In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - July 18

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

• Jeremy Peace joined the LeFevre Quartet as its new tenor singer.
• Carolyn Kirksey passed away this week. She's the wife of long-time Singing News editor Jerry Kirksey.
• The Browns res-signed a deal with StowTown records. They just released their sophomore project Aim Higher this month.
• Rickey Gooch had a PET scan this week, and all came back normal with no signs of cancer.

Anything I've missed?

The Browns - Love Loud CD Review

The Browns have all grown up, but they still possess a youthful sound that brings something different to Southern Gospel. They released their latest project Love Loud  in late August.

This is their first mainstream release with Shelly, Michaela, Adam and Andrew Brown. The Browns really do have a fresh sound that's not your typical Southern Gospel, but I think they have a great chance of attracting new, younger fans to gospel music.

Michaela really shows off her female vocalist skills on the opening song and title track "Love Loud." However, I think my favorite song that she is featured on is "Everything Changes." It's one that I found myself playing in my head long after I stopping listening to the project.

Another one of my favorites is "Rock and Redeemer." Adam is featured on this song, and it's their first single from the project. I really enjoyed hearing them sing this song live in Branson! It's fun uptempo song that also has a great message.

"Street of Gold" is like nothing I have ever heard on a Southern Gospel project, but I like it. It definitely has a pop/ rock feel to it. The song features Andrew. He's not a kid anymore and his voice definitely shows that!

One of the two slower ballad songs is "The One Who Still Works Miracles" which allows the matriarch of the Browns, Shelly, to really shine.

Another standout to me on this project is "River in the Rain." I knew I had heard the song before and thought it might be a CCM song or one that was done by a secular group. But then I figured out (with Google's help) that it is one I had heard before from Beyond the Ashes. Love the Browns version of song. Adam does a great job on it.

And of course, the Browns include an instrumental song "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." Great arrangement that showcases the siblings' violin playing!

Album Rating - 4 stars - This project really shows where the Browns are. Musically their voices have really matured, but they still have the youthful appeal to recruit young gospel music fans. The project represents a lot of different styles and a more progressive sound. But don't let some of the styles on the project deter tried and true traditional gospel fans!

Song List -
1. "Love Loud"
2. "Rock and Redeemer"
3. "The One Who Still Works Miracles"
4. "The Captain's Got It Under Control"
5. "Street of Gold"
6. "Everything Changes"
7. "A Place in the Choir"
8. "The Water Is Calling"
9. "Fishers of Men"
10. "River in the Rain"
11. "This I Know"
12. "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name/ Crown Him With Many Crowns"

NQC 2013 - Day 4 Standout Moments

I was able to catch most of the webcast tonight thankfully! And tonight was definitely the best night in terms of webcast quality. Kudos to the folks at NQC for getting the kinks worked out and for acknowledging it and extending the webcast On Demand. I'm just hoping that with tomorrow night being the free broadcast it will go well!

Last night was great, and tonight was equally as good in my opinion. Let's discuss the high points -

• The Perrys - By far, the best set of the night. From the start of "Blue Skies" to the final notes of "I Rest My Case at the Cross," there was not a low point. Libbi gave an incredible emotional performance of "Through the Night, " and then broke away from the plan and testified about trusting God and how she had really learned what that meant through the past eight months. She talked about how what really mattered in life was your relationship with God and your family, not material things. She made the comment that she wasn't called to preach, but the audience definitely heard a sermon and the Word from her tonight! She said that Tracy was FaceTiming during the concert and requested "I Rest My Case at the Cross." Absolutely amazing!!!!!!
• The Isaacs - They followed the Perrys and had a standout set! They started with an a cappella version of "The Lord's Prayer," and then turned around and sang "Waiting in the Water," which was incredible!!
• Triumphant Quartet - It wouldn't be NQC without "The Old White Flag." It really is fun to see Clayton get into this song every time. Chris Allman came up to the stage and gave Jeff Stice a hankie. He proceeded to use it to blow his nose! Haha! Scotty talked about where they were a year ago with his daughter, Embry, being in the ICU as a newborn and then sang "The Great I Am Still Is," which was the highlight of their set! They ended with "Saved by Grace" with several turn arounds and the Booth Brothers joined them at the end.
• Booth Brothers - I have never heard them stage "We Believe" before, but oh wow! Another highlight! I loved the way Michael used the Bible and as each member stepped up to sing solo, they took it as they sang.
• Collingsworth Family - "Come Thou Fount" a cappella was the definite highlight of their set!! The blend of all four females had together at one part was just beautiful! Olivia has really come into her own. She really impressed me tonight.
• Along the lines of young singers impressing, the Dixie Echoes' Utech twins did an outstanding job tonight. I saw them in Branson very recently, but thought they were much better tonight even than then!
• I only caught bits and pieces of the Hoppers' set, but did love that they had Melissa Brady come up at the end to join them on "Shoutin' Time."
• It was also good to see Jessica Trammell join her family the Browns for one of their songs tonight!
• Greater Vision had a solid set tonight. However, Gerald Wolfe walking up to the stage during the  Booth Brothers set to get his picture with them was hilarious!

What did you think of tonight? Favorite moments?

Changes for the Browns and Mark Trammell Quartet

Changes are ahead for the Browns and the Mark Trammell Quartet. Nick and Jessica Trammell are leaving the Browns. With the new addition to the Trammell family, Jessica will be coming off the road to take care of baby Tessa at home. Nick will be joining his father's group, The Mark Trammell Quartet.

Dustin Sweatman, who is the lead singer for the Mark Trammell Quartet, has accepted the Renaissance Program Director of Choirs position at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn. He will remain with the quartet playing piano and singing through mid-September. He will start at Bethel after National Quartet Convention. Dustin has been the lead singer of the group since 2006.

Nick Trammell will be stepping in as lead singer. Nick has said that he is "excited to fulfill a dream of standing beside his father in Christian work." Mark is also pleased to have his son join him in his ministry.

Pat Barker, Eric Phillips and Mark and Nick Trammell plan to debut a new recording at this year's National Quartet Convention.

Wish the best for all those involved in both the Browns and the Mark Trammell Quartet! I think it's great that Jessica has decided to come off the road to stay at home with their daughter. She and Dustin will both be missed on the southern gospel music scene. But I look forward to see what's to come for both the Browns and the Mark Trammell Quartet!