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Producer: Les Butler
Label: Family Music Group

One word…WOW!  To say I have enjoyed listening to these kids sing is an understatement.  I can’t get enough of ‘em!  If there is an up-and-coming group that I feel will “make it” in the industry, this is the group.  This recording offers a wide potpourri of styles and sounds ranging from Southern Gospel to Bluegrass, from Country to Inspirational, and from Folk to Dixieland Band.  Consisting of brother and sisters, Brad, Amy and Ashley Prater, these kids can sing it all and they do it all with such class. 

In typical Southern Gospel fashion, the group starts off with “STEPPING HIGH”, featuring guest vocalist, Jeff Pearles.  With Amy on the melody, they show us how they tackle a campmeeting song.

I think I have found my favorite song on the recording in the folk sounding, “THE LAST MILE.”  This thought provoking song paints an awesome, yet somber picture of the last days of Christ before He was crucified.  Continuing with that theme, “THAT’S THE POWER OF CHRIST” shows that yet while Christ was on the cross, He was changing hearts and lives, just like the Roman soldier who said, “Surely, this Man is the Son of God.”  After all, “that’s the power of Christ…to love in the face of hatred, to forgive and not condemn, to turn a hardened heart and change a life…that’s the power of Christ.”

After two deep, inspiring songs, the group tears into a really cool upbeat bluegrass number called, “THAT HOME FAR AWAY” featuring oldest sibling, Brad.

A simple song of faith is the best way to describe, “THAT’S GOD’S JOB.”  Reminding us that we need not to try to figure out the meaning of life and why the storms keep coming.  Just put your trust and faith in the One who knows and sees all.

Uncharacteristic of most of Joel Lindsey‘s writings, comes the next song, “COME A STRANGER, LEAVE A FRIEND.”  This country sounding song invites everyone “with a special invitation…take your place around the table” and experience a new life in Christ.  While an excellent invitational, the song also depicts the joy and happiness found within the family of God.

The Southern Gospel funk sounding, “WALKIN’ THIS ROAD” is next and is a highly enjoyable tune, while “THAT’S WHAT I LEARNED FROM YOU” slows the pace as the group reminds us that all the good virtues that we have, we have learned from Him.  Recorded by Jeff and Sheri Easter a couple of years ago, the Praters do an excellent job on this song.

”NEW BLOOD” is a unique song featuring a Dixieland band type style and is a highly energetic tune with a solid encouraging message.

The Praters do a splendid job on the classic bluegrass number “MASTER’S BOUQUET”, and they also do exceptionally well on the Barbara Spencer penned tune from the mid 80s called, “GONNA MOVE ON OUT OF HERE.”

The final song, “LORD HELP ME WHEN I AIM” written by Kenny Hinson, should be the prayer of everyone who sings Christian Music.  One of the final songs sung by Kenny before the Hinsons originally disbanded in the late 80s, and the Praters really do this song justice and I’m sure Kenny would have been proud!

If I had but one observation about this recording is that out of 12 songs, 9 feature Ashley.  Granted, I love Ashley’s singing and feel she definitely is the voice behind their incredible sound, I just wish they had featured Brad and Amy just a bit more. 

I have become a colossal fan of the Praters.  I predict great things for this Missouri family.  The sky is the limit for them.  They can sing any style set before them, and they do it like pros.  Excellent first recording, and I anxiously await your next one!

Personal Favs: THE LAST MILE; THAT’S THE POWER OF CHRIST; THAT HOME FAR AWAY; THAT’S GOD’S JOB; COME A STRANGER, LEAVE A FRIEND; GONNA MOVE ON OUT OF HERE; LORD HELP ME WHEN I AIM

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