Reviews of Musical Journey
SOUTHERN GOSPEL NEWS REVIEW


Produced by: Stewart Varnado
Crossroads Music

I have always had the utmost respect for musicians in Southern Gospel Music. I think Southern Gospel has the finest musicians in the world. With that said, I have never been one who "gets into" instrumental recordings. They've just never done much for me. But from the first licks of the steel guitar on the Goodman classic "WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY", which kicks off the CD, I was hooked!

This recording features a potpourri of classic songs like "WHERE NO ONE STANDS ALONE", "WHEN HE WAS ON THE CROSS" (beautifully done), "CHILD OF THE KING", "FAMILY BIBLE", "BELL OF JOY KEEP RINGING" (Wally Varner must be proud) and "TAKE MY HAND, PRECIOUS LORD", as well as classic hymns like "VICTORY IN JESUS" (by the time the song is over, your heart will be racing!) along with a medley including "THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME", "I'LL FLY AWAY" and "LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS." All are excellently arranged and flawlessly played.

Stewart gives credit to piano extraordinaire Floyd Cramer as one of his earliest and lasting influences. As a tribute to Mr. Cramer, these songs are played in a style most befitting to one of the greatest piano stylists of all time. Stewart even concluded the recording with one of Cramer's biggest hits, "LAST DATE" and is exceptionally done.

Stewart surrounded himself with some of the best studio musicians around including John Hughey, Bruce Watkins, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Jimmy Carter and John Hammond. Also utilizing the excellent orchestral arranging skills of Steve Mauldin, Stewart has one of the most well rounded and best sounding instrumental recordings I think I have ever heard. If you but own one instrumental recording, make sure it's this one.

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SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC FORUM REVIEW

Stewart Varnado - Musical Journey
Crossroads - Produced by: Stewart Varnado

Stewart Varnado is in my opinion, one of the best pianists in the industry today. His humble spirit and God given talent has placed him within the ranks of some of today’s best including Roger Bennett, Anthony Burger and others. Although Stewart is the pianist for the Dixie Echoes, he releases instrumental albums from time to time and we here at the “Forum” love to listen to those instrumental albums during our quiet times with the Lord. Let’s sit back and relax while we take a MUSICAL JOURNEY with Stewart Varnado.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY is a song that I am sure you will remember. The Happy Goodmans recorded the song years ago which was written by Eddie Crook and Aaron Wilburn. The song is an encouragement just to think about that day when Jesus comes to receive His bride and what a beautiful day that will be. WHERE NO ONE STANDS ALONE is a Mosie Lister classic that happens to be a favorite of mine. When I stood behind the pulpit for the very first time, I remember how alone and scared I was. At that time, I sang that song and it brings back such wonderful memories. The journey continues with a medley consisting of THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME, I’LL FLY AWAY, and LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS. This medley really shows the abilities of this young pianist, I am anxious to move on to the next song and see what surprises might await us. WHEN HE WAS ON THE CROSS is another song that brings fond memories. Just to think that when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was hanging to die on an old rugged cross, that He was thinking of me, I was on His mind! Hallelujah!!! Other songs include, VICTORY IN JESUS, CHILD OF THE KING, BELL OF JOY KEEP RINGING and others. My favorite on the recording has to be, TAKE MY HAND, PRECIOUS LORD. What an encouraging thought to be close enough to the Lord that we are able to walk down this rugged road of life holding his hand.

This project spiritually uplifted me. It brought me to a place of worship, while sitting in my office. Just to think of God’s love and how He wants to be there for us if we let him. This is one of the most encouraging instrumental albums that I have listened to for several years. Log on to www.stewartvarnado.com and get to know this amazing pianist, his testimony is sure to bless your heart.

Written by: James Vaughan

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