It's a moving debut for this Nashville-based ensemble, led by Dave Brooks, with the album's title track, "The Greatest Gift," written by The Band for use at a 2016 ministry conference. It has evolved into a soulful anthem celebrating Jesus as the greatest gift to humanity, and the final iteration is genuine and heartfelt. "The Greatest Gift" is an emotional journey of sorts and a heady mix of sincerity, talent, and spiritual depth.
The vocal arrangements on the song, particularly the chorus, are layered and intense. Although all three of the Band's vocalists shine, it is when Sherdeana Thompson provides a guest vocal spot that the song truly shines. "And she sang a hell of a lot of Courage, on Christmas night 2023, as she fearlessly fought against breast cancer, with all of the love and the strength to be the last one standing," Jepsen writes at the start of the heartfelt tune. All three of us sing those lyrics not only with musicality, but with weight and a genuine struggle to hear and faith.
Instrumentally, the track builds to a climactic, emotive guitar solo from Charles Cliff, the son of band founder Chris Cliff, adding a rich, resonant layer that sounds simultaneously personal and transcendent. The arrangement is a beautiful blend of layered harmonies and moments of shining as an individual that guide people through thoughts of reflection, thankfulness, and worship.
Its close is gently intimate: Cynthia trains her voice directly on Jesus, and in this gesture, it puts the song's message forward in an act of prostration. It's a sweet reminder of why the track has endured as a centerpiece in the Band's catalog and as a way in for so many audiences. The 9:9 Band is a reminder that their music isn't just entertaining, but it moves hearts and reminds us all of the gifts truly worth noticing.
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