Search - Cathedrals :: Alive Deep in the Heart of Texas

Gospel Concert on CD

Terry | IN | 08/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This, I believe, is a reissue of the Homeland release of the same title from 1997, but done on a new record label started by founding lead singer, Glen Payne's son. This is a good representation of what a Cathedrals concert was like in the mid to late 90's. The video of the same concert that was released at the same time, had a little extra talking, as I recall, but all the music is on the CD (and what fine music it is). Song selection and performance is near perfect on this CD, and with 19songs there is room for a few I don't particulary care for. There are so many good ones that I'll go down the CD in order from the top. Ride That Glory Train is an old foot stomping "convention" song that features Glen Payne and George Younce (the two founders of the group.) Sinner Saved By Grace was a song written for the Cathedrals by Bill and Gloria Gaither, and is Glen's and George's testimonies in song. Echoes From The Burning Bush is another convention song and gives George a chance to sing some low notes. Still Drinking Water From The Well is an upbeat song that features George. Oh, What a Savior is tenor Ernie Haase's signature song, and was a much requested number. I Know My Savior Is There starts out sounding much like I imagine it sounded like on the early morning radio programs in the 50's, but is brought into the present at a more powerful volume (and eventually faster) tempo. Wonderful Grace Of Jesus is the Cathedral's accapella rendition of the old hymn. I'm In The Gloryland Way was a piano solo by Roger Bennett that he played along with a prerecorded instrument track and as I recall, Scott Fowler on the Bass Guitar. It starts out at a pretty good pace, but toward the end really starts smokin'. Don't Be Afraid was written by pianist Roger Bennett months before he found out he had cancer (since healed). It took on new meaning to him after that, and he gets to sing some of the solos on it (along with Ernie Haase. He also joins the group on the choruses, as well. The Cathedrals also do a few Gaither classics: There's Something About That Name, I Will Serve Thee, and an impromptu performance of Because He Lives (which according to the video) was not practiced. It is one of the best versions I've heard of the tune. Glen Payne's solo fits him like a glove, and the other members joining in (along with Bennett's piano playing) all compliment the song. I only wish they'd done more of it. Hard Trials was another "old fashioned" song that has the walking bass line popular in that era. Toward the end, Glen echoes Ernie's lead and Bennett joins Fowler and Younce in doing background vocals behind them. We Shall See Jesus was Glen Payne's signature song and was done well on here, you feel like you almost are seeing Jesus. As in their concerts, they used the original accompaniment tracks on some songs (with Bennett playing piano along with the tracks), while others were done with only piano and Bass Guitar (played by Baritione singer, Scott Fowler). As with many Gospel performers, some of the songs on here are more energetic and enjoyable than the studio cuts of the same material are."