The popular City On a Hill series began in the summer of 2000 with the release of City On A Hill - Songs of Worship and Praise. The Gathering is the fourth release in the series from producer Steve Hindalong, who has partnered with The Choir bandmate Derri Daugherty and co-writer Marc Byrd (God of Wonders) on the projects. While compilation CDs have been popular, the City On a Hill releases have been unique because they are not simply repackaged hits, but combinations of original material and popular songs, all newly recorded by well-known artists. Where else can you hear Caedmon's Call, Jars of Clay, Third Day, Sixpence None The Richer and Michael Tait all on the same song (It's Christmas Time from last year's release of the same name)?
City On a Hill fans expect to hear regulars like Jars of Clay, Sixpence, and Caedmon's Call, and The Gathering won't disappoint. Others on the CD include Sara Groves, Bebo Norman, Paul Colman, FFH, Andrew Peterson, GlassByrd, Ginny Owens and Silers Bald. Most of the CD is original material, but my favorite song is probably the classic Beautiful Scandalous Night, written by The Choir a decade ago and performed here by Leigh Nash of Sixpence with Bebo Norman. The title track stands out as well, showcasing Sara Groves, Bebo Norman, Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay, and Cliff and Danielle Young of Caedmon's Call.
The Gathering will be a blessing to all fans of the City On a Hill series, and to all others who enjoy hearing popular artists unite in folksy praise and worship. It's hard to imagine that anyone who listens to Christian music wouldn't embrace The Gathering.
Visit: City on a Hill and Essential Records.
City On A Hill
It's Christmas Time
Reviews for
City On a Hill
* The Christ - His Passion* The Gathering
* It's Christmas Time
City On a Hill
The Gathering
2003 Essential Records
14 songs, 44:10
14 songs, 44:10
Reviewed 2003-10-13
By Randy Brandt