Well, with the popularity of my Gold City post today, I decided to turn it into an official poll. Here are two polls for you guys to cast your votes in. Go for it: Read more
Well, with the popularity of my Gold City post today, I decided to turn it into an official poll. Here are two polls for you guys to cast your votes in. Go for it: Read more
With the recent flurry of lead singers and tenors Gold City has had, it prompted me to think about all the various talented singers who have filled those two spots over the years. One thing’s for sure, there haven’t been any slouches among them. For me, it’s definitely harder to pick favorites than for some other groups. Among the lead singers, I’m very partial to Jonathan Wilburn, but more recently I was captivated by Craig West along with many others,... Read more
A while back, I read a comment Michael Booth left on a thread about live bands versus tracks that got me thinking about the whole debate over which is preferable. I can’t recall exactly what he said at the moment, but basically he was pointing out the fact that a live band isn’t really necessary to put on a good show. I kind of agree. Yes, a live band brings an extra quality that can’t be matched by tracks, but... Read more
The Booth Brothers’ “He Saw It All” was probably embraced largely by virtue of its uniqueness. Everyone knows the picture the lyrics paint—a mute man talking, a deaf girl listening, a crippled man running, and a blind man who saw it all. It’s clever and fresh-sounding. What some people might not know (and what I didn’t know until very recently), is that this concept isn’t new at all. In fact, it’s very old. If you don’t believe me, here is... Read more
I’m finally getting around to reviewing that Booth Brothers concert from a few weeks back. They came to the Gospel Barn in Hillsdale, MI, where they have a long history. In fact, I believe the host said that the Barn may have hosted the Rebels Quartet before the Booths. They come there every year around the same time, and then they always go to Auburn Hills for church and another concert the Sunday after. Those two dates are the only... Read more
I just saw this news on Musicscribe. I’m stunned! When our friend Auke set out to collect his signatures, he was told privately that nothing would come of it, but he wanted to do it anyway. I don’t know what the causal chain was that led to this, but whatever happened, a lot of people are going to be thrilled. I noticed that my friend Terry Franklin took time to sign the petition, as well as many other people who... Read more
A common complaint that I see about hymns is that they are overly complicated musically speaking. The melodies and harmonies are impractical for unskilled musicians and singers. “People need something simple they can pick up easily.” Hence the rise of highly simplistic, repetitive worship tunes. My question is this: Are they really easier to sing? Last night I went to a youth gathering, and the band ran through some worship tunes. They actually weren’t terrible as worship tunes go, but... Read more
It’s been said that a disciple of Confucius asked him, “What would you think of a man who was loved by everybody in his village? Would you want to be that man?” Confucius responded, “No I would not. It is not enough to be loved by everyone. One must be loved by the good people and hated by the bad people.” This is my life motto, and recent circumstances have brought it back to mind. I thought others might profit... Read more
Hear here. And hear hear. Tim’s got a special place in my heart. He was one of the very first singers to get me hooked on southern gospel music. He is sounding as good as ever on this project, which features guest appearances from Taranda Greene, Ryan Seaton, Steve Ladd, and Chris and William Golden. Hat tip, Josh. Read more
Okay, time for more music. I have at least one reader who wanted more in the Poetry in Song series after I kicked it off a couple months ago. Here is another installment, finally. Today I’m featuring an intriguing number from Steve Green, off of his excellent album Woven in Time. The sound is uncharacteristically gritty for him (believe it or not, it reminds me just an itty bitty bit of the theme music for LadyHawke, BUT it’s not THAT... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In