CD Review: Hymns, by the Gaither Vocal Band

Last updated on: March 18, 2014 at 5:03 am By Esther O’Reilly

This hymns project is a parting gift from the last Gaither Vocal Band lineup of Michael English, Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Wes Hampton. Nearly all the tracks are fresh, with a couple exceptions that I’ll detail in the Likes and Dislikes. So, let’s get right to it! Likes *Although “Amazing Grace” recycles some arrangement ideas from the Amazing Grace Homecoming project (minor modulation on verse three, orchestral rhythm on verse four, etc.), I greatly enjoyed the dramatic Celtic twist they put... Read more

Monday Morning Humor: How to Deal With Mormon Missionaries [Fixed]

Last updated on: March 17, 2014 at 4:42 am By Esther O’Reilly

Update: Drat, I thought that I had fixed the bad embed before scheduling this, but somehow the wrong video snuk in there anyway. Sorry about that. I believe THIS is what I meant to embed. I admit this particular tenet of Mormonism was new to me, but the Irish twins are using it greatly to their advantage here! Read more

Johnny Farese, a servant of God

Last updated on: March 13, 2014 at 3:39 am By Esther O’Reilly

If you have never heard the story of Johnny Farese, I encourage you to take a moment to read this blog post, which sums up his life and his legacy after his going home to be with the Lord the other day. Completely paralyzed, Farese was determined to serve the Lord in any way he could. The impact he left despite his disabilities was remarkable. He was a vocal advocate for the pro-life cause, and he united the body of... Read more

SG vs. CCM Smackdown: "Who Am I" vs. "Because of Whose I Am"

Last updated on: March 11, 2014 at 3:39 am By Esther O’Reilly

We haven’t had a southern gospel versus CCM song smackdown in a while, so now seems as good a time as any. The two songs featured today are very similar lyrically, but they come from completely different generations stylistically. Representing the contemporary worship genre is Casting Crowns with their ballad “Who Am I?” When I first heard it I remember thinking it was one of the better worship ballads I’d heard in a while. I still think it’s a cut... Read more

Monday Morning Humor: The Magic of Editing

Last updated on: March 10, 2014 at 4:48 am By Esther O’Reilly

I laughed ’til it hurt revisiting this one the other day. From the classic Saturday Night Live special on Paul Simon. Anyone who knows how NQC is filmed will get a kick out of this one. Act I: Paul is disappointed with the opening number but is assured by the producer (Chuck Grodin) that all will be well. “This is a dynamite opening!” “That was a dynamite opening?” “Not what you see here. The elements, the pieces!” *** Act II:... Read more

In, Not Of: Christians in Entertainment, Part II

Last updated on: March 6, 2014 at 3:58 am By Esther O’Reilly

I was initially inspired to explore the topic of Christians in entertainment by Harry Connick, Jr. So of course, Part I was about somebody else. But now I’m back with Part II, and this one is all about Harry. Whether or not you’re a fan, I hope you’ll enjoy this post, because it explores important questions about what changes and what stays the same when someone who’s serious about his faith becomes a mega-star in mainstream entertainment. (Preemptive side note: Catholicism vs.... Read more

Songwriting Tip: Using Colors In Your Lyrics

Last updated on: July 28, 2018 at 11:31 pm By Esther O’Reilly

There are many marks of a clever songwriter. One is the quiet insertion of little details that you might not pick up on in a first casual listen. Take colors, for example. Colors are powerful symbols. They can trigger recognition, evoke memories, and stir emotions. Flags, holidays, religious rituals, even abstract virtues and vices are linked with certain colors. This is fertile ground for the songwriter. You can convey something specific or set a general tone with a little dash of... Read more

Monday Morning Humor: The Manslater

Last updated on: March 3, 2014 at 5:07 am By Esther O’Reilly

Most Marketable Southern Gospel Singers?

Last updated on: February 27, 2014 at 4:58 am By Esther O’Reilly

We all have our favorite southern gospel singers. But some of the qualities that make a great southern gospel singer are unique to southern gospel. There are certain singers who are legendary in that niche, but you listen to them and you think, “That guy could never sing anything but southern gospel.” (I’ll let you fill in the blanks on who some of those singers might be!) But then you have singers who are still popular within southern gospel, yet comfortable singing... Read more

Monday Morning Humor: Danny Kaye vs. Miss Piggy

Last updated on: February 24, 2014 at 4:08 am By Esther O’Reilly

Old friends reunite, when suddenly things go sour: And then… The Battle of the Schnozzes. Read more