Ivan Parker Hits The Ground Running With New Project, "That Was Then, This Is Now"

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Ivan Parker's latest release, "That Was Then...This Is Now" shows Ivan at his best. The clear vocals, choice of songs and excellent production combine to make this one of the top releases of 2007. The first single from the project, "Hit The Ground Running" aptly describes the music as it is takes off musically where his last project, "Under Grace" left off.

Ivan Parker has released over 30 Southern Gospel projects. From his beginnings with the Singing Americans in 1982, through his Gold City Quartet years, until the present Ivan Parker has been a perennial Southern Gospel music fan favorite. He has been voted the Singing News "Soloist of The Year" in 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000. He has also won many other awards and has been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

The first song on the project, "That Was Then...This Is Now". is classic Ivan Parker and sets the tone for the project. The song, written by Jimmy Dooley, tells of how Jesus can turn defeat into victory. The joy in Ivan's voice turns this song into an instant classic.

"Hit The Ground Running", is a catchy song that will put a skip in your step early in the morning. The first single to radio, it is a wonderful song about reaching Heaven and the joy of being there. It is bound to be a crowd pleaser.

In line with songs like, "Redeemer" and"I Can Only Imagine", Ivan Parker includes a remake of Ray Boltz' contemporary classic, "Thank You". His "Ivanizing" of the song does it justice. The message rings true as does Ivan's rendition.

In contrast to "Thank You" Ivan includes a "churchy" version of my favorite hymn, "It Is Well". It may be the only low point on the CD. With that said, it is still quite good.

The last song on the CD is the classic, "Midnight Cry" live from the National Quartet Convention. It just doesn't get much better than this. This is Ivan, this is Southern Gospel Music, this is excellence.

Ivan Parker is one of Southern Gospel music's finest talents. "That Was Then..This Is Now" shows that after 25 years it is possible to continue to hone your craft and get better with each passing year. This is a wonderful project, a 9.5 out of 10.

For more information about Ivan Parker including lyrics and interviews visit:

www.southern-gospel-music-lyrics.com

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