Gary Prim has put together a unique album of classics for StraightWay. Prim has assembled some great voices to sing as background and lead vocalists on this project. The collection starts off with great harmony on an old hymn called "Life's Railway to Heaven," with the lead vocal by Candy Hemphill-Christmas. It has a blue-grass feel to it and although this reviewer had never heard the song before, it soon became one of the favorites on the album. I really liked the dulcimer, fiddle and banjo arrangement.
Prim borrowed Rusty Goodman and Tanya Goodman-Sykes from the gospel group, The Goodmans for a beautiful rendition of "Who Am I," which was written by Rusty Goodman back in the 1960's. Goodman-Sykes is also featured with Kenny Hinson on "Lighthouse," a song written by Ronnie Hinson.
"He the Pearly Gates Will Open" is another old hymn featured on Homecoming. Joy Gardner and Mike Eldred make a great duo on this gospel classic. The lovely voice of Janet Paschal is perfect for the song "Daystar" and it really adds to the timelessness of the album. There is something here for anyone who likes true gospel music.
Two of the songs in the collection are so much fun to listen to that its hard to imagine anyone not tapping their toes or singing along. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," done by a male quartet led by Terry Blackwood and "Daddy Sang Bass," led by Brock Speer, are great additions. Prim shows how much thought went into this project by including an old spiritual and a country song.
Also included is the famous Broadway musical song from Carousel, "You'll Never Walk Alone" by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Believe me, this is not done like a show tune. It is a very well-done rendition with a country feeling to it, with Guy Penrod soloing on the song. "Can He, Could He, Would He," which is usually pretty fast paced and fun to listen to, is performed in a less lively arrangement, with Mike Eldred as the dominant vocalist.
The deep foghorn voice of Paul Downing and soprano Ann Downing sing a very pretty duet on "When He Reached Down His Hand For Me" which I enjoyed very much. Although this arrangement is slower than some I've heard, it didn't drag and they sound so good together that, after the second time listening to it, I quit comparing it to other versions.
Overall, I really enjoyed Homecoming: Tributes & Classics and would recommend it to anyone who likes bluegrass and country gospel.
