Here’s a video of Signature Sound’s recent performance at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. [Update: A higher-quality version has been uploaded in the mean-time, so I’ve embedded that link instead.] To my ears it sounds like they lowered it a half-step from the usual key. Anybody else hearing the same? Read more
So the other day I’m wearing my Signature Sound Cats tribute T-shirt (one of the ones that still had Tim Duncan on it, featuring all four in their matching suits), and somebody asks me “Who’s that on your shirt? I was curious ‘cuz I didn’t recognize them.” When I explained that they were a gospel quartet, he said, “Oh okay, so it’s not a boy band.” It must have been Devin’s hair. 😀 Read more
NQC and politics: I’ve already stated what my views basically are in assorted comments on other blogs, but I thought I would collect them in somewhat more organized form here. So, last year it was Sarah Palin, this year it’s John Ashcroft. Some people think this is great, others don’t. I thought it might be helpful to look at the people who don’t think this is such a great idea and break them up into three rough groups, recognizing that... Read more
In the Church today, it’s apparently becoming narrow-minded to watch your mouth. I’ve seen Christians who look down on other Christians for thinking that language still matters. Some try to claim it’s all “a heart issue,” and the actual words aren’t as important as the spirit in which they are said. I beg to differ. I realize it can be taken to the other extreme. For example, I’ve known wonderful, godly people who think it’s a sin to say the... Read more
Recently fridaynightrevival put up a post highlighting a forgotten gem from Gold City’s Standing in the Gap called “All That I Am.” Written by Terry Franklin with his wife Barbi, it’s a quietly majestic piece with powerful lyrics and a melody reminiscent of Danny Boy: [gigya src=”http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”250″ height=”40″ flashvars=”hostname=cowbell.grooveshark.com&songIDs=32574894&style=metal&p=0″ allowScriptAccess=”always” wmode=”window” /></object>] FNR said he believed somebody should bring it back, and I agreed. However, instead of coming up with my own idea of who should revive it,... Read more
The Collingsworth Family has been turning heads in the industry over the past few years, and with good reason. They’ve cultivated an incredible blend which has only become stronger and fuller as the four kids grow and develop. Add to that Mrs. Collingsworth’s virtuoso piano playing, as well as the older girls’ prowess on the violins, and you have what may be the most musically talented group in southern gospel. I was privileged to see them live in concert last... Read more
While browsing through Brian Free & Assurance’s facebook photos, I found a concert where they were joined by the temporarily resurrected Mercy’s Mark. To my surprise, I saw another familiar face on stage too—Tim Duncan! Here’s a shot of Tim and Jeremy Lile sharing a mike. (The whole photo album is great. Of COURSE Brian and Jay had to duke it out on “Looking For a City,” and it yielded some priceless shots. My favorite is this one of Jay... Read more
I recently came across this message from Willow Creek’s Bill Hybels. Apparently Willow Creek wanted to invite Starbucks president Howard Schultz to come speak for a leadership seminar, but the constituency of Starbucks had other plans. Believing the church to be “anti-gay,” over seven hundred angry petitioners came together in protest, threatening to boycott Starbucks unless Schultz declined the invitation. So he did. At this point, Willow Creek had a choice as to how they could respond. You would like... Read more
Brian Free & Assurance has built an impressive track record of consistency and excellence in the southern gospel world. Though they have taken some stylistic liberties to appeal to a wider audience, many southern gospel fans have embraced their music through the years. One of their signature traits is strong song selection. Brian Free is very adept at picking songs that say something, and say it well. They have also cultivated a tight, quality sound, defined by Brian’s unmistakable tenor... Read more
Hey fellow southern gospel fans, go check out what my buddy fridaynightrevival is up to on his blog. He’s running his own awards show with categories that showcase the best of southern gospel in a fresh way. While there’s nothing wrong with the standard “favorite artist” or “favorite bass singer” type of awards, there’s a lot of talent in the industry that slips under the radar that way. The Revival Awards are designed to recognize gifted people who may not... Read more
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