National Quartet Convention - Monday Night Recap

Unfortunately, I am not at NQC in person this year. Last year was my first time to be there in person, and if you are a gospel fan, I highly recommend it. But this year, for me, the webcast will have to do. You can still subscribe if you are interested and you'll get to watch this year and last year on demand through the end of the year.

I tuned in tonight to catch the last part of the Jim Brady Trio's set, so I missed about the first hour of the night.

Highlights and Commentary -

• The Tracy Stuffle tribute was not a moment I will soon forget. It was incredible and so touching to see all the former members come back to pay tribute. They sang "I Know It Was the Blood," "Plan of Salvation" with a video of Tracy, "I Rest My Case at the Cross," and then Libbi sang "I Will Find You Again." Major kudos to Libbi for powering through the song, because I couldn't see for tears by the end. It was great to hear all the quotes about Tracy from former members. The whole set was just class and such a touching tribute.
• Clarke Beasley honored Libbi as a "hero of faith" before she left the stage. He then pulled up Kim Hopper and Chris Allman to sing "More Than Wonderful" in her honor as they have watched her faith remain steadfast through all the trials of the past several years. It was good to see her recognized as well as Tracy.
• I enjoyed the longer sets of Karen Peck & New River and the Kingdom Heirs tonight. 
• Karen Peck Gooch came up and joined former group member John Darin Rowsey and the Guardians on a song she cowrote "Uncommon Praise." I love when moments like that happen at NQC.
• Of course, with NQC comes the release of several new projects. It was good to hear several groups debuting new songs on the main stage - the Guardians, Jim Brady Trio and Gold City. 

Favorite Performances -

• "Ordinary Love" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Find You Again" - The Perrys 
• "Gotta Be Saved" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet 
• "My Hope Is in the Blood" - Primitive Quartet
• "God Fights on my Side" - The Guardians
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - Kingdom Heirs
• "All My Hope" - Gold City

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - September 16

Here are some news from this past week in Southern Gospel music -

• GW Southard was announced as the new pianist for Gold City Quartet. He will start with the group immediately.
• The newest release in Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Music Hymn Sing series, Heaven’s Jubilee! Live at Indian Trail took over the Sun Valley 14 movie theater in Indian Trail, North Carolina on Monday, September 10 for a pre-screening of the live DVD.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 16

Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Bryan Elliot announced his resignation from Gold City. He has been the group's piano player for eight years. He plans to take some time off the road and minister with his wife Kelly. 
• Kasey Kemp, Corey Lackey and Jacob Lagesse have now formed Avenue Trio. The group is planning its debut album to be released this summer.
• The Troy Burns Family announced the additions of Cole Watson and Ethan McNelly to the group. 
• Long-time Singing News columnist Bob Crawford has been hospitalized following complications from a fall at his home on Sunday. 
• Congratulations to Jonathan Taylor who announced his engagement to Lynsey Vicars this week. The two are planning an April wedding.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - NQC

Excuse the lack of posts this week, I'm still recovering a bit from NQC last week. So in honor of that, here are two clips of NQC from last week. The reunions the week features were some of my favorite sets. Here's a look at the Gold City reunion and the Perrys reunion. Enjoy!

Memphis Quartet Show - Fun Clip Friday

The Memphis Quartet Show is going on this week. That's where I plan on wrapping up my week. It's always a great event!

The Memphis Quartet Show has been sharing a few clips this week on Facebook of concerts, news announcements and even one special moment you don't want to miss! Check them out below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - May 27

Here are news items from this week in Southern Gospel music -

• Prayers are requested for Mike Watson, a founding member of Exodus. He was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to remove a tumor in his jaw. He's unable to travel with the group at this time. Cole Watson, Mike's son, is now singing and traveling with the group.
• Prayers also requested for Bryan Elliot's stepfather, Tony Butler. He's been diagnosed with cancer. Bryan has set up a GoFundMe to help with their expenses during this time. 
• Daryl and Jessica Amundrud from The Amundruds (Canadian gospel group) welcomed a baby boy, Wells Alan Amundrud, on May 7. Mother and baby are doing well.

Anything I've missed?

Gold City - Concert Recap

Gold City was in Arkansas earlier this month in Jacksonville at Landmark Baptist. It's become almost an annual stop for these guys. Last year when they were here it was the first night of a fill-in/try out lead singer by the name of Scott Brand. Of course, Scott went on to get the job permanently. And this lineup of Gold City is sounding better than ever together.

Gold City Quartet - Bryan Elliot, Thomas Nalley, Daniel Riley,
Scott Brand and Chris West

It's good to hear them bring back several of the older songs. A few I wasn't all that familiar with, so I like that they are introducing newer fans to these songs. Gold City has such a large repertoire of songs that I'm sure it's impossible to get in what everyone wants to hear along with new songs from recent projects. I really enjoyed the variety of the set list that night.

Here are a few highlights -

• "If God Be For Us"
• "Windows of Home" - Really love hearing Scott on this song. You can definitely hear the Ivan Parker influence in his voice. 
• "Shouting Ground" 
• "A Strong Hand" - This was a song I was not familiar with. In fact, I had to do a little research when I got home on the exact title. It's actually from their Standing in the Gap project. Chris has the feature on this one. It was probably the moment of the night for me. 
• "God of All Gods" - Thomas sang this one right after he gave his testimony of how God miraculously restored his hearing. It makes for such an incredible moment. 
• "Victory in Jesus" - This is always a fun one to hear the guys sing. I love their rendition of this song. Danny does a great job on this song. 
• "When I Get Carried Away" - Danny passed off his mic to Bryan on this song. I think this is becoming a more regular part of their concerts to let Bryan sing a little bit. It's good to hear him step out a sing. 
• "That Little Baby"
• "Midnight Cry" - Of course, it's always a highlight to get to hear this song live. 

It was a great night filled with a lot of great music. I enjoyed hearing a few songs that I didn't know as well. After hearing them, it's easy to see why they have brought them back recently and why Gold City is known for having incredible songs and has been such a strong group through the years. In fact, the group was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame just a few days after this concert. 

Don't miss Gold City if they are in your area. Check their schedule to see when they might be in concert near you!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - May 13

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

• Congratulations to Gold City for being inducted in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame this week. Check out this video from the induction courtesy of Dayna Ladd that Gold City shared on Facebook.
• Continue to pray for Kody Erwin who was diagnosed with viral meningitis/encephalitis and hospitalized this week. He is home now, but still has two to four weeks where he could suffer from headaches.
• Gordon Mote has joined Canton Junction as vocalist and instrumentalist. He replaces Ryan Seaton who left last fall. Gordon will continue his solo ministry. 
• The Troy Burns Family recently announced Jacob Kluttz of Salisbury, North Carolina has joined the group as piano player.
• Ray Flynn announced his cancer had returned at Singing in the Sun. It was found in late December and he underwent radiation from January through March. He also reported that the numbers on his latest reports were significantly lower and classified in the level of undetectable for cancer!

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - About the Cross

It's Friday ... and Good Friday at that. It's the season where we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, His death and resurrection. With it being that season, let's look at a few songs all about the cross.

Fun Clip Friday - Gold City Quartet with Tim Riley

Happy Friday to all! Here's a great video from a recent Gold City Reunion concert featuring the one and only Tim Riley.  Enjoy this clip (courtesy of Gold City's Facebook page) as today's Fun Clip Friday.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - February 25

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

• Congratulations to Gold City Quartet with the announcement this week that the group will be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 9 at Lipscomb University. 
• Messiah's Call announced that Caleb Kelley of Savannah, Tennessee has joined the group at baritone.
• Tony and Julie Griffith welcomed vocalist and pianist Joseph "Bryce" Lee as the newest member of The Griffith Family. Bryce moved from Dallas, Georgia, to join the group full-time.
• Spoken 4 Quartet announced this week that baritone Steven Hickinbotham is stepping down from the group to pursue his career as a chef full-time. 
• The first round of nominations for the Singing News Fan Awards is now open. Subscribers may vote at SingingNews.com.

Any thing I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - On the Couch with Fouch with Chris West

I'm trying to get back into the Fun Clip Friday routine for you. This week, it's the latest edition of On the Couch with Fouch. Matt Fouch's first interview of the new year is with Chris West, bass singer for Gold City.

Chris talks about getting started in gospel music and also gives some bass singer tips. Check it out below -

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - December 10

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

• Karen Peck and New River had the opportunity to recently travel to Honduras. They received the invitation from a local businessman in Roatan after he heard "Four Days Late." Karen said, "This trip literally changed our lives. In all of the years that we have traveled, we have never been so blessed by an audience as we were from the people of Roatan. They sang along at the top of their lungs as we sang 'Four Days Late' and 'Special Love.'"
• Gold City has set up a GoFundMe to help with costs of recent bus issues including needing a transmission replaced. They have a rewards with different amounts you can give that varies from a signed copy of their new CD to a phone call or FaceTime with the group and Tim Riley to a personal visit with the group. Find out more here.  
• Congratulations to the Isaacs, Gaither Vocal Band, Joey + Rory and Gordon Mote who all received Grammy nominations this week for Best Gospel Roots Album. See the full list of nominations here. 
• Prayers go out to Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs) whose dad passed away earlier this week. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. The services will be Monday.
• Prayers also go out to Daniel Ashmore (Old Paths) whose grandfather passed away yesterday. Please keep the Ashmore family in your thoughts and prayers.
• Prayers requested for Mike LeFevre who has been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and is currently hospitalized. Tests are being run to diagnose the cause and how to proceed. Please pray for Mike, his family and the group.
• Congratulations to the Ball Brothers who have had a #1 song on the iTunes Christian chart after their video "It's About the Cross" went viral.

Any thing I missed?

2016 National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night Recap

It's hard to believe that Thursday night is already over. I tuned in tonight in time to catch the end of the McKameys set. I was in and out some but was able to watch most of the webcast after that.

Commentary/ Highlights -

• The set of the night has to go to the Mark Trammell Quartet. Each song they sang, I kept thinking this was the highlight of the set, but they kept getting better and better. They sang several songs from their latest project, Full Sail. Apparently Sunday night they sang one and had a little mishap on the words. They made some jokes about it tonight, and tonight every word was sung! Blake Buffin is really doing a great job on tenor with them. Love their arrangement of "He Hideth My Soul," but the last song of the set was probably my favorite, "My Faith Still Holds."
• Last night it was Trey Ivey, tonight it was Bryan Elliot. It's good to see some of these vocally talented piano players getting a chance to step up to the mic. Gold City featured Bryan on "When I Get Carried Away." It was good to hear him sing!
• Greater Vision pulled up young Eli Shaw, who some might remember from Singing in the Sun at Myrtle Beach. The clip of him singing "I Know a Man Who Can" with them quickly went viral. He was there tonight, so Mark Trammell actually suggested him coming up to join Greater Vision on the stage again.
• The Nelons teased on Facebook that they would have a special guest on stage with them tonight. Karen Peck Gooch joined the Nelons for a highlight of the night, "Old Friends." It was sweet to see Kelly and Karen both get teary-eyed as they sang. Kelly joked at the end that they made it through it. 
• Remember Jeff Chapman in your prayers as the Kingdom Heirs were a trio tonight. He just went to the hospital with elevated blood pressure for precaution since he's just had a stent put in recently. The Kingdom Heirs pulled up Quartet Gilead to finish up the night with them on "He Locked the Gates."
• Matt Rankin of Soul'd Out Quartet paid tribute to Ian Owens who will be coming off the road in November. Ian was featured on a song that he's become known for, "I Believe."

Favorite Performances/ Songs -

• "Praise His Name" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "There Rose a Lamb" - Gold City
• "Keep On" - Perrys
• "Faces" - Greater Vision
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Old Friends" - The Nelons with Karen Peck Gooch
• "Moment of Grace" - Booth Brothers
• "I'd Rather Have Jesus" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Worship You Again" - The Taylors
• "Arise My Love" - Soul'd Out Quartet

I won't be able to watch any Friday night but will tune in again on Saturday for the last night!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 6

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

• Prayers go out to the families of Bryan Elliot (Gold City) and Chris Jenkins (Anchormen) who both lost their grandfathers this week.
• Freedom Quartet announced the addition of Scott Mullins as baritone vocalist. He is from Charleston, West Virginia. Scott has previously sung with The Gospel Harmony Boys and most recently Tim Greene’s trio, The Greenes.
• David Ponder of Ponder, Sykes and Wright underwent a heart transplant this week. Keep him in your prayers as he recovers.
• Harmony Road TV will begin its fifth season this fall with significant changes to the program. These include a series of revolving hosts, new production and promotions team and a completely new look and theme music. The program will continue to air current and classic gospel music videos and timely interviews. 
• NQC online streaming is now available to purchase at natqc.com. 

Anything I've missed?

Scott Brand Is Gold City's New Lead Singer - News

I was able to go to the Memphis Quartet Show on Saturday. It was an incredible night of gospel music, but also an exciting announcement was made. Gold City chose to announce that Scott Brand would be the group's new lead singer Saturday night. I had the chance to see Scott on his first weekend filling in/ trying out with the group. I think he's a great fit!

Here's the full release below from Gold City -

Daniel Riley, manager of Gold City, is pleased to announce Gold City’s new lead vocalist is Scott Brand. Scott is from Lineville, AL. He and his wife, Caitln, have a one-year-old daughter, Brelynn Scott’s hiring became official with a major announcement made tonight in Memphis, TN, appropriately at the Memphis Quartet Show.

Daniel says, “Scott Brand is a singing machine! I am thrilled to have his voice in our vocal line-up. Musically, he was a top contender from the moment I heard him, and then when he went out on the road with us the first weekend, I quickly realized what a fine gentleman he is as well. He fits right in with our group off stage, and that’s equally as important as what you see happen on stage. We are very excited to introduce him to our friends and fans all across the country, and will be heading into the studio very soon for a late summer or early fall release. We thank everyone who has prayed for us during this hiring process, and we as for your continued prayers for this ministry as we continue to use our talents to the best of our ability for the glory of God.”

Fun Clip Friday - Facebook Live

Facebook Live is the latest social media trend to sweep Southern Gospel artists. Facebook started allowing live streaming late last year and now it's been opened up to all people and pages. Gospel artists are definitely taking advantage of this new tool as another way to connect with fans.

I have to say Gold City is probably the group that does Facebook Live the best. They will live stream a lot of nights after the concert just talking to fans, taking questions and allowing them to see what it's like to travel down the road with the quartet. They enjoy picking on each other and telling stories.




The Nelons shared a video last night of the view of Gatlinburg from the Skylift and the view of the city at night.



TaRanda Greene Beene, Doug Anderson and Jody McBrayer, also known as Cana's Voice, shared a preview of their new album yesterday from Chicago and told fans about a contest for the album.

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

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week -

• Chip Pullen, lead singer for Gold City, announced his resignation over Facebook Live on Thursday night. He has been attending Bible school and been called to preach, so he plans to devote more time to that coming off the road. "We love Chip, and we hate to see him go, but we certainly understand that God has a great plan for his life in the ministry. Chip is like a brother to us, so we are certainly going to miss him and his powerful voice in the lead position," Daniel Riley said. If you are interested in auditioning for the lead position, you can email goldcityauditions@gmail.com with a resume, photo and demo.
• Tim Lovelace was given the keys to the city of Orleans, Indiana last week. He was honored at the Orleans Dogwood Festival.
• Ernie Haase was recently recognized as a Legend by Castle High School in Newburgh, Indiana. He has been faithful to return to his high school to mentor youth and included some of the high school students in various Ernie Haase and Signature Sound productions. 
• Please remember the family of Jack Henderson in your prayers. He was the original tenor singer for the Kingsmen. He passed away on April 16.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - April 23

Here are news items from this week in gospel music -

• Prayers for the Riley Family (Gold City) with the loss of Barbara Riley, wife of Tim Riley, unexpectedly on Tuesday. Along with Tim, keep children Danny and Amy in your prayers. Services were held this morning in Glencoe, Alabama.
• Chris West, also of Gold City, lost a parent this week. His father, Sammy, died on Friday of cancer. His service will be held tomorrow in Nauvoo, Alabama. Please remember all of his family in your prayers as well. 
• Congratulations to Jon Charles Taggart of Spoken 4 Quartet. He and his wife Amanda welcomed baby boy Charlie on April 20.
• The second round of voting is now open in the Singing News Fan Awards. Voting is open for all subscribers. Vote online here. 

Anything I've missed?

Gold City Concert Recap - Sherwood, Arkansas

Several Southern Gospel groups have been making stops in Arkansas recently, so I’ve definitely been taking advantage of that. It had been a while since I’d seen Gold City in a full concert by themselves, so I was glad to see a concert in Central Arkansas on the group's schedule.

Gold City - Bryan Elliot, Thomas Nalley, Chip Pullen, Danny Riley
and Chris West

When I first started listening to Southern Gospel, they were one of my favorite quartets. Last Saturday night, I was reminded of why. They have so many great songs, and this lineup is sounding great together!

Here's what they sang -

• "I Cast My Bread Upon the Water" - Always a great song to get the concert going! 
• "God's Still Good" - Loved hearing Chris on this song. He does an incredible job! 
• "Redeemed" - Love their version of this song. Chip had been sick the night before, but showed no signs of illness that night! 
• "I'm Saved, I'm Sure, I'm Ready"
• "Goodbye World Goodbye" - This was Brian's piano solo. I'm not sure why he doesn't get more recognition for his piano playing skills. Such a great talent!
• "Walkin' and Talkin' With my Lord" - It was great hearing them stage this song again.
• "He'll Do It Every Time" - Great hearing this older Gold City song. Right before this song Thomas gave his testimony of the miraculous healing God gave him. He suddenly and unexpectedly lost his hearing one weekend. At that point, he was with the LeFevre Quartet and he tried to resign from the group knowing he couldn't sing like once could. But they kept him on, praying for him and him searching for answers with doctors. He stayed on with the group but not as tenor. One weekend he had several people come up and pray and lay hands on him while he was at the product table. Later that evening, his hearing suddenly came back. Incredible testimony of how God still works miracles and heals people!   
• "Victory in Jesus" 
• "Farther Along" - I love their version of this song! Danny tears this song up. He has to be the most underrated baritone in gospel music. I love how he really brings out the soulful side on this song. He commented before the song about how much he loved the hymns and how good it was to hear his daughters singing the songs after this project. Of course, he said this version of "Farther Along" was nothing like what he grew up with!
• "I'm Not Giving Up" - Thomas nailed the high notes on this song! He is sounding great with these guys.
• "It's Still the Cross" - Such a powerful song, always a favorite.
• "Power of the Cross" - This is probably my favorite modern hymn. Glad they included it on their latest hymns project!
• "Peter James John" 
• "When I Get Carried Away" - It was good hearing this new lineup on this classic Gold City song. They are sounding great together!
• "There Rose a Lamb" - This was the highlight of the night for me! Chip does such an incredible job on this song.
• "Midnight Cry" - Always a favorite!
• "I Surrender All" 

It was so good to see Gold City again. They ended the service with a time of invitation singing "I Surrender All." It was such a blessing to see how God moved and used the group to minister to people that night. It was a night of great music, but more importantly they encouraged and ministered to the people there that night. It was a great service. Be sure to see when Gold City will be in your area, and go see them!