2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City - Day 2

Today was jam packed full of good music. Kudos to D.A. Callaway and the Silver Dollar City staff for a stellar lineup today. It was hard to be able to see as much as I wanted! I was able to see five different artists. Here are the highlights of the day -


Brian Free & Assurance

• "He Can Take It" - This is becoming one of my favorite BFA songs. The message of this song hits home every time.
• "Beyond Amazed"
• "What a Beautiful Day" - Brian let the high part on this song soar, and it was the first concert of the day!
• "Say Amen" - Another favorite! It's always great to hear how the crowd gets into this song as a testament to what God has done in their lives. 

The Erwins

• Today marked the release of their new project Watch & See. Ernie Haase surprised them at their first show and to congratulate them on the release, ask them to sign the CD and then invite them to sing at Echo Hollow that night with Signature Sound. 
• We got to hear several of their new songs. I cannot wait to listen to the full project - on repeat. Every song they sang was incredible! - 
• "Glorious, Amazing God"
• "Watch & See" - This is the title and first single. I'm anxious to see it make its way to the top of the charts!
• "After the Storm" - Katie did an amazing job on this song. Her voice is mature beyond her 17 years. 
• "Hallelujahs Never End" 
• "In the House of the Lord" - I loved the lighting effects they used with song!

Joseph Habedank

• "Jailbreak"
• "Never, No Never" - I was glad he staged this on from his Welcome Home project.
• "There Is a Fountain" - This has become one of my favorite hymns and he does such a great job on this one. 
• "Beauty of the Blood" - Joseph shared a little bit of his testimony before this song. I love hearing his share his heart and the story of how God has worked in his life. I appreciate how transparent Joseph has always been and how he's using his story to encourage others. 
• "Here He Comes" - He ended the set with this song. I love the energy and the message of this song.

Karen Peck & New River

• "Pray Now"
• "It Is Well" - Grant sang this one by himself and it was incredible!
• "Gotta Be Saved" - I'm glad I got to hear this one live. This song is the #1 song for the group for September, written by Karen, Joseph Habedank and Wayne Haun. 
• "I Am Blessed" - The more I hear this song, the more I fall in love with it. I love hearing Karen sing this song!
• "Victory Is Mine" 
• "Four Days Late"
• "I Know I'll Be There" - This is such a powerful song! They ended their last show with this song. 

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

We unfortunately had to leave a little early tonight, but it was a treat to hear so many songs live for the first time from EHSS's Clear Skies project.

• "Clear Skies" - The funny part of this song was it started to sprinkle rain a little bit and umbrellas and ponchos started coming out right before this song. So they sang this and then they got to this line - "Sometimes this life gives you thunder and then you get caught in the rain." And everyone, EHSS included, couldn't help but laugh. Thankfully it never did really rain and the sprinkling didn't last long!
• "Give Me Jesus" - This was the song of the night for me. I love the simple message of this song. It's exactly the simple motto that we all need to be reminded of daily.
• "Heaven Is"
• "Sailing With Jesus"
• "Ol Man River" - Paul sang this from his new solo project. He does an incredible job on this song from Showboat.
• "Then Came the Morning" - This might have been the moment of the night to hear them sing this right before intermission. It's such a powerful song and I love that they are staging it!

Experiencing Hope - Brian Free & Assurance in Ward - Concert Recap

A few weeks ago, Brian Free & Assurance came to Cocklebur Baptist Church in Ward, Arkansas. This was a church I had never been to before and when my GPS told me I had arrived, judging by the cow pastures on either side of me, I knew that I had not. I thankfully found the church just a couple more miles down the road. When I got there, it seemed that no else had trouble finding it because this small country church was packed out and they were setting up more folding chairs for the night's concert.

Brian Free & Assurance - Brian Free, Mike Rogers
and Bill Shivers

Brian Free & Assurance were part of the cruise I was on in January, so it hadn't been too long since I had seen the group before. It was good to hear them in a full concert setting though instead of just a 20-minute set. It was good to hear a few more songs from Beyond Amazed along with some favorite Brian Free & Assurance songs.

It was one of those nights where from the first few words sung you could tell the presence of God was in the room. The crowd was moved by the music and lyrics of each song. It was an amazing feeling in the room that night.

Here are a few highlights of the night -

• "You Could Be the Difference" - Love hearing Mike sing this one!
• "Leave With Nothing Left" - I don't remember hearing this one live before but it was definitely a standout track to me from their most recent project. Bill does a great job on this song. 
• "He Can Take It" - This is the group's radio single right now featuring Brian. Love this song!
• "Somebody's Miracle"
• "Say Amen" - As much as I love hearing the group sing this one and seeing how the audience is moved by this sing, I have to say that what I loved most about this song that night was hearing a small girl behind me sing every word it her little high voice. I love that the music at a young age is impacting her. I'm always so thankful when I see parents and grandparents taking their young children to concerts to raise them up around this music like I was. 
• "Live Like We're Redeemed"
• "For God So Loved" - I've heard this song so many times, but that night this song struck such a chord with me that night. I love the lyric - "Hope was born through sacred blood." It's only through Jesus' shed blood on the cross that we have hope for the future. 
• "Long As I Got King Jesus"

Brian gave a little bit of his testimony of how he was already singing gospel music when he gave his heart and life to Jesus. It doesn't matter the kind of life you live or how you might serve in the church, it's taking that step of salvation to ask Him to come into your life that really matters. It's surrendering ourselves to Him. 

I'm thankful that I kept driving just a few more miles past the cow pasture to find the church that night. Thank you, Brian, Bill and Mike, for a great night of worship!

Concert Recap - Brian Free & Assurance

A few weeks ago I got the chance to see Brian Free & Assurance in Arkansas. It had been over a year since I had gotten to see this group in person and this was coming right off the release of their new album, Beyond Amazed. Here are some highlights of the night -

• They had a lot of requests for fan favorite songs, but they were able to get in two new songs and they probably were the two I most wanted to hear live - "He Can Take It" and "Sometimes You Need a Song." Glad that they are already staging a few new ones!
• "For God So Loved" - This is one of the most powerful songs. I love hearing this one live!
• "Say Amen" - This is another powerful song. I love when the audience will chime in and say "Amen" as the song progresses. This is becoming one of their staple songs.
• "He Will Carry You" - I've heard this song on the radio so much lately. It's a beautiful reminder that when tough times come He will be there to carry us.
• "You Can Be the Difference" - This song is a fun upbeat song, but also very challenging. It's another great one to hear live.
• It's always good to hear those fan favorite songs. It wouldn't be a Brian Free & Assurance concert without "Long As I Got King Jesus." They also sang "I Keep Looking Up," "Praying Man" and "If It Takes a Valley," three more of my personal favorites.

Check out Brian Free & Assurance's schedule to see when they are near you!

Beyond Amazed - Brian Free & Assurance - CD Review

Brian Free & Assurance released its latest CD Beyond Amazed the last week of September. The quartet turned trio has become known and loved for its unique, progressive sound.

Brian Free is known for picking top-notch songs and this project is no exception. This collection of songs is one of the strongest to be released this year. The album credits contain a who's who of songwriters.

The project kicks off with "Anything Is Possible." It has the same sound we've come to love from this group. It's not the same song that was recorded on the group's Never Walk Alone project.

Brian takes the lead on "He Can Take It," which is the current single. It's a great reminder of the power of God. All our fears, doubts, questions, troubles - He can take it. Not only that but He can take whatever we have, take it and heal it. It's a powerful reminder how God can use whatever we might be going through for His glory.

Mike Rogers steps up to mic on the title track as well as "The Voice of Jesus." The latter is definitely more on the progressive end. It's a great uptempo number that reminds us to simply listen to the voice of Jesus. No matter what the world is saying or how tough the situation we are facing is, we can listen to Him.

"Leave With Nothing Left" is one of the slower songs on the album. It's an inspiration to really make the most of the time we have here on earth. Bill turns in a powerful performance on this song.

The lyrics of "Sometimes You Need a Song" will grab your attention. It's one you'll find yourself repeating to allow the truths of the song to sink in. Sometimes music can speak to us in ways that a sermon or other things can't.

"At the Cross" is another one of those songs that just has the Brian Free and Assurance sound. Brian takes the lead on this one that might not be what listeners expect from the title. Brian also has the ballad, "The End of Grace." It's the type of song that Brian just shines on.

"Unheard" is the closer of the album. It's one that you should not miss. When we can't even find the words, there's not a prayer unheard. Also, I never realized how similar Mike and Bill sound until this song.

It's impossible to find a song that is not going to speak to you on this project. Beyond Amazed is one of the projects you definitely need to add to your collection.

Songs to Turn Up - "Anything Is Possible" and "At the Cross"
Song to Put on Repeat - "He Can Take It"
Song to Give a Second Listen - "Sometimes You Need a Song" and "Unheard"

Song List -
1. "Anything Is Possible"
2. "He Can Take It"
3. "Beyond Amazed"
4. "Leave With Nothing Left"
5. "The Voice of Jesus"
6. "Everything He Forgot"
7. "At the Cross"
8. "Sometimes You Need a Song"
9. "The End of Grace"
10. "Unheard"

Sunday at Silver Dollar City - Southern Gospel Picnic 2016

While I was out of my normal Sunday routine of being at church, we definitely experienced church today at Silver Dollar City. We had worship mixed in with a little bit of honking and Elvis impersonating. Here's a run down on my day - 

Sunday Drive

The first show of the day was Sunday Drive. I got the chance to see them last year and then just reviewed their latest project, Special Edition, so I was anxious to see them again in person. They sang a few songs from that project including "A Good Song," "Don't Forget My Senior Discount" and "If There's a Rocking Chair in Heaven." I didn't realize when I was reviewing the project that the song actually features Jeff's mom singing the second verse. This song went to #21 in the country in 1986 for Jeff's family's groups, so they brought it back and still featured his mom's voice on it.

They sang probably their most well-known song, "Happy, Happy, Happy." Great song!

In addition to the Senior Citizen discount song, which had the audience erupt in laughter, Jeff also sang his comedy song "Honk if You Love Jesus," which was another one that had the audience in stitches. 

The Talleys

From Sunday Drive, I made my way to see the Talleys this afternoon who were singing in the Red Gold Heritage Hall. They opened their first set with "After All This Time" from their most recent project by the same name. Love this song, and it's a great opener! The other new but old song they sang from that project was "Namaan." 

Debra talked about the recent death of her father and how they saw the faithfulness of God. She asked Lauren to come forward to sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." I love their arrangement of this song!

Lauren also sang "Hidden Heroes" and then they ended the first set with "He's Alive." This is always such a powerful moment that has the audience on its feet!

Jeff Stice

Pianst Jeff Stice started the night in Echo Hollow. One of my favorites that he played was "Through It All." He paid tribute to all the military branches with a medley of all their songs. He had veterans of each branch stand as their song was played. 

He talked a little bit about how he got started and some of those who influenced him which included some impressions of Elvis, Ray Charles and Floyd Kramer. He ended his part with the "Hallelujah Chorus.

Brian Free & Assurance

Brian Free & Assurance closed the day down in Echo Hollow. They opened with "I Keep Looking Up." They kept the crowd going with a lot of their uptempo songs like "You Can Be the Difference," "Anything Is Possible" and "Tell It Like It Was."

The group featured also several songs from Live Like We're Redeemed. They sang "You Could Be the Difference" and "He Will Carry You," love this song! They also sang "Forever Home." This is a beautiful song about the promise of Heaven. Brian talked about losing his parents, and Bill his brother and Mike his grandfather. After intermission, they sang "That's Just What Grace Does," which is one of my favorites from that CD!

Bill requested that Brian show off his tenor skills, so Brian sang "Glory Road." I don't know how he gets as high as he does, but I'm so impressed every time!

Another highlight of the night was "Say Amen." It's always so moving to hear them sing this live with the audience echoing "Amen" during the song. 

Of course, it wouldn't be the same without "Long As I Got King Jesus." They sang this before the break and to end the night!

Day four is complete, ready for day five!

Fun Clip Friday - Brian Free Gets Punked

Happy Friday to all! Here's a great clip of Brian Free from a recent concert. Apparently the pastor decided to have a little fun with Brian before the concert. He confessed to the prank that night during the concert. Watch to see what happened!

Fun Clip Friday - PB&J Productions

Pat Barker announced the creation of PB&J Productions a few months ago. He has now released the first webcast episode. It features interviews with Bill Shivers, Scott Fowler, Ernie Haase and Matt Fouch. Enjoy for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - May 28

Here are the latest news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Congratulations to Pat Barker and Lynnelle Terry who were married this week. The two were married on Thursday in Oxford, Alabama. 
• Congratulations also to Jared Stuffle and Lindsey Miller who were married today in Gallatin, Tennessee. 
• Prayers are requested for Tracy Stuffle who had to be put in the hospital earlier for a UTI and AFib. Keep him in your prayers as he recovers.
• Daywind Music Publishing has added Devin McGlamery to its roster of songwriters. Devin has been the lead singer for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound for more than five years.
• Brian Free & Assurance announce the release of their Live Redeemed Challenge, an online journey that takes an in-depth look at their new project, Live Like We’re Redeemed. The 10-week journey takes visitors not only into the message of each song recorded on the project, but presents a new challenge with each successive week. Brian Free & Assurance extend an invitation to everyone to take part in the challenge by visiting: http://www.redeemedchallenge.com.
• The 2016 Singing News Songwriters Search is now open. Find out more here. 

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday with Pat Barker's PB&J Productions and Bill Shivers

Pat Barker announced the beginning of PB&J Productions a few weeks ago. This week he released his first video interview with Bill Shivers of Brian Free & Assurance. He quizzes Bill on how well he knows his group!

Enjoy this clip for today's Fun Clip Friday post!

First Time as a Trio - Brian Free & Assurance - Concert Recap

Brian Free & Assurance has been traveling as a trio since last fall, but I hadn't been able to see them live since then. With the departure of Jeremy Lile, Brian Free, Bill Shivers and Mike Rogers decided to press on as a trio. And with the release of their latest project, Live Like We're Redeemed, I knew there would be plenty to look forward to! And the night did not disappoint!

The concert started with "What a Beautiful Day" and then they went into the familiar hymn "When We All Get to Heaven." It's good to hear the mix of older and newer songs.

The next song was the first one from their new project and it was the title song, "Live Like We're Redeemed." Mike does a fantastic job on this song! 

The group picked up the tempo a bit with "I Keep Looking Up." The crowd stood on its feet for the whole song. I have to say of all the concerts I attend, I was really impressed with the energy of the crowd that night. You could tell they were enjoying every note!

After the introductions, Mike was featured on "Tell It Like It Was." It was good to hear more from him this time. Then, Brian sang their new single "That's What Grace Does." I love this song. I cannot say enough about how great this song is! Brian such an incredible job on it. It was definitely a highlight of the night!

They then picked up the tempo with "Anything Is Possible." It's good to still here this one in a live concert setting, great song from their Never Walk Alone CD. 

Brian then told the story of how they were invited to be a part of the Elvis tribute that BBC did a couple of years ago. They were the only Christian artist there and got to be a witness that day. They sang the song they did that day "Peace in the Valley," which Bill sings. I love hearing Bill sing this song! 

They ended the first half with "Say Amen." This song is always great to hear live and watch the audience get into it. Again, Bill is such a great lead singer, one of the most underrated in the business. 

After a brief intermission, they group came back and sang "I Want to Be That Man." This is still one of my favorite Brian Free & Assurance songs. They sang "Praying Man" and then "Oh What a Savior" before the invitation. Brian always knocks it out of the park. 

The group came back and ended with "Long As I Got King Jesus." Always a fun one and the audience loved it!

This group hasn't missed a beat since they started traveling as a trio! Make sure you see them next time they are in your area!

Live Like We're Redeemed - Brian Free & Assurance - CD Review

When Jeremy Lile came off the road late last year, Brian Free & Assurance decided to continue on as a trio for the time being. I actually had chance to see the group as a trio live for the first time last week. I think they are sounding great, and I can definitely see pressing on as a trio if you can't find the right person to fit the group.

Live Like We're Redeemed is the latest release from the now trio of Brian Free, Bill Shivers and Mike Rogers. Brian Free & Assurance have a unique style in gospel music, more on the progressive side. They are also known in the industry for picking great songs. And while the group has changed, it's still full of that great sound and style fans love and contains some amazing songs.

The project starts with "Somebody's Miracle" featuring Bill. It's a great uptempo opener. This is a definite highlight of the project. It's a great encouragement to believers to help others and be the miracle they need.

"That's Just What Grace Does" is probably my favorite on this CD! I got to hear the song live last week, and I was so thankful that's one of the new songs they sang. Brian sings this one and delivers the lyrics so tenderly. It's a beautiful message about grace.

The trio pulls into the Contemporary Christian catalog a bit with "The Measure of a Man," which 4Him recorded a couple of decades ago. I like this choice to pull this song, and it fits the group well. The arrangement doesn't stray far from 4Him's version.

"Live Like We're Redeemed" features Mike. This a great feature for him. It's good to hear more from him on this project. This was another I got to hear live.

Bill is featured on "Forever Home" that tells the story of a man who has made his way to Heaven. He does a great job of telling that story with his voice. I couldn't help but cry and think of my sweet Grandaddy who passed away last year as I listened to it. Beautiful song.

"He Will Carry You" is a great song that features Brian. It's a great song and encouragement for believers who are facing problems that no matter what He'll carry us; we are never alone.

"Mission of Mercy" starts with Mike and then switches to Bill mid-first verse. I like this little change. With the second Mike starts and then Bill joins him for a couple of lines. Bill takes the chorus. I like the switch-offs in this song!

The album closes with "One Mile World" featuring Brian. I like the concept of this song, we live in a one mile world where no one is willing to go the second mile. How often do we take the time to go beyond what is expected for others?

Fans of Brian Free and Assurance won't be disappointed in this project. It's the same sound fans have come to love from them!

Song List -
1. "Somebody's Miracle"
2. "That's Just What Grace Does"
3. "The Measure of a Man"
4. "Live Like We're Redeemed"
5. "He Will Carry You"
6. "Mission of Mercy"
7. "When Mercy Looks at Me"
8. "Forever Home"
9. "You Could Be the Difference"
10. "One Mile World"

Fun Clip Friday - Elvis Is in the Building

Happy Good Friday to everyone! I hope you all have a blessed Easter weekend.

For today's Fun Clip Friday, here's a look at some behind the scenes and practical joke that Ivan Parker recently pulled on Brian Free at a concert, courtesy of the Singing News Facebook page. Check out what happened when Elvis dropped by the concert! Enjoy!

Ivan Parker and Brian Free (Brian Free & Assurance) have been great friends for years. But if you think they won’t go to extreme lengths to play jokes on each other, just watch this.
Posted by Singing News on Saturday, March 19, 2016

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 30

Here are a few news items from this week in gospel music -

• Jon Epley has joined the LeFevre Quartet as bass singer leaving the Ball Brothers. Brandon Barry was the bass singer for the group.
• Brian Free & Assurance is releasing its next album as a trio - Live Like We're Redeemed.
• The Kingsmen Quartet are continuing their search for a tenor singer. Ernie Phillips has been filling in for the past few weeks. They posted on Facebook that if you or someone you know is interested to email kingsmentenor@gmail.com.
• Daywind Records announced a talent contest with its 2nd Annual Daywind Quartet Festival. Daywind invites quartets to submit a video of an a cappella performance of a public domain song up to 2 minutes in length. The five quartet videos with the most Facebook likes will be invited to perform at the Daywind Quartet Festival in April. Attendees will vote on their favorite quartet, and the winner will a recording package from Daywind Studios. To enter, send your video to publicity@daywind.com by February 5.  
• Gold City is inviting fans to take the "Are You Ready" Challenge in memory of Doug Riley who passed away on Jan. 31, 2006. The group is asking fans to share the song with a friend and on their Facebook timelines. Find out more details on the group's Facebook page. 

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Brian Free and Assurance - Making of Live Like We're Redeemed

Happy Friday to everyone! Brian Free & Assurance is getting ready to release a new project "Live Like We're Redeemed" as a trio. As they went into the studio to record the album, they took a video camera with them. They have not only the new album but a new DVD to show the making of this project. The DVD features behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, stories about each song and more!

They posted the trailer for the new project on YouTube this week. Check it out here!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 9

Here are a few news and tidbits from this week in Southern Gospel -

• The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards were announced this week. The Jim Brady Trio received the most nominations this year. See the full list on absolutelygospel.com.
• Brian Free & Assurance announced its first ever fan retreat coming up in October. See more details here.
• Check out the latest episode of On the Couch with Fouch featuring Blake Buffin, tenor singer for the Mark Trammell Quartet.
• Highroad's Sarah Davidson has announced new members. The new members, Kinsey Kapfhammer and Kristen Bearfield, have extensive resumes in music already and the three have been writing for a new project as well as touring across the country. Kinsey will be a vocalist and playing acoustic guitar while Kristen will sing and play mandolin, banjo, and guitar. Sarah will continue her role as keyboard player and vocalist. 

Anything I've missed?

Brian Free & Assurance Announce Fan Retreat

Brian Free & Assurance announced today that the group will host its very first fan retreat in more than 20 years of ministry. The retreat will be held this fall at Lifeway's Ridgecrest Conference Center. This event will offer fans a unique chance to interact with the group and each other. Read the full release about the event below!

DOUGLASVILLE, GA, January 5, 2016 – Dove Award Winning artist Brian Free & Assurance (BFA) will host their very first Unashamed Fan Retreat to be held October 14-16, 2016. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina at LifeWay’s Ridgecrest Conference Center, BFA will spend three days with a limited number of fans providing an exclusive weekend with the group.

The campus at Ridgecrest encompasses 1,300 acres and is conveniently located just east of Asheville, North Carolina, less than a day’s drive from over 15 states. Ridgecrest Account Manager Annette Frisby states, "Ridgecrest is delighted to have Brian Free & Assurance as part of our fall calendar! They will bring an excitement to this Spirit-filled place in the Blue Ridge mountains!"

Unlike a homecoming or three day event with multiple artists, the Unashamed Fan Retreat will solely feature Brian Free and Assurance with unique day and night time activities. A special feature during concert times will be a live band, with Brian’s oldest son, Ricky, playing drums. Brian shares, “When we were planning this retreat, we didn’t want an event that people would come to and just be sung at – yes, we are going to sing – but more importantly, we want to interact and spend time with our fans.”

VIP Packages go on sale today. For information about price, location and activities during the fan retreat visit the website at: http://www.BFAfanretreat.com Reservations can be made Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 PM EST by calling Ridgecrest directly at 1-800-588-7222.

About Brian Free & Assurance: Brian Free and Assurance has been traveling full time in Gospel Music for over 22 years and are the recipients of multiple Dove Awards; most recently, Southern Gospel Performance of the Year for “Say Amen” in 2014. The group was chosen by BBC to represent Elvis Presley’s love of Gospel Music on That’s Alright Mama, a Tribute to Elvis Presley. They have made a number of notable television appearances, including TBN, Gospel Music Channel, Prime Time Country (TNN), The “Today Show” (NBC), and 27 of the “Gaither Video” series. With 34 years of experience, Brian Free is the genre’s most awarded tenor. To learn more about Brian Free & Assurance visit their website: http://www.brianfreeandassurance.com.

In Case You Missed It - News & Tidbits - Sept. 19

Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Karen Peck and New River announced that Ricky Braddy will be the group's newest member. He was on season 8 of American Idol and has been filling in for the past several weeks.
• Jeremy Lile is leaving Brian Free and Assurance after eight years at the bass position. Jeremy has had some health issues recently and feels that it's best to come off the road. 
• Carroll McGruder passed away late Monday night after a battle with cancer. His service was held on Thursday. In addition to being part of the McGruders, he penned several well-known gospel songs including "I'm Going Home With Jesus" and "He Set Me Free." Please keep his family in your prayers. 
• Charles Brady, father of Jim Brady, passed away this week after complications with his heart. The service will be on Tuesday. Please keep Jim, Melissa, Jim's mother and all of his family in your prayers.
• Boyce Flener of the Crossmen Quartet was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is now receiving treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Please keep him, his family and the group in your prayers.
• Congratulations to Greg Bentley who was promoted this week to Associate Director of A&R at  Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing. He has been at Crossroads for 22 years.
• Christian Davis has resigned from Dailey and Vincent after five and a half years. He will be pursuing a solo career. Aaron McCune is joining the group at bass.
• Michael Howard is leaving Soul'd Out Quartet as its piano player. He's been with the group for seven years. The group said in the announcement via Facebook that another announcement about the future would be made soon.

Anything I've missed?

Jeremy Lile Departs Brian Free and Assurance

Today Brian Free and Assurance announced that after eight years bass singer Jeremy Lile will step down from the group. He is coming off the road to focus on more some health concerns. The group will continue to travel as a trio until a replacement can be found.


Please keep Jeremy and Brian Free and Assurance in your prayers as they enter this transition.

Here's the group's full release on Facebook -

We are announcing the departure of Jeremy Lile after more than eight years of filling the position of bass singer. Many are aware Jeremy has been experiencing health issues the past several months. After taking time off from the road to focus on health matters, it became evident that he could not continue to tour with the group.

The BFA family offer their love and support and are thankful for Jeremy's time with the group. Brian Free and Assurance will continue to perform as a trio until such a time as the right individual comes along to fill the bass position. We ask that you pray for us during this transition. We look to God to send just the right person to compliment this ministry.

Those interested in applying for the position of bass singer with BFA can send a bio, photo and not more than two or three mp3s for consideration to: Brian Free and Assurance, P O Box 1909, Douglasville, GA 30133. Applicants can also email their bio to brianfreemusic@comcast.net.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbit - July 11

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in gospel music -

• Charles Shivers, brother of Bill Shivers (Brian Free & Assurance), passed away this week. He was only 28 years old. Please be in prayer for Bill and his family during this time. 
• Squire Parsons lost consciousness while sitting in a pew at the church early this week. EMTs had to perform CPR twice. He was sent to the hospital for tests, and has now been released. They will be monitoring his heart for 30 days.
• Daywind Music Group has launched a new instrumental label called Daywind Instrumental. The first project from Daywind Instrumental will be from Dove Award nominated producer, arranger and orchestrator, Cliff Duren. He is a worship leader at Brentwood Baptist in Brentwood, Tennessee.
• Julie Hudson has resigned from the Chuck Wagon Gang after more than nine years with the group. Please be in prayer for Julie and the group during this transition.
• Voting for the 2015 Diamond Awards are open now. Vote here.
• Hope's Journey announced last week that Lauren Huckabee, 26, is joining the group. The group is based in Heflin, Alabama. 
• The Whisnants are kicking off a social media campaign and pre-sale special (order it for only $10) this week for their new album, Walk of Faith. Check out their Facebook page for more details.

Anything I've missed?

Unashamed - When Lyrics Speak

This year my church as a whole is reading through the New Testament. We're in Acts now, and while I know I've read the passages before, new things pop out to me each time. This time the boldness of early Christians has really stuck out to me. They were faced with impossible circumstances knowing the opposition they dealt with, but they were unashamed of the gospel. They didn't back down.

A few weeks ago when I saw Brian Free & Assurance in concert, this was one song that really spoke to me that night. I started a new job late last year. While I love where I am and what I am doing now, I'm in a position where not a lot of people share my beliefs. It's been interesting and challenging all at the same time. The song has taken on a whole new meaning.

It's easy to go along living the Christian life when everyone shares the same opinions and standards. It's a lot harder when you're in the minority to really speak up and say what you think. I'm by nature a people pleaser too, so I don't like the thought of someone being mad at me or directly going against someone. However, God's been teaching me that the most important thing is to please Him and to worry less about pleasing other people. I realize that I face no serious persecution where I am yet I'm not always as bold as I should be.

I pray that the lyrics of this song will really take root in me with where I am now in life and in my job and where ever life leads in the future. May I be willing to take a stand for Christ. I love the line that talks about all I say and do will glorify His name. When you really stop to think about that line, it's an incredible challenge, but one that should be at the heart of every believer.

This song is a challenge to believers. While some believers have more challenges than others and face more opposition, we still have the same mission: to live a life bold and full of faith proclaiming the name of Jesus. No matter what it may cost me, I pray that I'll live a life unashamed of the gospel.