Kellan Monroe Departs Beyond The Ashes

Kellan Monroe, via his Facebook page, has announced his departure from Beyond The Ashes after 3 years with the group.  From his post:

As of May 1, I have stepped down from my position with Beyond The Ashes.  The past three years have been nothing short of incredible and I am forever grateful that God allowed me to live my dream!  I sang with the greatest guys in all the world, on stage and off.  I am very excited about this new season and direction in my life and thankful for all God is doing.  Thank you to Anthony Facello, Dustin Doyle, Dusty Wells, Rob Estep and all of the BTA team who helped me grow, learn, and love like Jesus.  Your impact on my life is invaluable.

Thank you to the countless friends, fans and family I made on the road for your love and support!  Keep up with the guys and watch God do some amazing things in the ministry of BTA.  Love y’all!

This will create an interesting shift in the sound of Beyond The Ashes.  The recent addition of Dustin Doyle, with the departure of Monroe’s unique baritone voice, means that the sound of the group will have almost completely changed in the last couple of years.  I really enjoyed what Kellan brought to Beyond The Ashes, and wish him well in his new direction, and also best wishes and prayers to Beyond The Ashes as they search for someone to replace Kellan Monroe.

A Piece Of Southern Gospel History

I was completely surprised during our Sunday morning service yesterday.  Since October, I’ve served as our church pianist, so I was sitting at the piano yesterday ready to start playing for our “Prelude”/”Meet and Greet”/”Organized Chaos” time, when I was called to the pulpit along with one of my fellow deacons.  It turns out Curtis had been going through some boxes of records from his parents’ house over the weekend.  I was then presented with this:

What you are looking at is an album with  six 78 rpm records of The Blackwood Brothers, on the old Blackwood Brothers Quartet label.  A little research has shown that these records are from 1949, when the group was still based in Shenandoah, Iowa.  Personnel were Dan Huskey – Tenor, James Blackwood – Lead, RW Blackwood – Baritone, Bill Lyles – Bass, and Jackie Marshall – Piano.  Here is the label of one of the albums:

The songs contained in this album are:

Only A Look/Hide Me In Thy Bosom
Peace Like A River/Joy, Joy
Over The Moon/Do You Know Him
There’s A God Somewhere/What Could I Do
My Desire/Working On The Building

The last record contains two songs per side, but is unfortunately broken.  It has:

Side A: The Old Time Faith Is What We Need/How About You
Side B: Is He Satisfied/Amazing Grace

Anyone out there ever been able to successfully repair a broken 78?  I’d thought about trying some epoxy, or even some super glue.  I’d love to be able to repair it, even if only long enough to create a digital copy of the recording.

The album cover and pages are in excellent shape, and with the exception of the last album, the records look to be in excellent condition as well.  I can’t tell you what it means to me that Curtis would give me this treasure, and I know he reads the blog, so for the 3000th time in the last 24 hours, thank you so much!  Once I successfully get these converted to digital, I’ll update you readers on how they sound, and give you some thoughts on this stunning piece of SG history.

Review: Beyond The Ashes – Living In The Moment

This is the first release on Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun’s StowTown label for Beyond The Ashes, and also marks lead singer Dustin Doyle’s first mainline project since joining with tenor Anthony Facello and baritone Kellan Monroe.  Wayne Haun produced this album for Beyond The Ashes.

Tracks:

1. So Amazing To Me – Written by Wayne Haun and Rachel McCutcheon, the CD gets off to a bit of a mellow start with this smooth ballad that has a bit of a pop/R&B feel.  Anthony Facello has the melody line with Doyle and Monroe underneath him for the first verse and chorus.  Facello sings the second verse solo before being rejoined by the other vocalists for the ensuing chorus.  The lyric is structured and reminiscent of something that would come out of the modern P&W movement.  There’s some really nice harmony and chord progressions on the bridge.  I’m a sucker for a major 7th chord.  The first two lines of “Amazing Grace” end the bridge with a key change and repeat of the chorus.  It’s a good way to start.  Fairly subdued, but with flashes of what’s to come on the disc.  8.5/10
2. Living In The Moment – Fans of rock music may recognize this Jason Mraz tune that was penned by Mraz and Richard Nowels.  Dustin Doyle is given the lead on this tune, and it’s a great fit for his voice.  This is a midtempo song that has a bouncy pop feel.  While the song is not an explicit gospel message, it is a good message about worry that puts to mind the listener of the words of Christ to not worry about tomorrow.  Dustin has the verses solo, with Facello joining on the last line or two of the verses and Monroe joining on the chorus.  This style fits the group well, and shows off their smooth blend.  The fact that it is a secular song may turn some people off, but I really like it, and it fits the group perfectly.  9/10
3. Oh The Thought That Jesus Loves Me – Originally recorded by The Collingsworth Family, this song from Wayne Haun and Lyn Rowell and is given a similar acoustic ballad treatment here.  Beyond The Ashes may have actually slowed the tempo just a bit from the Collingsworths version.  Anthony Facello and Dustin Doyle trade off on the melody line through the first verse and chorus.  The key changes and Monroe takes the second verse as a solo.  Doyle takes the third verse and makes a strong debut.  He’s got a strong voice, but can sing incredibly smooth as well.  The chorus has a fantastic smooth sound.  9/10
4. No Sin Greater Than God’s Grace – Anthony Facello and Rachel McCutcheon contributed this midtempo pop flavored ballad.  Facello takes the solo on the verses and keeps the melody through the chorus.  Anthony has really developed into a top notch tenor vocalist from his days with Heaven Bound and the Journeymen.  This is another solid tune that has a neat key change at the end of the bridge.  It would actually make for a good radio release.  It shows their progressive style without being too far “out there.”  8.5/10
5. Peace In The Midst Of The Storm – Written by Stephen Adams, this is a soulful ballad that features Dustin Doyle.  Doyle will likely make a lot of fans with this song.  It could very well become a sugar stick for him.  The first verse is fairly subdued with some nice vocals from the group in the chorus.  After another fairly subdued second verse, the key goes up a half step and Doyle shines on the third verse.  It’s actually one of the more traditional sounding cuts on the disc, but it’s a good performance.  The only little quirk I have is the ending is fairly plain and a bit abrupt.  Minor quibble on a nice song.  8.5/10
6. Walking With My Eyes On Jesus – Rachel McCutcheon wrote midtempo song that returns to the bouncy pop/R&B feel that again features Dustin Doyle.  Once again, Doyle shines on this tune.  It’s a catchy tune and lyric that will get stuck in your head.  Solid song.  8.5/10
7. I Can’t Do This By Myself – Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun penned this ballad that features Anthony Facello.  It’s a nice lyric that reminds us of our inability to live a life pleasing to God in our own strength.  The chorus features some nice harmonies from the trio.  The last couple of lines have a unique rhythm to them, almost as if there is a line of lyric missing.  It’s still a very solid cut that wouldn’t sound out of place on a  Brian Free and Assurance album.  9/10
8. Where The Gold Begins – Kellan Monroe is featured on this tune from the team of Carl Cartee, Joseph Dustin Daniels, Allen Stanford Dukes, David Blake Neesmith, Aaron Daniel Tomberlin, and Nathan Timothy Tomberlin.  It’s an acoustic pop flavored midtempo tune.  Once again, this song fits Kellan’s voice perfectly.  It’s a story song about an elderly saint’s last moments on Earth and first moments in Heaven.  I love the line that directly compares the two locations, “I’ve finally reached the place where gravel ends, and gold begins.”  Monroe’s voice has a gritty edge to edge that communicates well in this style.  Don’t miss this song, it’s a definite highlight of the disc.  9.5/10
9. When Love Whispers Your Name – This song comes from the pens of Ernie Haase and Joel Lindsey.  Dustin Doyle is featured on this moving ballad.  I love the touch of the first verse starting with just Doyle’s vocal and solo piano.  There’s no high ending, nothing incredibly flashy, but Dustin does a great job putting the right amount of emotion in this tender lyric.  Another very solid song.  8.5/10
10. Your Love Comes Shining Through – Wayne Haun and Jimmy Yeary contribute this bouncy little tune featuring Dustin Doyle.  This is another pop styled tune that works very well for the group.  It’s another really catchy tune, from the piano on the introduction to the end of the tag.  This is a song that leaves your toe tapping and smile plastered on your face.  Doyle’s lead vocal on this song is spot on.  This would also make a great radio choice.  9/10
11. Over For Good – The disc concludes with this song from the songwriting combo of Marcy Each, Karen Gillespie, and Kimberly Walling Ford.  The soulful sound comes back on this tune that features Dustin Doyle.  Once again, while the vocals are very much soul influenced with pop stylings, the track is fairly standard fare for SG listeners.  Doyle does a great job on this song that concludes the CD with a great performance.  9/10

Overall: 9  There may not be a huge, knock your socks off song on this album, but there also isn’t one that will have you reaching for the skip button.  Beyond The Ashes has really found their niche on the pop/R&B progressive end of the Southern Gospel spectrum, and the addition of Dustin Doyle has solidified their spot.  Mark it down, Dustin Doyle will be recognized as one of the genre’s top lead vocalists, and sooner rather than later.  Anthony Facello has developed a nice strong, full tone with a lot of soul in the tenor spot, Doyle is a star in the making, and Monroe has one of the most unique baritone voices in SG music.  These three guys are all outstanding vocalists, and producer Wayne Haun really brought out the best in them on this album.  While there may not be the one great song on this disc, it’s chock full of very good songs, the performances are exquisite, the arrangements well done, and this is one of the strongest CDs I’ve had the opportunity to review in quite a while.  Don’t miss out on this CD, it is a job well done!

Forgotten Albums: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound – Great Love

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is one of the most polarizing groups in our industry today, but there’s no denying their immense popularity.  This year marks 10 years since the group hit the scene running, and they’ve had immense success, especially after they hooked up with Gaither.  They have released album after album to market success and critical acclaim, but one album seems to be forgotten in the group’s history, and I consider it to be one of their best: 2004′s Great Love.  This was their second major label release, the first to feature Roy Webb and Ryan Seaton with Haase, Doug Anderson, and Tim Duncan, and the last to be on the now defunct Cathedral Records.  While their following self titled album on Gaither’s label may have launched them to supergroup status, this album laid the groundwork for their meteoric rise.  The title track is a glistening Lari Goss masterpiece reminiscent of Friends IV with close, tight harmonies.  Goss’s epic arrangement of the Gaither classic “This Could Be The Dawning” found its way into the EHSS set list for quite a while, and for good reason, as did their version of the quartet standard “Will The Lord Be With Me.”  The latter tune made for a great stage song around 2 vintage microphones.  There is another great ballad toward the end of the disc called “When He Comes Again”, and another great classic quartet tune in “Down In My Soul.”  The real gem on this album, though, is a pop flavored ballad sung by Doug Anderson called “Even Now.”  Anderson’s vocal is flawless, and the harmonies that back him are fantastic.  Easily hidden gem worthy, this song alone makes the album worth obtaining.  If you’ve been a fan of EHSS from day one, you probably know how good this album is, but may have simply forgotten.  If you’re on the other side of the EHSS spectrum, give this album a chance, as it features some great singing, very good material, and excellent arranging.  Either way, Great Love is still a great listen.

Derrick Selph Leaves Brian Free & Assurance

Brian Free & Assurance announced today on their Facebook page that Derrick Selph is stepping down as baritone vocalist (hat tip, Lauren).  The group’s post states that Derrick and his wife are expecting their second child, so he is leaving the road to be at home with his family.  Selph has actually had two tenures with the group, the first from 2003-2009, then after a year’s hiatus, he rejoined in 2010, so he has been the baritone for the group 9 of the last 10 years and has been on many of the group’s recent hits, including the iconic “Long As I Got King Jesus.”  I’ve always felt his finest performance was the song “Healed” from the Live In New York City album.  Best wishes to Derrick and his wife on the arrival of their new baby, and to Assurance as they begin searching for a new baritone.

enLighten’s New Home

Most of you readers who are also Sirius/XM subscribers will remember the grassroots campaign a couple of years ago that saved enLighten, and in turn Southern Gospel music, from being removed from the Sirius/XM lineup.  It was a wonderful example of the power of customer feedback, as after being bombarded with calls and emails from SG listeners, Sirius/XM changed course and moved enLighten to a temporary home on channel 18.

enLighten announced (hat tip, DJM) that their new home will be channel 65, beginning next Thursday.  Those of you that have satellite radio in your vehicles, like me, will need to change your preset from 18 to 65 once the switch is made.  Channel 18 was always intended to be temporary, so it’s good to see enLighten get a new permanent spot on the Sirius/XM lineup.

Congratulations Marlin!

Review: Sounds Of Jericho – The Story Of His Grace

It’s not often that the opportunity presents itself to review a group’s debut project, but I am excited to do just that for this quartet.  Bass Stacy Bragg and tenor Stephen Sigmon were original members of the Lefevre Quartet, and they’ve joined forces with Matt Tyler and Ken Thomas to form Sounds of Jericho.  This CD was produced by Mark Dowdy.

Tracks:

1. Deeper Journey – A collaboration between Rob Johnson, Gene Pistill, and Michael Puryear, this is a mid to uptempo tune with a country feel.  The first verse builds up starting from baritone Ken Thomas for the first couple of lines then Stacy Bragg has a solo line or two.  The chorus features some nice smooth harmonies.  Nothing flashy here, but it’s a good solid song that showcases the group’s blend.  7/10
2. If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side – Henry Slaughter’s classic is given a bit of a funky, soulful, brass driven makeover that works very well.  It’s a bit reminiscent of something Gold City would have done in the late 90s or early 2000s.  High energy, and it’s great to hear this song brought back in a more inventive fashion.  This is a bit of a risk, with a song so closely associated with the Statesmen, but the inventive arrangement pays its own form of tribute to the pace setting quartet of yesteryear.  8.5/10
3. Living Testimony – Penned by Michael Puryear and Gina Vera, this is a beautiful ballad sung by baritone Ken Thomas.  I love the opening line “Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future.”  It’s a great lyric that reminds us of our responsibility to share in words and deeds the good news found in Christ.  Very pretty song.  8.5/10
4. Resting Place – This is not the song made famous years ago by the Wilburns, but instead this is a song written by the team of Rob Johnson, Gene Pistill, and Michael Puryear and is performed completely acappella.  It’s not a little surprising that a new group would stick their vocals out front like this on their debut, but these guys do a fine job.  There’s a nice key change toward the end of song that is done flawlessly. Nice cut.  7.5/10
5. Wayfaring Stranger – Matt Tyler and Stacy Bragg are featured on this classic by Charles Davis Tillman.  It’s given a country/bluegrass treatment that works pretty well.  This song is commonly done as a bass lead, so to hear Sounds of Jericho feature their lead singer on the first verse is a nice change.  This is a very solid version of the song, and Bragg does a fine job on his feature.  He really has a nice bass voice.  8/10
6. Spread It Around – Written by Joseph Habedank, Dwight Liles, and Michael Puryear, this midtempo tune has a bit of a bouncy, brassy pop type feel that features each vocalist on a line of the first verse before Matt Tyler takes the melody for the chorus.  The round robin lead continues on the second verse.  The chorus features some call and response lines, as well as some nice unison in addition to the full quartet harmonies.  After a bridge of “I Love To Tell The Story”, the chorus repeats twice before ending.  Another good solid tune. 8.5/10
7. Jesus Never Changes – From the pen of Paula Stefanovich and Michael Puryear comes this ballad that features Stephen Sigmon.  Sigmon isn’t the highest tenor you’ll hear, but he’s got a nice full sound that is very pleasing to the ear.  It’s a good lyric that reminds us that even though Christ never changes, He causes complete change in us.  Sigmon has the melody on the verses and the first chorus, then Matt Tyler takes the second chorus with the harmony inverted up. After a bridge of “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” and a key change, Sigmon takes the melody again.  Solid song.  7/10
8. Standing In The Storm – Michael Puryear, Dwight Liles, Laureen Smith, and Gwen Moore penned this midtempo country flavored tune featuring Matt Tyler.  The chorus features some nice harmony from the group.  Much like the opening track, there isn’t a whole lot of flash here, just some solid quartet singing. The tag is nice.  7/10
9. I’d Rather Have Jesus – This song has gained some poignancy since the death of George Beverly Shea, who put the music to Rhea F. Miller’s lyrics.  This is given an acoustic treatement, and I love the cello that is prominent in the introduction.  The first verse features Stacy Bragg, who does a great job singing the song and letting the melody shine.  Stephen Sigmon has the melody on the first half of the chorus that has some gorgeous block harmony. Bragg takes a solo line and the group sings unison on the last line of the chorus.  Sigmon takes the melody on the second verse that builds to a nice high last line leading back into the chorus with Matt Tyler resuming the lead.  The tag has some beautiful harmonies.  It’s an understated arrangement, but it’s beautiful in its simplicity.  9/10
10. Leave The Light On – Kenna West, Dwight Liles, and Michael Puryear contributed this country tinged midtempo tune that features Matt Tyler.  This is the first single from the album.  The last chorus features a nice cascade of harmonies behind a solo line from Tyler that serves to set it apart from the rest of the song.  It’s a solid tune that should serve as a good introduction to the group.  7.5/10
11. Ten Thousand Angels – Once again a familiar title, but new song written by Mark Dowdy and Vince Wilcox, this is a progressive styled ballad featuring Matt Tyler.  I like this lyric in the chorus: “what made Your grace amazing was what you could have done, but did not do.”  This is a really nice ballad that would make a nice follow up single for the group.  8/10
12. Operator – William Spivery’s classic made famous by The Downings is covered here with a pop feel that is almost Huey Lewis and The News-like.  It just needs the horn section, but gives us a rock organ flavor instead.  There’s a choir that comes in with the call/response of the chorus.  There’s a nice guitar solo in the instrumental break before the quartet comes back in.  I think this is well done, and it’s different enough from both the Downings version and the later Dove Brothers version to make it unique.  8/10

Overall 8  This is a good debut for the group, and 12 songs on the CD is a nice surprise when most established groups only give you 10.  Four of the twelve are covers, but even in that the selection is nice, as two of them, “If The Lord” and “Operator”, aren’t songs you would immediately think of for a group to cover.  I’ll echo what Aaron Swain said in his review that the vocalists all seem to have a good idea of their vocal ranges and don’t stray from where they are comfortable singing, which is always a plus.  Sigmon has a nice full sound to his voice, Tyler carries his lion’s share of lead vocals admirably, Thomas has a smooth baritone voice that gets the chance to show a little range by occasionally jumping above Tyler’s lead, and Bragg sounds like he hasn’t missed a beat since leaving the Lefevre Quartet.  Putting an acappella song on your debut album takes some guts, and they pulled it off pretty well.  This is solid start, and I’ll be interested in watching how this group grows and forms their own identity over subsequent projects.  Good job guys!

George Beverly Shea Passes Away

George Beverly Shea, known around the world as Billy Graham’s featured soloist, passed away yesterday at the age of 104.  Shea, sometimes called “America’s most beloved Gospel singer”, thrilled millions of people with his rich baritone voice.  Recording for RCA Victor, he was nominated for 10 Grammy awards, winning one in 1966.  He is a recipient of the Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement Award, and has been an influence on countless numbers of Christian musicians.  Below is a sampling of the tweets that have come out regarding Mr. Shea.

@GeorgeBevShea At 104 years young, Papa Shea has gone to be with the Lord. The family appreciates your prayers.

@MichaelWSmith My great friend George Beverly Shea has arrived on the other side. I will miss you! Dance away my friend ….and welcome home!

@MarkHallCC (Mark Hall of the CCM group Casting Crowns) George Beverly Shea went to be with Jesus today. I still hear him singing “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” Thankful to have met him. #heroes

@RebaRamboMcGuir Sitting at the feet of love, wisdom and greatness. R.I.P. George Beverly Shea.104 yrs you graced this planet!  pic.twitter.com/ZYDtpsl3q1

@KellyNelon A National Treasure went home to be with The Lord tonight,George Beverly Shea 104 years old.Thankful 2 have met & heard him at Gaither!

@GeraldWolfe1 Just got the message that a musical hero, George Beverly Shea, passed away a few minutes ago. He was 104.

Shea’s passing has been noted by numerous secular news agencies, including the Associated Press, CBS, Fox News, and even the Huffington Post.  Bev Shea will be missed, but I’m sure he rejoiced when he heard the voice of the Savior he sang about for so long say “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Rest in peace, George Beverly Shea.

Happy Easter!

He is risen! Here is a little treat from our service this morning.

Sykes Departs Canton Junction, McConnell Joins

Canton Junction has announced that Shane McConnell has joined the group as baritone, replacing the departing Michael Sykes.  While McConnell isn’t yet a household name in SG circles, he is a very well respected vocalist that has performed on the Gaither Homecoming series, and also done studio vocal work for artists ranging from Andy Griffith to Garth Brooks.  You can read the press release here.  There isn’t mention of Sykes’ destination, but as much as he is in demand as a producer, I’m sure he is heading back to doing that kind of work.  It will be interesting to see the change this brings to Canton Junction, as Sykes was responsible for the group’s arranging, which was one of the strengths of the group.  McConnell is a top-flight vocalist, so I have no qualms that he will sound fantastic with the group vocally.  Canton Junction burst on the scene with a lot of buzz with their initial lineup, let’s hope they keep the momentum up after their first personnel change.  Best wishes to Michael Sykes, Shane McConnell, and the rest of Canton Junction.