Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com
A notable part of country music's turn to the Christian music scene is the release of the new CD The Gatlin Brothers Come Home, part of the expanding Gaither Gospel Series.
"Like the Prodigal Son, we have returned home," explains oldest brother Larry Gatlin. "The four Gatlins (with sister LaDonna) grew up in Abilene and Odessa, Texas, traveling as a family and singing gospel music. As a kid . . . my first heroes were gospel singers."
There's a lot of similarity between Gatlin's early experiences and those of Gaither. Both come from families steeped in gospel music. This new project was the brainchild of Bill Gaither who had become a friend of Larry Gatlin over the years and knew of his love for gospel music.
The Gatlin Brothers: Come Home, also recorded as a video which released in June, includes 20 gospel favorites, beginning with Larry's composition "The Prodigal Son" and ending with his "Alleluia." On the remaining songs, the Gatlins are joined by current members of The Speers (singing two Speer Family favorites, "Heaven's Jubilee" and "Sweeter as the Days Go By"), Tanya Goodman (whose late father Rusty Goodman wrote "Who Am I?"), and Vestal Goodman singing her classic "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now."
On "Somebody Loves Me," Larry is joined by three of gospel's famed bass singers -- George Younce, J.D. Sumner, and Rex Nelon, while Jake Hess takes the spotlight on the slow, rolling rendition of "Yes, Jesus Loves Me."
Of course, the Gatlins are best known for their country hits such as "All the Gold in California," "Broken Lady," and "I've Done Enough Dying Today." They have been at the top of the charts for close to two decades with more than two dozen hits. Their alliance with Gaither seems to indicate a new turn in their career, and one they relish.
"We're back home now with old friends and good friends and heroes, and I'm humbled by the fact that people who mean so much to us would come out here . . . and have a good old-fashioned love fest," says Larry.
The Gatlin Brothers Come Home, like all the Gaither Gospel Series, was recorded live at the time the video was made. The sound of applause, the thumping steady four/four beat, and the side comments over the music ("Donšt hold back now, son," "Play it now, brother") tell us these people enjoy what they do and they feel like family.
We could all benefit from taking the same road as Larry Gatlin sings about in "The Prodigal Son": I will arise and go back to my Father's house.
Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com