The Dream Team
By Deborah Evans Price, senior music editor, GospelMusicChannel.com
The release of Gaither Vocal Band’s new project Reunited heralds the arrival of what some are dubbing Southern Gospel’s dream team – Bill Gaither, Michael English, Mark Lowry, David Phelps and Wes Hampton. The new line-up came about early in 2009 following the departure of longtime members Guy Penrod and Marshall Hall. Reunited, a collection of classic songs penned by Bill and Gloria Gaither, marks the first recording from the new five-member group.
“The good thing about voices like these is the material could be new or old and it doesn’t make much difference because those voices are going to add a new dimension,” says Bill Gaither. “It blew my mind when I heard them. They are my songs and I love them and I’ve been singing them for a long, long time. To hear these great voices take to these songs and make them brand new, Gloria and I were smiling when we were listening to them. It’s like hearing these songs for the first time.”
“I’ve said many times, it’s long overdue for us to do a whole CD of Gaither ballads,” adds English. “We put our stamp on these songs and we’re working now on a brand new CD with new songs. So it’s a good time.”
Gaither and Phelps co-produced Reunited, which includes such classics as “Because He Lives,” “If I Finished,” “I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary” and “He Touched Me.” Part of the album was recorded at Phelps’ studio, located on a farm outside Nashville. “It was a place where we could all relax and be away from everything because it’s out in the country,” says Phelps.
Obviously, being a member of such a tight-knit group is a big commitment. English, Phelps and Lowry will also continue to work on their solo careers.
Phelps was enjoying his solo work so much that he initially questioned coming back to the Vocal Band. “[Bill and I] got together and talked and the bottom line was I felt like God was in this,” he says. “I came home and told my wife…I think God is at work with something special. The bottom line is when you see that, it’s hard to walk away from it.”
Your Comments
Guy Penrod is the one that is missing i really love him. My family and friends thinks its crazy that i watch the Gaither all the time but i just love the pure honest worship in their music.
My dream team would include Larnelle Harris. He was an important member of the vocal band in the past and I wish Bill would talk about how he became apart and how long he was there.
oh man i love the GVB. but my favorite besides michael english, is jonathan pierce. where is he?? what's he doing?? anyone?? a voice like that should be used. any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks