Crist Family Promoted To Horizon Records

One thing that I noticed, but failed to mention in my review of the Crist Family’s latest, Declaration, is that it was released on Horizon Records, which is the label for Crossroads’ top groups (Kingsmen, Kingdom Heirs, etc.) and I wondered if their previous were on Horizon or the development label, Crossroads.  My question was answered in the latest press release from Crossroads.  They have promoted the Crist Family up to Horizon Records, and as I’m sure you can tell from the review I gave the CD, it’s a well deserved promotion.  Congratulations to the Crist Family.

Here’s the press release:

Thursday, April 23rd was a day of celebration at Crossroads as The Crist Family were promoted within the company to the Horizon Records label. Their new recording, Declaration has just released this April and Crossroads anticipates an incredible positive response to this exciting family’s new material. “Rich Crist and I wanted to continue to move the Crist family further out of the box, showcasing the Crist Family’s ever-growing talent. We’re all very pleased with the outcome and have been overwhelmed at the positive response from buyers already,” states co-producer Jeff Collins. “I also recently had the pleasure of seeing the Crist Family live in concert as they premiered much of the new material. The audience response was phenomenal!” Mickey Gamble, A&R Director for Horizon Records remarked, “several years ago, I knew there was something very special about the Crist Family when I first met them. They are a class act and represent integrity and quality for our industry.” The Crist Family’s Declaration, released in April, is available through Crossroads via digital download and compact disc.

Clark, Higinbotham Depart Canaan Records

According to the latest press release from Canaan, Dave Clark and Emily Higinbotham have left Canaan Records and accepted positions at Lillenas.  From the press release:

In associated news, Lillenas Publishing Company announced today that Dave Clark is joining the company as Director of Creative Development, Publishing, and A&R (artist and repertoire).  In addition, Emily Higinbotham is joining Lillenas as Associate Director of Creative Development, Publishing, and A&R. Both Clark and Higinbotham reside in Nashville and will maintain their Nashville offices.

“We have appreciated Dave Clark’s leadership in re-establishing the Canaan Records imprint and helping to lay the foundation for the label’s future in the digital marketplace. We wish him the best of success in his new venture with Lillenas,” commented Rod Riley, COO of Word Entertainment.

Dave Clark added, “As I look back through the years, God has had the Church at the center of every major intersection on my life. My roots with Lillenas Publishing Company go very deep and I am so thankful for the rare opportunity to blend my love for the Church with my passion for music. I am thankful for the experience and friendships gained at my time with Canaan Records and look forward this new chapter with a great sense of optimism.”

As a songwriter, Clark’s songs have been recorded by many of today’s top Christian recording artists including Larnelle Harris, Philips Craig & Dean, CeCe Winans, and 4HIM. Along with authoring close to thirty musicals, Clark recently celebrated his 25^th Number One song, and was awarded the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ (ASCAP) 2009 Living Legend Award.  He is also currently a student at Nazarene Bible College based in Colorado Springs, CO.

Emily Higinbotham has combined her extensive musical education with her natural musical ability to have a widespread impact on the Christian music industry. Emily most recently served as Project Coordinator and Marketing Manager for Canaan Records. She has also served as royalty administrator, administrative assistant, session contractor, and vocal producer for many recording sessions featuring some of Nashville’s top musicians. Featured among her recordings are a number of children’s musicals including the 2009 Dove-nominated children’s Christmas musical, Angels We Have Heard.

For more information on Canaan Records, visit www.canaanrecords.com.

Contact:  info@canaanrecords.com

Congratulations to both on their new positions, and best wishes for continued success. Emily Higinbotham has especially been very supportive of this blog, and always quick to answer any questions I’ve sent her way, and for that, Emily, I thank you. It will be interesting to see what unfolds in the coming weeks and months at Word/Canaan.

More On Steve Ladd & Gold City

I went ahead and posted the news last night as soon as I heard it (do you realize how hard it is to type a blog post on a Blackberry?), but I wanted to give some more thoughts on Steve Ladd and where Gold City goes from here. I’ll admit I was not a fan of the choice of Ladd at the time he was hired, and I was very skeptical about how he would fit with Gold City. After hearing “About The Cross” on First Class, I was reassured that he would do alright. Then came “Preach The Word.” I’ve said here before that I wasn’t a fan of the Revival CD as a whole, but this song is a stark contrast to my feelings on the album as a whole. This song, and Steve’s performance, cemented me as a Steve Ladd fan. If you listen to his early Anchormen recordings and then to “Preach The Word” or any of his features on Moment Of Truth, the difference and maturity in Steve’s voice is like night and day. Lots of respect to someone who obviously worked very hard to hone his skill. Steve, I can admit that I was wrong in doubting you at first, and you will be sorely missed.

So now where does GC go from here? Daniel Mount has an interesting take that they may go for someone with a more contemporary edge to his voice, and Kyle Boreing is I think going along those same lines with his thoughts about Wes Hampton. I’ll agree with that reasoning and suggest a name as well. Gold City (Danny R.) take a good look at Jeremie Hudson. I don’t think Jeremie is singing with anyone since leaving the Imperials, he has that progressive/contemporary edge to his voice, he definitely has the range, and he is versatile enough to handle the more traditional sounds. Read my review of the Imps’ Back To The Roots and you’ll find that out. An added bonus is that he sang with Bruce Taliaferro previously, so there is some history there already.

Steve Ladd Departs Gold City

According to Averyfineline, Gold City has announced via myspace that Steve Ladd is leaving the group to take a position as minister of music at a church in the Gadsden area. Ladd had been with the group for 5 years, and really helped to define the group’s new sound. Watch for more info to come.

UPDATE: More info can be found here.

Cross & Crown Music Forms

Apparently, the Eddie Crook Company is no more, having been sold according to this press release I received last night:

Cross & Crown Music launched this week just outside Nashville, Tennessee.  Cross & Crown Records, 4 Square, Morning Star and Cedar Hill record labels are encompassed within the music company.  The recording labels are currently home to Heirline, the Kirklands, New Ground, the Greesons, Diane Rudd, the Northmen and a plethora of other well known Southern Gospel artists.  The company plans to release classic favorites from the Morning Star label and are pursuing additional musicians to add to their ever growing roster.  Cross & Crown Music will also offer custom projects for groups who desire the experience and excitement of recording in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rev. Gary Gabbard, his brother Rev. Keith Gabbard and Garnie Yeager recently purchased Cross & Crown Music, which was formerly known as the Eddie Crook Company.  Gary and Keith are 4^th Generation preachers and pastors.  Gary is the President of The Gabbard Evangelistic Association in Butler, KY, while Keith serves as Vice-President.  Gary has traveled as a manager and baritone with his family, The Gabbards.  His unique perspective as a traveling artist and evangelist  not only give him an insight into the challenges facing those that sing and minister, but also those challenges that come from standing up for the greatest message on the earth, that of Jesus Christ.  In ministry, he is known for his uncompromising stance for the Gospel of Christ and demand for the highest of integrity when representing our great King Jesus.  As President of Cross & Crown Music, he has dedicated the company to that same standard of service to the artist and the Gospel message that they proclaim.

“I am filled with excitement and anticipation with what the Lord has in store for the artist associated with Cross & Crown Music.  Our rich heritage has provided a stable foundation for building the influence of our artist within the industry and taking their ministries to the highest level.  As we begin this journey, I believe that the Lord will bless our efforts for his kingdom and build lasting relationships for our artist, the fans and hopefully the world,” commented Gary.

Garnie continued, “The first song I remember singing in church was a chorus titled, ‘God Can Do Anything But Fail.’  I have firmly believed that chorus throughout my life as a follower of Him!  I grew up in a Christian home with loving parents and siblings.  I was the only one that really got into the music thing, but my family encouraged me rather than discouraged me.  I started singing in church at an early age and music has been a staple in ALL of my life.  I always had a dream to be a part of a Gospel group and God allowed that to happen.  It is such a blessing to sing his praises and give him the glory in everything.  Little did I know he would also allow me to be a part of the Gospel music industry in Nashville. We, at Cross & Crown Music, want to make this company a ‘real’ music company. God owns the company, we just are His vessels doing the best we can to make it real for our artists.  We want to be the type of company our artists believes in and feels a part of the family.  According to Webster, the word ‘real’ means not artificial but practical and genuine.  We want Cross & Crown to be that type of company.”

Brian Lawing has been named Vice President of Artist Relations by Cross & Crown Music.  Brian is no stranger to the Christian music industry.  He has been involved in all aspects of the music business, from traveling and singing to working behind the scenes in management and booking dates.  As Marketing Manager at Salem Publishing, Brian worked on great publications like Singing News, CCM Magazine and Homecoming Magazine. Brian calls Hendersonville, TN home with his beautiful wife Krystal and their three daughters.  Brian and his family are very active members at Cornerstone Church in Madison, TN.

“I have worked with Brian Lawing for many years and I am thrilled to see him play such a integral part in Southern Gospel music.  He has great ideas and implements them with such enthusiasm.  I expect to see great things come from his new venture at Cross & Crown Music,”  stated Beckie Simmons, BSA World.

Cross & Crown Music has also launched a brand new website at www.crossandcrownmusic.com.  Please visit the site or call 615-851-1360 for more information on Cross & Crown Music or to inquire about Cross & Crown Records, 4 Square, Morning Star and Cedar Hill record labels.

Cross & Crown Music Contact:
Brian Lawing
Brian.lawing@crossandcrownmusic.com
615-851-1360 ext 105

Best wishes to all involved in the transition.  This will be interesting to observe over the next few months to see what kind of changes take place.

Marshall Hall’s Future

Daniel Mount has the scoop on Marshall Hall’s future plans. I, too, am intrigued that Hall is releasing a solo CD on Daywind, instead of a CCM/P&W label. I’m also a bit surprised that it is going to be on a non-Gaither label, I would have expected him to release a CD on GMG or Spring Hill/Spring House (whatever they’re calling themselves these days). At any rate, I’m sure this will satisfy the curiosity of a bunch of Gaither fans who have been wondering what Marsh was up to for the past few months.

Review: Crist Family – Declaration

“Taking musical risks keeps us and the music fresh.”  This statement was made to me by Rich Crist in discussing this, the Crist Family’s newest release titled Declaration.  Be looking for an interview with Rich in the next few days, but first let’s talk about the album.  This album is chock full of “musical risks”, and in this reviewer’s opinion, overwhelmingly succeeds.  Since I got an actual CD from the group, I have access to liner notes, which details the featured vocalist(s) on each song.  This is very much appreciated, thanks guys for including the information!

Tracks:

1. Declaration Of The Christ – The album gets started with this mid to uptempo song from the pen of Sandy Knight.  It’s very progressive, borrowing a bit of its feel from 80s pop.  It almost sounds like something from the Russ Taff era Imperials.  Rich Crist and Tami Starkel are featured on this song, and it serves as a great opener to the disc.  Not only is it a declaration of Christ’s Messiahship and a “Christian creed”, but it also serves as a musical declaration that this group is taking a major step forward.  Wonderful opening song.  9/10
2. Nothin’ But Good – This song, written by Rebecca Peck and John Mathis, Jr.,  has recently been released by Crossroads as the debut single from the project.  It’s got a bit of a soul feel that really showcases Tami Starkel’s vocals.  As this group does so well, they weave some nice think harmonies around Tami’s lead vocal.  This type of song is one of the styles that the group really excels in singing.  Tami Starkel has the soul and power in her voice to really pull this off.  Good choice for a radio single.  8.5/10
3. My Heart Knows – Gary Coolbeth contributed this beautiful song.  Jackie Crist takes the lead, and the only other vocals are her older sister Breana and her dad Rich.  The song is given an Allison Krauss type arrangement, and the lyrics are a wonderful message of reassurance of salvation amidst intellectual doubts and challenges.  Jackie puts the perfect interpretation on this song, and makes it one of the highlights of the album.  The trio harmonies are spectacular.  This may be a great followup single.  10/10
4. Start With Me – This is the first big “musical risk” on the album.  Rich Crist sings this song with all female background vocals.  Written by Marty Funderburk and Paul Williams, this song would have been right at home on Contemporary Christian radio 10-15 years ago.  Programmed percussion, some stinging guitars and powerful vocals by Rich and the ladies highlight this great song about personal reflection on each of our own Christian walks.  The arrangement on this song steps way out of the box of typical SG fare, but it is also one of my absolute favorites on the album.  Rich does an incredible job on his vocal and shows some nice power and range, especially after the key change.  Can I give this a 12/10?  I absolutely love this song.  10/10
5. He Knows The Way Home – Here comes another surprise.  From the pen of David Patillo, this song features Tom Joyce with a lead vocal in a higher bass or baritone range.  The choruses feature a male trio with Tom keeping the lead and John Starkel and Rich Crist stacked above him.  There are also some sparse female background harmonies beginning with the second verse and continuing on occasion throughout the rest of the song.  Stylistically this is a country flavored ballad.  Tom does a good job on his feature.  The placement of this song is interesting right next to a heavily progressive “Start With Me”.  Putting the song at this point in the CD almost serves as a reminder to the listener that while the Crist Family will push the musical envelope, they are still solidly a SG group.  Good song.  8/10
6. Only What God Can Do – This song, penned by Sandy Knight and Rodney Birch, represents another big risk.  This is the most involved and advanced arrangement on the album.  The song starts with a progressive, syncopated rhythm in a minor key for the verses, the first of which is sung by Tami Starkel and Breana Crist, the second performed by Tami and Rich Crist.  The chorus changes to a major key and changes to a straight ahead 4/4 rhythm, except for the last two lines, which return to the syncopated beat of the verses.  Then there is the bridge which occurs twice.  It’s given almost a funk treatment with some heavy vocal effects applied to the round-like vocals.  After the bridge that follows the second chorus, the key modulates up a half step and the chorus is repeated.  Then the bridge is repeated in an abbreviated form to a tag with nice tight harmonies.  It really is an incredibly inventive arrangement, and I love it.  9/10
7. The Rock – Once again the risk is followed by a more straightforward SG song, this time a fairly traditional midtempo anthemic song penned by Joseph Habedank and Matthew Holt.  The verses feature a solo by Rich Crist, a trio with Rich, Lisa Crist, and Tami Starkel, and then a solo by Tami.  While the arrangement on this isn’t an adventurous one like the previous song, the song itself is in no way weaker.  On the contrary, this is a very powerful song about the Resurrection.  This should become a very popular song for the Crist Family.  9/10
8. There’s A Song In There Somewhere – This is a nice ballad that has a bit of an Adult Contemporary feel to it.  The song features Rich with all female background vocals again.  This is a very pretty song written by Sue Smith and Joel Lindsey that is performed beautifully by Rich and the ladies.  It’s not flashy, but very pretty.  8/10
9. I’ll Sing A New Song – John Robinson contributed this song, which is given an uptempo “newgrass” flavored treatment.  John Starkel get the lead on the first verse, and sings the second verse as a duet with Breana Crist.  The chorus features some great group vocals, and the bridge lets Jackie Crist get a couple of solo lines in.  Another good, solid tune.  I am glad that John gets a feature here, as his baritone vocals may be overlooked, but really provide the richness to the blend of the group and allows Tom Joyce to sing some nice low bass notes, especially on their acappella numbers.  Great job, John!  This song gets your toes tapping.  9/10
10. There Is No Other Name – Rebecca Peck and Steve Cheney wrote this song, and it is absolutely spectacular.  It is given an Inspirational ballad arrangement, and features Tami Starkel on the first verse, but the rest of the song is full group vocals.  Very powerful lyrics, and a power harmony filled arrangement make for another highlight of the album.  The tag leads up to an incredibly high power ending.  This song may well become the signature song for the group and I would definitely release this song to radio.  What a terrific song.  This is another one I’d love to give a 12.  Fantastic.  10/10
11. More Than Wonderful – Lanny Wolfe’s classic that was recorded by Sandi Patti and Larnelle Harris is given the Crist Family’s acappella treatment.  As with their previous acappella numbers, there is thick lush harmony throughout, and Tami Starkel and Rich Crist take the duet lines by Patti and Harris surrounded by a wall of vocal harmonies.  The Crist Family is simply amazing when it comes to acappella singing and arranging.  10/10

Overall: 10 This is the first CD that I’ve rated as a 10/10, but this one is absolutely worth it.  I really can’t fault anything here.  The song selection is strong, and represents a major step forward from their previous releases, which were already good.  I don’t know of another group in Southern Gospel music that puts as much effort into their arrangements or challenges themselves musically more than the Crist Family (except maybe the Ball Brothers), and though they really stuck their necks out on some of these arrangements, they’ve pulled them off masterfully.  While there is a wide variety of styles on the disc, and a lot of different featured vocalists (which is very welcome and nice to see), the album still feels well put together, and not a mish mash of songs and styles, as it well could have been.  A ton of credit goes to Rich Crist and Jeff Collins for their work producing this album.  Declaration is absolutely a must-have for this year, and serves as a declaration that the Crist Family is stepping up as a major player in SG music.  This is an absolutely incredible album, and all involved should be extremely proud of their efforts.  Declaration, indeed.

Legacy Five Offering Downloadable Sheet Music

In their latest e-newsletter, Legacy Five discusses their frequent requests for sheet music.  Kudos to them for being honest enough to say that there just isn’t enough demand to make printing the songbooks economically feasible (money that is better spent elsewhere), but they’ve come up with an interesting alternative.  They are going to be offering a pdf download of the sheet music to the song “God’s Been Good” for $5 on their website.  They will print you off a copy and mail it to you for $8.  They are just experimenting with this one song (which they have said is the most requested for sheet music), and if it goes well, they may offer downloadable sheet music for other songs as well, and potentially even full albums.  This is a great idea, and a good way to think “out of the box” to meet a significant, if not numerically large, demand.  Do you know of any other groups that offer pdf downloads of sheet music?

New Singing News Site To Release May 1

For a while now, Singing News/Salem has held the rights to http://www.southerngospel.com.  Until a few weeks ago, the site was basically a mirror of the SN site.  Then a month or so ago, there was a change on the southerngospel.com site with a radically different design, but similar content as the SN main site.  Now the SN is previewing a new site design which, ironically enough, is the exact same as what was on southerngospel.com.  It’s going to be a pretty drastic design change when it takes effect on May 1, so I’d check out the new site while it’s available for testing to feel your way around the new navigation structure.

Talley Trio Hits #1 In June

According to this comment on AVFL, the Talley Trio’s “Life Goes On” will be #1 in June.  This is the title track to the group’s latest album, and is a great song.  It’s also notable that this makes the 10th song to hit #1 for the group, and the third straight single.  Congrats to the Talley Trio, the Life Goes On project was one of the strongest of the year in 2008.