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.