When the name Doc McKenzie is mention, immediately you think of someone that is a great singer, an extraordinary songwriter, and a perfectionist.  Doc has given us four (4) videos, “A Look Inside, Volume I,” “A Look Inside Volume II,” “Hold On,” and “Standing On The Rock – Live.”  Each was better than the last one.  The first and second videos were recorded under the name Doc McKenzie and The Gospel Hi-Lites.  The last two were recorded under the name Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites.

This month we review the video “Standing On The Rock – Live.”  This 13 tracks video is outstanding.  One of the characteristics of Doc’s videos is that you feel that you are in the audience.  With this project you have a front row seat for an hour and twenty-eight minutes.

The recording took place at Louisburg College, Louisburg, North Carolina.  The college’s auditorium was the perfect place for this rerecording.  The auditorium is large enough for the crowd and yet small enough to give you that full-house feel.  The stage is very large, so the guys have plenty of room to move around on the stage.  In addition the size of the stage allows for the focus to be on the group and not the musicians.  Many of the camera shots do not include any of the musicians that took part in this project.

The project begins with “Tell Jesus.”  Not only is this a great song, but it was a song that was sure to get the audience’s immediate participation in the service.  It is followed by “Be Kind To Old People,” “Love One Another,” “House of Refuge,” “I’m so Thankful,” I’ve Won,” “Worship and Praise The Lord With Me,” “Born By The River,” “Love Train,” “What A Friend.” “Good God,” “Born Again,” and a reprise of “Tell Jesus.”

Those familiar with The Hi-Lites will recognize that there are few new songs on this project.  However, the live performance of the songs that the group has recorded before is, in and of itself, reason to acquire this video. 

In addition, Robert Holland, one of the great tenors of our time, gets the opportunity to showcase his talents.  He shares lead on several of the songs.  Robert has been described as a modern day Sam Cooke.  He definitely has a powerful and distinctive voice.  You will definitely enjoy his version of “Born By The River.”  Rodney Bennett also shares lead duties on “Love Train.”  And the fourth member of the group, Darryl Henley, does an inspiring prayer near the end of the video.

The quality of the sound is superb.  No highs and lows.  The recording level is consistent throughout the video.  The lighting is consistent throughout the video. 

There are many close-ups of the members of the group.  The guys change outfits about three times during the recording.  The stage background decorations are large panels that frequently change from pictures of group members to other interesting sketches.    

There are no interviews on this video.  There is great audience participation throughout the video and you can actually see who is in the audience.

Like the “Hold On” project, this too is obviously a big budget production.  Overall this is a great video.  You will certainly want to have this video in your collection.  We give this video a 9.5 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of the video click here. 

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