Dave's Review

Label: Skaggs Family Records
Producer: David Hill, Steve Angus, and Stan Strickland
Website: www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com
Song Titles: "Soldier Of The Cross," "Amanda Jewell," "Walls Of Time," "He Lives," "Waiting At The Gate," "Voice From On High," "Seven Hillsides," "Jesus Is The Missing Peace," "Get Up John," "Lead Me To The Rock," and "Hallelujah, I'm Ready To Go"

The new DVD titled Soldier of the Cross by Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder is a live performance captured at the Gibson Bluegrass Cafe in Nashville, TN. You may recall that Skaggs released a studio recording by the same title in 1999. This 52 minute DVD contains six of the 13 tunes that were on that original CD plus five more. Actually, guests Jerry and Tammy Sullivan perform the song “He Lives” and "Jesus Is The Missing Peace" features The Whites, so technically speaking, you get nine songs by Skaggs and company.

Interview segments with Skaggs are inserted between the song performances. Bluegrass anecdote buffs will enjoy several Skaggs' stories about Bill Monroe. Introducing "Waiting At The Gate," Skaggs tells how the songwriter was inspired by a story told by the preacher at Monroe's funeral. The preacher said he'd often call Mr. Monroe on the phone and offer to give him a ride to the church service. Monroe's reply was always, "I'll be waiting down by the gate."

Eagle eyed fans of Christian music will spot Bonnie Keen and Lisa Bevill on backup vocals, joined by Gary Pigg. They appear briefly on the end of the opening tune and join Skaggs, the Whites, and the Sullivans for "Hallelujah, I'm Ready To Go." Other notable guests include Rob Ickes of the group Blue Highway who sits in on slide guitar for a couple of songs.

There aren't really any "extras" on this DVD, but the video and audio quality is very good. Probably the most encouraging aspect of this project is that it showcases a man who has had a great deal of success in the Country music industry in past years, and continues to be in top demand on the bluegrass circuit. The only compelling reason for Skaggs to release an all gospel project like this DVD and the CD from 1999 is because he truly wants to do it. When artists from other genres perform gospel music, those within the gospel music industry often view them with disdain, perhaps feeling threatened from the "outside." We'd be well served to embrace the efforts of artists like Skaggs who seem to be performing gospel music for all the right reasons. Their efforts and fame might just attract a new group of fans to the gospel artists we want to promote.