Jason Crabb

The Song Lives On

Gaither Music Group

There was an era in southern gospel music when the live record was a golden standard. Now Jason Crabb and his stellar band have stepped from behind the cloak of studio “magic” without the aid of auto-tune and have shown that, “sho-nuff,” singers and musicians are still alive and well.

Crabb, along with his friend and co-producer Bill Gaither, gathered songs that are cemented in the foundation of gospel music. 

“The Song Lives On” begins with a collection of hymns, spirituals and standards before settling in for a spell on “Jesus on the Mainline.” Lorie Sikes shows not only her standing as one of the best bass guitar players in gospel music but also her skill with background vocals (BGVs) throughout the record — you know somewhere that Ginger Pitchers and Candy Pfeifer are smiling because of Sikes’ talent. Sikes and Blaine are joined by BGV all-star artists Reggie and Ladye Love Smith and the queen of BGVs, Angela Primm.

Over the course of the night, many of Crabb’s friends showed up — and showed out! The Isaacs joined Crabb on the Florida Boys’ classic “When He Was on the Cross (I Was on His Mind).” The Crabb Family came out on the hit “Through the Fire.” (By the way, I encourage all drummers to check out the 3:43 mark on “Through the Fire,” where Michael Shade Rowsey took the opportunity to bring the drum kit into absolute submission.) “Why Me” features Crabb and legendary guests William Lee Golden and Bill Gaither. There really is too much to tell about this live record. You are just going to have to hear it for yourself.