Project:
Rescued
Artist: The Harris Family
Artist Information: The Harris Family is a Southern Gospel music ministry from Pasadena, Texas. Current members of the group consist of Roger and Sue Harris, along with their youngest daughter, Kristen. Roger and Sue also have another daughter, Shanna, who sang with the group for a time, however, she is now serving the Lord in other areas of ministry.
Both Roger and Sue grew up playing and singing various types of music and developed a special love for music at an early age. That love was obviously passed down to their children. Although music, as well as their faith, has always been a big part of their lives, The Harris Family did not begin singing together as an organized Southern Gospel group until early 2003.
At that time, Sue had been singing Southern Gospel music for over ten years as part of a mixed trio based out of the family’s home church. It was through this ministry that the Harris family was first introduced to Southern Gospel music. The style and excitement of Southern Gospel music, combined with the uncompromising message that it proclaimed, had a huge impact on their lives. A seed had been planted in each of their hearts and God spent the next several years preparing them for His service as He would later call the family to begin a Southern Gospel ministry of their own.
It was January 2003 when Sue first felt God leading her to begin a ministry where she could share her heart and her music beyond the walls of her home church. As she answered God’s call and began to prayerfully seek the heart of God, He made it clear to each of them that His call was for the family to sing and minister together! Looking back, it is easy to see how God spent a lifetime preparing each member of the Harris family for such a time as this. Their love for God and their love for each other, combined with their love for music and their desire to reach others for Jesus Christ allowed God to pathe this path for the Harris family. Talent runs deep in the Harris family and audiences everywhere are quick to warm up to the great blend and close harmony that is so often found in a family group.
The Harris Family has a strong desire for God to use their music and testimony to make an eternal difference in the lives of others by pointing them to the cross of Jesus Christ. Aware that we are living in troublesome and uncertain times where people everywhere are looking for something or someone to put their faith in, the group continually seeks the heart of God, praying that He will give them songs that will lead lost souls to the throne of God’s grace where they can come to know Jesus Christ in a real and personal way, as well as use their songs to offer hope and encouragement to fellow believers.
Sue writes many of the songs that the family sings and the heartfelt message of each song reflects the personal victories in her own life. From growing up in an alcoholic home that oftentimes resembled a battlefield more than a home to later seeing her mother’s life tragically taken, Sue recognizes that she is a living testimony of what God can do, even when we are surrounded by the most difficult circumstances. Kristen has recently begun blossom as a songwriter herself and her first two recorded songs can be heard on the family’s newest CD, Rescued.
Roger, Sue, and Kristen each have a heart that just wants to serve God. Their ministry extends into churches, prisons, festivals, conventions, and concert events. They are committed to the work God has called them to do and they trust in Him alone to give them wisdom and extend to each of them the grace they need in order to walk with Him on this journey.
Our Review:
I had not heard of the Harris Family when Sue Harris contacted me about reviewing their latest project,
entitled "Rescued". As a result, I didn't really know what to expect. When I received their package in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised. These folks are serious about
what they're doing, and it shows in their packaging, their press kit and, more importantly, in their music.
The first cut, "Testify", is an upbeat number that set the tone for the rest of the recording. The vocals on this
cut were superb, well-blended and well-mixed. While I didn't care for the change in rhythm on the key change, I did
understand what the producer was going for, and the song quickly reverted to the original rhythm which had my toes tapping again.
"Rescued" features six original songs penned by either Sue Harris or Kristen Harris. The first, "The God That Will Provide",
is a catchy little tune with a nice swing feel. My only complaint on this song would be the sound of the brass. It's so prominent
on parts of this cut that, for me, it detracted from the song and drew my attention away from the lyrics. Although I found some of the lyrics
to be at times a bit predictable they were put together in a way that was very enjoyable. The vocals on this track were top-notch.
The second original song, "He Came For Me", had a very nice arrangement musically. The lyrics were moving and I can imagine those who hear
this song would be ministered to by it. This cut has a smooth, easy feel to it that you can really worship with. The next cut, "Don't Be Afraid, Just Believe",
has a country feel to it. The lyrics were very engaging and I enjoyed this song very much.
The fifth cut on the recording, entitled "Will Anybody Love Me?", is a lovely melody that is very nicely arranged. Again, this song has a real potential
for ministering to someone in the condition described in the lyrics. "God is Enough", another Harris Family original, has a good feel to it. The arrangements,
musically and vocally, are very well done.
The other cuts on the project are also nicely arranged. "Mighty to Save" was excellent. But, I really enjoyed their rendition of an old J.D. Sumner song,
"Victory Road". When it first started I was a little worried at the tempo, wondering if the Harrises would be able to pull it off. Well, with some bass singing
by Ray Morris, they did. Ray's voice was recorded at a different facility, and I could hear a difference in the tone of his vocal compared to the rest. Yes, I know,
that's really being picky and probably wouldn't be noticed by anyone else. Ray provided a great bass part, showing his range in true J.D. Sumner style.
In Closing: I can honestly say that I recommend "Rescued" to anyone who enjoys Southern Gospel with a bit of a modern spin. From the packaging to the
vocals and musical arrangements, you won't be disappointed. I would love to hear the Harris Family in concert. I