Ivan Parker - That Was Then, This Is Now
PRODUCER - ROGER TALLEY
LABEL - HORIZON RECORDS
I have been a fan of Ivan Parker since I first heard him on the Gospel Singing Jubilee with the Singing Americans. I got to know him a little back in 1985, soon after he joined Gold City, forever changing southern gospel music and I have followed his career very closely ever since.
One of the things that endears him to audiences across America, is that he continues to sing the same great southern gospel music that we first came to know him by. His new project is no exception.
The title song, "That Was Then, This Is Now," starts off the project with some special effects. You will hear the popping of an old album and the music sounds like it is straight out of the 1940s but it’s soon obvious that this is brand new. Gospel radio should love this song if he chooses to release it. "I Choose," from the pen of Rodney Griffin, is a beautiful ballad about faith.
The third track on the project is the gospel classic, "Oh I Want To See Him." Ivan freshens up this great old song and makes it his own. Ivan does a great job on the Ray Boltz song, "Thank You." This follows a trend of covering some of today’s popular contemporary christian hits. This is just a great song regardless of what label you might put on it.
"Hit The Ground Running" is the newest radio release for Ivan and is classic Ivan Parker, written by Sandy Knight. With the back up vocals mixed hot on this track, we are reminded of how good Ivan Parker is as a lead singer. This should do well for him. Following the new single is, "Rise And Be Healed." It’s been a long time since I’ve heard this song. It is good to hear it done by a great singer.
"In The Middle Of My Every Day Life" picks the tempo back up and is another good song from the pen of Sandy Knight. The next two cuts are re-recordings of gospel classics, "It Is Well" and "Higher Ground." "It Is Well" is done in traditional fashion, fully orchestrated with choral backup. Ivan puts a fresh spin on "Higher Ground." This isn’t just an old song out of the song book anymore.
"Only A Hill," a ballad that parallels Abraham and Isaac’s experience on the mountain with our everyday life. This song lets us know that God can bring down the mountains in our life. This could be a good choice for a single if he chooses to release a ballad. Track 11, "A King Is Coming To Town," adds a touch of soul to the project and is a strong track vocally and musically.
An added bonus to this project is a live recording, at the NQC, of Ivan’s signature song, "Midnight Cry." Nobody sings this song like Ivan Parker and I never grow tired of hearing him sing it.
This album is a good mix of great new music with some great old songs. Fans of Ivan Parker will not be disappointed with this project. Ivan was great then and he’s great now!
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