Hidden Gems: All Star Quartets – “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

Michael Booth has previously joked when accepting the Favorite Tenor award at the Singing News Fan Awards that you should have to at least sing high enough to be the lead vocalist for Brian Free and Assurance to win the Tenor award.  While the joke gets a good laugh, Michael is not too far from the truth.  Let’s go back a few years to the All Star Quartets: Hymns album released by Daywind circa 2002.  “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is the final song on the disc, and features a vocal lineup of Dan Clark (Nelons), bass; Craig Singletary (BFA), baritone; Scott Mills (Southern Brothers), lead; and Bill Shivers (BFA), tenor.  Yes, you read that right.

The song has a bit of a mellow soul feel.  Craig Singletary starts off the song with the first half of the first verse as a solo.  The last half is done by Scott Mills, who has a bit more of a soulful touch than what Singletary does that gives the verse a some variety.  The quartet sings the chorus with Mills carrying the melody and a nice smooth blend.  Singletary takes the first part of the second verse again.  Shivers then takes last half of the second verse and absolutely kills it.  His range on the last “he watches me” of the verse is absolutely breathtaking.  The quartet comes back in to repeat the chorus with Mills taking the melody again.  The song tags with a nice power block ending.

Some of these combinations on the All Star Quartets albums worked better than others.  Chalk this one up to one that worked extremely well.  It’s also a nice showcase of Bill Shivers’ range and a good example of why he is one of the best singers in SG today.  He’s a fantastic lead, but could also make a great tenor as well!  Pull this disc out and give it a listen again, you’ll be glad you did!

Forgotten Albums: Kingdom Heirs – Forever Gold

The Kingdom Heirs have released numerous strong albums over their long career, especially since Arthur Rice joined up with the group in the mid to late 90s.  Albums like Anchored, The Journey Home, and True To The Call have found their place in the genre.  Forever Gold, however, seems to be largely forgotten.  It’s a shame, as this is a great album. It was the first mainline album to feature David Sutton as tenor, and the only mainline release to feature former Gold City member Steve Lacey as lead. Baritone Steve French and bass Eric Bennett round out the vocal lineup on the album.

The album starts of with a jazzy tinged song called “Makin’ A New Start”, that is a decidedly Gold City-esque tune that lets Steve Lacey and David Sutton step out a bit.  I’ve always been a huge Lacey fan, both with Gold City and the Kingdom Heirs.  He had an incredibly smooth voice that I miss hearing in SG.  There’s a very solid rendition of “Lord Do It Again” that again begs a GC comparison, as both quartets recorded this song at about the same time.  David Sutton does a great job on the lead on the chorus, and Eric Bennett, who had only been with the Kingdom Heirs for a couple years, was already displaying his adeptness at bass leads.  Lacey shines on a big ballad called “Let Freedom Ring.”  “Supernatural Man Who Can” is a bit of a gimmicky type lyric, but it’s solid enough.  One of the big highlights is the shimmering acappella “When Jesus Breaks The Morning.”  The harmonies are fantastic, as is the arrangement.  This was probably the smoothest blend the Kingdom Heirs have ever had.

The huge hit on this album was the Squire Parsons penned “I Go To The Rock Of Ages”.  The Hoppers also recorded a popular version of this song, but this one is my favorite.  It’s become a bit of a minor classic as many regional groups started singing the song.  In fact, a certain blogger may have played and sung this with his family a time or two, you never can tell.  “He Had To Hold To Calvary” is another highlight of the recording, thought it is a bit long at 6:01, David Sutton’s vocal holds you captive the entire time.  Sutton has always been fantastic at tenor ballads, and this is one of the earliest examples.  It’s a terrific song, and a riveting performance by the group.  There’s a laid back version of “Love Will Roll The Clouds Away”, or at least it’s laid back compared to the Kingsmen’s versions of the song.  The recording ends with an acoustic flavored version of the CCM hit by Phillips, Craig, and Dean “I Want To Be Just Like You.”  Steve French does a great job with a touching lyric.  This song has much more meaning to me since I became a father, and with Father’s Day approaching, it would be a good song to listen to again.

This particular lineup of the Kingdom Heirs was fairly short lived, lasting about a year or so.  Arthur Rice succeeded Steve Lacey as the lead singer for the group, and the rest, as they say, is history.  BUT, to this blogger anyways, this recording still stands up as one of the best albums in the group’s catalog.  Pull it out and listen again, and prepare to be impressed.  This is another album that will make you say “I forgot how good this album is!”

Mike Rogers Joins Brian Free & Assurance

Brian Free & Assurance announced tonight on their Facebook page that Mike Rogers will be joining the group as baritone starting at the Memphis Quartet Show on June 20.  Rogers had been singing lead for the Dixie Melody Boys for just short of a year.  Consequently, the Dixie Melody Boys are now searching for a new lead singer.  Here is the text of the press release:

Brian Free announced today a decision has been made in filling the baritone position. Joining the BFA family will be Mike Rogers of Kinston, NC who fans will recognize from his recent position as lead singer for the Dixie Melody Boys. Mike will join the group on June 20th at the Memphis Quartet Show.

Twenty-four year old Mike shares, “The warmth and humility from Brian and the guys when I auditioned made me feel this was truly a God-thing, and confirmed for me that I wanted to be a part of their ministry. BFA is very family-oriented, which means a lot to me. Ministry is important, but after God, family is top priority. Quartet music doesn’t get any better than BFA. They are top notch, and I am honored to join them.”

Brian states, “When I received the audition info for Mike I was very impressed with his vocal ability and the gift to deliver a song. After spending some time with him, his wife Bekki and daughter Coraline at my home, I knew he was the one God had sent to be a member of our family. I love his heart and the love he has for people. He will be a wonderful addition to BFA.

Having over 300 people apply for the job, it was a hard decision due to all the talent I heard. I want to thank each person who took their time and effort to apply for the position. I am truly honored that so many wanted to be a part of our ministry. I know God has a place and time for you to use your talent for him.”

Brian Free & Assurance’s first single I Want To Be That Man off their current project, Nothing But Love, went to number one the month of February on the Singing News Charts. Their follow up single, Calvary’s Cry has quickly climbed the charts and currently holds number six for the month of May.

To keep up to date with Brian Free & Assurance visit their website at: http://www.brianfreeandassurance.com/

Congratulations to Mike and the rest of BFA, and best wishes to the Dixie Melody Boys as they search for a replacement.

Joseph Habedank Leaves The Perrys

In what is surely shocking news to many, The Perrys have announced Joseph Habedank’s departure from the group after 10 years as lead vocalist.  This from Joseph:

Dear Friends,

After 10 years of having the great privilege to serve with the Perrys, I have decided to step down as Lead Singer at this time. Libbi and I talked earlier this week, and while I would never want to abandon her in such a great time of need, sometimes The Lord has other plans. There aren’t enough words for me to express how truly grateful I am for both Tracy and Libbi giving me the opportunity that they have. They are like parents to me and I love them dearly. I will miss them.

To the Gospel Music community, thank you all for loving and accepting me over the years. I never dreamed that The Lord would allow me to feel so loved by the fans of Gospel Music. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

As for my future, only The Lord knows what He has in store. I am confident of this one thing tho; I am absolutely nothing without Him and I only want His perfect will for my life. My wife, Lindsay, and I both covet your prayers in this time of transition. We love you all.

With a grateful heart,
Joseph Habedank

This from Libbi:

While it saddens me that Joseph is leaving, we definitely respect his and Lindsay’s need to reevaluate their lives and future. He has been like a son to me and Tracy. Although he is leaving our group, we will always consider him part of our family.

As for the Perry’s, we will continue on. It is my plan to be back on the road as soon and as much as possible. I don’t have all the answers right now, but God is in control. Thank you for your love and prayers for me, Tracy, Jared, Bryan, and Leah; and your continued support of the group.

In His Grip,
Libbi

This is a huge blow to The Perrys, as Habedank has really anchored their sound for the last several years since moving from the baritone spot to the lead spot.  His vocal interaction with baritone Bryan Walker was magnificent, and really gave the group an extra oomph to their live sound and arrangements.  Additionally, Joseph had been contributing some very strong songs as writer. An interesting possibility would be for Leah Page to remain with the group when Libbi returns and the group to reorganize with Bryan, Libbi, and Leah (and Tracy upon his recovery, prayerfully!).  It could make for some powerful sounds.

Prayers to Joseph and Lindsay as they seek God’s will and direction in their life, and for The Perrys as they look to make some major changes with a new lead vocalist.  Joseph, you will be missed!

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!