Southern Convention Songs - Gaither Gospel Series
--- David Bruce Murray
Label: Spring House Music Group
Producer: Bill Gaither
Song Titles: "All The Day Long," "Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem," "Get On The Happy Side Of Living," "He Will Surely Make It All Right," "He's A Personal Savior," "His Hand In Mine," "I Have A Song Inside," "I Just Steal Away And Pray," "I Know He Heard My Prayer," "I'd Rather Have Jesus," "I'll Meet You By The River," "Jesus Is Mine," "I'll Meet You In The Morning," "Just Over In The Glory Land," "Looking For A City," "My Savior First Of All," "That Glad Reunion Day," "Miracles Will Happen On That Day," "The Dearest Friend I Ever Had," "The Prettiest Flowers Will Be Blooming," "We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles And Trials," and "When They Ring The Bells Of Heaven"
Southern Convention Songs is an audio only collection of songs previously released on the Gaither Gospel Series. If you like convention style songs from the Stamps Baxter tradition, here are 22 "good 'uns" in one package. Chances are, though, if you like convention songs, you already own a library of earlier Gaither Gospel Series titles. In other words, this CD covers ground that has already been plowed a few times. For that reason, I'm not sure how well this CD will sell.
Spring House will hopefully develop this project into a choral book for church choirs to use. The real potential for a retrospective product like this is in that market. Most of the songs are accessible for moderately talented singers and the music tracks are rhythmic, which is always nice when you're a choral director trying to stay in sync with a CD player. At press time, though, no definite plans have been made to explore that option.
One interesting side note. The songs are presented in alphabetical order by song title (with one out of order).
You'll hear a lot of fun, uplifting tunes on Southern Convention Songs. Vocal parts go in several directions on most numbers. The artwork for the CD includes some interesting photos from convention singing events. Overall, this project is above average quality with some potential for fans discovering traditional styles. Convention style is a respected tradition, and still enjoyed by many.
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars