This was most obvious with the title song, “Give It Away.” The song starts with an acapella chorus. During the first take, the tambourine on the tracks gave a synchopated countoff, and the guys would come in. The problem was, the synchopation threw off the group, and the pre-recorded vocals started before the live singers did, prompting a VERY quick “Nope, HOLD IT!” from Guy Penrod. The tracks immediately stopped, was restarted, and Guy verbally counted off with the tambourine. After that count off, they came in right where they should have.

This is not the first time I’ve caught such “karaoke-isms” with the GVB. “Let Freedom Ring” (or maybe it was the counterpart DVD, can’t remember which one), the DVD started with “I’m Gonna Sing.” At the end of the song, the four singers held their “me” note out until the very last beat. The problem is, the track’s vocals cut out earlier, and there was a dramatic volume drop, almost as if the group had been cut in half.

And don’t get me started on the “Praise God, Hallelujah”-’s on “When We All Get Together”…..

It’s no secret. From the beginning of the Gaither videos, he’s said time and time again that he is not a preacher who is up proclaiming the word. He’s commented many times that Hovie Lister had to answer the pundits about whether he was an entertainer or a minister and in both cases he said yes. Unlike so many in ministry, one only has to look at the songs he penned over the years and see the beliefs he has. Gaither just wants to send a subtle message to those listening that, yes there is a God and his son was Jesus and this whole thing is what Christian living is all about. Love you neighbor, something which many modern-day Christians regularly forget, is a commandment. Yes, the blood is important, but having fun and lightening up is too. I have wondered for the last 26 years why Christians have become so angry. So angry, in fact, that your political affiliation can come between those who have been friends for years. I’m glad to say that Bill Gaither, a noted Republican, doesn’t see it that way.

It’s totally refreshing to see someone anywhere get up on stage and try to get people together again instead of one Christian looking at another and seeing red or blue. Getting people together instead of harping on one or two “hot button” issues that will never be corrected in mine or your lifetimes.

I loved this music on the DVD and the feeling I got when I watched it. It was almost like it was when my father was singing back in the 50’s and 60’s. Just a bunch of Christians singing songs, having a good time and loving each other. Of course, that’s what Gaither has done all along. No preaching and great music. I call it refreshing.