to. The later song "Heaven's Joy Awaits" is similar, and both thoroughly enjoyable."He Will Carry You" is a baritone lead (featuring Russ Taff) song that reminds me of a cross between street corner 50s do-wop, and (in places) Gregorian Chant."Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners," of course, is another old hymn, but one done in a different style, as a lead plus drone accompaniment. The later song "I Then Shall Live" is done in the same style. I didn't like this as much as the other hymn style at first, but it's growing on me."Sing a Song/I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" is a throwback to the early 70s and done in a "Coke commercial on the hill" style (though, again, much better than the old Coke commercial). It's a fun little medley."Center of My Joy" and "Gentle Shepherd" are two Gloria Gaither songs that (as I mentioned) I had previously dismissed as trite and sappy. Whether it would be such in another setting or not, in this setting (sung by committed Christians, and in this beautiful and peaceful arrangement) they're beautiful.With "God Bless America," they again shift styles. I don't know how to describe the style, but if you can imagine a quartet of Michael Feinsteins (well known Gershwin singer), that comes close. In addition to the chorus, they sing the verse of this great old song, which I really appreciate. If you like songs of the 30s and 40s, you'll love it."I Then Shall Live" is another kind of Gaither song I had previously dismissed - Gloria Gaither (I thought at the time) picking up somebody else's melody and recycling it; in this case, the melody from the hymn "Be Still, My Soul" (from Sibelius's "Finlandia"). Be that as it may, this is a beautiful arrangement that matches the grandeur of the original."

Absolutely Annointed

Jeffrey L Smalley | West Liberty, Ohio USA | 10/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has got to be the best of GVB. The tight rich harmonies will send chills up your spine. He Will Carry You, America, I Like to Teach the World; what a wonderful mix of songs that will lift your spirit."

Magnificent

rji1124 | Rockford, IL USA | 10/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another awesome display of these gifted individuals. I must say that track 11 - "I Then Shall Live" is majestically beautiful. Also, David Phelp's arrangements are absolutely wonderful. The use of some chording is reminiscent of some of the great jazz vocal bands from the 60's (like The Four Freshmen).Thanks for this project! It is truly inspiring."