Standard-Examiner staff?jfrancis@standard.net?

SALT LAKE CITY — After a break spanning several years, the inspirational recording group Jericho Road reunites to debut the group’s first hymns album, “Day of Rest,” released this week.?The group is made up of male voices representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.?”It’s amazing how Brigham Young University can bring together people from all over the country,” said Abe Mills, a performer in Jericho Road, who said the group met as students and began performing together.?”Bursting onto the music scene in 2001 with their self-titled debut album, Jericho Road’s unique Christian message sets them apart in the music industry,” states a news release.?”Abe (Mills), Justin (Smith), Bret (Bryce), and Dave (Bryce) have sold over 150,000 albums and entertained audiences all over the world with their infectious combination of rich harmony, smooth beats, and uplifting messages.”?Mills said the group continues to perform every few months even though they each live several states apart.?According to the group’s webpage, Jericho Road has completed two tours to the United Kingdom and Ireland, a sold-out weeklong tour to Chile last July, and recent performances in Florida, Washington, Oregon, and California. ?Mills said the latest album represents a large effort, as the group considered only the hymns they loved — which was about 45 — and had to whittle them down to their favorite 14.?”The result was a great sound,” Mills said.?He believes this latest album appeals to a wide range of audiences, as the recordings are meant to be played on Sunday.?”Now they demonstrate their more reverent side with beautiful arrangements of favorite hymns,” states the news release. ?”Day of Rest” features songs includes popular favorites like “Amazing Grace,” “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and “Beautiful Savior,” and invites the Spirit with messages of faith and hope.?Also on the album are “Abide with Me, ‘Tis Eventide,” “Softly and Tenderly,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” “Behold the Wounds,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Part the Waters, Lord,” “Were You There,” “Homeward,” “In Humility, Our Savior,” and “Come to Jesus.”?More information about Jericho Road and “Day of Rest,” which retails for $15.98, is available at www.JerichoRoadMusic.com. ?This album, along with the group’s three other albums, is also available at LDS media outlets.