Marcus Faulknor, THE tenor

As mentioned in THIS post, Mother's Day, May 10, was the debut performance of Cross 4 Crowns new tenor, Marcus Faulknor. I was excited about meeting him and getting to hear how he sounded with the rest of the guys. When he walked into the church during setup, he walked over to bass singer, Justin Terry, and started talking in a really hoarse sounding voice, pretending to have a cold. Justin wasn't falling for it and told him so real quick. As I saw how they interacted together I knew that this new guy was a good fit.

There has been some speculation on some unscrupulous blogs that spend most of their time tongue wagging and gossiping, that because Cross 4 Crowns had went through 3 different tenors in the past 2 years, that there "must be some kind of internal problem." Rest assured, there are no "internal problems" with Cross 4 Crowns. Each of the former tenors vacated their positions in pursuit of different dreams. Instead of trying to dig up dirt on fellow brothers in Christ, why not hit your knees and pray for them instead?

Anyway, sorry to get off in a rant, that was just something that was eating at me.

I'm a quartet guy through and through. I was raised up listening to the Mull's Singing Convention and my favorite group of all time was the Kingsmen Quartet. There was just an excitement that the Kingsmen radiated. They could cut up on stage yet still be very sincere in the Gospel message. They would make you laugh and cry at the same time. They always had 4 solid parts. A full, rich baritone, a sure and steady lead, a rock solid barrel scraping bass, and a soaring tenor. Each member could be a soloist in their own right and mixed together the sound was, well, "Mighty." So, when I'm comparing quartets, I hold the Kingsmen as the top bar of comparison. There are a few quartets today that still hold to that traditional sound and I'm proud to say that Cross 4 Crowns falls right in there at the top of the ladder.

So, last night I had the privilege of hearing Marcus Faulknor for the very first time. Let me tell you, this guy is awesome! Group owner/baritone, Allen Leath, told the story last night of how Marcus came about being "THE" tenor for Cross 4 Crowns. It turns out that Allen was attending the funeral of his great aunt that lived in Georgia. During the singing part of the service he heard a voice behind him that he thought to be either a woman or an outstanding male tenor. After the service he turned around and looked and it was none other than an old friend that he had grown up with years ago, Marcus Faulknor. So, one thing led to another and now Marcus is THE tenor for Cross 4 Crowns! Don't you just love to hear how God works in ways like that?

Marcus was featured on one of the songs in last nights concert, "Hide Thou Me." He did an outstanding job. Also joining Marcus on piano is none other than, Andy Stringfield, pianist for the Kingdom Heirs. Take a listen as Marcus makes his Knoxville debut:

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Cross 4 Crowns concert review - Highland Baptist Church

I do not really like my post title for this because it wasn't really a "concert" it was a musical worship service!

Last night my church, Highland Baptist, hosted the Southern Gospel quartet, Cross 4 Crowns. I had booked them on pretty short notice and had to scramble to advertise to let folks know they were coming. I was worried with that, and the fact it was Mother's Day, that our crowd would be sparse. I shouldn't have worried so much! I didn't get a head count but the place was pretty full. The best part was that the people that were in attendance were apparently hungry for some good Southern gospel music!

Cross 4 Crowns arrived at the church right as scheduled, 2 hours before start time. They set up all of their equipment, did mic checks and warmed up. I always like this time because that is usually how I gauge folks and see them for how they really are when they aren't on the stage. I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie displayed between the group members. They are a close knit bunch of guys that like to cut up. I've been around some groups where you can tell one person feels like they have to be in charge and everyone else has to fear and tremble in their presence, not Cross 4 Crowns. I saw everyone in the group joking around and having a good time during setup, and right in the middle of it was the group owner/baritone, Allen Leath.

As the church began filling up, I could sense the excitement in the air. Folks were having fellowship and enjoying themselves right up to the start of the worship service. I opened up with 3-verses of "Power in the Blood" and folks were already feeling the Spirit. After a few announcements, fellowship, and altar prayer, our pastor invited the group to come up and start singing. Cross 4 Crowns immediately belted out 3 songs before ever saying a word. I knew we were in for a good service as people were lifting up their hands and shouting and hollering "Amen!"

After the first 3 songs, Allen Leath, paused long enough to welcome everyone and introduce the guys. As I mentioned before, this was the Knoxville debut for C4C's new tenor, Marcus Faulknor. Allen mentioned the group's past issues with keeping a tenor singer and said that they had always prayed for "a tenor singer." But, he said this time they prayed for "THE tenor singer," and that's exactly what God gave them. Marcus fits in perfectly with the group and he is a delight to be around and listen to. I hope he is with Cross 4 Crowns for many years to come. We were also treated to a special appearance by his father, Ray Faulknor, last night! Get this... his father is a bass that sang with the Trail Blazer Qt. for many years. Allen asked him to come to the stage to sing, "Have a Little Talk with Jesus." He did a fantastic job, in fact, his voice reminded me a lot of my very favorite bass singer, Ray Dean Reese.

Being a bass singer myself, I pay a lot of attention to that vocalists part. Justin Terry is outstanding. At just 25-years old, he is one of the best I have ever heard. He said that he had been struggling with some sinus issues (yeah, who hasn't!) this past week. I know how hard that is on bass singers. I suffer from it constantly. But, he did a fantastic job of rattling the sub woofers last night! Everything he sang was great but my very favorite was "Under Control." I used to love to hear Tim Riley sing that song with Gold City and I think Justin did just as good of a job on it.

Davis McCammon Jr. was superb, as usual, holding down the lead part. His range is remarkable and he has a very powerful voice. His part on "I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary" ran glory bumps down my arms. He is also a hard worker, as he very nearly tore down the entire set by himself last night after the fellowship supper.

We were treated to another very special guest last night, Andy Stringfield, was in the congregation. You probably recognize that name as being the current pianist for the Kingdom Heirs. Andy used to play for Cross 4 Crowns a few years ago. He is a very talented pianist and a terrific baritone singer. Not only did he play several songs with the group and a few solos, he also got on stage and sang the baritone part on "Now I'm On My Way to Heaven." My kids were especially fond of Andy and they begged to have their picture taken with him last night. He was very gracious to comply.

Cross 4 Crowns sang for a good solid hour, only pausing briefly for a break and to give out carnations to all of the mother's in the congregation. It was a very nice added touch to the whole evening. After the concert we adjourned to the fellowship building for a great time of food and fellowship. A special thanks to my wife and daughter who missed the concert in order to prepare for the fellowship. We had tons of food and everything was homemade and delicious.

I heard from several church members last night who told me that Cross 4 Crowns was the best group we have ever had come out to our church and sing. I know I sure enjoyed it and felt both uplifted and blessed after it was all over with. If you ever have a chance to host Cross 4 Crowns at your church, be prepared for a wonderful time in the Lord! These guys know how to deliver the message of Jesus Christ through pure Southern Gospel quartet music.

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Cross 4 Crown's new tenor to debut in Knoxville, TN

For those wondering about the tenor position for Cross 4 Crowns, I've got good news! C4C's new tenor is Marcus Faulknor and he will be making his Knoxville, TN debut this Mother's Day evening -6:00 PM at Highland Baptist Church!

According to C4C manager, David Hoskins, "Marcus is going to knock your socks off!"

UPDATE: Click here and here for reviews of Marcus Faulknor's Knoxville debut performance.

Bio Info on the Cross 4 Crowns website:

Marcus Faulknor, from Cartersville, GA sings tenor for the group. Marcus joined C4C in April 2009 after singing 2 years with a Georgia based trio. With a stint as Choir Director at a large Dalton, GA based church in between, Marcus sang for some 7 years with Jericho, a progressive quartet under the direction of Dewayne Burke of Singing Americans notariety. Coming from a family of singers, his father was actually a professional bass singer! Marcus is the proud husband to wife, Dana. They live with their three daughters; Erin, 21, Lexi, 12 and London, 2.

Information about the special Mother's Day evening concert at Highland Baptist Church:

On Sunday, May 10th, at 6:00 pm, we will be hosting the Southern Gospel quartet, Cross 4 Crowns. These are 4 Godly men that exalt the name of Christ through Southern gospel music. We pray that God will richly bless this time of worship.

This will be a special Mother's day evening of worship and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a great gift to give your mother for Mother's day.

Refreshments will be served in the fellowship building after the service. There is no charge to attend this special time of worship. A love offering will be taken. For more info or directions to the church visit http://www.hbcknox.org/

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