Crimson Ridge & Michael Wayne Smith benefit singing

Tonight my wife and I attended a benefit concert that featured Michael Wayne Smith and Crimson Ridge. The fundraiser was to help raise money toward the cost of chemotherapy treatments for a young lady that has cancer.

The concert was held at Union Baptist Church and started just a little after 6:00 pm. Dale Burress, from Ark Studios, was there to film the evening for the television show Southern Style Praise. There was a great turn out for the event. The middle section of the sanctuary was pretty much packed as well as the left side. We took a seat in the middle section about 5 rows from the front.

Things started off with a surprise performance by, Jeff Branam, who is the father-in-law of the lady the concert was for. He sang, The Anchor Still Holds, and did an outstanding job on it. After that, Michael Wayne Smith walked up on stage and took a seat behind the piano. He sang and played several rousing numbers from his latest CD. He is an amazing song writer and has an excellent voice. His love for the Lord really shone through the songs and music, however, the huge smile on his face revealed it all. My favorite song that he sang was one titled, Until the Storm Is Over. The words just spoke to my heart and caused tears to well up inside of me and spill over.

Crimson Ridge came up to the stage next and tore into the lively, Let's Have Revival, followed up with one of my favorite songs that they sing, An Old Sinner Like Me.  I've had the pleasure of hearing these guys sing on several occasions when they were called, 3 For Thee, but this was the first time I had heard them under the new name of Crimson Ridge. Same guys (Greg Davis, Jackie Painter, and Warren Beeler) but they sounded tighter than ever. Great vocal harmonies and pitch, with a real nice full sound, which was really showcased on the catchy number, All I Ever Needed. My wife and I both agreed that probably our favorite song that they sang tonight was one lead singer, Jackie Painter, wrote, which is titled, He's In Control. I guess what I like most about this group is their heartfelt testimonies and clear presentation of the Gospel while on stage. Some groups will get up and try to sound real spiritual but you can always tell who is the real deal and the guys in Crimson Ridge are the real deal.

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Paul Williams and Victory Trio - the real deal

Last Thursday, my mother and I attended a benefit singing that was held in the gymnasium at Anderson County high school in Clinton, TN. There were 4-groups singing; Rocky Flatts, Jerry Butler and the Blu-J's, Don Rigsby and Midnight Call, and Paul Williams and the Victory Trio. I have already written a blog posts about the entire night so this post is just to talk about the Paul Williams Trio. I have listened to Paul Williams' music for several years and knew that he was a superb singer and musician. I had never seen him perform in person and had no idea how spiritual he was. Being a minister of music myself, I was thrilled to see a group with such talent, dedicate their lives and music to the Lord. Sitting there in that gymnasium felt much like being in a really good church service. Shouts of Amen could be heard echoing off of the bleacher lined walls as Paul Williams would testify on stage. They sang for about an hour and every song was like listening to music from Heaven.

Paul plays the mandolin and sings a high tenor lead. He has a wonderful voice that is superbly suited for Bluegrass music. The entire band was excellent. Dan Moneyhun plays the lead guitar and sings, Adam Winstead also sings and plays the rhythm guitar, Jerry Keys plays the banjo, and his wife, Susie Keys plays the upright bass. Also with them that night was a young man from Athens, TN playing the fiddle. I can't recall his name but he did a great job.

Paul also had 2 special guests step up to the microphone, the first one was local Bluegrass/Gospel artist, Mavis Hughes, who had written a song that Paul Williams had recorded and he asked her to come up and sing it with them. Wow, talk about a voice! She reared back and let it rip, nearly bringing me to my feet with a shout. Then Paul asked the concert host, Randy Smiddy, to come to the stage. Randy sang 2-songs with them and he did a wonderful job. He has a very nice, rich baritone voice and was a delight to listen to. I know it was a thrill for him to sing on stage with Paul Williams and Victory Trio.

One of the deacons at my church has been trying to get me to book Paul Williams at our church for the past 3-years. I actually came close to achieving that about 2-years ago but the only date they had available was right before Christmas and we just had too much going on at the church to do that. After seeing and hearing them in person, I will go the extra mile to book them now. I'm thinking a Saturday evening concert might work out better than a Sunday booking. I'll keep you posted about that.

See all of the pictures from this event HERE.

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Great night of Southern Gospel with 3 4 THEE

It was the first time I had been in Graveston Baptist church since they built the new church. I had visited there a few times in the old building several years ago. I brought my wife and son along with me to spend an evening of Southern Gospel music at 3 4THEE's 3rd annual Fall Gathering.

We arrived 30 minutes early to insure that I would get a good seat close to the stage so I could take photos. The sanctuary was very nice and the individual seats were very comfortable. The host group, 3 4THEE, started things off at 6:30 with a lively rendition of Cast Your Bread Upon the Water, which I really enjoyed. Then they asked soloist, Kelly Henderson, to come out and sing. She sang a 6-song set with my very favorite being Through the Fire, which she said was her testimony song.

After Kelly sang, 3 4THEE came back out and sang 5-songs and said they were trying to get out of the way to allow the other groups to sing. It was the first time I had ever heard this trio sing. I had made acquaintance with the group's baritone, Greg Davis, through email correspondence a couple of years ago. I've been keeping up with the group over the Internet but had never had the chance to hear them sing in person. They did a great job and harmonized well. Lead singer, Jackie Painter, has a very strong and outstanding voice which gives the group sort of a country sounding edge. Tenor, Warren Beeler, and baritone, Greg Davis, also have nice vocals and complimented the sound very well. I didn't ask, but I believe Warren and I may have went to elementary school together at Gibbs way back in the day. My favorite song that they sang was one called, Let's Have Revival. It was very uptempo and the words reminded me of my own experiences growing up in many old-time church revival services.

After 3 4THEE exited the stage, Mike Southerland, stepped up to the mic. He did a good job. His sound is reminiscent of Michael Combs. In fact, he mentioned Combs during his set and sang one of his songs. He sang 6 songs all together with my favorite being the Crabb Family hit, The Lamb, the Lion, and the King. Mike also proudly introduced his toddler grandaughter, who later took to the stage with Michael & Delilah Kitts (see slideshow at end of this post).

Next up, Michael & Delilah Kitts, came out and sang a 7-song set. They were clearly a big crowd favorite. I have always enjoyed hearing them myself and they did an outstanding job as usual. They even invited their daughter, Lauren, to the stage and she did a wonderful job singing lead on, Oh Happy Day. My favorite song of theirs was without a doubt, God Sent His Best.

Up next was one of my all-time favorite groups, the Berry Family. I've been a fan of theirs for many, many years. Ever since I heard them sing at House Mountain Baptist way back when I was just a young boy. I heard them sing, My House Is Full, with a little girl singing lead. I immediately bought their cassette tape and wore that thing completely out listening to that song over and over. I was amazed to see that the same little girl was still singing but was now a grown woman with a family. She still has a very beautiful voice. The whole family is very talented and there is nothing better than that rich family sound. They sang 6-songs with my very favorite being one which I believe is titled, Somebody Prayed. I guess what I liked the most about them was their very obvious sincerity and heart-felt testimonies from the stage. I was happy to also briefly meet and speak with the Berry Family at their product table as I was heading out the door. We swapped business cards and I hope to have them come out to Highland to sing for us next year.

Last on the schedule was a group called, Still Waters. They had a very good sound and sang several songs that were widely known to everyone. I enjoyed singing along with them on nearly every song. This group also had some good testimonies and did a great job. My favorite song of theirs was probably, My Home. I also enjoyed the last song that lead singer, Jason Allen, sang by himself called, Your Cries Have Awakened the Master. It was mentioned by his father that Jason is pursuing a solo career and asked for prayers for him.

The night ended with 3 4THEE coming back to the stage to sing an invitation song. During the invitation a young lady came to the altar for prayer and then a man came up to share his testimony of how God had healed him from a brain stroke. We then ended with everyone singing together on, Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary. It was a long but great night of Southern Gospel music. I appreciate 3 4THEE inviting me to come. I wish I could have hung around longer afterwards but we had to get home and relieve the babysitter. I wish the group great future success.

Enjoy all of the pictures from tonight's event:

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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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Tony Gore & Majesty Bargain Basement CD

An after Christmas shopping trip proved to be fruitful today. I dropped in the Evangel Book Store here in Knoxville, and browsed their CD selections. Normally if you buy Southern Gospel Music from a retail store, you pay top dollar. I normally purchase my So. Gospel music when I go to concerts and buy them direct from the artists.

Today, I not only found an excellent Tony Gore & Majesty CD, but it was at a great price! Only $9.99 for a 2-CD collection! TG&M has always been one of my favorite groups and I've bought several of their albums over the years. I stupidly loaned out my collection a couple of years ago and haven't seen them since. So I've been meaning to replace my favorites. I was so pleased to find this CD today, which contains all of the best TG&M songs.

DISC ONE
THANK GOD
WHAT A HALLELUJAH MORNING
WITH GOD ON OUR SIDE
DANCIN' IN THE STREET
HOLY SACRIFICE
I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE
I'LL PUT ON A CROWN
I'M GOING YONDER
ON THE OTHER SIDE
TOO MUCH TO GAIN
MEDLEY: GOD'S PROMISED LAND, IT'S NOT SO HARD TO PRAISE HIM, WHEN DUST SHALL SING
WHERE THE ROSES NEVER FADE
OUTSIDE THE GATE
THE EASTERN GATE
WHEN THE SHEPHERD COMES HOME
HE IS MINE
THIS IS WHAT HEAVEN MEANS TO ME
I'M BOUND FOR THE LAND OF CANAAN

DISC TWO:
BETTER HURRY UP
THEY CAN'T EXPLAIN THE CHANGE
FINAL HOMECOMING
THIS BATTLE'S NOT OVER YET
FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES
GROUP INTRODUCTIONS
LIKE NEVER BEFORE
THERE'S A MANSION THERE FOR ME
ALWAYS THERE FOR ME
MEANWHILE IN THE GARDEN
INSIDE THE GATE
BETTER HURRY UP

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Kenny Bishop concert review - Union Baptist Church Knoxville

This is a review of my recent attendance of a live taping of the television show, Southern Style Praise, in which Kenny Bishop and the trio HisVoice was performing. It took place at Union Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN. I was honored to be their special guest Music Minister for the evening.

I've seen Kenny Bishop sing live several times in my life, mostly with his former family group, The Bishops. I met him one time, about 10-years ago, at the National Quartet Convention. I guess the thing that I've always liked about Kenny is his natural Kentucky country voice. I've always thought that he could probably have had a really successful career in Country Music. I'm glad he chose Southern Gospel instead.

I've seen more than my fair share of folks in the gospel music business that treat it as a job instead of a ministry. I can say first hand that Kenny Bishop is not one of those people. He appears to have an open and honest heart for the ministry. I watched him pretty closely because I was sitting just 2 rows behind him. He sat in the congregation with two older ladies in which he appeared to know. I saw and heard him shouting "amen" and praising God while HisVoice was on the stage. And, while he was on stage he spent more time talking about the grace and mercy of God than he did actually singing. He spent very little time talking about himself, he was fully focused on spreading the gospel message.

I enjoyed every song that Kenny sang, however, I've got to say that my very favorite was, 'The Prodigal's Dad.' It's track number 9 on his latest CD, simply titled, "Kenny Bishop." The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of my very favorite passages in the Bible. In fact, the next night after hearing Kenny sing that song, I preached a sermon on the Prodigal Son at my church. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Woody Wright penned, 'Under the Influence of Mercy,' which was a play on the old Buck Owens tune, 'Under the Influence of Love.' Another great tune was, 'More Than Amazing,' which was also written by Woody Wright, specifically for Kenny. According to Kenny, it is a song for everyone.

At the end of his performance, Kenny gave a very touching invitation for anyone that may have had a need. I could really feel God's presence during that time. Afterwards, I was privileged to get to meet and shake hands with Kenny. He said that he thought I looked very familiar and wanted to know if we had met before. I told him that we had but that it had been several years ago at NQC. I didn't hang around and bug him any because he was busy talking to other fans and selling his CD's and signing them.

My whole family enjoyed our evening of Southern Gospel and I left there an even bigger fan of Kenny Bishop than I was before I came. If you have yet to go to one of his concerts, you should make a point to do so. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Read my separate review of the HisVoice portion of the evening HERE.

See all of the pictures that I took of the evening HERE.

Visit Kenny's Official Website HERE.

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HisVoice concert review - Union Baptist Church Knoxville

I was thrilled to receive an email from Allen Davenport of the trio HisVoice, asking if I would be their special guest music minister for their concert with Kenny Bishop, at Union Baptist. I gladly accepted the invitation and was really psyched up over it. HisVoice ministered at my church this past year so I was already familiar with them.

My family and I arrived at Union Baptist an hour before the concert. Dale Burress, owner of Ark Studios, was getting the stage prepared for the taping of the concert which will air on his TV show, Southern Style Praise. I have corresponded with Dale several times through email but this was the first time I had met him in person. He warmly greeted me and we briefly discussed what was going to unfold for the evening.

Finally, the 6:00 hour arrived. I opened up with a prayer and then led the congregation in all 3-verses of Victory in Jesus. Union Baptist's pianist, Gary Barnard, did an excellent job playing the music. Gary is the former member and pianist at my church, Highland Baptist, so I was already familiar with him. He is a very talented young man.

After the congregational, HisVoice, took to the stage. Since this was a live taping for a television show, things weren't as smooth as a regular concert but it wasn't distracting, even with the large cameras mounted to booms swinging back and forth. HisVoice was very professional with just the right amount of spiritualism. Allen does a great job with the emcee work and keeping things going. Once again my favorite songs of the night were, 'Stacking Stones,' and 'He Chose This Valley For Me.' Both of those songs brought tears to my eyes. They stuck strictly to the tracks from their latest CD, which I bought. I really enjoyed hearing them again but because of the live taping I don't think they felt as free to minister and they had to keep an eye on time. But, that's to be expected. They did an excellent job under the circumstances.

After HisVoice left the stage, I led the congregation in another hymn, 'At Calvary,' while we took up a love offering. After the offering, Gary, delighted the crowd by playing a beautiful hymn. Then Kenny Bishop took the stage. I'll write a separate post on Kenny's performance.

To see all pictures from this night visit THIS post.

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The Prophets Return to Knoxville

Back in 1958, two young men, Ed Hill and Jay Berry, were singing part-time in a group called, The Kings Men. That group performed during the National Quartet Convention that year and was a huge hit. Hill and Berry had a desire to sing full-time. In 1959 they decided to move to Knoxville and establish a new quartet called “The Prophets Quartet.”

The Prophets enjoyed great success for the next 14-years, until group founder/owner, Ed Hill, retired the group and the name. Hill went on to enjoy years of great singing alongside J.D. Sumner and the Stamps. Read more about the Prophets rich history here.

Nearly 50-years since the original quartet was formed in Knoxville, the Prophets returned to their birthplace for 3 days of great Southern Gospel music at the 21st Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. The group is now based out of Nashville, TN. The Prophet’s current lineup includes; founding member/group owner, Ed Hill singing baritone, Paul Jackson on lead, legendary Bill Baize soars on the tenor, rock solid Mike Allen rattles the bass, and the incomparable Eddie Crook tickles the ivories.

Even from my front row balcony seat in the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, I could sense the wonderful stage presence from this group of veteran singers. Ed Hill’s baritone sounds just as good today as it did back in the day. Bill Baize still hits the high notes without any effort at all and if you closed your eyes you would never know that the man is nearly 70-years old! The Prophet’s lead singer, Paul Jackson, does a spectacular job and I also discovered that he is a fellow blogger. Of course, being a bass singer myself, I can’t help but favor Mike Allen. He has such a smooth and natural bass sound. Folks will recognize Allen from his time with the Gaither Homecoming Series and also his tenure with Phil Cross & Poet Voices.

The Grand Ole Gospel Reunion is mostly made up of old timers and considering the ages of Hill and Baize, they fit right in. However, their sound was impeccable. While they may not be doing many quick dance steps, vocally, the Prophets can hang right in there with much younger groups like the Dove Brothers, Dixie Echoes, and Southern Sound.

I have yet to buy a new Prophets CD, but there is a pretty in-depth review of their first project over at the Southern Gospel Albums Review. I hope to hear more from this awesome quartet very soon!

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Grand Ole Gospel Reunion 2008 - Review

The 21st Annual, Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, kicked off this past Thursday, at the downtown Marriott in Knoxville. It continued with concerts, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15-16, at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Just like last year, I attended the GOGR and had a great time. Of course any time I am around Southern Gospel music, I have a great time. Groups such as the Dove Brothers, Inspirations, Southern Sound, Blackwoods, Melody Boys Qt., Dixie Echoes, and of course the most excellent, Chuck Wagon Gang, were all present! If you are a Southern Gospel music lover, you should've been there!

We arrived at the Civic Auditorium about 30 minutes before show time so we could browse the product tables. The first thing we noticed was that the attendance seemed lower than the same time last year. I guesstimate there was between 600-700 people there on the first night and probably closer to 800 on the second night. Of course it's a little hard to tell in such a big place. I don't know how to get information on actual ticket sales or attendance, so I might be off some on my count. Regardless, we didn't have any trouble getting around the product tables on the first night.

The music started off kind of slow on the first night, with less popular folks, and some instrumentalists kicking things off. As the night went on, the groups got better. It was a complete opposite on the second night, because the Chuck Wagon Gang started things off on Saturday night and were followed up by the Melody Boys and the Dove Brothers, three of the biggest acts of the entire night within the first 30 minutes!

Charlie Waller was a little tamer this year than he was last year. He only said a few off-color jokes, including a tasteless Brokeback Mountain crack on baritone, Buddy Burton. But, there were no cell phone tirades or anything of the such this year. Don't get me wrong, he still let everyone know that he was large and in charge of the show... as well as the new Florida Boys quartet that he recently acquired, which, by the way, you can go and see 6-nights a week in Pigeon Forge, TN.

One of the groups that I.M.H.O. doesn't get enough recognition is the Southern Sound Quartet. These guys rock! They have a very tight sound. In fact, while I am typing this post, I am listening to their latest project, 'Reflections...A Tribute,' which I bought tonight. The CD is a tribute to Hovie Lister and the Statesmen. It is jam packed with 16 songs. As their baritone singer, Trevor Haley, said, "at just 15 bucks, that's less than a dollar a song!" Great group and great sound.

The Melody Boys were spectacular of course. Gerald Williams couldn't sing a bad note if he tried. I was happy that long time Melody Boy, Jonathan Sawrie, was present to sing with them on Saturday night. TMB always have that great quartet sound that I love.

I didn't have my picture made with anyone this year. I just feel so awkward asking. So I turn into a sneaky paparazzi...just ask Penny Greene of the Chuck Wagon Gang! So I'm slinking around trying to snap some candid shots of various singers. I'm really zooming in on Penny. She catches me out of the corner of her eye and calls me out! Ever her graceful self, she kindly poses with a big smile and then threatens to get me if I don't delete the bad pictures. Dave Emery warns me that she is serious! I had the best time just hanging around the Chuck's product table. Of course I had to buy their latest project, 'Reminiscing,' which is excellent by the way. Honestly, I could have came out, listened to the CWG, went home and been totally satisfied. Where a lot of groups like to stand on stage and blabber and tell a bunch of jokes, the Chuck Wagon Gang take to the stage and pour their heart and soul into their music, with very little interruption. They are indeed a class act.

A lot of folks come out just to see/hear the Dove Brothers. In their short 10-years of existence they have captured a large audience and loyal fan base. I really enjoy hearing them myself, especially bass singer, David Hester. He has one of the best bass voices in all of Southern Gospel. Tenor, Jerry Martin, is a great one too. I'm a big fan of his from back when he was with the Kingsmen. Of course, McCray Dove makes up the Dove Brother's signature sound.

The Dixie Echoes were excellent as always. The Shelnuts have a long tradition of great Southern Gospel music. They always surround themselves with some of the most talented folks in the industry. I was really impressed that they had such a polished sound considering that at this same time last year, they had a different bass singer and tenor. Never fear, talent is always near, and their new bass singer, Pat Barker, was superb. He even looks a lot like their previous bass, Tracy Couch. Newly acquired tenor, Wesley Smith, was also top notch. I'm sure after a few more months he will be as polished as former tenor, Dallas Rogers.

There is much more to blog about, but it is now 2:30 AM and I've got to get some sleep so I will be able to lead the choir tomorrow at church. I'll be uploading a ton of pictures that I took over the past 2 days and discussing it in more detal. More info on the all new 'Prophet's Quartet,' and about the possible end of the GOGR. So stay tuned!

UPDATE: Photos have been uploaded, see them HERE.

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HisVoice Concert Review - Knoxville, TN

I had been looking forward to hearing the Southern Gospel trio, HisVoice, for some time. I have been enjoying their MySpace page and the songs on it plus one of their CD's from a few years back. But, I had never seen the group in person. I had only spoken with the group's manager/baritone, Allen Davenport, a few times via e-mail. You never know what to expect when you invite a group out to sing. Will they be Spiritual? Will they follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit? Or will they be self-centered and all about themselves? Well, tonight I found out...read on.

We arrived at the church about 30 minutes before starting time. One of the deacons had let the group in at 4:00 to set up their equipment. No one else was present yet besides my family and the members of HisVoice. They were wrapping things up with their setup and doing some final mic checks. I introduced myself to Allen and then went out front to greet folks as they arrived. Everyone seemed really excited to hear the group sing and lots of fellowship and laughter could be heard as folks slowly started filtering in.

We opened up the service with a couple of congregational hymns and welcomed everyone to the church. I quickly got out of the way in order to let HisVoice minister and worship with us. They walked up to their mics and immediately began belting out a hand-clapping rendition of "I Kept On Searching." I knew from the get-go that we were in for a real treat. It’s no wonder that this group was just signed to a major recording contract with the Eddie Crook Company in Nashville. The trio has a tight sound with very strong vocal harmonies. They use pre-recorded tracks that their sound guy, Sonny Hinkle, expertly delivers on queue.

Next they dove into an old Mcruder's hit, "I'm Going Home With Jesus." Then my very favorite song of the entire night, "Stacking Some Stones Up." This one was lead by Alto, Kristen Kitts. I was crying like a baby before she even got through the first verse. The song talks of the children of Israel after they crossed the Jordan River and had built an altar of stone to make sacrifice and to remind them of what God had brought them through. This is a very touching song and there wasn't a dry eye in the entire house. I was so happy that they decided to sing the entire song again. Kristen has a very beautiful and strong alto voice, I could listen to her sing all day long.

The next song on their list was "Mission Not Impossible." I had never heard this one before but it was a very catchy tune and Soprano, Alysia Haluska, did an outstanding job working the crowd and singing praises. She had a huge smile on her face the entire time she was on stage and you couldn’t help but smile back when you looked at her. It was very contagious! Up next was a song that said, "You Picked the Right Time to Leave the Wrong Thing Behind." Followed up with Allen leading out on, "The Story Untold."

“He Chose this Valley For Me,” was my second favorite song of the night. Of course it was another that I cried through the entire time. I wasn’t the only one though. I looked over at our pastor and could see that he wasn’t able to contain himself either, as he was crying his eyes out and lifting his hands toward Heaven in praise. “Grace Abounds,” was the next song. Alysia did another spectacular job on this one.

After a heart-wrenching story by Allen, the group jumped into the Talley Trio’s, “Broken Ones.” My kids have loved this song ever since they first heard Lauren Talley sing it a few months ago. If this song doesn’t touch you, then you can’t be touched. It’s not only touching but the words are so true. Immediately following, they made an altar call with the beautiful, “He Can’t Pick Up What You Won’t Lay Down.” As folks were praying around the altar, the group broke into, “There Is A Remedy,” followed up with “Amazing Love.”

As they say, all good things must end, and so did our time with HisVoice. They ended things with the upbeat, “I’m Free.” After a few words from our Pastor and a final altar call, we reluctantly dismissed and made our way back home. It was truly a wonderful night of Southern Gospel music and worship with HisVoice. You might want to book this group at your church while you still can because I am predicting big things for them and I’m sure their schedule is going to fill up quickly!

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The Hood Family Concert Review

The Hood Family of Knoxville, TN came to Highland Baptist Church for it's 66th annual homecoming. This is a very sincere and spirit-filled family of singers. A lot of groups are only interested in showing up at their appointed time, stepping off of their bus, singing, and then leaving. Not these folks! They actually participated in our worship services by attending Sunday school and singing in the choir.

They sang at both the morning worship service and the after lunch singing service. They have a wide variety of songs which feature each member of the group. This group has a good full sound. Linda Hood has a very pleasing alto voice that is reminiscent of Peg McKamey. In fact, there was one point that I closed my eyes and would have sworn that Peg was on the stage singing. Sam Hood has a very rich and powerful voice. He was a very nice addition to my choir! Their daughter, Jamie Hobby, did a fantastic job despite the fact that she was feeling ill. She also gave a very heart-felt testimony of how God delivered her from cancer.

If you are looking for an excellent local group to sing at your church, you should give the Hood Family a call (865) 573-7883. You won't be disappointed!

For more information on the Hood Family and to listen to samples of their music, click HERE.

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Forgiven concert review - Knoxville, TN

I had never heard the group, Forgiven, sing live before. I had only listened to their CD, Live at Sunset Heights, which I have enjoyed tremendously. I recently had the privilege of meeting group founders, Kevin & Dianna Beeler, at their home in Knoxville. I immediately hit it off with them and could tell that they really enjoyed singing Southern Gospel music. This past Sunday, they proved that love to the entire congregation at Highland Baptist Church.

Forgiven's, Dianna Beeler, started things off with a song called, "I Need A Blessing," which received a good reaction from the crowd. They then went into a nice rendition of, "Thank You Lord for Your Blessings On Me," immediately followed up with a peppy version of, "Glory Road." Then they paused long enough to introduce the group and ask if the music was too loud or too soft, something that I wish all groups would do. Fortunately, the sound was just perfect and we didn't have to hold our hands over our ears or strain to hear them.

After group introductions they tore into song after song, only stopping briefly between numbers to catch their breath or give a quick testimony, including Dianna's account of receiving her salvation during Vacation Bible School when she was young girl.

I enjoyed every song that Forgiven sang, but, probably my very favorite was one Kevin Beeler sang solo on, "The Old Man Is Dead." Kevin has a voice good enough to put most country music singers to shame, and could probably have a great career in that genre, but instead he is using his talents to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. He is also a talented musician, playing the piano and guitar.

Not only are Kevin and Dianna talented, so are the rest of the members of Forgiven. Alto, Carolyn Wolfe, did an outstanding singing job, and her husband, Darrell, was good on the drums. Young bass player, Philip Wood, solidified the group's sound with his flawless playing.

I lost count of the number of songs that they sang, but it was close to twenty. I could have continued listening to them for hours, but eventually all good things must come to an end.

If you have the opportunity to go to a Forgiven concert or have them come to your church to worship and minister, you won't be disappointed. This group is talented and Spiritual. Check out their official website here.

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