'Tis the Season

  

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

 

You read that title correctly. Thanksgiving is now past and the calendar has changed to December. The radio have started a full transition from Southern Gospel to mostly Christmas music. Country stations will begin to pepper in Christmas music. Shoppers have spent the last several days forging through crowds clad with masks and bandanas to protect them from COVID-19.

        The songs that are filling our radio waves and the muzak systems in all of the stores are filled with hope, love, care, cheer and at times a little mischief. Think about it, “Silver Bells”, “Christmas in Dixie”, “Christmas Shoes”, O Little Town of Bethlehem”, Silent Night” and “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer” are all filled with hope and cheer. Well, maybe not that last one.

 There are religious songs, secular, and funny Christmas songs that we all enjoy. My Favorite Christmas song is probably “O’ Holy Night”, on the secular side though, my favorite is probably “Blue Christmas” or “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole. After all, who doesn’t love Nat King Coles voice?

 Some of your favorite artists love and listen to Christmas music all year long. Mark Trammell, and Jon Epley are two of them. I sing or whistle Christmas tune all year long, so when the season finally comes along, I’m immersed in the music.

 One of the greatest Christmas songs, and without a doubt The Greatest of our generation is Mark Lowry’s “Mary Did You Know?”. Those words recorded in Luke chapter 2 have always made me curious. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Can you imagine through the nine months that she carried Jesus Christ in her womb what she must have thought? Further, can you imagine what she must have felt or thought when Christ was born and realized this child was the very seed of God.

 This will be a hard time for so many, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but take heart! Christ is still the source and reason for this season. He far outweighs the tinsel and lights, and the gifts and treats. His name is more important than Saint Nicholas, so once again, Take heart dear friend, “Tis the season, to rejoice, to care, to love, to laugh, to embrace and to share, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

 

It’s all about “Hymn”

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

 

In the last five years or so, there has been in the Southern Gospel community a push towards hymns. If you know me, you know that I love hymns. Our church sings out of the “Red Back Church Hymnal” and will continue to do so. However, I’m not a fan of hymn only albums.  I’ll explain that in detail very soon.

 

I am currently listening to Greater Vision’s recording entitled “Songs of the 1900s”, and surprisingly, I like it… a lot. As I mentioned before, I love hymns, but it’s the placement and/or arrangement that often leads to my disliking a recorded version. Too often a hymn seems placed in an album as filler. There’s no real connection to the song with the artist. The hymn is often re-arranged to fit an artist’s style, and it is, for me, off putting. 

 

Now, I know that the reason for the push for hymn singings is to educate a younger audience of the songs, but also, to retain the history and legacy of these prized songs. I use the word prized for a reason, these songs, for instance like, “There is a Fountain” are not being written anymore. While there are amazing writers for today’s music, the language and word pairing of that day are not being used today. 

 

If you want to excite me in church, sing one of these hymns with a heart filled with joy to a God in Heaven that is longing to hear our voice. Did you notice I said in church? That is where I typically enjoy hymns the most, I have on occasion been in a concert and a hymn is sang and have thoroughly enjoyed it. One such case was years ago in Pigeon Forge, TN at Dollywood. The Kingdom heirs were singing and stopped to sing “Love Lifted Me”. They sang acapella, and before long the whole audience became a “congregation” as they sang along. I could feel the Spirit of God moving in that auditorium in a way that I hadn’t felt even with the best music, voices, and songs. With that, I admit that singing hymns outside of church may have a place. I’m just not prepared to fully jump on the “Hymn album” wagon. 

 

Let me revisit Greater Visions album. This is not their only hymn album and won’t be their last. This one is special as it’s only vocal and piano. They have mastered the original music and vocals intended on these hymns from the 1900's. They were also joined by Gene McDonald to sing bass. A very welcomed addition to the album. 

 

Hymns are an important part of Southern Gospel history and they need to be highlighted and preserved. Just do me a favor, sing them the way they were written, enjoy the original arrangement and sing them to the Lord, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

If There Were No Song.

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

 

I start each morning at 6:30 am. I get ready to meet the world and fix my first cup of coffee (Cafe Campesino’s Ethiopia Sidama Roast, in case you were wondering). But each morning, I hear it... I hear a song. In fact, I hear many songs from my back door to my downstairs office. The birds are the most noticeable with their chirps, whistles, and calls.  But as I listen in those few moments, I can hear the squirrels chittering to one another, the neighbors dogs barking, and if I wait outside long enough I hear the alligator in Murphy Mill Lake bellowing. 

 

Once I enter my office I usually start the music playing and enjoy a diverse group of songs before I go to my studies or about other business of my day. Inevitably though, music, or rather, songs make up a large part of my day. Whether it’s my wife or myself playing the piano and singing, or more music in the office, music is a daily staple. 

 

Now that you understand how my day starts, I wonder about yours. How would it be if you awoke tomorrow and there were no birds singing, the squirrels were silent and the barking dogs were eerily mute? 

 The very nature that you and I enjoy each day, the cool breeze and gentle rain are all individual songs, some are so slight that we can’t hear. Some may have their own force but the frequency is such that our ears can not discern. Each morning at dawn, the song of the birds “awaken the pores of plants and earth to aid in growth” in what is called the “Sonic Bloom”. Wow! I want to say that again, Sonic Bloom. Our Creator has blessed us with a new song each day that brightens our day. Sure we encounter life along the way and that songs fades in the distance but what would our day be without a song? 

 

That wife that snores or the little child that scratches her eczema too loudly, or the husband that fixes his coffee and makes too much noise in the kitchen might be a song that God has given you to start you day. Embrace it, thank God for it, sing along. How dark would this world be without our favorite song! From that old country song that transports you to a bygone day or the latest release from your favorite Southern Gospel artist, a song is a gift from God. 

 

Some of my readers may have had to say goodbye to that loud “sleeper”, or the early coffee drinker, so to you I say, remember the melodies of those days. Take a moment to hear what God has strategically placed around you to offer that “Sonic Bloom” to start your day. 

 

Embrace your song, sing it loud, you never who needs to hear it, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

The Pandemic and Southern Gospel

 The Pandemic and Southern Gospel

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

 

I’ve held off on writing about the effects of the pandemic on Southern Gospel for a while now. I suppose I was hoping against hope that things would level off and our favorite groups and friends could get back out there.

 

In recent days and weeks, I have heard and read about the effects of COVID-19 on the Southern Gospel industry. To a small minority, the effects have been seen in small attendance to their concerts, possibly because of fear, but generally because of restrictions of crowd sizes. Some have had weekly cancellations and unfortunately, some of those have been for dates far in the distance. 

 

For many of the gospel artists that we see on Daystar, TBN, NQC, and in the Singing News Magazine, their income is made on the road, promoting themselves or their groups, selling albums, booking events, and moving product from their tables. They don’t work a secular job, so there is no steady paycheck. There have been special events held during this quarantine that have served to help these folks, but they are so few and far between that these artists cannot support themselves. 

 

Some groups are considered part-time in that they work throughout the week and travel and sing on the weekend. Those groups are hanging in and they’ve begun working full time until their events can be scheduled again. But those that are full time, have had to find work, do odd jobs, show off their skills in other ways, some are doing voice or piano lessons, some are teaching others to read shape notes, some are working as voice over actors. 

 

Then we come to a tragedy for others, when things are so dire that they have to leave a group in search of financial stability. Just this week, two vocal giants left a top billed group. While there are other more public reasons for leaving, there is no doubt that, their families could no longer survive on the hope that churches and venues would soon open again. 

 

How can you help? Buy…their…product! Each week I get digital and physical albums from studios for airplay. But I find myself guarding them closely and purchasing more music than I receive. On more than one occasion I have heard of a new song and the buzz that it is creating, so I purchase the album online, just to go to the mailbox in a day or so and find that same album there. Do I give it away? No! I suppose I could, but the group deserves that I implore others to purchase the music. 

 

I have no idea what the math is on the sale of an on-line album, but I know this, everything counts. We love these folks, we love their songs and sound, so in the midst of this pandemic, let us support them with everything we’ve got, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

 

Seek “The Old Paths”

I first met the Old Paths in 2019 shortly after moving to Americus, GA. A local church, Salem United Methodist had them and I was invited to hear this “Up and Coming” group. I was hesitant at first, but once they got to their second song, I was hooked. At that time Doug Roark was having heart surgery and was replaced (temporarily) by Jeremy Chupp in his absence.

In the winter this year I got to visit Salem UMC again to hear them in all their glory. Doug was back, Tim Rackley, Daniel Ashmore, and Steve Ladd were in full force, and I couldn’t have been happier. I recently downloaded the rest of that album, eight songs that will carry you from Americus to Cordele, about a half-hour. If that doesn’t compute, it will allow you to work out or go for a thirty-minute walk, and you will not be disappointed. 

 

Track one was a surprise, not sure it’s a pleasant one yet, it is the song “This Is Amazing Grace”, a cover of Phil Wickham’s 2013 hit on CCM charts. That’s no bearing on the group or the album, I’m just picky about SG music, and am not a fan of crossover songs. In spite of my feelings though, they did a great arrangement on is, even added some vocal effects that you are sure to enjoy.

Second is their single “I Got the Grace, He Gets the Glory” which, is in my opinion is a powerhouse song for the current social predicament. Next up is “Look at All I Lost”, a testimony of the transaction that takes place when we come to Christ for salvation, He takes all of the sin and shame, and trades them for His Joy, Grace, and a new song. 

“Bread” is a driving song with Steve Ladd leading about the five loaves of bread that fed the thousands. God can no doubt use the little that we have to do much! “Pray While You Wait” has the lead vocal held down by Daniel Ashmore. The music though is interesting, there’s a bit of a “haunting” characteristic about it, though it feels the opposite, this may be one of those “You have to hear it” songs so you can understand.

We come to “How Great is Our God”, another Contemporary song, but honestly, what’s not to love. Its played by Daniel on the saxophone, and if You’ve ever seen it in person you’d understand, that dude can blow! He also does a tribute to “How Great Thou Art” in the arrangement. 

There are two other songs that I can’t review, simply because of space. I’ve stated this before, but you owe it to yourself to purchase this album and allow yourself the opportunity to experience the Spirit of God that is on this recording, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Check out and subscribe to our podcast at www.anchor.fm/sogopov

BY: James Burke, Founder, and Host of Southern Gospel Point of View

Email: james@southerngospelpov.com

Sounding their best

Legacy Five is in their 21^st year, and in my opinion, they are at the top of their game. Scott Fowler has placed voices together that is an incredible mix. Matt Fouch holds the honorable place of bass. Lee Black rises to the occasion in the tenor position. Brian Walker is in the baritone position and doing an amazing job. Scott Fowler is the groups lead singer. Josh Townsend shares a few vocals from time to time but is their amazingly talented pianist.

Now that you know the group, let me say that this is best that Legacy Five has sounded in years. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve never sounded bad, but with this vocal collection, their harmonies are tighter, their highs, and lows are right where they need to be, and the baritone rounds out the harmony in a way I’ve not heard in years. 

L5’s latest album entitled “Pure Love” begins and ends with a bang. “What a Day” starts with a contemporary beat, an almost whispered voice in the verse but takes full effect in the chorus and you immediately hear that harmony that I told you about. I’m listening now, and after the second chorus, their voices make me feel the words.

“What Kind of Man” has garnered much attention for the group and Southern Gospel. Brian Walker begins with the proclamation that he is Barabbas and paints a vocal picture of a questioning man as he looks at Christ. Scott Fowler is up next as Thomas, recalling his own struggle with doubt, but is faced with the scars in the hands and side of Christ. Lee Black makes his presence as Peter and details his denial of Christ and wonders how Christ could still care. After the men reprise their roles, Matt Fouch appears as all three in one. The message is, “What Kind of Man would rescue the sinner and offer amazing grace at Calvary?”

The album’s namesake in “Love Pure Love” and opens up with a welcomed jam session of guitar riffs and a bit of drums, but the story begins to take shape as the sinner woman breaks the high valued box and anointed Jesus, but His response was not critical but Pure Love.

“I Believe the Book” is a favorite of mine, partly because of Brian Walker's smooth vocals, but the message is on point for those of us that truly believe “God’s Wonderful Book Divine”. There are seven songs that I’ve not been able to cover in this article however they are sure to uplift you and will undoubtedly speak truth into your life.

I’ve been clear that this is the best L5 has sounded in years, I make no apology in saying that. Folks you owe it to yourself to hear this album, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

List to my podcast R I G H T.... HERE!

Also Available on iTunes and Spotify 

The Songs of Master’s Voice

           This week’s artist is likely new to you. I’ve been around Gospel music for a few decades now and in the “industry” for over two years now and have only recently become acquainted with them.  In early 2019 I was sent their album “Vintage”, then in December 2019 I received their latest album, “Solace”. It is this album that I intend on reviewing for your benefit and I hope to introduce you to this rising group.

Released in January of this year and available on cd and in digital form, I highly recommend it. Normally I reserve that suggestion for the end of the review, but let’s be honest, even if I have a negative review of someone or an album, I still hope that you will listen and form your own opinion.

The group began in 1995, and have only released five albums, one of which was a Christmas album. Although only a few albums are under their belt, this latest release has everything you could ask for. It is surprisingly packed with 12 songs and over 45 minutes of listening pleasure. The album begins with a mid-tempo song, “Let Us Not Grow Weary”, it is plain and simple an encouraging song straight from Galatians 6:9. “He’s coming Back” is again torn from scripture. It has a musical vibe that reminds me of the disco era, but it’s not off-putting in any way.

My favorite title is “Things Only God Can Do”. Opening with the prayer that many of us prayed as a child, “Now I lay me down to sleep”, the song outlines some of those simple things and moments in our life that are actually profound.  The fourth track is “Thinking Outside the Grave’, is begins with a dark overtone, but once the lyrics start to unravel you’ll soon realize that “Life doesn’t end with a box in the ground”, and as believers we can think beyond the grave.

Their latest radio single is “Peace Like a River” has an island themed intro, followed by wonderfully delivered lyrics by Tenor/Owner Ricky Capps. You’re bound to feel a little lighter after hearing this, so be sure to request it on Radio or even on Southern Gospel Point of View. There are seven more songs on this album, and each one is worth your time. I’d love to hear your thoughts about the album, but especially track 11 “Last of the Last Days”. 

Do me a favor, go to my website and request any of their songs, you can also call in your request at 865-315-7996. When you call, leave a voicemail about any of the groups, reviews, or songs that you’ve enjoyed through this article. 

I have to encourage you one last time to get to know Master’s Voice. They are everything you can look for in a quartet, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Faithful Still...Down East Boys

        You may not have heard of the Down East Boys, but it’s my honor to tell you about and possibly introduce this storied group to you. My experience goes back nearly 30 years to 1992, someone gave me a cassette tape with various artists and the Down East Boys sang a song called “The Singing News Song”. A comical song about the Singing News magazine. A year or two later I was able to see them in person at a church in my hometown of Palatka, Florida. It was there that I bought my first Down East Boys album entitled, Newborn. 

Fast forward 26 years, the Down East Boys are now in their 37^th year, and going strong according to the Southern Gospel industry, proven by awards for group of the year, multiple Top 40 songs, and 3 #1 songs. Their last album “Faithful Still” will hit the streets on May 15, 2020, and it is one that you’ll want to add to your collection. This album with eleven songs is both memorable and uplifting. 

Opening the album is “Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace”. A mid-tempo, modern sound that proclaims that the grace of God is in every part of our lives, whether in the valley, a trial, on a mountain or a new day. “What Love” is next and gives an audible picture of what we once were without Christ but crying out “what Love could love me”. 

“John Saw and Wrote About” is a traditional quartet song that’s a pleasant listen. The music is subdued, and the lyric is clear, it reminds me of quartet music from the 90s without all of the orchestrations and synthesizing. A fun, upbeat song on the list is led by the bass singer Zac Barham. With your faith and God’s victory, those walls in your life will “Fall like Jericho”.

A haunting tune is up next in “I Hear”, pleasing to the ear and gripping to the heart as we are transported back to ancient times in the last days and hours of Christ. Just as hopelessness sets in, the tune brightens, and the lyrics proclaim that the shackles of death haven been broken, and the Savior has risen. A choir backs up these golden voices to declare we are redeemed.

Much could be said about the remaining tracks on the album, but I’ll leave that to the imagination. “Those Hands” led by Ricky Carden, “God Will, Yes He Will”, “Bottom of the Basket”, “A Story that Began at the Cross”, and “Sweet Journey” round this album out as one of the best albums released in Southern Gospel this year, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Mylon Hayes Family

It’s a Family Thing

Family is an important element of Southern Gospel Music. Think back through the

years, and you’ll remember that some of the most successful and the most loved groups are indeed family groups. One comes to mind, a recently retired group that you no doubt have heard of… The McKameys. Their harmonies were tight, and their songs were anointed. Do you remember the Speer Family, the Singing Cookes? Recently the Collingsworth Family, and the Jordan Family Band have made a name for themselves.

Now that our thinking is towards family groups, I want to introduce you to or at least remind you of The Mylon Hayes Family. This an extension of the Hayes Family in which Mylon sang for 40 years. Mylon Hayes is continuing in the gospel heritage with his bride, Wendy, their twin boys, Conner and Bailey, and their daughter Kennedy. 

I recently got a message from Pastor Byron Chesney, he asked me to check the Mylon Hayes Family out. He said, “I’ve recently started listening to them, my favorite is Resurrection Power.” When I receive a request, I take it seriously, so for two weeks I’ve listened to their music and I must echo Pastor Chesney, “man, they have some great stuff.”

Their last album goes back to 2018, with fourteen songs, it is a great find in an era of six or seven tracks per album. It begins with, “We Come in the Name of Jesus”, lifting the name of Christ in song, this is a terrific song that will get your toes tapping but make you think about that name that is above every name… Jesus. 

Though released two years ago, “God Can Still Turn it Around” is a near prophetic song for the current health crisis in America and around the world. Wendy sings powerful lyrics like, “You wonder how it ever got this far, never dreamed your world would fall apart…”, have hope dear reader, God is still in control.

Madison leads the very next song on the album, “God is Always Faithful”, is a pleasant reminder that “God will do what He promised”. 

With styles ranging from Camp meeting, Hymns, traditional Southern Gospel to a grammatically incorrect song “Ain’t It Good”. I’m a new listener to the Mylon Hayes Family, however, with only one album in my library, I’m ready for more. I’m certain if you take a moment or two, you too would be hooked, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Social Media Giant among Southern Gospel Artists

               From a smalltown in North Georgia, the Ball Brothers from Chickamauga, Georgia are a favorite among young and older listeners. These brothers, In-Laws, and friends are a social media giant. With followers from all over the world and in small towns across America.

I first heard the Ball Brothers in late 2014, when I heard “Someday”, a song that took me back to an era of music dominated by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra. I met them in 2017 at the National Quartet Convention and was very impressed by their live sound and performance, but also their following. Young and old seem to love the sound, as their 2016 album states, they sing “music that spans the generations”.  

Just a few weeks I was able to talk to Daniel Ball. The group visited our little a few weeks ago, he says “We would love to do some exploring in the area”. As I stated earlier, their last album was nearly four years ago, so the next question had to be, when will we hear more from the Ball Brothers. Daniel said, “We are currently working on a project of cover songs with a Ball Brothers twist”. It is slated to be available in late summer. 

Speaking of “covers”, in case that is a new term for you. It is when an Artist re-records a previously released song by another artist. Generally, they infuse the original with their own personality and style, many times producing a better listening experience than the original. A few that you can see on YouTube are Jordan Feliz’s, “The River”, and Zach Williams’, “Old Church Choir”. 

Outside of the brief interaction with them back in 2017, and the Facebook encounter with Daniel, I've not had an opportunity to really get to know them as artists, or individuals. After checking their website and other articles or blogs about them I have found that they are just like me. I know, I know, not one of them is red-headed, or overweight, but they are husbands, fathers, and men. Men that are doing their best to live for God, support their families, share the Gospel, and bring smiles to faces across the world. Isn't that we all should be doing? In a word the answer is... YES!  

While the world is on lockdown because of COVID-19, do me a favor. Purchase their music, watch their online videos, interact with them on social media, and as soon as they are able to book again Go out and see them. There is a void in the world right now, at least the Southern Gospel Music World because of the lack of brick and mortar meeting places for concerts. I mentioned this above, but I'll reiterate it here. The Ball Brothers are social media giants. They have over 22,000 subscribers on YouTube, and over 2,000,000 views. Their YouTube channel began in 2007, and since that time, other SG artists have taken their lead and jumped headlong into the YouTube and Socal Media pool. Matt Fouch, Mark Lowry, and Jordan Family Band are a few Artists that are making strides in the social media realm. 

With that said, these artists are now performing in homes or on empty stages to provide a Live Concert feel. They are doing these Live Concerts for a reason, they don't want to give up, they want to make a difference, but if I can go to bat for them, these artists need to stay in communication with you and I. For many, concerts are their income, for some, it is their only income. So, as you watch these videos, andLive concerts, consider donating to their ministry. Suppor them during this time if you are able. Most of them will not ask for your financial support, but I encourage you to consider these as your friends and family. They need help too, they have bills too, and they have no income during this time of "Social Distancing".

I've digressed just a little, for good reason, but to get back to the purpose of this post. The Ball Brothers truly do sing “music that spans generations”, of the albums that are available to purchase you will undoubtedly find something that you enjoy, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

Please check out my own YouTube channel. Be sure to Subscribe.

The Inspirations are “Sounding Sweeter”

          A few weeks ago, when I received the new album from The Inspirations, I had mixed feelings. For over 30 years I have been an avid listener to Southern Gospel Music (SGM), and The Inspirations have been a staple in my library. I have been disappointed lately in their sound and song selection, so I began listening with high hopes and I must say, I’m impressed.

I am 40 years old, and in those years, I’ve found myself needing an escape from time to time, particularly that escape was in the lines and melodies of SGM dating back to the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. My library includes music by the Stamps, the Blackwoods, Masters V, Naomi and The Segos and many more, but two groups occupy the most space, The McKameys and The Inspirations.

Once I began listening to the Inspirations they were well into their 3rd decade of recording SGM. The first song I remember hearing was “When I wake Up” from 1973. I was around 10 years old at the time, and they were the best of the best. The high notes of Archie Watkins and the Lows of Mike Holcomb were the standard by which I judged every other group I heard. 

Though there have been personnel and ownership changes, the sound I grew up with is back. In their new album “Ever Old, Ever New”, all of the men do a tremendous job, but Archie Watkins sounds his best in years. The new album is slated to release April 10, 2020, and will be available on CD, digital download and streaming platforms. 

Eddie Dietz though has my favorite song “Knowing you’re there”. A song that allows us to picture a man in prayer, not asking for a thing and having no troubles, just communing with the Lord. “1945” transports us back to churches with wood slat pews, old-fashioned mourner benches, and leather-lunged preachers. Luke Vaught gets to show off on “I’ll Fly Away”, he plays all of the instruments on the track. As someone who loves bluegrass, he gets high marks on the banjo, dobro, fiddle, and mandolin. 

If you love tradition quartet Southern Gospel, you will love this album with a refreshing sound and stirring lyrics, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Taking a trip with Endless Highway

             Just outside of Milan, Tennessee is… What’s that? You’ve never heard of Milan? What about Greenfield? No? Okay, about 30 miles north of Jackson Tennessee somewhere between Nashville and Memphis is Trenton, the home of the 31 miles per hour speed limit and Endless Highway. 

Endless Highway is not some forsaken stretch of road in Tennessee. It’s the name of a Southern Gospel group with Jason & Vanessa Griggs and their children, Jay & Allison. When asked about the group name, Jason responded “This name connects our generations of ministry that will be endless until the return of the Lord as we go into the highways and hedges and compel the lost to come to Him. The basis for the name is found in Isaiah 35:8-10”

On March 20, 2020, the group will release their 3^rd album, “Countless”. It is available for pre-order now, but I’ll give you a sneak peek of a few of the songs. “Keep looking up” is first up with carefully placed lyrics that will encourage and uplift the listener to continue in the faith by encouraging them to Keep on keepin’ on. “Countless”, the title track allows the listener to think of God’s love for us. “All that remains to be seen”, a favorite on this album is an upbeat song about the changes that are not only needed but promised for the believer. I begin to stray a little on the next song, “26 Cents” is a fresh cut on the 1999 country song by the Wilkinsons. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the song, it’s neither spiritual nor scriptural, but a lot can be said about the sentimental subject of a mother’s love.  “Somebody’s World Changed Today” will stir the heart with an emotional message that takes us to the home of a newborn baby and to the family saying their last goodbye. Another track is “Til They Came Home”, it gives us a poignant picture of the lives of families torn by service to our country. 

There are only 6 songs on the album, but they are packed with lyrics that will fill your heart with remembrance and music that will have your toes tapping, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

What is Southern Gospel Music?

What is Southern Gospel Music? 

            The origin of Southern Gospel Music can be traced back to 1910 and was typically
comprised of a piano, stringed instruments, and a quartet. It has been described by some as folk, mountain music, old-fashioned or sacred music. The music has changed in many ways, now with keyboards, drums, electric and acoustic guitars, and technology this style of music sounds just like any other modern genre. But, why is Southern Gospel Music so obscure in society? 

            Try searching iTunes or Google Play stores for Southern Gospel and you’ll likely be frustrated with results from Country Music Artists singing hymns or church choirs. If smart speakers are your forte, try saying “Alexa, Play Southern Gospel Music”, chances are you will get a few Southern Gospel artists, but no doubt you will get bluegrass gospel, and hymns sang by secular artists. 

          I used the word frustrated, there are other words that would describe my emotions as I try to train my phone or smart speaker to play Southern Gospel Music. I have had days when I have to skip nearly every other song. Not because I don't like the song, because it doesn't fit into the genre I requested. 

            Each week while reviewing new music, I’m disappointed to find that the reason for the obscurity of this genre falls directly on the artist, studio and record label. The music is rarely tagged with Southern Gospel as the genre. Generally, it is tagged as “Religious”, “Gospel”, “Christian”, “Inspirational”, or simply “Music”. I’ve even had a few that were tagged as “Metal”.

            So, what is Southern Gospel Music (SGM)? Today there are at least six distinct “flavors” of SGM. Male quartets are four men singing individual parts such as The Kingdom Heirs, Master’s Voice, and Tribute Quartet. Mixed Quartets with the traditional four-part harmony but with at least one female voice such as the Perrys, Exodus, and Karen Peck and New River. There are Trios like Greater Vision and the Booth Brothers. Duos (not to be confused with a duet – a song performed by two people) like Jim and Melissa Brady. You have solo artists like Mark Lowry, Joseph Habedank, Ivan Parker and Michael Combs. The sixth group is usually a family or mixed groups like the Collingsworth Family or the Gaither Vocal Band, and usually have more than one person singing the same part. 

            Before I forget, the best way to find SGM on a digital platform is to start with an artist you know and begin to follow the suggestions for similar artists, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View.

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

The Next Generation of Southern Gospel

 

          Allow me to introduce the “3 Heath Brothers”, a trio that is on the verge of taking our nation by storm. In Southern Gospel, youth has been scarce over the last few decades, but these teenage brothers are doing their part in bringing this music to a younger generation. Nicholas, Clayton, and Christian Heath make up this trio from North Carolina. Nicholas is the oldest and has written one of my favorite tracks on this album, Clayton and Christian are identical twins and it shows.

            In 2017, I began Southern Gospel Point of View, my first event was the National Quartet Convention. While there, I interviewed quite a few artists, but these three brothers left an impression. After the interview, I made several attempts to get a “liner” that I could play on my radio program, after about 6 attempts, I finally got something that I could work with. Their excitement and personalities were on overload and I loved it.  We laughed to the point of tears as they forgot their lines and made failed attempts of improvisation. After that night I’ve kept up with them on social media and have been pleasantly surprised to see them rising in the ranks of Southern Gospel.

            Last year they signed with Horizon Records and released a new album entitled “Who We Are”. Packed with eleven songs and a mixture of traditional southern gospel melodies to acapella, this album is something that you need to hear.  A favorite song of my 10-year-old daughter is “Smell of Smoke”, as you may have guessed, it tells the story of the three Hebrew children in the furnace from Daniel Chapter 6. “Give it to Jesus” was written by Nicholas, with lyrics like “Bring every burden, bring every bruise, bring every problem you wish you could lose…”, hope is evident to the listener. “Shake in his shoes” brings the fight to the Devil. As Christians, we should live in the truth and plead the blood. 

Combining genres and styles, this album is a must for any listener. The adult and young listener will no doubt enjoy the offerings from the 3 Heath Brothers, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Building a following

To say I need you to follow me, or follow my page takes a lot for me. I have to say it more than I want to, but it goes against the grain of my very being. I’m not a fan of self promoters, I just don’t like it. I’ve been raised to be humble and to prefer someone else above myself, so this is hard. But, I need you to follow me and my page. I need to know you're reading this blog, listen to my weekly radio show, or read the new weekly newspaper article. If you listen, please comment on the post. If you have a show or blog post idea, please comment.

Go ahead and sign up for the email version of this post. It’s simple...
Step 1: Enter email address
Step 2: Click Subscribe
Step 3: You are done! There is no step 3

See? Simple, easy, not hard, reasonable, elementary

Please, ease my pain and follow me. Let me know that something I am doing puts a smile on your face or makes you think.

Thanks folks... oh by the way, I submitted my second article today, if they print it Saturday I guess they like it.

The Perrys Have Done it Again

          With forty-nine years of experience, The Perrys are still producing music that stirs the heart, tickles the ears, and gets your toes tapping. With 25 albums that have soared in Southern Gospel charts, their latest album, “Keep Movin’ Along,” still has the message of the Gospel as its core, and it is delivered with power and style.

A short album by most standards with only seven tracks, this album is packed with greatness. Beginning with “It Never Gets Old,” the Gospel rings loud and clear through lyrics about the love of God and truths about the Cross. “Walk Me Through” is a favorite of mine with Libbi Stuffle’s alto voice singing about the presence of God in our darkest valleys. The next voice you hear is Andrew Goldman as he sings “Take You to the Cross,” presenting a truly gripping journey as we discover Christ’s love for us. Jared Stuffle is driving the bus on “That’s How You Know,” along with Troy Peach and Andrew Goldman. This track is smooth as silk with a mid-tempo tune. It begins with Jesus speaking to His disciples in Matthew 24 and ends with a resurrected Jesus, all the while taking us on a trip through the ministry of Christ.

Next in line is “Tailor Made” sang by Troy Peach, a balled with a country flair that focuses on the work that God does in repairing those that are torn, broken, or stained. The result is a wonderful message of redemption regardless of how ragged one may be. “Never a Time” is, in my opinion, a classic Perrys-style track. Libbi again leads by reminding the listener that God is indeed faithful. The title track “Keep Movin’ Along” was written by Lonnie B. Combs and published in 1945. This convention-style song allows their quartet harmonies to shine bright. These lyrics encourage the listener to keep on moving on the gospel way and warns that we should not be hindered by the snares or the obstacles in our way.

There is something for every listener on this album, from a modern sound to country to the old convention style, but that’s just my Southern Gospel Point of View. 

For more Southern Gospel news, visit www.southerngospelpov.com.

Be sure to check out my latest episode right here.  

Exciting News

Last week I hinted at some news. Now, I can finally announce it. Beginning Saturday, February 8, 2020, Southern Gospel Point of View will be in the Local newspaper.

I will begin writing a weekly story in the Americus Time-Recorder, it will be printed each Saturday. The article will be an extension to this blog and my radio show and will include album reviews, artist news, and concert events in our area.

I've wanted to branch out in this way for a while but never had the nerve, then on a whim and a queso blanco (the mild kind) induced brainstorm from La Hacienda, I contacted the General manager and she was glad to have the opportunity to add the article to the paper.

So over the last few days, I've poured over a fairly new release and have written my first review to be submitted tomorrow by noon. I have to admit, writing a review about an album and doing a radio show about it are two very different beasts. Especially if you want to sound like you know what you're doing.

Please subscribe to my blog feed and keep track of the show at www.southerngospelpov.com

New Music and News

I've just posted a brand new episode of Southern Gospel Point of View and want you to hear it. New music from The Old Paths Quartet, The Perry's& the Gaither Vocal Band.

Check it out on our Archives Page, be sure to click on Episode 89.

Don't forget, I'll be sharing some great news very soon.

Soon and Very Soon!

We have some exciting news. With the next week we should hammer out the details and begin sharing right here and on social media. Please stay tuned!