|   This
album is the first to be offered by the Peace With Music foundation, which was
founded by Marvin Goldstein. All the proceeds from the sale of this CD will go
to the organization, which among other things, is planning a concert that will
have both Palestinian and Jewish performers. But for this album, it unites the
distinctive singing styles of Thurl Bailey and Billy Dean with Goldstein's soft
pop piano stylings, and creates a magical collection of gospel music.
The album starts off with Thurl Bailey singing a unique arrangement of "I
Am a Child of God." A great version of "Amazing Grace" follows.
The old standard "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is the fourth track
and then comes my favorite song on the whole excellent album: "Let Them Be
Little."
"Let Them Be Little" is a heartfelt reminder
to parents and other caretakers to let children go through their childhood as
children do. "Let them be little, 'cause they're only that way for a while/Give
them hope/give them praise, give them love every day/Let them cry, let them giggle,
let them sleep in the middle/Oh just let them be little." This song was cowritten
byDean and Richie McDonald and was originally recorded by Lone Star. Dean gives
a heartwarming performance of his own work here. I think this song is going to
resonate with Mormons everywhere. I predict that thousands will request the sheet
music for this song and I'll be among the first to do so.
"How Great
Thou Art," "I Need Thee Every Hour" and a medley of "Got Tell
it On the Mountain/Swing Low Sweet Chariot" are among the next songs. "Go
Down Moses," "In the Garden" and a moving medley of "America
the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" round out the remainder
of the album.
These three men are accomplished musicians with considerable
talent. Goldstein alone has been a reliably good recording artist for years on
the Mormon pop scene. It was wonderful to hear Thurl and Billy singing alongside
his splendid performance on piano.
I rate this album 5 stars. It's musically
sound and is worth the purchase for "Let Them Be Little" alone. Be sure
to check out the website for Peace With Music at www.PeaceWithMusic.org.
You can read about the foundation's objectives and volunteer to help its mission.
------------------------
Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams |
