HEAVEN is part one of a two part series (part two is entitled GOING HOME), which gathers a group of Christian authors, theologians, artists and children to explore the concept of heaven though music, dialogue and readings.
Personnel: Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, The Homecoming Friends, The Florida Boys, Jake Hess, Allison Durham Speer, Tanya Goodman Sykes, Wesley Pritchard, Gene McDonald, Suzanne Jennings, Lynda Randle, Charlotte Taff, Maddie Rose Taff, Amber Thompson, Reverend Becca Stevens, Buddy Greene, Pastor Jack Hayford, Stephen Hill, Billy Graham, Zig Ziglar, The Old Friends Quartet, The Isaacs, Babbie mason, Wintley Phipps, Tori Taff, Janet Paschal, David Phelps, Dr. Millard Posthuma, Guy Penrod.
Bill And Gloria Gaither's HEAVEN (the companion piece to GOING HOME) is a fascinating concept album which combines gospel music, poetry, scripture, and spoken word in the service of exploring the concept of the Eternal Resting Place. Far from a stale theological dialogue, HEAVEN more often resembles a combination of musical theatre and a Ken Burns documentary. Starting with a wide variety of rootsy, feel good music that often recalls the down home vibe of Willie Nelson concert, the Gaithers intersperse a plethora of inspirational quotes from such deep thinkers as Billy Graham, Helen Keller, Mark Twain and an anonymous harmonica player. The comforting music and thought-provoking dialogue make for a fast-moving and consistently entertaining CD that anyone who has ever endured a seemingly endless sermon from a particularly uninspired priest or minister will no doubt appreciate. Overall, HEAVEN provides a rousing and often profoundly moving shot of good old time religion in an easily digestible package.
