Playing Catch Up

I have been gone for a little over a week with limited Internet access, and it's good to be back! I had some posts scheduled, but I knew things would probably come up while I was gone, but didn't realize how much! Some things I suspected, but some things definitely not!

Here's my attempt to play catch up of what I missed while I was gone:

Kellan Monroe Departs Beyond the Ashes

I had the chance to see Beyond the Ashes right before I left, and Tyler Vestal was at baritone. I wasn't sure if Kellan just happened to be off that weekend and didn't want to jump to conclusions. However, he posted this to his Facebook page last week:

As of May 1, I have stepped down from my position with Beyond The Ashes. The past three years have been nothing short of incredible and I am forever grateful that God allowed me to live my dream! I sang with the greatest guys in all the world, on stage and off. I am very excited about this new season and direction in my life and thankful for all God is doing. Thank you to Anthony Facello, Dustin Doyle, Dusty Wells, Rob Estep and all of the BTA team who helped me grow, learn, and love like Jesus. Your impact on my life is invaluable. 

Thank you to the countless friends, fans and family I made on the road for your love and support! Keep up with the guys and watch God do some amazing things in the ministry of BTA. Love y’all!

Kellan was with the group for three years. I'm sure there will be a process to finding a new baritone singer, but after hearing Tyler with the group, I think he would be a great fit!


Mark Trammell Quartet Hires Dustin Black

I thought this might happen while I was gone, since the group hinted at news coming last week on its Facebook page and Dustin had been traveling with the group for a while now. Here's the full release from the quartet:

Gadsden, AL - GREAT NEWS!!!!! On his 26th birthday, Dustin David Black has accepted the position as the new tenor vocalist for Mark Trammell Quartet! Dustin is from Saginaw, Michigan, and will soon become a "southern boy." 

Mark shares the following..."We are SO excited about Dustin coming on board and we look forward to what is in store for both Dustin and MTQ. I am still convinced that God knows exactly what we need and when we need it." Dustin has been traveling with the group on a 90 day trial basis. He is a brand new face to gospel music and has already made many new friends across the country with his winning smile and warm personality. He has proven to be a true Christian Gentleman in every way. Mark continues, "I was immediately impressed with this young man and his ability to just be one of the boys. Dustin had only been to one gospel concert prior to walking on our bus. It was a Gaither event in California a few years back while he was finishing his Masters degree in music at West Coast Baptist College." 

When Mark was asked about having a "yankee" on his bus, he smiled and replied, "It's certainly a first for me, but we will eventually get accustomed to the smell!" 

When you see MTQ in concert in the coming days, make it a point to stop by their table and welcome this fine young man to the world of gospel music.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTIN and WELCOME TO Mark Trammell Quartet!!!

I had the chance to see with group with Dustin in April and was really impressed with how well he fit with the quartet already! Look forward to seeing them again in Arkansas in June!


Joseph Habedank Leaves the Perrys

This the one I definitely did not see coming!! Joseph has been a mainstay in the Perrys for 10 years. He's grown into not only an incredible lead singer but gifted songwriter as well. I know this was not an easy decision especially with Tracy's situation, but he feels that this is what the Lord is leading him to right now. Here are the statements from Joseph and Libbi:

Dear Friends,

After 10 years of having the great privilege to serve with the Perrys, I have decided to step down as Lead Singer at this time. Libbi and I talked earlier this week, and while I would never want to abandon her in such a great time of need, sometimes The Lord has other plans. There aren't enough words for me to express how truly grateful I am for both Tracy and Libbi giving me the opportunity that they have. They are like parents to me and I love them dearly. I will miss them.

To the Gospel Music community, thank you all for loving and accepting me over the years. I never dreamed that The Lord would allow me to feel so loved by the fans of Gospel Music. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
As for my future, only The Lord knows what He has in store. I am confident of this one thing tho; I am absolutely nothing without Him and I only want His perfect will for my life. My wife, Lindsay, and I both covet your prayers in this time of transition. We love you all.

With a grateful heart,Joseph Habedank

--------------------------------------  

A personal note from Libbi,
While it saddens me that Joseph is leaving, we definitely respect his and Lindsay's need to reevaluate their lives and future. He has been like a son to me and Tracy. Although he is leaving our group, we will always consider him part of our family.

As for the Perry's, we will continue on. It is my plan to be back on the road as soon and as much as possible. I don't have all the answers right now, but God is in control. Thank you for your love and prayers for me, Tracy, Jared, Bryan, and Leah; and your continued support of the group. 

In His Grip,  

Libbi

Joseph will most certainly be missed with the Perrys! I hope that if the Lord does not lead him to continue singing full-time, we will still have his presence in the industry as a songwriter!


Mike Rogers Leaves Dixie Melody Boys and Joins Brian Free and Assurance

It seems that this was a pretty fast transition for Brian Free and Assurance. Glad to see that they were able to find someone so quickly! Here's the release from Brian Free:

Douglasville, GA – May 22, 2013 Brian Free announced today a decision has been made in filling the baritone position. Joining the BFA family will be Mike Rogers of Kinston, NC who fans will recognize from his recent position as lead singer for the Dixie Melody Boys. Mike will join the group on June 20 at the Memphis Quartet Show. 

Twenty-four year old Mike shares, “The warmth and humility from Brian and the guys when I auditioned made me feel this was truly a God-thing, and confirmed for me that I wanted to be a part of their ministry. BFA is very family-oriented, which means a lot to me. Ministry is important, but after God, family is top priority. Quartet music doesn’t get any better than BFA. They are top notch, and I am honored to join them." 

Brian states, “When I received the audition info for Mike I was very impressed with his vocal ability and the gift to deliver a song. After spending some time with him, his wife Bekki and daughter Coraline at my home, I knew he was the one God had sent to be a member of our family. I love his heart and the love he has for people. He will be a wonderful addition to BFA. 

Having over 300 people apply for the job, it was a hard decision due to all the talent I heard. I want to thank each person who took their time and effort to apply for the position. I am truly honored that so many wanted to be a part of our ministry. I know God has a place and time for you to use your talent for him.” 

Brian Free & Assurance’s first single I Want To Be That Man off their current project, Nothing But Love, went to number one the month of February on the Singing News Charts. Their follow up single, Calvary’s Cry has quickly climbed the charts and currently holds number six for the month of May. 

To keep up to date with Brian Free & Assurance visit their website at: http://www.brianfreeandassurance.com/

Look forward to seeing this new lineup of Brian Free and Assurance!


It's been a couple of weeks full of group changes! Any thing else I've missed?

A cappella - Who Does It Best?

If you're like me, a few names immediately come to mind as having amazing, standout a cappella performances. They have the tight harmonies and the long notes that can send shivers down your spine. These groups not only have one signature a cappella song, but have several they can pull from their repertoire.

Here are the four names that come to mind as being the at the top of a cappella singing -

• The Isaacs
• The Martins
• The Nelons
• Sisters

I don't think it's any coincidence that all of these are family groups. Here's examples of why these groups stand out to me above the rest:

The Isaacs


The Martins


The Nelons

Sisters

What do you think? Is there another group that comes to mind when you think of amazing a cappella singing? And who do you think is best when it comes to a cappella singing?

Names You Might Not Know Yet - The Taylors

Some groups I was a little hesitant to ask to do this series because I feel like they have been on the
gospel music scene for a while, but since they were still nominated in a "new" category for the Singing News Fan Awards, I figured it would be ok.

So this week's post is on the Taylors, a brother, sister group based out of North Carolina. While still considered a young group, the Taylors have demonstrated their commitment to their ministry and sharing Jesus through southern gospel music.


Question: Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

The Taylors: We grew up in a small Southern Baptist church singing traditional hymns. Southern gospel music was not introduced to us until we were in our teenage years. A trio came to perform a concert, and we immediately fell in love with the songs and style. It was shortly after that concert that we became interested in singing that style of music.


Q: How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

The Taylors: Our mom taught us 4 part harmony around our family piano -an upright, out of tune, Wurlitzer. She picked songs from her choir books and we learned to love singing together, although it wasn't very good at the time! I don't remember how we got our first singing engagement, but I know there were a lot of sweet people who encouraged us. With dad behind the wheel of our minivan and older brother, Matthew, as sound technician, we would travel locally to sing for banquets, club meetings, and fundraisers. God truly blessed those early years as we continued to follow his leading.


Q: What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about the Taylors?

The Taylors: We would love for each of our listeners to know two things. First, that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. That is the reason we leave our families for over 170 dates a year. As glamorous as it may seem to be a musician/group, we can honestly say that if it weren't for God's calling and anointing, we would have chosen different careers. He is the reason we exist, so we want to share his love with as many people as possible before He returns, and music is a great way to do that. Second, we will always give an invitation for those listening to accept Jesus as Savior.


Q: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

The Taylors: Currently, we love to sing "I'm Going to Make It."  This song has a special place in our hearts as we find life to be discouraging at times, to say the least. "If Only Just a Few" by the Mark Trammell Trio is one of our favorites.


Q:  What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

The Taylors: There are so many. Really we couldn't even begin to name them.


Q:  What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

The Taylors: We performed a concert in Florida at a very small Methodist Church where a 93 year-old woman gave her heart to Christ for the first time in her life. That concert was not our best performance as we were weary from traveling the roads for two weeks straight. God spoke to our hearts by reminding us that when we are weary, He is strong. It was a bittersweet concert, in that, this woman came to know Christ, but when we asked her why she waited until that age to ask Jesus to save her she said no one ever gave her the chance to know the Lord. We never take a concert for granted anymore.


Q:  What new things are coming up for the Taylors?

The Taylors: We have some very exciting things in the works, but we can't tell just yet! Keep an eye on our website for latest news in the coming weeks. We can't wait to let you know what's happening soon! www.thetaylorsmusic.com.

Fun Clip Friday - Bowling Family

It's time for a Fun Clip Friday to feature a SocialCam video again. This one is too good not to share. The Bowling Family has done a couple of SocialCams playing pranks on each other. This time Mike decides to get the drummer, Taylor Guffey. Watch below!

Aaron and Amanda Crabb - Mercy - CD Review

Aaron and Amanda Crabb released their third and latest project as a couple in April. The couple serves as worship leaders at Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. Aaron is also one-fourth of Canton Junction after traveling for years with his family as the Crabb Family.

You can tell that this project is by worship leaders. Many of the songs of this project have a more worship feel, but southern gospel fans will not be disappointed. All of the songs have such a great message and meaning behind them. Aaron and Amanda helped write more than half of the songs on the project.

The album starts with "If I'm Guilty," which features more of Aaron while Amanda comes in with beautiful harmony parts. I love the message of this song, "if I'm guilty, let me be guilty of too much mercy." Wow! Lord, help me to think like that! Convicting lyric!!

The first half of the project is so strong. The first three songs are all favorites of mine. "Somethin' About Love" is a fun, more upbeat song that has a country flavor. I also love "Take Him to the Place," which has been sent to radio.

Amanda's beautiful soprano voice has really developed and she absolutely shines on several songs. However, I love her singing "God Loves the Broken." There is a beautiful tenderness to her voice that comes out when she gets into her higher register. Another great vocal performance from Amanda is on "It's Gonna Rain." Her voice immediately grabs you at the beginning and pulls you into the song.

"I'm Learning" is also a song with a strong country sound. Aaron really shows off his lower register on the first verse with a little bit of a Josh Turner sound.

Album rating - 4 stars - This album is a must buy if you lean toward more praise and worship songs. Aaron and Amanda Crabb have really developed their own style and their vocals have grown stronger with every project they release.

Song List:

1. "If I'm Guilty"
2. "Somethin' About Love"
3. "Take Him to the Place"
4. "I'm Learning"
5. "God Loves the Broken"
6. "Holy"
7. "It's Gonna Rain"
8. "Without You"
9. "Come on, Come on"
10. "Reaching Out"
11. "Guide Me"

Enjoying the Moments - Beyond the Ashes

Beyond the Ashes - Dustin Doyle, Anthony Facello
and Tyler Vestal

Sunday night I had the chance to see Beyond the Ashes for the first time in person. I was excited to see reviewing their latest album, Living in the Moment. The more I listen to it, the more I love it and think I might should go back and adjust the rating even a little higher! There were plenty of stand out moments from the concert to enjoy!

Tyler Vestal formerly of Freedom was singing baritone for the group that night. Anthony said during the concert that it was only his third night with the group. I'm not sure if he is just filling in right now or not. Regardless, he did a great job for just being his third day with them. I was impressed that not only had he learned to sing the songs, but many of his he had learned to play along with on the keyboard!

The group had a great lineup of songs, mixing classic favorite songs with songs from their latest CD. Here's a breakdown of what they sang:

• "Amazing God" - Love that they started the concert with this song. It really set the night off with a more worshipful feel. 
  
• "Over for Good" - This was a favorite from their Living in a Moment CD, so I was glad they sang it! Dustin played guitar while he sang and really impressed me as a musician as well.
• "Amazing Grace" - Dustin started out playing on guitar and then sang a verse. Tyler then played part of it on the keyboard and they sang a bit more of it.
• "Just Over in the Gloryland" - Tyler played this on the keyboard.
• "What a Meeting"
• "Walking With My Eyes on Jesus"
• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" - Anthony had talked about before this that he was raised in church with a little soul to it, and he definitely put a soulful spin on the song that really showed off what a great singer he is! One of my favorites of the night!
• "Living in the Moment" - They had the audience whistle along at the beginning of the song, which was pretty fun!
• "Oh Happy Day/ What Can Wash Away My Sin"
• "He Looked Beyond My Faults" - Tyler played and was featured on this song and did a great job!
• "I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary" - This was the vocal performance of the night! As I was taking notes, all I said was "Wow!" beside the song title and as I was writing it, the crowd started clapping. We were all feeling the power of the song and the moment!
• "Peace in the Midst of the Storm" - Another powerful song and loved hearing Dustin sing this live! This song is my absolute favorite from their latest project. It has a great message and hearing the delivery that Dustin gave the lyrics live was incredible! This stretch right before the offering/ intermission were my favorite moments of the night!
• "Oh the Thought That Jesus Loves Me"
• "I Can't Even Walk" - Anthony was featured on this, and it was another standout moment of the night for me!
• "He Is Here" - Great choice to end the night on!

If you get the chance, definitely go see Beyond the Ashes!