Bill Gaither & T D Jakes - We Will Stand

Published Monday 31st July 2006
Bill Gaither & T D Jakes - We Will Stand
Bill Gaither & T D Jakes - We Will Stand
DVD

STYLE: Southern Gospel
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 10101-DVD57
LABEL: Gaither Music Group SHDVD4496
FORMAT: DVD Music video
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2004-02-06
RRP: £7.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In some of the first words uttered by TD Jakes on this DVD, "When all God's children get together, what a time, what a time, what a time!" As this 2004 DVD proves though, much of that good time referred to by the good bishop is more theological than aesthetic. I trust that like me you view the appalling divisions between today's "black church" and "white church" with disgust and long for the time when more and more bridges are built between the two worshipping communities. But this brave attempt (with its sister volume 'Build A Bridge') in bringing together Southern gospel and black gospel elements is only partially successful as a cultural artefact. The main difficulty is that Bill Gaither has already taken Southern gospel a long, long way from its shape note singing and country harmony origins. Gaither's brand of Homecoming Southern gospel fuses everything from easy listening orchestrations, all forms of hymnody and a liberal dash of theatric corn into the folk art original and when merged with call-and-response gospel choir singing and soulful vocal pyrotechnics the effect is confused and a bit of a musical dog's dinner. Individually though of course there's much talent on offer here - Albertina Walker roaring through "I've Got A Feeling" like the Caravans were still with us (come to think of it, they are!), the stunning harmonies of The Martins on "All People That On Earth Do Dwell", the mighty voiced Joe Liggon and his Mighty Clouds Of Joy rekindling some quartet fire on "I Came To Jesus", all catch the ear and eye. Also, the sight of black and white singers linked hand in hand at the climax of Russ Taff's "We Will Stand" is genuinely moving. But with fussy editing and perfunctory interviews, this is still a DVD which won't really be satisfying to either Southern gospel or African American tastes.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Product Description
When Bill and Gloria and their Homecoming Friends joined with Bishop T.D. Jakes and some the finest talents in traditional black and Hispanic gospel on the stage of Bishop Jakes' famed Potter's House in Dallas, it was an evening of breaking down all barriers...musical, cultural, denominational and racial. And what an evening it was!
Never have the words of Russ Taff's anthem of unity been more appropriate than when lifted heavenward by thousands of voices singing: 'You're my brother, you're my sister, so come take my hand, together we will work until He comes...We will stand!'We Will Stand.
Features: Bill & Gloria Gaither, TD Jakes, Mary Mary, Delores Washington,,Albertina Walker, The Martins, Mom Winans, Larnelle Harris, Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Jake Hess, Steve Lawrence Choir, Tremaine Hawkins, Lilly Isaacs and Lynda Randle.

Reader Comments

Posted by Mary Harrison in Stockton, CA @ 22:18 on Feb 8 2016

I haven't enjoyed a video as much as I have this one. I have almost all of your videos but this is the best. If you do another one with Bishop Jake, please let me know. Thank you




The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.

NAVIGATION
CONNECT WITH CROSS RHYTHMS
SIGNUP

Connect with Cross Rhythms by signing up to our email mailing list

A Step Change...
Cross Rhythms Media Training Centre
MORE ARTICLES
DISCOGRAPHY
ARTIST PROFILES
Artists & DJs A-Z
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Or keyword search

 

PRAYER ROOMS
Dedication Room
Live on the edge and shout what you believe in our Dedication Room