Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Recorded live at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom in Chicago, this DVD release from the best selling Southern gospel foursome is undoubtedly better than the rather disappointing studio CD version of the same name. Anyone who has seen the Gaither stalwarts in action can testify that these guys are in the elite when it comes to carrying on the vocal group tradition and, if you can get past the cheesy smiles, sharp suits and good buddy camaraderie, this release is rather satisfying in its own way. A generous 17 songs are featured here ranging from traditional numbers such as "The Old Landmark" to the Gloria Gaither penned "No Unknown Soldiers" with old hymns like "My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me" thrown in for good measure. Elsewhere, the powerful "Since Jesus Passed By" is a master class in four part harmony whilst "Out Of Bondage" and "A Good Heart" allow the message of Christ to shine through the schmaltz. To add some variety to the proceedings, Haase and his team are joined on stage by the heart warming New Friendship Youth and Young Adult Choir on the title track before black gospel's Jessy Dixon gives it all he's got in his signature tune "Operator". Inexplicably, a distinctly unfunny stand up routine from comedian Chonda Pierce is included which only serves to bemuse the audience and fracture an otherwise seamless set. That aside, Gaither fans the world over will love this latest addition to the fold.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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