1 comments about Hymns.

1. In 1956 Tennessee Ernie Ford released his first gospel album, a wonderful work called `hymns' which perched itself atop the billboard charts for an unprecedented 277 weeks. In 1962 the LP was even honoured by Capitol Records for being the most successful LP ever recorded by one of their artists. As always, Tennessee Ernie Ford's basso-baritone vocals are perfect, bracing each song with a nuance and emotion that so renders the definitive version of each and every one of these gospel melodies. Ernie was very versatile as a vocalist and belts is out on "When They Ring The Golden Bells" but gently croons "Others." The highlight has to be the old (written in 1868) hymn "Ninety And Nine," which is a touching story likening Christians to sheep's of Christ's own flock.
   
   This CD re-release sports bare-bones packaging with no liner notes and has a non-original album cover to boot. Moreover, there is no information to the sources used in the release. This is especially troubling given the nature of this release. This particular album, along with its sequel, `Spirituals,' was re-recorded anew in 1962 to benefit from the budding stereophonic format. This album states nowhere which release it is (although even a cursory listen can discern it is the original 1956 mono version). As far as I know, the stereo is no re-released in full yet, but many of the songs can be found on Ernie's 2CD set entitled `Amazing Grace: 40 Treasured Hymns.' I would strongly recommend the purchasing of both albums. Although the track listings seem to duplicate themselves, they do not. None of the songs on this album are available on `Amazing Grace: 40 Treasured Hymns.'
   
   Overall, the sound quality is good to fair, but it cannot be considered audiophile by any means. However, if I were you, I would snatch this release up as quickly as I could. This has not lost any of its emotional power since it was released in 1956, and Tennessee Ernie is as he was then, the preeminent gospel vocalist of our time.
   
   A.J. Smith
   A 19-year old music fan

5 comments about Sing Their Family Gospel Favorites.

1. The hymns are the "good old" ones that my family remembers. The Gatlin brothers are special. The harmony they have is just beautiful and they really show their deep faith in God through these songs.



2. This is one of our favorite CDs. We couldn't enjoy this CD more.
   All of the tracks are wonderful. We're glad we were able to find
   it on Amazon. Hope the Gatlins continue to produce such great music
   for years to come.



3. Very well done, for just three singers. One of few that carries "Whispering Hope", a favorite of one of our past relatives.



4. We have almost every Gatlin CD available-This is one of the best--Songs done with different arrangements & are very singable --A mix of old hymns & the Gatlin standards. Really enjoy their version of "Love Lifted Me"



5. This is a nice Christian country set, from a Top 40 commercial country act that was popular in the 1970s and '80s. Admittedly, Larry Gatlin is sounding a little long in the tooth and slightly shaky as a soloist, but their obvious sincerity and love of the music lifts this album up, and when they sing in an upbeat jubilee style, the Gatlins can really get your toes a-tappin'. There are also some slower ballads sung in a more modern Southern Gospel style, though almost all the songs are older traditional tunes like "Amazing Grace," "Rock Of Ages," Albert E. Brumley's "I'll Fly Away," etc. Another nice thing is that the musical backup is pretty restrained: they just have the band play as much is necessary to get the message across, and leave the emphasis on their vocals and on the words, which is really where is belongs. Gospel fans and Gatlin fans alike should enjoy this record quite a bit.

2 comments about The Complete Columbia Hits and More.

1. This song will bring tears of joy from the hardest heart.
   JIM



2. For a guy who was once so famous, former sausage king and soft-country crooner Jimmy Dean sure dropped off the radar over the years. This is the first major retrospective of his work to come out in the States on CD, gathering together his biggest hits for Columbia, including "Big Bad John" and the various "big, bad" spinoff singles, along with the remainder of his chart singles made before he left the label in 1966. Dean's star was already falling when he split for RCA, and there's not much notable in his career after that, other than his mid-'70s Mother's Day novelty hit, "IOU," which sadly is not included on here. This 24-song collection is pretty comparable to the Bear Family import that came out a decade earlier: both albums have all his major hits, and then they veer off in different directions when it comes to the B-sides and album tracks, and the Bear Family set only goes up to '62. This new retrospective sticks more strictly to his chart material, so it may be more interesting to folks who knew Dean through the radio... at any rate, if you want to check Dean out, this is the place to go.

4 comments about Worship & Faith.

1. This live DVD was released as a companion to Randy Travis' "Worship & Faith" CD. The concert was recorded on July 15, 2003 at Calvary Assmebly God Church in Orlando, Florida. Here, Travis delivers many of the songs from the W&F album, plus "Pray for the Fish" and his country radio hit "Three Wooden Crosses." Comments from Travis and from several fans are added in between songs. Like its audio companion, this DVD contains a great mix of classic hymns, camp meeting songs and contemporary worship songs. Some of the highlights include "You Are Worthy of My Praise," "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," "We Fall Down" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart." Other noteworthy tracks include "Shall We Gather at the River," "Peace in the Valley," "Above All" and "Love Lifted Me." Travis closes the show with "Three Wooden Crosses," the first song recorded on a Christian music label to ever top the country music charts. "Worship & Faith" is a great DVD for lovers of worship music, lovers of country music, as well as for any and every Randy Travis fan. This is an excellent DVD!



2. This DVD is worth my collection only would appreciate if it was for a longer duration.



3. If you enjoy really well played accoustic Christian music, this DVD is for you. Beautiful harmonies and outstanding string work. Randy's voice is great and is complimented by his band members.
   
   I bought this to listen to it with my wife. It has become one of our kids' favorites. This is really a moving worship effort.



4. I was a bit skeptical of "Worship & Faith" at first--I've actually never heard Randy Travis before that I am aware of. However, upon hearing the CD adaptation and finally seeing the DVD, my skepticism has been conquered! Randy Travis and his band expertly worship the Lord in song, and not just any songs, but some of the best of both traditional hymns and contemporary worship music. Travis' unmistakable (or so I'm told ;) vocals do wonderful justice to "Open the Eyes of My Heart," "We Bow Down," and my personal favorite, "I'll Fly Away." Soaring harmonies, precision instrumentals, a perfect album. I praise the Lord for this album, for the work that Randy Travis has done with it. Highly recommended. Five stars.

1 comments about Bert Kaempfert Turns Us On!.

1. If you are an Anita Kerr fan, snap this one up before it goes back out of print! Nuff Said. (Still waiting on WE DIG MANCINI and more recent recordings.)

1 comments about Treasures - Thirty Years of Music & Memories.

1. Nobody can compare with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. This is a real treat for DL&Q fans. We have watched this many times and have yet to grow tired of it. We also have the new DVD "Through the Years", and we highly recommend it also.

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!

5 comments about Wondrous Love.

1. Bluegrass and gospel fans alike will love this album. The musicianship, as always, is second to none.



2. 'Wondrous Love' is a truly inspirational CD. This album is so well produced, clean and warm.
   
   I recommend it to anyone who is into Stainglass Bluegrass or not.
   
   One of my favorite albums!



3. Best new bluegrass CD in several years. Really tight harmonies, superb vocal range, great music. The best!



4. Stafford, Ickes, Lane, Taylor and Burleson turn their considerable talents to this all-gospel collection. Any band would consider themselves lucky to have a lead vocalist as gifted as Shawn Lane, Wayne Taylor or Tim Stafford, and by having all three Blue Highway has the luxury of having great lead vocals, fantastic harmonies, plus variety. Instrumentally there are less than a handful of bands with the virtuosity of these guys.
   
   Protestantism is the unofficial religion of Bluegrass and most bands since the original Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys have incorporated Gospel into their repertoire. (Many like the Lewis Family or Isaacs have worked professionally for years playing Gospel Bluegrass exclusively.)
   
   This disc includes a good deal of variety within the genre. "Wondrous Love" opens the set with a soulful acapella arrangement that builds and builds (with addition of guest vocalist Alan O'Bryant from the Nashville Bluegrass Band) to a Steeple-Shaking climax. "Wicked Path of Sin" follows Monroe's original arrangement closely and Shawn Lane's soaring tenor is even easier on the ear than Monroe's. "Seven Sundays in a Row" is a ballad from the sub-genre of the "former wild-child who has become saved and now is keeping the faith" along the lines of "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor", and Wayne's soulful lead carries the tune well. Wayne does a fine rendition of the traditional "Old Brush Arbors" also. Tim Stafford contributes the bluesy "Ground Is Level at the Foot of the Cross" and the disc ends showcasing dobro-wiz Rob Ickes on "The Old Rugged Cross" in a non-traditional arrangement and chord progression that both honors and updates this old favorite.



5. Listen to the title cut "Wondrous Love" and if you don't get a chill check your pulse! This CD is filled with innovative, original material. There are no "throw away" songs on the entire CD. Blue Highway is known for their superior instrumentation and great vocalizations and this recording is no exception! If you are new to bluegrass pick up any of their recordings and you won't be disappointed. Wondrous Love gets my vote as the best recording this year!

2 comments about Legendary Marshall Family, Vol. 2.

1. This CD makes me wish I had started listening to gospel bluegrass years and years ago. They are awesome, and you can certainly see how many of today's artists are influenced by their amazing music and voices, family harmonies, pure singing, and love for the Saviour. Don't think twice about buying this CD, just do it!! and love it!!



2. The Marshall Family "The Legendary Marshall Family, v.1" (Rebel, 2002)
   The Marshall Family "The Legendary Marshall Family, v.2" (Rebel, 2004)
   
   Two fine collections of good, old-fashioned bluegrass gospel tunes, with bright, cheerful vocal and instrumental performances and a simple, joyous set of songs. Each of these discs collects tracks drawn from several of the Marshall Family albums of the 1970s, when the group was still a working, touring truegrass band. There are a few guest appearances -- a young Ricky Skaggs joining in some sweet a capella quartet vocals, for example -- but mostly it's the family itself, presenting this music in as simple and sincere a light as possible. It's great stuff. Later, after the familt act disbanded, various members moved into the equally under-the-radar Southern Gospel scene, either as songwriters or as members of up-and-coming bands such as The Isaacs (who praise the Marshalls in the liner notes of Volume 2, and cite them as early influences). Folks of a more secular bent who still appreciate certain strains of bluegrass gospel, the kinds that have a buoyant, optimistic feel, may find these albums quite enjoyable. I liked 'em!

2 comments about The Classic Songs of Ray Price.

1. Issued in parallel to Price's latest release ("Last of the Breed" with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard) and Columbia/Legacy's 2-CD original hit retrospective "The Essential Ray Price," this volume of latter day re-recordings is the odd-disc out. Price was in good voice for these sessions, and with a lush string section and a studio full of Nashville A-listers (including Price's steel player, Buddy Emmons) these aren't simply cheap knock-offs. Still, with an eye towards creating a new stake in his catalog of hit titles, neither did Price and producer Ray Pennington didn't set out to reinvent the wheel. The result is more an echo of Price's original innovations than a direct copy or something wholly new.
   
   The song list features many of Price's smooth ballad hits of the '60s, including the seminal transition piece "Crazy Arms" and the 1970 Kris Kristofferson penned chart-topper, "For the Good Times." Price also revisits a few of his earlier honky-tonk shuffles, including Harlan Howard's "Heartaches by the Numbers" and his own "I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)." The newly struck arrangements include the vibraphone playing of Blondie Calderon, adding a fresh, jazzy element to the standard swing. Price's honky-tonk and crooning eras collide when "Release Me," originally recorded in 1953 is reworked here with soft strings.
   
   Recorded for the Step One label in the late '80s, these re-recordings filled in for reissues that had dried up in the latter half of the '70s and early '80s. Price's familiarity with the material, born of repeated performances on stage, is a double-edged sword. He brings comfort and ease that distinguishes these recordings from the originals, but there's also a loss of discovery that can leave the performances overly casual. This is an interesting disc for Price collectors, but newbies would be better off starting with an anthology of the original hit recordings. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]



2. This collection features modern recordings and updated arrangements of Ray Price's classic songs, including two of his biggest pop and country hits "For The Good Times," and "I Won't Mention It Again."
   
   The tracks featured in this release were produced by Ray Pennington (Waylon Jennings, Norma Jean, Billy Walker and Kenny Price, among others), and backed by some of the best musicians in Nashville.
   
   This CD includes a pair of songs written by Willie Nelson "Night Life," and "I'm Still Not Over You," as well as songs by written by Kris Kristofferson and Bill Anderson.