Kirk Talley - Live At The River - My Story, My Song
On Memorial Day weekend, in the little town of Smyrna, TN, right outside of Nashville, something truly special, something wonderful occurred. Kirk Talley invited some of his friends to join him, and along with the River of Life Choir, one of the most inspiring, worshipful services ever held in Southern Gospel Music took place. And it, in its entirety was captured on Audio CD and DVD video. The CD’s came in first, and I’ve had mine for several weeks, and it has rarely been out of a player either in my home or my car. The DVD’s have now come in, and I got mine, and sat down to “watch” it; only to find out it wasn’t something to be viewed. It is something to be experienced. I laughed; I wept, and was even driven to my knees in prayer, all during the course of this service.
From a technical perspective, this project is without a doubt the best Kirk has ever done. And how could it not be? With songs written by Kirk and/or with co-writers like Darryl Williams and Mary Brown; with arrangements and tracks produced by Wayne Haun – one of the most brilliant music minds today; with extremely talented musicians like Pastor Johnny Minick, and others; orchestrations from Prague; and with the awesome sound of the River of Life Choir… How could it not be? And Kirk sang clearer, more beautifully, and more sensitively that I have ever heard him before.
The CD is a bargain, too. How many CDs can you buy today with 19 cuts on it? That’s what this one has!! The main difference between the CD and the DVD is that during that service, Kirk shares his testimony. The music CD contains just the songs from the services, and when you buy the music CD, Kirk gives you the Testimony CD free. This was done for two reasons: One, there is a finite amount of space you can record on a CD, and the music comes close to filling up an entire CD. So, it wouldn’t all fit on one. But also, there are some people who like to listen to music without much “banter” between songs. So, they will love the music CD, and then can listen to the Testimony CD when they want to. The DVD, which is a format that holds much more data, contains the whole thing, the songs and the Testimony, and more “banter” between songs.
The project opens with a new song, “I’ve Come Here To Tell You That The Lord Is Good.” It’s a medium up-tempo song that you’ll be singing for days. It won’t leave your mind. Also, Kudos to Darryl Williams and the River of Life Choir, they do a great job with a wonderful arrangement.
Next is “My, My, My” an up-tempo song that will get your toes a-tappin’. It is followed by “Lord, I Worship You” and “Magnify Him”. Inspiring, worshipful songs, both. Some old, or should I say “classic” songs are included, too. “I Will Praise Him” continues the mood of worship. Then Kirk and the River of Life Choir really shine as they launch into “Nothing But The Blood” and “Power In The Blood”. They rock the house!!
Kirk next dedicates a song to his Pastor with “Shoutin’ The Victory,” another up-tempo toe-tapper. A song Kirk and Daryl Williams co-wrote, “I Found Peace In This Valley” continues the upbeat theme.
Kirk takes a break and introduces us to a new quartet, Crystal River. WOW!! They’re great. They sing “Come To The Water”, “Sailing”, and “Higher Ground”. The audience loved them, and you will, too. Expect to hear more from this group. They have a great future in Gospel music.
The “show stopper” of the evening comes when Kirk invites Allison Speer to join him on a duet, “Oh Lamb Of Calvary.” Buckle your seatbelts; it’s Rapture material! I never thought that Kirk would do a song ever again that moved me like “Hallelujah, Praise The Lamb” but I was wrong. This one surely did!
Next, Dean and Mary Brown of TBN’s Unfolding Majesty join Kirk for the up tempo, “I’m On My Way”. They not only sing great together, they have a great time doing it.
Next, the service goes deeper, more sensitive and more intense. After singing “The Potter’s Hands”, on the DVD, Kirk shares his testimony (which as noted above is on a separate disc in the CD format). Kirk opened his heart, and sincerely and honestly shared his testimony from the early days of his life and ministry all the way up to where he is today. That alone is worth the price. His honesty is refreshing. His intense dedication to his relationship with Jesus is inspiring. He explains that his daily lifeline, the power to make it through every day, is his close, intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus. And then he proceeds to express that through an incredible song, “Intimacy With Jesus”. This song leads into an Altar service that includes “I Am Thine Oh Lord” and “I Need Thee Every Hour.” It is so touching as people spontaneously begin to come to the altar to pray. Kirk invites others to come, as people come to find Grace in their struggles.
The project closes with “Come On, Let’s Pray Together”.
It goes without saying that every Kirk Talley fan will want this project. But I encourage everyone to get it, as well. If this is your first Kirk Talley project, you’ve started with the best! But most importantly, you need to “experience” this very special, very inspiring, very anointed event.
My Favorites: “Intimacy With Jesus”, “Oh Lamb of Calvary”, “The Potters Hands”, “Sailing” by Crystal River, and “I’m On My Way” with Dean and Mary Brown and Kirk, The Blood Medley with Kirk and River of Life Choir.
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Written: 08/31/2005 
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