Producer: Gordon Mote/Michael Sykes
Label: RSI Music Group
Website: www.gordonmote.com
I've been aware of Gordon Mote's excellent piano skills for some time now. I hear his excellent keyboard artistry on many other artist's recordings all the time, but this is my first exposure to his singing abilities. Gordon has a nice, country style voice. It's not one that I would call twangy, but rather quite smooth and very pleasing. He almost has a Garth Brooks quality about his voice if I may inadequately try to compare his voice. I wouldn't exactly call this recording pure Southern Gospel, but it definitely falls under the ever-expanding umbrella of the genre and I find it most enjoyable.
The strong country sounds of the upbeat title song, “THERE'S NO PLACE THAT LOVE CAN'T REACH” gets the recording off to a great start before moving on to the ballad, “WHO WILL BE JESUS?” This song has a very ‘in your face' approach and poses an important question about those so often forgotten about in our society, “Who will be Jesus to them? Who'll show the love that restores them again? They do not need a judge, they need a friend…who will be Jesus to them?” The pace quickly picks back up with the song, “THE REASON IS LOVE”.
Gordon is joined by his wife, Kimberly on Gordon's own unique arrangement of the classic, “ONE DAY AT A TIME” (this arrangement was also recently recorded by Karen Peck & New River ). Reminiscent of a really cool country ballad, I really like this new arrangement and it sounds like a brand new song.
“THE STORY OF MY LIFE” is a beautiful ballad and Gordon just takes you in as he sings his praise to the Savior …”You are my testimony, the reason that I sing, I long to give you glory, so let it always be found on every page in me…You are the story of my life, I need You by my side both now and ever, You are the lover of my soul, no matter where I go, I know it's true, the story of my life is You.”
I will admit, it took a few listens for the Cajun flavored, “I CATCH ‘EM, GOD CLEANS ‘EM” to grow on me. But now every time I come to this song, I hit the repeat button several times. This song is great and it will stick with you long after the music stops. The music track really kicks on this song too.
Parents of small children will really take a liking to the tender, “KISSES AND HUGS” which features a duet with Gordon and his daughter, Samantha. (The song makes me of my own 4 yr old daughter who always asks for a “kissie and huggie”) In keeping with the family theme, “IF THEY COULD SEE YOU THROUGH MY EYES” and “YOU'RE THE ANSWER TO MY PRAYER” are two wonderful Christian love songs.
I really like the easy going feel of “SWEET FORGIVENESS”, which has some bluegrass/acoustical connotations to it, while the song, “CHROMEFISH” is quite progressive musically, but is quite preachy in that when it comes to our Christianity, our actions speak much louder than words.
With just Gordon on piano and singing “CARRY ME AWAY”, you are ushered into a moment of prayer before things wrap up with a delightful rendition of “THE OLD GOSPEL SHIP” which really shows off some of Gordon's neat piano licks.
I find myself listening to several songs on this recording over and over again. It is a highly stimulating recording and has some really great songs on it. The music tracks are top notch and the vocals are superb. All in all, this is an excellent piece of work and an outstanding introduction to the singing of Gordon Mote.
Personal Favs: THERE'S NO PLACE THAT LOVE CAN'T REACH; WHO WILL BE JESUS?; THE REASON IS LOVE; ONE DAY AT A TIME; THE STORY OF MY LIFE; I CATCH ‘EM, GOD CLEANS ‘EM; SWEET FORGIVENESS
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 05/31/2005
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Category: ReviewsCD Reviews
Comments: 4
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I had never heard of this singer until my friend James Hales sent me a cd. That was over a week ago and the cd has not left my truck! Man! This cd is great! Can't wait to hear more!
I had the privilege of meeting Gordon for the first time this morning, also my first chance to hear this album. I had been very impressed by his 2 instrumental albums - I especially loved the Christmas Album, but today I got a picture of his heart for ministry, and I can tell you, Gordon is in this business for the right reason and if you get a chance to go hear him, he will bless you tremendously. I loved the vibe on the Cajun tune and enjoyed the song with his daughter as well.
Got the chance to hear Gordon for the first time this morning on Tennessee Mornings, which is broadcasted from Fox channel 17 out of Nashville, TN. Awesome talent. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of his project.
Gordon's Mother in Law handed me a copy of his CD - There's No Place That Love Can Reach. My husband and I love the Southern Gospel sound that Gordon plays on this album. Gordon adds a fun, catchy, but yet realistic spin to Christian Music.
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