4 comments about Echoes of My Soul (Tender Moments, Volume 1).

1. I bought this as a gift for my father for fathers day. We had a 78rpm album of Shea's when we were kids and played it on our wind up Victrola. My dad loved it so I got him todays technological version of Mister Shea. He loves it. George is truely an inspiration.



2. How beautiful the voice and the soul behind it! George Beverly Shea is a wonder. This album showcases his colorful bass-baritone voice excellently, revealing a man dedicated to God and spreading the Word. The arrangements are tasteful, with the accompaniments neither being overpowering, cloying, nor pompous... which can be hard to find in a modern gospel recording. And those who have read some of my other reviews know I love powerfully written and performed music.
   I must take the opportunity to thank Mr. Shea for recording This Is My Father's World, which is one of my favorites. Kudos are also deserved for Steal Away, one of the most beautiful of all the spirituals. He does I Will Sing the Wondrous Story as a personal testimony to God.
   George Beverly Shea, to my ears, has always sung in a manner that shows a vast respect for God and the people he sings for. God bless him!



3. George Beverly Shea does an excellent job with the songs on this CD, especially Little Brown Church. No one can sing that like he can!! I'd recommend his CDs to anyone, anytime. He's the best!!



4. I like to think that I can emulate Bev. Shea. I have sung many of his renditions in church. I would recommend his recordings to anyone. His rich mellow voice thrills me and I appreciate being able to hear him using my computer. Thanks for this. Regards, Rod Daley

1 comments about 32 Country Gospel Favorites.

1. An excellent choice if you like country and gospel. A nice mix of old gospel sung by some of country's greatest voices. Makes a great blend when mixed with other Southern gospel CDs.

5 comments about Fonotone Records 1956-1969.

1. A lot of the performances are horrid, some of the arrangements are insipid. There ended up being about 30 tunes and songs here that were of interest--and over 100 that I'll never listen to again. In many ways, it's a beautifully packaged vanity project of limited interest musically.



2. I was lucky enough to get to attend the release party for the Fonotone Records box set last Thursday in Atlanta. I got to meet Joe Bussard and hear a band from Tennessee whose family is on the set. I couldn't have had a better time. I bought a copy of the Fonotone set at the show and have been listening to it non-stop all weekend. What a great job Dust-to-Digital did in presenting this music, and what a great job Joe Bussard did in recording it.



3. Being a fan of pre-war old-time music and post-war field sessions by Lomax and other, I thought that this box, even though pricey, would certainly be worth it. I was, unfortunately, wrong. Though there are some mighty good tracks to be had with this set, it really could be boiled down to one or possibly two discs. Most of the material is tepid and folky and very affected sounding, completely unlike the pre-war material and and authentic field-sessions. Some of the guitar performances by Blind Thomas (Fahey) and B. Sam Firk (Stewart) are inspired but those with vocals by them are downright awful. Plus, adding to the unnecessary cost is the hard-to-read notes and the mysterious bottle-opener...



4. The Fonotone Records box takes me back to a time in music history I never had the chance to experience. So glad Dust-to-Digital has offered such a diverse sampling of a truly influential era in Southern music history; a chance to connect even further with my Southern roots.
   
   This cleverly assembled boxed set is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the ears! Joe Bussard and his crew were truly "pickin' and grinnin"!



5. The Fonotone boxed set is outstanding. The quality and selection of the music and the packaging were done with great respect to the artists.
   
   When I listened to the music it took me back to my earliest childhood memories. The cigar box with the book, postcards and pictures, and even the bottle opener placed me back into that era of time. I believe Joe Bussard and the artists would be proud of their legacy "living on". I know my experience with the set created a greater sense of appreciation of their efforts and their contribution to my life.
   
   Thanks again Joe and the people at Dust to Digital!

5 comments about Cristy Lane - 20 Greatest Hits.

1. This budget collection contains Cristy's recordings of twenty gospel songs including the song that she will be forever associated with in America, One day at a time, with which Cristy had a number one country hit. That song was a hit for different singers in different countries and for that reason, Cristy Lane may not be well known outside her homeland. (For the record, Lena Martell had a UK number one pop hit with One day at a time. It was the only UK hit single of any kind that Lena had although she placed six albums in the UK album charts.)
   
   Despite the strength of that classic song, there is much more to Cristy's music. Cristy had some success as a country singer (six top ten hits and three others in the top twenty) but despite making some great music, she never established herself in the front rank of female country singers.
   
   Apart from One day at a time, Cristy's country hits are all omitted from this compilation, but what you get instead are Cristy's versions of many famous gospel songs, some of which are tradtional while others are of more recent vintage, but all sound wonderful as sung by Cristy.
   
   When I bought this CD, there wasn't a lot of choice. Cristy's music is now much better represented on CD. You can now find other compilations of her gospel music as well as her non-gospel country recordings. Some compilations pick from both. While this CD is enjoyable, I'm not necessarily sure that it's the best choice amongst what is now available, especially as the packaging is what you'd expect of a budget compilation. Maybe one day, I'll be able to expand my compilation of Cristy's music. In the meantime, I can enjoy listening to Cristy sing what she's best at - easy listening country gospel songs.



2. I loved this CD. Christy Lane has a beautiful voice that really does justice to all the songs she sings. This is one of the nicest inspirational CDs in my collection.



3. The product came quickly. It was exactly as advetised and met expectations. Thank You.



4. Why in the world does someone sign up on a site and write one review of an album they have never heard by an artist they are woefully ignorant about?
   
   This isnt really my kind of music ... [I'm much more likely to pop on some black or death metal] ... but I still have some really great childhood memories of this artists music being played by my mother. Country-ish gospel music that certainly deserves better than some 1 star review by someone that doesnt even know what they are talking about.



5. For those who do not know who Christy Lane is, this CD is a great place to start. She is a true gospel legend. I grew up with her lovely voice. From entertaining the troops of Vietnam to filling my childhood home with her music, I am glad to find a greatest hits collection worthy of her legacy.

5 comments about Passing Through.

1. What a voice, Always knew that he had a unique voice. He's in a class of his own, with nobody even close. This cd is great not a song on it that I don't like. Especially like the track "That was us". Randy sings music that is closer to real country than most of the artist's out there today with little that would be considered "crossover". I plan on purchasing lots more of his work.



2. I give Randy lots of credit, fighting a stupid record label because they think that if he puts out a christian CD that sales will tank, well guess what 4 CD's later, I hope he puts out another one! And good riddance to the stupid record executives that tried to tell him otherwise.
   
   Country music and christianity have deep roots. This CD is a return to music for Randy that isn't gospel, BUT this is a great CD.
   
   The song Angels is probably going to end up being requested a lot on Mother's Day. It is a modern version that can replace Jimmy Deans "Mother IOU", since nowadays country music stations refuse to play classic old country.
   
   There is not a single song on this CD that is bad, but don't buy this CD if you are looking for things along the lines of the CD's "Rise and Shine" "Inspirational Journey" "Glory Train" or "Worship and Faith" because this is classic Randy.



3. I really love the new Passing Through CD. The radio station here has been playing Angels alot There are several others songs on the CD that deserves the upmost attention.
   GREAT CD!!!!!!!!!!
   Kathy



4. I loved this new album! It is so signature Randy Travis with a Twist of Faith mixed in. Perfect balance of the two. Not really totally country or Gospel. Great lyrics, and melodies. This takes me back to the late 80's. I sure miss those times when country music was GREAT!
   
   GO RANDY



5. I absolutely love Randy Traivs. He is, without doubt, the finest voice today and one of the greatest artists of all time. Although I am a new fan, I eagerly awaited the arrival of this CD and was not dissapointed.
   
   It's hard to start when reviewing this album. I will start off by saying that it is another special one, just like Rise and Shine and Worship and Faith. I must say Randy's last three albums on the "Word" label are his finest- both musically, vocally, and artistically. It seems that radio and television, however, are completely ignoring him- no doubt due to his professed faith in Jesus. Randy has truly shown a change in his life and sometimes I feel GAC, CMT, and many country radio stations are purposely NOT playing his videos and songs (when the Raise Him Up video was released, GAC gave it very little air time compared to new ones from other popular artists at the time. Country radio has also refused to play his single "Four Walls", even when I and others requested it.) They are missing a true gem.
   
   Randy's music is set apart first by his vocal capabilities. His voice is now more emotive than ever, touching the heart and sometimes bringing one to tears. He has reached the heights of musical expression, and some of these songs are quite haunting, like "My Daddy Never Was." This number portrays the plight of a drunk father who wants help with his addiction and cries that he only wants to be a good father. His wife leaves and finds another man at church, and all seems hopeless until the end. This song could never leave my mind for days. The emotion Randy puts into it makes the listener feel the pain and desparation of the man in the song.
   
   "Four Walls" is another beautiful number, as well as "I'm Your Man" and "I Can See It In Your Eyes". These last two stand apart from other love songs of the day which, for some reason, find it necessary to include sex as a part of love. Randy never once mentions sex in the songs. Instead, he sings of true and deep love and companionship that will weather the storms of life. There are many infectious songs here as well, one of my favorites being "Train Long Gone." The backup singers here sound like a group of cowboys, showcasing Randy's pure traditional sound and style.
   
   You will find this album to be a treasure and an enjoyment beyond words. I could never explain the entire thing. It must be heard. If there is any new album you buy, don't reach for the souped up, sorry voice of Tim McGraw or the stale releases from Alan Jackson. These songs will give you a lot to think about. This is country music as it should be.
   
   Kitka

1 comments about Now & Then.

1. With a mix of ballads and high-energy tracks, this CD has everything you want. I bought the CD for "Take It Like A Man", but haven't been disappointed in any song. Michelle Wright has great range and really pours her heart into every song she sings.

3 comments about The Gospel Collection 1.

1. This gospel collection by Doyle Lawson is extremely powerful! If you do not want to get transformed, renewed, or filled with the Spirit do not listen to this album. The first track "My Lord Delivered Me" will have you dancing around the room with your hands in the air. This song is definitely an upbeat and powerful testimony of God's deliverance.
   
   Another beautiful song is "Touch the Hem of His garment", while not quite as good as my exegetical paper on this passage from Mark's gospel this song really does bring this healing account to life with the bands voices and timing. The harmonies on this cd are really tight and impressive. A few of the songs on this album do not stand out, but most everything is enjoyable and really really powerful gospel music. It must be noted again the harmonies and vocal timing are really outstanding. "Let us Travel On" and "Happy on My Way" are also fun and dynamic. This is a really happy and upbeat album, and it is an awesome listening experience when you are in the mood for some serious gospel praise!



2. Uplifting songs with messages of Jesus Christ's healing. This music helped sustain me as I fought cancer and won!



3. I am an old time gospel fan and enjoy this music very much

5 comments about Keith Whitley: Tribute.

1. all the artists give great performances, but TRACY LAWRENCE really nails i'm over you.



2. There's not a bad song on this album. Every song is a pure country gem. And with 4 previously unreleased songs sung by Keith Whitley, make this a must for any true fan. It's one of my few albums where I cannot honestly pick a couple of favourites. They are all so good. Highly recommended!



3. Awesome tribute album..A few Keith Whitley songs previously unreleased..This is a "Must Have" for a Keith Whitley Fan. If only there were more with a voice like his. I miss the Traditional Country sound...there is no substitute.



4. An excellent tribute to K.W. There is a good mix for everyone to enjoy here. The Ricky Scaggs/Shenandoah duet is bluegrass at its best and the rest is Keiths music done by his friends as a tribute to this fine man. Also some of Keiths previously unreleased numbers on here that are very good. This is good listening, certainley a "must have" for any K.W. fan. Get this one "while its available".



5. This Is 1 Of The Best Tribute Albums. A Great Tribute In Memory Of Lorrie Morgan's Late Husband Keith Whitley Who Died In 1989. Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Mark Chesnutt, And Joe Diffie Are All Worth The Price Of The CD. They Sanged Classics Like: "Don't Close Your Eyes", "When You Say Nothing At All", "And I'm No Stranger To The Rain". Keith Will Always Be Remembered.

5 comments about How Sweet The Sound - 25 Favorite Hymns And Gospel Greats.

1. I grew up listening to CDB and it was about Southern Rock and I mean fiddle. This collection of Hymns is just great. He does such a wonderful job with all the songs and he puts his own stamp on them. "The Devil went down to Georgia" and he didnt find a sole to keep, he found Jesus!



2. As always with Charlie Daniels, he gives his listeners a wide variety of flavors on this wonderful album. There is not one song here that doesn't sound good and real. He gives us everything from his classic southern rock to bluegrass, blues to country, and always sounds sincere. Daniels is a great Christian man and this album will become an instant favorite when you are in need of true inspiration. My favorite tracks are "Softly and Tenderly," "I'll Fly Away," "Somebody Was Prayin' For Me," and "Kneel At The Cross."



3. I recommend this CD set to anyone who loves God and country music. I can't get enough of Charlie Daniels soulful style of music that lifts your spirit and makes you feel closer to our Lord. You won't regret buying this at all!



4. I loved this CD,except for Amazing Grace,it was not very good,but every thing else was great!



5. I bought this cd based on a review in my local paper, and I was not disappointed. I am only a moderate Charlie Daniels fan(I don't have any of his other records), but I am very happy with this cd! It is full of well done Christian classics with a country flair. The backing instrumentation is tight, as befits a band that has played together for so long, but what impressed me most is Charlie's vocals. He is not a great singer, but what he lacks in finesse he more than makes up in sincerity. It sounds as if he means what he sings 100%, unlike many country singers who throw in a gospel song just to appease their fans. Anyway this is a great album!

1 comments about White Dove: The Bluegrass Gospel Collection.

1. The recent surge in popularity of Bluegrass is in no small way partly down to Rounder label' own roster of amazing `grass talent some of the most popular names appearing on this compilation.
   While Alison Krauss, The Cox Family and Rhonda Vincent should all be familiar names to those who regularly browse the CD racks- if you're discovering this music for the first time, it's the less well known artists that really deserve your attention here. From Weary Hearts joyous toe-tapper `Power in the Blood' to Tony Rice' jazz infused rendition of `Wayfaring Stranger' this modern collection is a far cry from the endless stream of `Duelling Banjo' CD's presently clogging up the Bluegrass section in you're local record store. If the awe inspiring multi-part harmonies of the Johnston Mountain Boys `Harbor of Love' doesn't raise you Heavenwards, then you must already be there- check your pulse pilgrim!

   Note: The insightful liner notes are penned by Union Station's own multi-talented Ron Block whose songs and indeed musicianship are apparent on this and many other bluegrass/country artists albums.