This review has been revised and divided into two reviews since I found a spot on Epinions for the 2nd video in this Series.

The Atlanta Homecoming tape, filmed at the Georgia Dome in 1998, has a companion tape "All Day at the Dome." Atlanta Homecoming is the first in the series -- a live concert performed before an enthusiastic Atlanta crowd. We're treated to scenes of the famous city, including the VARSITY restaurant, where Mark Lowry ( Mark Lowry on Broadway )orders outrageously, and I was interested in the short "What I remember about Atlanta" spots from several of the singers.

One thing about these videos is that you get to feeling like you know the performers, personally. Then, as time goes by and the performers age before your eyes, or, worse yet, one of them passes away, you experience almost a personal loss and even may go through a genuine grieving process.

But the beauty of videos is that they capture the performer in all of his or her beauty -- still alive and still bringing musical pleasure to us. To see and hear J.D.Sumner, Bob Cain, Brock Speer, Danny Gaither, Rex Nelon and others who are now singing in the heavenly choir- well, it helps keep at bay the sorrow of losing them and increases one's appreciation of their performances.

Atlanta begins with the haunting harmonic strains of Buddy Greene, playing "Georgia on my Mind," fading out and into the spirited "Daddy Sang Bass" with Woody Wright leading this popular old-time gospel song. Many others join him.

Keep in mind on these videos, there's not a singer in the large group that can't handle a solo spot. What a talented group!.

The Gaither Vocal Band sings an upbeat version of "Sweeter as the Days Go By," and I challenge you to keep your feet still when they take off. It's an impossible feat. (pun unintended). Then they go into "Where Could I Go?" (but to the Lord) which I personally love! This was the song that started the production of these videos back in 1991. But that's a story in itself. (The Video that Almost Wasn't ) It's a terrific arrangement, many of the singers take verses throughout.

Comedy was provided by the talented and exciting Ken Davis and Mark Lowry. Mark, as usual, was very funny, but he is prone to repeat too many quips which we've heard before. But I can't help laughing, anyway. Jeff and Sheri Easter and beautiful Charlotte Ritchie perform "Been There - Done That." If I'm not mistaken, the multi-talented Sheri wrote this one. Their bluegrass performances are terrific!

Janet Paschal does her usual marvelous job, (I think she's as close to perfection as you get on this earth, - beauty & talent) performing Something Got Ahold of Me with the Lawrenceville Church of God choir.

The Bishop trio was rousing on "We Need a Revival," topped only by the Kingsmen Quartet singing "I Will Sail up High Someday." Made me wish that the day would come soon. (A slight exaggeration there.)

I loved Bob Cain's rendition of "A Wonderful Time up There," especially since he has recently experienced the truth of it. He has such a throaty and gravelly voice. Bob used to own a nightclub and people would come from miles away to hear him play the trumpet, before he devoted his talents to Gospel music.

Anthony Burger magnificently played his piano arrangement of Dottie Rambo's song, "We shall Behold Him" and the choir provided an awesome backdrop to his solo.

Another highlight was the tribute to Thomas A. Dorsey, from whom we get many of the gospel favorites.(Just a Closer Walk ) Romance Watson (love that name) sang Dorsey's "Peace in the Valley." His voice is strong yet mellow and he has an enormous range, switching from low tones right into falsetto easily. I'd love to hear him do "Old Man River."

David Phelps, once again, brought the crowd to its feet with "Jesus Saves," singing with Candy Hemphill Christmas. There were also numbers by the Speer Family, Squire Parsons, Sue Dodge, Joy Gardner, Ann Downing, the Goodman's, The Nelon's, and the Isaac's, to mention a few of the regular favorites.

"The Church Triumphant" with Bill and Gloria and the Homecoming singers was a thrilling and stirring way to end the program. I felt it was electrifying. Bill and Gloria wrote this number, and I wonder where church music would be today if it were not for their marvelous songs.

I didn't review all the numbers but have chosen my favorites from this well-rounded video. I don't feel it is one of the best videos I've seen in the Gaither Series. That says a lot, for it truly was good -- and when seen along with the companion tape, it climbs way up in my estimation. You won't be sorry if you watch it.

Concluding Remarks

Gaither Homecoming Videos not only provide wonderful entertainment, Great Gospel music, but they also provide Spiritual Enrichment to the viewers. This is too rare in the world today. (My opinion)

Thanks for reading, hope this was helpful.

Lorace

There HAS to be a Song

Atlanta Homecoming - Gaither Gospel Series
Live from the Georgia Dome $29.95
Video One of Two - CD available




Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends