Concert Review: Jim Brady Trio

Well, my first concert review! Recently I had the privilege of seeing the Jim Brady Trio: Jim, his wife Melissa and newcomer Layke Jones. Actually, this was Layke's second time coming to my area, so it was fun to welcome him back! :) So, here's a list of some of the songs they did:

He Saved Me- They recorded this one before Layke came along, but he has really jumped right in to this feature!

I See A Crimson Stream- They first did this one on a Gaither Homecoming a few years ago. I saw the JBT last year and I was hoping they'd do this song, which they did not, so I was especially glad they did it this time! I was about the only one in the room that gave a standing-O, which really surprised me. I guess nobody was feelin' it that night.

Calvary- A newer one from their most recent CD "Promises", this was written by Melissa and is absolutely breathtaking. Again, worthy of a standing-O. At least my mom joined me in that this time. :)

Livin' in the Rhythm of Grace- The Gaither Vocal Band actually just recorded this on their October 2017 release, "We Have This Moment". The JBT version features Melissa, and I think they did a great job. Honestly, at first I was singing along and at the same time I was thinking, "What song is this anyway?" :) I figured it out soon enough.

Jesus- This is a new hymn from "The Newly Discovered Hymns & Songs of Fanny Crosby", a compilation of Fanny Crosby lyrics set to music recently, by a number of modern artists, and recorded by many of those artists. Jim and Melissa penned the tune, and the lyric is absolutely stirring. Melissa said, "This is only the third time we've done this song and I've cried every time!"

What A Day- This, of course, was penned by the late Jim Hill. They actually had a guest on this song at the concert. I didn't catch the guy's name, and I don't know what part he was singing because the whole group joined him, but it was nice. This also came from "Promises".

Wherever I Am- Layke is featured on this one from "Promises". It's a good upbeat song, and I sang along just about the whole time!

Goodbye World Goodbye- Melissa sang and played this Mosie Lister classic on the piano and it was INCREDIBLE! I didn't really realize what an amazing pianist she is until then!

I can't remember what Jim said the last song "should" have been, but when the concert was just about done, he said, "Wow, we should technically end it right there, but I got some requests that I think we should do." Those requests included "Homesick For Heaven" from Promises, "Unforgettable" and the tag to "All Over the World" (because apparently Jim had wanted to do it during the set but had forgotten. A young fan had requested it).

I should also mention that a group called the Crutchfield Family opened up for them. This family group is comprised of DW and wife Jessie Crutchfield, and daughters Christy, 10, and Carrie, 7. They opened with "Heavenly Sunrise" but their microphones were cutting in and out, so Jim stopped them and gave them new ones. It was worth restarting for sure! I'm not sure what the next two songs were called, but then they did covers of "Holding On To Me" by The Erwins and "What The Bible Says" by The Collingsworth Family. Such incredible talent. They were also joined by Jim, Melissa and Layke to sing the JBT song, "Steppin' Out In Faith." That was cool to watch. :)

The Jim Brady Trio: Jim, Melissa and Layke.

I would definitely recommend seeing the Jim Brady Trio if they ever come to your area! They are a class act onstage and off, and they have amazing hearts.