Are Hymns Harder to Sing Than Praise Songs?

October 21, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

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

A Simple Word From Confucius

October 21, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

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

Tim Duncan unveils new website, posts clips from new album

October 19, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

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

Poetry in Song: "If We Answer"

October 18, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

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

A Thought On Steve Jobs and Abortion

October 17, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

In the wake of Steve Jobs’ death, people reflecting on his vast legacy have been pointing out that he was adopted. His biological father was a Syrian immigrant who met his mother when they were both students. She became pregnant out of wedlock, and he wanted them to get married and keep the child, but her parents didn’t want her to marry a Muslim. So they split up, she had the baby alone, and he was placed for adoption by... Read more

A Word On Gay Christians in Ministry, or Music Ministry, or Gospel Music Ministry

October 15, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

A lot of discussion has been had about this particular topic recently. There is much to say about it, but instead of saying everything that could be said, let me offer just a word or two. First, the annoying thing about gossip is that it’s unfailingly vague. So when some know-it-all comes around talking about what his sources have told him about how umpty bagillion people in SG are gay, it’s never clarified what exactly they mean by “gay.” People... Read more

Pre-Review: White Christmas, by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

October 14, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

EHSS will release a 7-song project called White Christmas on the 1st of November (hear here). It includes four brand-new cuts and three live cuts, all with new member Ian Owens. For fun, they picked “___ Christmas” songs for all the new cuts: “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Tennessee Christmas,” “Blue Christmas,” and “White Christmas.” The live recordings are “Glory to God in the Highest,” “Who Do You Think?” and “Come Make a Place.” All three live recordings feature a live band,... Read more

Thoughts On Brian Free, Facebook, and Toilet Paper

October 13, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

A short while back, Brian Free posted the following on Assurance’s facebook page: Many of you told me to let you know when we were getting low on supplies on the bus, well we are getting low. You will never know how much we appreciate you keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. I’ll list the things we need in one minute… (Next post) Paper towels, RV toilet paper, PAPER plates, Plastic cups, Paper bowls, 9 volt batteries (Duracell or... Read more

CD Review: Family Ties by Wilburn & Wilburn

October 11, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

With a mid-term and a couple papers out of the way, I’m rewarding myself by reviewing father/son duo Wilburn & Wilburn’s Daywind debut. Enjoy! Wilburn & Wilburn have been turning heads since they first formed. Jonathan’s name recognition has allowed them to come strong out of the gate, and so far the quality of their music has more than matched the quality of their teeth (sorry, had to to get that in there—no harm meant!) Their first project of covers... Read more

"Midnight Cry": Craig West's Farewell

October 9, 2011 By Esther O’Reilly

Hat tip Josh. We all hoped Craig West would sing “Midnight Cry” with Gold City one last time at NQC. What a moment that would have been! Fortunately, even though that didn’t happen, we do have footage of one of his last performances of the song, just weeks before at Silver Dollar City. I have now seen the new guy do this, and while he has a good voice… nobody could touch Craig. I think he was probably the best... Read more