If you’re a big fan of Adult Contemporary, you’ve probably been following David Phelps for years, through his years with the Gaither Vocal Band (since 1996), where his classic vocals garnered much attention and led to his self-titled debut of 2004. No More Night, his fifth release, was recorded live at the historical Theatre of Birmingham, and the enthusiastic crowd adds greatly to the album’s energy. Their lively response to the energetic guitars opening pop track “No Place” indicates the obvious pleasure of the crowd.  Phelps counters with his excited delivery, the loping rhythms of “Long Time Coming” leading easily into full-fledged engagement on both ends. Throughout the 14 tracks of “No More Night,” Phelps and the crowd feed together on the effervescent passion. 

This zeal adds to the dramatic impact of big ballads like “That’s What Love Is,” the sensitively executed “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” and the classic Phelps favorite, “Life Is A Church.” His vocal and emotional interplay with the crowd plays more of an active and significant role than in most live albums, but this is characteristic of the AC genre. The three hymns included are all new recordings from Phelps, the quietly organic “It Is Well” my favorite of the three. The slightly bluesy/funk elements of “Break Free” showcase a bit of Phelps’ vocal diversity, and the dreamy fiddles of “Visions of God” break out a bit from the AC mold. Whereas the closing title track, a string-heavy celebration of heaven, is big drama, AC all the way. 

Produced by Phelps and Jim Chaffee, the DVD features include the live Alabama performance, interview clips from Phelps and his family covering some of his favorite songs, outtakes, and candid video footage. AC fans will eat this full package up.

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