Every once in a while, you hear a collection of music that’s so striking and moving, that all you can do after you hear it is say, “Wow.”  The Gilbert Family with their producer, Josh Swift, have created such a recording.  Husband and wife, John and Sandra Gilbert, along with their daughter, Sara Faith Gilbert, with guitarist Eric Beaty, comprise The Gilbert Family, an acoustic/bluegrass gospel group from Sparta, TN.  This family is vocally talented and it was a joy to hear them sing on this recording.

From start to finish, there is something for everyone on “The Promise.”  Every song is wonderful but my favorites on this CD are the ones that the Gilbert ladies have written.  Sandra wrote “It’s The Truth, Anyhow” (terrific shouting song!) and Sara added three songs as well: “Dedication Song, “Heart Of Praise” and my favorite, “I Promise.”  “I Promise” was written by this wonderfully talented young lady and it is one of the most powerful and yet comforting songs I’ve ever heard.  It is my new favorite song and Sara Faith Gilbert is my new favorite songwriter. I wish I had the words to tell you how touching Sara’s song is, but you’ll have to hear it for yourself.  This song will remind you that you’re not going through your trials and storms alone because God is always there.

Josh Swift, the producer of “The Promise,” is a master musician and producer who can wail the tar out of a dobro (or any string instrument for that matter) and his skills are on display on this CD.  “The Promise” was recorded, mixed and mastered at Josh’s studio, Cowbell Fever Studio (don’t you love that name?) in Sparta, TN.  The arrangements of the vocals and music are stellar and he has really brought out the best in the songs and the voices of the Gilbert Family.  Mr. Swift surpassed himself on this CD and he is to be commended.

My favorites on this recording are: “I Promise” (seriously – you need to hear this song!), “Dedication Song,” “It’s The Truth, Anyhow,” “Ready Or Not,” and “Heart Of Praise.”

I cannot recommend “The Promise” highly enough.  It is a “must have” to add to your music collection.  This recording will bless and encourage you. To order this CD visit: www.thegilbertfam.com or call (931) 738-5748.   

The Gilbert Family would be a wonderful treat to add to a special service or a Sunday Singing at your church.  They love singing for the Lord and you’ll never meet nicer people.  To book The Gilberts call: (931) 738-5748 or email gilbrt_fam@yahoo.com.

We lost a dear member of our Crystal Inc. family today.                                                 We miss you, Jim!  We’ll see you soon!

Our first featured project is the self titled solo project by Chris Glass and it’s one of my favorites.  For those of you who haven’t heard Chris sing with his family, The Sammy Glass Family, you’re in for a treat!  Chris is the youngest sibling of the Glass family and is one of the most talented musicians and vocalists I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

When Chris called me and said he was bringing us his new project, I was so excited! We’ve been making CDs for the Glass family for years and I always look forward to hearing any recording they make.  After we had talked about Chris’ ideas for the project and the graphics, I immediately put the copy Chris gave me in my CD player.  I listened to this cd repeatedly for a whole week (as everyone in the office will attest) – it was that good.  And I’ve regularly listened to this CD ever since.

Chris wrote most of the songs on this CD and they exemplify his talent as a songwriter. Each song is unique and expresses his love of Jesus.  There are two old hymns on this project which Chris arranged and they are so uplifting.  The last two tracks are instrumental medleys and showcase Chris’ mastery of the dobro.  Talent abounds in the Glass family and their talent is on display in this music.  Justin Glass, Chris’ brother, plays the drums (and performs the bass on “I Serve A Risen Savior).  Chris’ sister, Candice Glass Hinson, plays the mandolin on “Glad You Understand” and “Always The Same.”  Gayla Glass, the matriarch of the Glass family, plays the piano and organ on “Always The Same” as well.  Andrew Pealock adds electric guitar on “I Serve A Risen Savior” and “When I Get Out Of This World.”  Chris performs the rest of the instruments you hear on this CD: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar, dobro, banjo, bass guitar, percussion, keyboards and mandolin.  Chris’s style is a mixture of modern acoustic and country mixed with a touch of rock and bluegrass.  My favorite tracks on this cd (and trust me, it was hard to choose): “I Serve A Risen Savior,” “Healing Rain,” “I Surrender All,” and “Always The Same.”

If you’re looking for a fantastic Christmas gift for a Christian music lover, this is it!  You can purchase this CD by going to Chris’ website at: www.chrisglassmusic.com. Chris is also proficient in the studio.  If you need a producer for your new music project or need custom arranged soundtracks performed for your music ministry, Chris is the man to call.

If you’re looking for a group to minister at your church or youth group event, you can’t do better than The Sammy Glass Family.  They love the Lord and that love comes through in their music.  To contact them, visit their website at: www.sammyglassfamily.com, or call: 423-334-5139.  You can also email them at: sammyglassfamily@aol.com.