If ever there was a force in Christian music, it is The Gaithers. Just ask any retailer. Or check the top ranked Christian videos for the past few decades.

Bill and Gloria Gaither have, for good reason, garnered literally millions of fans over the decades, with their potent combination of superb songwriting, approachable lyricism and personality and their expertise in assembling a vast array of marvellous "Homecoming" singers around them.

With that background in mind, the two new CD/DVD projects that Gaither Music has rolled out are extra special, for not only do We Will Stand and Build A Bridge harness the potency of the Gaither heritage, they also bring in some of the best from both the Gospel and the Latin music communities.

Bill Gaither together with Bishop T.D. Jakes host the praise festival at the expansive Potter`s House Church in Dallas, peppering the DVDs with behind-scenes intros and frequent brief one-on-ones with the artists.

These projects are so rich, both visually (great camera work) and musically, that it is a considerable challenge to summarize the recorded concert event. Here are some highlights:

• Tramaine Hawkins steps out with that old Hawkins Family favorite, "He's That Kind of Friend" and also works with veteran Jesse Dixon in duet on "I'm So Glad".
• Former Edwin Hawkins Singer Lillie Knauls joins with Dorinda Clark-Cole and Alicia Williamson on a rousing opener, "I Thank You Lord". Clark-Cole later returns with "Tis' So Sweet".
• The Katinas deliver their soulful "Thank You", and also spend some time with Bill Gaither in an interesting interview
• Homecoming standbys Cynthia Clawson, Benjy Gaither, Guy Penrod, Russ Taff and others contribute several selections, with the title cut "We Will Stand" being especially memorable.
• Songs from the late Jake Hess and the late Vestal Goodman are especially poignant on "O How I Love Jesus Medley" and with Hess and Dixon on a joyous version of "Get Away Jordan" and Goodman together with Jakes, Lynn Randle and Mom Winans on "His Eye Is On The Sparrow".
• Solos from Alvin Slaughter (the "Build a Bridge" title cut) and Larnelle Harris ("Dream On"), as well as from Smokie Norful (behind piano with his hit "I Need You Now") and Shirley Murdock (singing the Thomas Whitfield number "We Need A Word From The Lord") show how dominant these singers.
• The segment with The Barrett Sisters is special, with Bill Gaither reminiscing with them prior to their singing of "New Home".
• Some may be surprised to note that Mary Mary are not out of place as they deliver a live version of "In The Morning". Neither is Beverly Crawford on "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus".
• Stellar performances from Latin music's El Trio de Hoy on "Momentos" and The Mighty Clouds of Joy on "I Came To Jesus" show how different styles can sometimes easily integrate together when the spirit is right.
• Catchy harmonies come from The Martins ("All People That on Earth Do Dwell" and "Great Is The Lord") and also from songs Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Gaither Vocal Band and The Isaacs.