Reviewed by Dave Brassington

I find this a rather confusing release as the sleevenotes state that the album was recorded on June 1st 2008 at the former home of the Grand Old Opry, However, this looks like it only applies to the first 11 tracks, leaving a further four tracks performed by very well known artists which obviously do not belong to this recording date. I guess they have just been added from other recordings to pad out this album? The album starts off in a very strong manner when Lenny LeBlanc welcomes everybody to "Praise The Lord" before he launches into "How Can I Keep From Singing". We then have a succession of tracks from some artists who are lesser known in this country such as the Palmetto State Quartet and Don Poythress. Rebecca Lynn Howard and Rachel Robinson perform a duet version of Matt Redman's "Heart Of Worship", before better known country singers such as Colin Raye, Bryan White and Marty Raybon perform and Ricky Skaggs concludes the original recording (track 11) with "We All Bow Down". Then we have the additional tracks of "Open The Eyes Of My Heart" by Randy Travis, and the beautiful "There Is A Reason" by Alison Krauss & Union Station. The album then concludes with "I Believe" by Diamond Rio and "Amazing Grace" by Alabama. Having played the album several times, it makes for a very powerful and uplifting listening experience and my only negative comment would be to think that with all the talent at their disposal perhaps a double album could easily have been produced? Even if country music is not your normal listening pleasure, give this a try.

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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