Spectator on the Sidelines

I am sorry for my long absence in posting anything. With school acting a hectic role in my life and church activities doing nearly the same, I have been busy to say the least. That’s no excuse, but it’s the best of which I could think. Be sure to keep your eyes open for new albums releasing June 1-September 30, 2009.

They are:

• “Almost Morning”-Perrys
• “Hold On”-Dove Brothers Quartet
• “Life Gets Loud”-Mark Lowry
• “Almost A Cappella”-Isaacs
• “Jason Crabb”-Jason Crabb
• “Best of the Crabb Family: from the Gaither Homecoming Series”-Crabb Family
• “Gaither Songs”-Stan Whitmire
• “Best of Larry Ford: from the Gaither Homecoming Series”-Larry Ford
• “Unity”-Ivan Parker (available now on Crossroads Music’s website)
• “Pouring Out Blessings”-Archie Watkins (available now on Crossroads Music’s website)
• “Nashville Homecoming #1 and #2″-Bill & Gloria Gaither and the Homecoming Friends
• “New Born Feeling”-Anthony Burger

A few days ago, I shared my nominees in the 2009 Singing News Fan Awards. Although there may be some differing opinions on whom or what I chose, the final decisions were mine. They cannot be changed. However, instead of doing a list of explanations why I chose the artists that I did, I would now like to display a list of artists whom I believe will be nominated among the Top Ten for the 2009 Singing News Fan Awards.

Horizon Individual:

1. Brian Alvey (Tribute Quartet)
2. Matthew Browder (Browders)
3. Jackie Crist (Crist Family)
4. Morgan Easter (Easters)
5. Jacob Kitson (Greater Vision)
6. Kaila Martin (Bradys)
7. Dallas Rogers (Inspirations)
8. Amanda Till Smith (Crabb Revival)
9. Wesley Smith (Dixie Echoes)
10. Bruce Taliaferro (Gold City)

Horizon Group:

1. 2nd Generation
2. Akins
3. Mike & Kelly Bowling
4. Browders
5. Crabb Revival
6. Cross 4 Crowns
7. Dills
8. HisSong
9. Providence Quartet
10. Stutzman Family

Young Artist:

1. Michaela Brown (Browns)
2. Breana Crist (Crist Family)
3. Jackie Crist (Crist Family)
4. Eli Fortner (McKameys)
5. Joseph Habedank (Perrys)
6. Jacob Kitson (Greater Vision)
7. Devin McGlamery (Karen Peck & New River)
8. Jenny Pitchers Revelle (Lesters)
9. Dustin Sweatman (Mark Trammell Trio)
10. Amber Thompson (Nelons)

Male Singer:

1. Michael Booth (Booth Brothers)
2. Ronnie Booth (Booth Brothers)
3. Mike Bowling (Mike & Kelly Bowling)
4. McCray Dove (Dove Brothers)
5. Joseph Habedank (Perrys)
6. Mike Holcomb (Inspirations)
7. Ivan Parker
8. Arthur Rice (Kingdom Heirs)
9. Mark Trammell (Mark Trammell Trio)
10. Gerald Wolfe (Greater Vision)

Female Singer:

1. Kelly Bowling (Mike & Kelly Bowling)
2. Sheri Easter (Easters)
3. Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River)
4. Connie Hopper (Hoppers)
5. Kim Hopper (Hoppers)
6. Janet Paschal
7. Libbi Stuffle (Perrys)
8. Debra Talley (Talley Trio)
9. Lauren Talley (Talley Trio)
10. Susan Whisnant (Whisnants)

Soloist:

1. Mark Bishop
2. Gerald Crabb
3. Jason Crabb
4. Phil Cross
5. Ann Downing
6. Mitchel Jon
7. Ivan Parker
8. Squire Parsons
9. Janet Paschal
10. Lynda Randle

Trio:

1. Booth Brothers
2. Mike & Kelly Bowling
3. Easters
4. Greater Vision
5. Greenes
6. HisSong
7. Karen Peck & New River
8. Talley Trio
9. Mark Trammell Trio
10. Whisnants

Mixed Quartet:

1. Browns
2. Collingsworth Family
3. Crabb Revival
4. Crist Family
5. Freemans
6. Hayes Family
7. Hoppers
8. Isaacs
9. McKameys
10. Perrys

Male Quartet:

1. Brian Free & Assurance
2. Dove Brothers
3. Gaither Vocal Band
4. Gold City
5. Inspirations
6. Kingdom Heirs
7. Kingsmen
8. Legacy Five
9. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
10. Triumphant Quartet

Soprano:

1. Brooklyn Collingsworth (Collingsworth Family)
2. Connie Fortner (McKameys)
3. Chris Freeman (Freemans)
4. Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River)
5. TaRanda Greene (Greenes)
6. Kim Hopper (Hoppers)
7. Sonya Isaacs (Isaacs)
8. Terah Crabb Penhollow (Crabb Revival)
9. Tami Crist Starkel (Crist Family)
10. Lauren Talley (Talley Trio)

Alto:

1. Peg McKamey Bean (McKameys)
2. Becky Isaacs Bowman (Isaacs)
3. Michaela Brown (Browns)
4. Sheri Easter (Easters)
5. Connie Hopper (Hoppers)
6. Rita Pearson (Diplomats)
7. Libbi Perry Stuffle (Perrys)
8. Debra Talley (Talley Trio)
9. Susan Whisnant (Whisnants)
10. Carol McKamey Woodard (McKameys)

Tenor:

1. Michael Booth (Booth Brothers)
2. Brian Free (Brian Free & Assurance)
3. Ernie Haase (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
4. Steve Ladd (Gold City)
5. Jerry Martin (Dove Brothers)
6. David Phelps (Gaither Vocal Band)
7. Harold Reed (Kingsmen)
8. Dallas Rogers (Inspirations)
9. Wesley Smith (Dixie Echoes)
10. David Sutton (Triumphant Quartet)

Lead:

1. Ronnie Booth (Booth Brothers)
2. McCray Dove (Dove Brothers)
3. Scott Fowler (Legacy Five)
4. Joseph Habedank (Perrys)
5. Phillip Hughes (Kingsmen)
6. Clayton Inman (Triumphant Quartet)
7. Arthur Rice (Kingdom Heirs)
8. Ryan Seaton (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
9. Bruce Taliaferro (Gold City)
10. Gerald Wolfe (Greater Vision)

Baritone:

1. Doug Anderson (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
2. Jim Brady (Booth Brothers)
3. Melton Campbell (Inspirations)
4. Eric Dove (Dove Brothers)
5. Rodney Griffin (Greater Vision)
6. Scott Howard (Legacy Five)
7. Bryan Hutson (Kingsmen)
8. Scott Inman (Triumphant Quartet)
9. Daniel Riley (Gold City)
10. Mark Trammell (Mark Trammell Trio)

Bass:

1. Pat Barker (Dixie Echoes)
2. Eric Bennett (Triumphant Quartet)
3. Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs)
4. Tim Duncan (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
5. Glenn Dustin (Legacy Five)
6. David Hester (Dove Brothers)
7. Mike Holcomb (Inspirations)
8. Aaron McCune (Gold City)
9. Ray Dean Reese (Kingsmen)
10. Tracy Stuffle (Perrys)

Musician:

1. Kim Collingsworth (Collingsworth Family)
2. Martin Cook (Inspirations)
3. Roger Fortner (McKameys)
4. Mike Hopper (Hoppers)
5. Dennis Murphy (Kingdom Heirs)
6. Tim Parton (Legacy Five)
7. Josh Singletary (Tribute Quartet)
8. Jeff Stice (Triumphant Quartet)
9. Andy Stringfield (Kingdom Heirs)
10. Stewart Varnado (Dixie Echoes)

Songwriter (Popular Song):

1. Jim Brady (Truth Is Marching On-Gold City)
2. Gerald Crabb (Through the Fire-Crabb Family)
3. Phil Cross (Champion of Love-Cathedrals)
4. Rodney Griffin (He’s Still Waiting by the Well-Greater Vision)
5. Joseph Habedank (The Rose-Inspirations)
6. Scott Inman (Know So Salvation-Legacy Five)
7. Sandy Knight (Hit the Ground Running-Ivan Parker)
8. Joel Lindsey (I Know It Was the Blood-Perrys)
9. Kyla Rowland (Loving the Lamb-Mark Trammell Trio)
10. Dianne Wilkinson (He Already Sees-Collingsworth Family)

Album:

1. Always Have a Song-Mark Trammell Trio
2. Dream On-Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
3. God’s Been Good-Legacy Five
4. How Great It Is-Inspirations
5. Intermission-Triumphant Quartet
6. Life Goes On-Talley Trio
7. Moment of Truth-Gold City
8. Not Alone-Greater Vision
9. Room for More-Booth Brothers
10. When God Ran-Kingsmen

Song:

1. Hello after Goodbye-Legacy Five
2. I Cast My Bread upon the Water-Gold City
3. I Know It Was the Blood-Perrys
4. I Want to Know That You Know-Greater Vision
5. Loving the Lamb-Mark Trammell Trio
6. Reason Enough-Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
7. The Old White Flag-Triumphant Quartet
8. The Rose-Inspirations
9. What Salvation’s Done for Me-Booth Brothers
10. When God Ran-Kingsmen

Artist:

1. Booth Brothers
2. Gaither Vocal Band
3. Gold City
4. Greater Vision
5. Inspirations
6. Legacy Five
7. Ivan Parker
8. Perrys
9. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
10. Triumphant Quartet

The Singing News magazine hosts their fan awards program during the National Quartet Convention each September. Each year the fans’ choices for varying artists prove the diversity of Southern Gospel fans. Last year’s winners included the Booth Brothers, Hoppers, Legacy Five, Tribute Quartet, Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth, Kim Hopper, Sheri Easter, Gerald Wolfe, Rodney Griffin, Mike Holcombe, Nick Trammell, Jeff Stice, and Jeremy Lile. Since there have been many major membership changes since the nomination of last year’s fan awards, the outcome for the newcomer awards are highly speculatory.  My predictions for Top Ten nominees will be included within the next week.

These were my choices for nomination in the 2009 Singing News Fan Awards round 1:

1. Artist of the Year- Perrys

2. Male Quartet of the Year- Gold City Quartet

3. Mixed Group of the Year- Perrys

4. Trio of the Year- Talley Trio

5. Soloist- Jason Crabb

6. Male Singer- Gerald Wolfe

7. Female Singer- Libbi Stuffle

8. Young Artist- Joseph Habedank

9. Soprano- TaRanda Greene

10. Alto- Debra Talley

11. Tenor- David Phelps

12. Lead- Gerald Wolfe

13. Baritone- Mark Trammell

14. Bass- Aaron McCune

15. Musician- Kim Collingsworth

16. Songwriter- Jim Brady

17. Album- Lovin’ Life (Gaither Vocal Band)

18. Song- “I Know It Was the Blood” (Perrys)

For its subscribers, Singing News magazine uploads the forthcoming month’s chart on the first of each month. Although there are a few firsts, Singing News charts continue to make their recognizable hits known to fans. First to note is the #1 song, “What Salvation’s Done for Me.” This is the Booth Brothers second #1 song from their latest recording, Room for More. “What Salvation’s Done…” was written by Dianne Wilkinson and Rusty Golden who holds partnership in the writing of the #2 song, “I Want to Thank You”, by Karen Peck & New River. I admit that I am excited about the possibilities for the May #1 spot considering that the rest of the songs in the Top Ten are potential #1 songs. Another worthy note is the hot-shot debut from Mike & Kelly Bowling at #13. The song, “Notified”, has barely been out at radio and has gained enough requests to make a debut within the top twenty songs. Other debuts of note include the latest singles from the Kingsmen, the Kingdom Heirs, the Inspirations, Charlotte Ritchie, and others. I was also pleased with the successful move the Perrys’ latest radio single, “I Know It Was the Blood”, received (from 40 to 18). Congrats to all of the artists who have charted on the Singing News April 2009 Top 80 Charts.

Nick Trammell, the Perrys’ baritone vocalist and son of legendary baritone Mark Trammell, has resigned his position from the group. Before Nick joined the quartet, he performed several fill-in venues for Joseph Habedank when Habedank was the group’s baritone. It was the natural choice for N. Trammell to take the baritone slot because of his fresh sound and great personality. The Perrys promptly recorded a new album, Look No Further, which I recently reviewed. Nick started journey of award winning by receiving the Favorite Horizon Individual and Favorite Young Artist awards in the Singing News Fan Awards (2007 and 2008 respectively). Recently, Nick married Jessica Brown of the Southern Gospel group, the Browns. I and many fans alike will agree that Nick’s voice can and will get better as each day progresses. I am eager to here of Nick & Jessica’s future in the music world.

My main question about this situation is, “Do they already have a replacement?” They didn’t mention a possible replacement even though I would like to hear how Troy or Jared might sound with the group. But as the Perrys have always done with group resignations, they will pick the best replacement if they haven’t done so already.

The original press release is included here.

Even though the second month of the year isn’t finished, there have been many major changes in Southern Gospel.

1. Archie Watkins resigns from the Inspirations. I believe that Inspirations fans have had this thought in the backs of their minds for many years, but they haven’t thought how close it would be. Archie’s voice has been recognized on songs like “Touring That City”, “When I Wake Up to Sleep No More”, “I’ll Not Turn My Back on Him Now”, “Looking to Live”, and more recently “That’s Just God Doing What He Does.” Even though he has had a majority of features on selected radio hits, Watkins’ voice has aged in the past 15 years or more. So it is to no surprise that Watkins would end his pursuit of a full-time ministry; however, he will continue solo dates on a part-time level.

2. Carol Woodard is set to exit the McKameys. I recently posted about this, so I will not say a recognizable amount of more insight. I will say that I am eager to hear the new sound the McKameys will have.

3. Gaither Vocal Band wins a Grammy with Lovin’ Life.  Like the McKameys news, I have also posted about this news item. I must say that I am in the least bit surprised that it won out of the others nominated.

4. GMA Dove Awards 2009 Nominees. Although I am a fan of Southern Gospel, I enjoy seeing other Christian music artists accel with the talents God has given them. One way a Southern Gospel fan may keep a level knowledge about Christian artists is by the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards which are presented each year. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound pulled two nominations in the Male Artist category (Ernie Haase) and the group category as well as a SG song nomination listed below. Karen Peck Gooch received a nomination for the Female Singer award. Other Southern Gospel artists to receive nominations were Crabb Revival, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Living Waters Trio, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Janet Paschal, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers, Kim Hopper, David Phelps, and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Listed below are the nominees in the Southern Gospel categories:

Best Southern Gospel Song:

• 1. Big Mighty God-Mike LeFevre Quartet
• 2. Reason Enough-Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• 3. I Believe God-Brian Free & Assurance
• 4. Welcome to the Family-Booth Brothers
• 5. Yahweh-Hoppers

Best Southern Gospel Album:

• 1. Ephesians One-Karen Peck & New River
• 2. Room for More-Booth Brothers
• 3. I Just Wanted You to Know-Kim Hopper
• 4. Lovin’ Life-Gaither Vocal Band
• 5. On the Way Up-HisSong

While all of these groups certainly deserve these nominations, only the GMA members will be able to let us know who will win them.

There are other minute Southern Gospel happenings including a recording contract for Sisters (Brenda Ruppe’s daughters), the new Gospel Music Channel (Four), and an eccentric Gospel singer’s wife who attempted to burn down a church (available here), and Mike & Kelly’s addition of a new tenor. Who’s to say that 2009 will not be a busy year for Southern Gospel artists?

Although the Greenes have experienced vocal changes since this recording was released in September 2007, this is their latest studio effort. The lineup for this particular recording is Tony & TaRanda Greene and Brad Hudson.

1. Glorious Tomorrow (Phil Cross)-This a truly great song. It’s very reminiscent to the typical song. Everyone gets a line which makes it a solid, uptempo number. I especially enjoy their homage to yet another Phil Cross/Greenes tune, “Some Sweet Day,” by including its chorus as a bridge. Solid cut.   9/10

2. That’s Why We Sing about Heaven (Rebecca J. Peck)-Brad Hudson has the feature on this funk song reminding us of heaven and all that will be there. This was my first complete introduction to Hudson, and I admit that his voice is pleasant. I also appreciated TaRanda’s line on the bridge. The girl can sing; however, she lets Brad sing like he rented the line to her. It’s another great song!    9/10

3. God Is Singing over Me (Jeff Ferguson,Sue C. Smith,Regi Stone)- If anyone would like to know if TaRanda is a great singer, this song proves that fact well. This one continues the theme of heaven and future promises, yet it stays ethereal in its encouragement. TaRanda sings it with the strongest conviction. And just when the listener think it ends, TaRanda transports them to the lofts and the high ranges of her voice. Another plus to this cut is that the music doesn’t get in the way of the lyrics. Very smooth song. Worth buying the whole cd.  10/10

4. We’ve Weathered Storms Before (Dottie Rambo,Dony McGuire)- Considering the battles the Greenes have faced with various illnesses, they have managed to prove their ability to smile and tell others to smile if they experience similar situations. Tony Greene sports a cool sound with a testamental tone. Nice cut; good choice for the first radio single.  8.5/10

5. Stand by the River (Dottie Rambo)-This is the second of three Dottie Rambo tunes on the album. TaRanda’s version of this song reminds the listener of TaRanda’s ability to have fun. Even though it is practically an exact arrangement of Dottie’s original recording, TaRanda makes it her own. 9/10

6. Closer to Where I’m Going (Phil Cross,Sue C. Smith)- With its elusions to the familiar hymn, “Amazing Grace,” this song exemplifies the life of a Christian. Remindful that life is precious and shouldn’t be taken for granted. This one also proves that a slow song doesn’t have to be long and drawn out. Great pick!  9.5/10

7. Love Letters (Dottie Rambo)- TaRanda sings this song with the warmth that only TaRanda owns. She sings it with such pathos that leaves the listener with a more personal look on Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. Wonderful song! 10/10

8. The Other Side of the Flood (McCray Dove,Jerry Kelso)- A little brass, Tony’s smooth country voice, and a nice uptempo song gives this album a great transition from “Love Letters” to the rest of the album. This song exemplifies of how a song can keep a correct pace throughout. Solid song 8.5/10

9. Mercy Found Room for Me (Marty Funderburk,Doug Little)- Hudson’s back to sing his final slower-paced tune. The lyrics have some generalizations in some areas. Solid song, even though it doesn’t last long enough. 7.5/10

10. When God Has Another Plan (Amy Keffer Shellem,Daryl Williams)- Nice ballad reminding the listener that God doesn’t work on his or her own ideas and opinions, but He will work it out for His glory. TaRanda knows how to sing a smaller ballad and sing it as if she were the first one to experience the situation. Although the rafters aren’t ringing on this particular song, she manages to level on a personal basis which is something the fans will take hold of and never attempt to let go. Beautiful song! 9.5/10

11. Givin’ In to Givin’ Up (Joseph Habedank,Matthew Holt)- Habedank/Holt fans are treated to truly the only progressive sounding song on the album. Brad’s vocals on this effort allow the listener to understand Brad’s style of music. Nice hooks throughout the song. Nothing particularly shines though. 8/10

12. All for Me (Jason Burton)- If anyone has heard Tony Greene interpret a ballad, he or she has learned that he delivers it with the best conviction. This song fits Tony perfectly and leaves the fans with a desire for more from another of Southern Gospel’s lesser popular vocalists. Beautiful song! 9/10

Average Song Rating-8.96

Overall CD Rating- 9/10

Based on the variety of songs on this album, the listener may draw the conclusion that God’s grace is all sufficient and that trials come and go, but God is always by the Christians side. TaRanda shows her ability to diversify her voice. She proves that she is just as good if not better than all the other sopranos singing Southern Gospel music. All of the songs on this recording are strong, even though there are some that some lyrics could have been better produced either among the songwriters or within the album’s production. Overall, this album is a must have for any Southern Gospel fan. Be sure to order your copy today!

This album may purchased here.

The winds of change have certainly blown in a mighty way this year already (i.e.-Gaither Vocal Band, Cross 4 Crowns, the Greenes, and others) even though we’re only in the second month of the year. Now there’s another group with a major membership change. Considering that they are one of a few groups in Southern Gospel music with the least amount of membership changes , the McKameys have kept their fan base at a high rate for close to 30 years. Carol McKamey Woodard, the group’s original alto vocalist, has decided to retire from life on the road as alto vocalist with the McKameys. Carol will be traveling with the group throughout March, and taking her place in the alto position in April is Sheryl Farris, Ruben and Peg McKamey Bean’s daughter (and Connie Fortner’s sister). Sheryl will be traveling with the group during March but will not fill the full-time position until April 2. Sheryl was alto for the McKameys for approximately 11-12 years but left to join her husband, Allen, in pastoring a church. Sheryl has written many songs for the McKameys including: “Getting Used to the Dark”, “A Borrowed Tomb”, “The Good News”, “I’ve Won”, “A Trophy of Grace”, and recently, “I Will Trust You, Lord.” Those are just #1 songs she has written; however, the list of regular album cuts far exceeds her #1 list. Thanks, Carol, for your service to Southern Gospel music. Welcome back to the stage, Sheryl Farris.

The original press release is here.

The talk of late within the Southern Gospel blogosphere has been the new release from Brian Free & Assurance entitled, “Worth It.” They have posted links to audio clips of the songs from the cd on their music page. From the sounds of the clips, the album has the appearance of a Southern Gospel album done with similar, yet not as heavy, instrumentation and arrangements as their previous mainstream release, “Real Faith.” Real Faith was primarily a jump into the waters for the group. Although not a personal favorite of mine, I will be one of a few to say that the entire album was strong, yet a little too strong in some areas. With thoughts of prior albums aside, I am looking forward to purchasing this album very soon and seeing their choice for a debut radio release as well.

Though the Grammys are presented to honor music in nearly every form of music, Southern Gospel artists have also had a venue to have their music heard. Many Southern Gospel groups have received a prestigious Grammy Award in their careers. This year the Southern Gospel nominees were the Booth Brothers (Room for More), Gaither Vocal Band (Lovin’ Life), and Karen Peck & New River (Ephesians One). The other two nominees in the “Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year” were Charlie Louvin and Bart Millard (Lead vocalist of CCM artist, Mercy Me). With last year’s winners being Ricky Skaggs & the Whites, this year’s winner was something to look forward to hearing receive the award. So it is with no wonder that the “Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year” went to….”Lovin’ Life”, by the Gaither Vocal Band. If my memory serves me correctly, I don’t believe this is Gaither’s first win at the Grammy’s, but I must say that I’m sure he’s more proud than ever. It also leaves much to be desired concerning the future of what the new Gaither Vocal Band will sound like on recording. Congratulations, guys on another great achievement!