Last year, Daywind Records announced a series of recordings from all of the artists on their label. The aptly titled Live at the Oak Tree recordings featured all of the artists in a live, studio setting singing some of their most prized songs.
Aaron & Amanda Crabb's Live at the Oak Tree recording is especially nice for a couple of reasons. The group's debut - After the Rain - was by far the most progressive release from the Crabb Family off-shoots. Rather than going country (like Jason), progressive (like Crabb Revival), or more straight ahead Southern (like Mike & Kelly), Aaron & Amanda were probably the furthest on the fringe of Southern Gospel music - tackling a more r&b and inspirational sound.
Live at the Oak Tree is nice because it doesn't really feature the more programmed sounds of the duo's debut - and with a live band, things seem a bit more toned down for the Southern audience. For instance, "After the Rain" is still pretty R&B sounding, but without the programmed loops, it just sounds like another jamming song that would fit well in a Crabb Family or LeFevre Quartet concert.
What also makes this release nice is that we get to hear Aaron & Amanda try on some other new sounds and songs as well as tackle a Crabb Family classic. "Please Come Down to Me," always a favorite of this reviewer, opens the disc with a nice, stripped down approach. Their hit single "Miracle" doesn't sound too different in this setting.
It's easy to see that Aaron & Amanda's hearts are in the worship arena. Their covers of tunes like "No One Else Like You," "As the Deer," and "The Name of Jesus" make for some of the finer moments on this disc. There's just a lot of really nice, intimate moments on this disc that really help you understand where Aaron & Amanda are coming from. "Amazed" - in particular - shows some beautiful, spontaneous moments that only come from a time of worship.
Their cover of the classic love song "You Are So Beautiful" really works well here, and the album closes perfectly with a nice upbeat moment on "Give It All to Him." If you've seen Aaron & Amanda Crabb in concert, you know that they are firmly establishing themselves as worship leaders for our genre. Live at the Oak Tree is a nice release to whet the appetite of those waiting for the popular duo's next recording.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 03/01/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 2
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What makes this series different than most other music videos is the interviews between the songs. Aaron & Amanda get a chance to talk about the songs, what they mean to them. It's about their ministry -- their hearts.
This is a great CD and has a great relaxing and very inspiring tune. The songs are heartfelt and I have let my friends hear it, too! They absolutely love, The Name of Jesus. I like amazed and as the deer. Kudos to them being the best group that came out of the Crabb Family. Although, I really like Crabb Revival too and have not had the oppurtunity to hear Mike & Kelly's new Shine CD.
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