The Hoppers

North America Live
WMI/World Entertainment

“North America Live” includes seven songs The Hoppers have recorded previously, two remakes of titles popularized by other artists and two new tracks. The audio for this CD was captured at six concert venues and three recording studios.

The voice of Phil Brower introduces The Hoppers on the first track, “Holy Ghost Wind,” a mid-tempo arrangement, featuring Connie Hopper. “Blame It on Love” is a new song with an interesting lyrical hook, featuring Dean and Kim Hopper on the verses. “Jesus Saves” features a convention-style chorus. “Ten Thousand Years” is a classic that draws spontaneous applause with Dean and Kim each taking a verse. “Ready to Leave” is a 1972 Joel Hemphill classic with an infectious rhythm.

The Hoppers’ tracks are so intensely orchestrated that aside from the addition of applause and spoken segments, “North America Live” isn’t remarkably different from their studio recordings.

“It Is Well With My Soul” is one exception. With piano being the primary accompaniment, there’s an off-the-cuff dynamic the other tracks lack. If several songs had been recorded in this fashion, then the live concept could have been more firmly established. Overall this CD is excellent.

(By David Bruce Murray)