In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 5

Here are recent news items in Southern Gospel -

• Jim and Melissa Brady announced the departure of Layke Jones. Jim and Melissa will now be traveling as a duo. 
• Nominations are now open for the Absolutely Gospel Music Fan Favorite Artist of the Year. You can vote online here. 
• Daywind Music Group has announced its partnership with Abraham Productions on the upcoming “Beyond Amazing” tour. The multi-city tour features Brian Free & Assurance, Karen Peck & New River, Joseph Habedank, Emily Ann Roberts and evangelist C.T. Townsend. The tour kicked off on December 30 in North Carolina. 
• Common Bond Quartet announced the addition of Bink Mooney as its new bass singer. Additionally founding member Mike Bradshaw announced that he would like to spend more time with his family and reduce his time on the road. The group is accepting applications for the baritone position.
• Chapel Valley artist TRIO has added their daughters to the group and thus had a name change from TRIO to The McMurrays.
• The 2019 Singing News Songwriters Search is now open. Get all the details here. 

Anything I've missed?

2018 National Quartet Convention - Saturday Night Recap

I was back watching tonight for the final night of singing. The schedule overall ran early which allowed for Bill Bailey a little leniency. It was good that he asked a few artists back on stage for one more song or asked them to repeat a chorus of a previous song.



Highlights and Commentary - 

• I missed seeing the Kingsmen earlier in the week, so this was my first look at the new lineup. Thought they are sounding good together already!
• It's always fun to see who artists might pull up to join them during their sets. Lauren Talley joined Mark Bishop during his set for "With Me Always." The Erwins had a full choir from First Baptist Sevierville with them during their set. 
• The stretch from the Kingdom Heirs to the Whisnants was some of the best singing of the week in my opinion.
• I'm sad that Second Half Quartet will not be making appearances anymore (though I certainly understand why). They are quartet singing at its finest.
• I liked how they worked in the power hour artists into the program tonight. I wish that could be done every night.
• I wish the finale tonight had been different. I get that they wanted to do something different than the typical #1 parade of songs (which I do love every year). However, the thing that separates this music from everything else is that at the center is Jesus. I wish the culmination of the week had not been focused on America but on Jesus. 

Favorite Performances - 

• "In the House of the Lord" - The Erwins
• "Saints Will Rise" - The Kingsmen
• "What An Anchor" - Mylon Hayes Family 
• "Until You've Known the Love of God" - Greater Vision
• "Midnight Cry" - Jonathan Wilburn
• "Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You" - Kingdom Heirs
• "The Broken Ones" - The Talleys
• "Going Home" - Second Half Quartet
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" - Jim Brady Trio
• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love" - Tribute Quartet
• "I'll Pray for You" - The Whisnants

2018 National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night Recap

I tuned in last night to catch the last part of Greater Vision's set. I will miss tonight's but be back for most of Saturday night.

Highlights and Commentary - 

• Of course, Thursday has become known as Gaither day at NQC. I didn't hear if it was sold out like last year but just judging by the webcast it looked pretty full. The Gaither Vocal Band had a 45 minute set last night. The more I hear this lineup, the more I like them - Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Reggie Smith, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither. Wes Hampton is one of the best vocalists on the road today, in my opinion.
• Someone recently asked me who's going to be the next big up and coming group. My answer was the Jordan Family Band. I 100% stand by that after hearing them again last night during the power half hour on main stage. They are one to watch!

Favorite Performances of the Night - 

• "He'll Carry Me" - Greater Vision
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Calvary" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Go On" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "He Made a Change" - Legacy Five 
• "Walking Through Fire" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• "He Never Made a Promise" - Kingdom Heirs
• "You Better Get Right" - Jordan Family Band

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 - Sept. 8

Here are news and tidbits from the past two weeks in Southern Gospel -

• Ray Dean Reese of The Kingsmen announced the addition of new baritone vocalist, Alan Kendall. Randy Crawford held the position for 12 years and announced that he would be coming off the road this summer. Kendall previously sang with Gerald Williams and the Melody Boys Quartet and Jordan's Bridge.
• Jody McBrayer announced that he will join Avalon for limited touring dates and a new recording. He will continue to be with Cana's Voice as well as doing some solo dates.
• Effective January 1, 2019 in addition to his solo minsitry, Bob Sellers will also assume the lead singer spot for The Old Time Preachers Quartet. He will also maintain his solo ministry.
• The Jim Brady Trio has signed an exclusive recording agreement with Daywind Music Group. Their new project Hope Keeps Writing The Song will release later this month.
• Prayers go out to the families of two former Blackwood Brothers members. Bill Shaw passed away on Sept. 7, and former piano player Jack Marshall passed away on August 27.
• Jordan’s Bridge announced Dale Shipley as their new lead singer following the departure of Alan Kendall. 
• The Ball Brothers announced Rhett Robert as the group's new bass singer. This announcement came as part of the group's recent article in Sports Illustrated. Read the article here. 

Anything I've missed?

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic Day One - Showers of Blessing

The first day of the 2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City. If you've read my blog in previous years, you know this is an event I look forward to every year. It's the event that really drew me into the music and enabled me to see many of my favorite artists live for the first time.

The groups I saw on park today were - Jim Brady Trio, the Perrys, Southern Raised and the Isaacs. After tonight, I'm adding the Isaacs to the list of groups I've sat in the rain to watch. I feel like that list grows each year, but it was well worth it. Here are highlights from each group - 

Jim Brady Trio

• "Calvary" - This is a song from their brand new project that Melissa wrote. It's such a powerful song that I feel like is going to become a staple in their sets.
• "Sounds Like Home To Me" - They repeated the chorus a cappella on this one and it was amazing!!
• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - I love to hear Melissa sing this song! This is one of my all-time favorites
• "Little Things" - This was another new one that Jim wrote in honor of his dad. This was a great song that Jim sang and played guitar on. The previews of their new project I got today made me really excited to hear this full album!
• "Homesick of Heaven"

The Perrys

• It was good to hear them go back and do a few songs from Through the Night - "One of Those Mornings" and "I Got a Hold of God This Morning."
• "Did I Mention"
• "Damascus Road" - This is always a fun one to see and hear live!
• "If You Knew Him"
• "Find Me Faithful" - Libbi gave a little bit of testimony before this song sharing about how you have to choose joy daily after all they have been through this year. 

Southern Raised

• "Glorious Day"
• "Amazing Grace"
• I have only seen this group a few times, but their talent amazes me every time from vocals to their playing ability.

The Isaacs

Of course right before the Echo Hollow show, the heavens open and rain comes down. It had been raining off and on during the day, but when the shows are inside it doesn't affect you as when you have to sit in it. Thankfully, the rain never got very hard and it did clear up for most of the show. 

• Their new project features some newly recorded favorite songs, so it was good to hear some of those live again - "I Have a Father Who Can," "By His Stripes" and "
• "From the Depths of My Heart"
• "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" - I remember them debuting this song at Silver Dollar City several years ago. Lily read the excerpt from her book of when she found out she had cancer and how her family was there for her. Love this song and thankful it's gotten some recent new life on social media.
• "Stand Still" - I've always been a big fan of this song, but the message just really hit home tonight.
• "Walk On"
• "It Is Well With My Soul" - Love hearing this sing this a capella! Definitely the moment of the night!
• "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good"

Jim Brady Trio - Concert Recap

The Jim Brady Trio made a stop in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in late June. I hadn't seen this group since convention last year, so it was good to see and hear them live again!

Here are some of my favorite moments of the night -

• "Calvary" - I had never heard Melissa sing this song live. It was amazing! Definitely the highlight of the night. This is on their Promises project. 
• "Homesick for Heaven"
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" - They sang this one and then did the chorus again a cappella. It made for an incredible moment!
• "What a Day That Will Be" - Layke was featured on this song with just Melissa on the keyboard.
• "Wherever I Am"
• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Love this song, probably one of my favorites that Jim has written. He shared a little bit of the story behind the song and all that his family had been through during the time.

Don't miss this group when they are in your area!

Fun Clip Friday - National Quartet Convention - Jim Brady Trio

On the National Quartet Convention Facebook page, they have shared several videos and clips from the most recent NQC in Pigeon Forge. Here's a video of the Jim Brady Trio singing "Homesick for Heaven" for today's clip. Enjoy! And don't forget to watch their Facebook page for more videos.

National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night

Day four of the National Quartet Convention is in the books. I attended the afternoon showcase of Aaron Wilburn and the Gaither Homecoming sing-along. I have to say that the two-hour Homecoming sing has been my favorite part thus far of convention. I've never had an experience quite like that one. When I've been to Homecoming concerts in the past, there have never been that many artists on stage at one time.


So for the evening concert, here are highlights -

• Tonight was a sell out. Of course, the Gaither Vocal Band was the closer tonight. They had an extended set as well as the Hoppers.
• The reminder of Heaven was a major theme tonight. Jim Brady shared of his dad's passing and the song that came out of that. Mike LeFevre said goodbye to his mom only a few weeks ago and shared about her passing and then they sang a tribute to her.
• Patriotism was another theme of the night as it has been all week. The Nelons sang several from their recent Americana project. Selah actually joined the Nelons during their set. Of course, Legacy Five sang and played a couple as well. 
• Bill Gaither came up during the Hoppers' set talking about the new album he just worked on with them. Mark Trammell paid a touching tribute to Gaither before singing his song "The King Is Coming."
• The Gaither Vocal Band set was great tonight and gave us something different from what we had been hearing this week. Mark Trammell Quartet, the Hoppers and Tribute Quartet also had some of my favorite sets of the night.

Key Performances -

• "I'll Worship You Again" - The Taylors
• "To Say Goodbye" - LeFevre Quartet
• "When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace" - The Nelons
• "Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb" - The Talleys
• "It Is Well" (a cappella) - The Isaacs
• "The King Is Coming" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Farewell, But Not Forever" - Jim Brady Trio
• "What a Meeting in the Air" - Tribute Quartet
• "Be An Overcoming" - The Hoppers
• "Facts Are Facts" - The Booth Brothers
• "'Til the Storm Passes By" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "It Is Finished" - Gaither Vocal Band

National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of the 2017 is now complete. The last few hours of the night were packed with highlights. For those who left before the power half-hour missed a lot of great up and coming groups. Here are my thoughts on the night.


Highlights and Commentary -

• I am really enjoying the longer sets for featured groups. Last night it was the Whisnants. Tonight it was the Jim Brady Trio and Greater Vision.
• The entire Daywind set was incredible. It featured Legacy Five, the Hoppers, Greater Vision, Joseph Habedank and Tribute Quartet. 
• If for some reason you didn't love Katie Erwin before, you would after tonight. She and Joseph Habedank hosted together. She looked just as comfortable and at home up there as he did. They did a great job!
• I was impressed by the unity and support of groups tonight. From artists in the artists circle supporting each other to actual on-stage support. Jason Crabb had several younger artists back him up on a new song. He returned the favor for Highroad's song. Jaquita Lindsey of 11th Hour filled in for Lisa Williamson, whose grandmother just passed away. Riley Harrison Clark joined the Talleys set for "What Grace Is Mine," a duet with Lauren.
• Josh Townsend of Legacy Five gave a stirring testimony before playing and singing "God's Been Good." Today was his 20th birthday and he told everything that he'd been through in his 20 years. He's a walking miracle. He gave such a touching performance singing and playing "God's Been Good." It's one of those moments people will be talking about for years to come. 
• The power half-hour tonight featured a lot of great playing and picking from the live music of Highroad and the Lindsey family to the incredible piano playing of Jacob Klutz with the Troy Burns Family.
• It was another night for a lot of new songs. The Perrys had all songs from Testament, their latest project. Jason Crabb sang a song he wrote after the recent hurricanes that had never been sung before.

Favorite Performances -

• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "It's About the Cross" - Ball Brothers
• "Give Me Jesus" - The Talleys
• "What Grace Is Mine" - Lauren Talley and Riley Harrison Clark
• "Find Me Faithful" - The Perrys
• "Love in Your Heart" - Jason Crabb
• "God's Been Good" - Legacy Five
• "Something's Happening" - The Hoppers
• "Still" - Greater Vision
• "Here He Comes" - Joseph Habedank
• "Beauty of the Blood" - Joseph Habedank
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet

Sunday Night at National Quartet Convention

Today we drove all day to get to Pigeon Forge tonight. We weren't sure if we'd make it in time or be able to go to the kickoff concert, but we made it! The Sunday night bonus concert featured the Hoppers, Mark Trammell Quartet, Tribute Quartet, Tim Lovelace, the Jim Brady Trio and Greater Vision. Each group came out and sang two sets. I have to say overall the second sets were better than the first sets. There were some incredibly powerful moments!

As is pretty typical, we got to hear some songs from some new projects. Mark Trammell Quartet sang several from their Great Moments project. Tribute Quartet also featured one from their quartet tribute CD.

Here are some highlights of the night -

• "Life Is Good" - The Hoppers - Dean is back on stage with them. For them to stand and sing "Life Is Good" with all they have been through with Dean back on stage, you couldn't help but smile.
• "Why Me Lord" - Greater Vision
• "God of the Storms" - Tribute Quartet
• "What a Day That Will Be" - Jim Brady Trio
• "He Is Mine and I Am His" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Come on and Go to That Land" - Tribute Quartet
• "Grace at Its Best" - Tribute Quartet 
• "Love of God" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin" - The Hoppers
• "The King Is Coming" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "For All He's Done" - Greater Vision

I'm going to tie the two grace songs for the moment of the night with "Grace at its Best" and "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin."

Can't wait for a week full of gospel music!

God in the Interruptions - Jim Brady Trio - Concert Recap

It's said that God can be in the interruptions. I'm sure when a breaker was flipped during the first song of the night the Jim Brady Trio didn't exactly know what kind of night was in store. However, the group never missed a beat and let God use the moment.



The fist song of the night was "If It Had Not Been the Lord" and about halfway through the song the group lost power. Instead of stopping or even pausing for a moment, the group just kept going a cappella. They moved up to the front of the church and kept singing. Jim stopped after the song and talked about how sometimes God was in the interruptions of life and whether or not they got the issue fixed, they would keep going with the concert. Sometimes when things don't go as planned, those can be the sweetest moments of worship with God.

While Jim took a minute to introduce the group, they were able to get the issue fixed before the second song started, but God definitely used that time just as a reminder of what the night should really be about.

Here's a look at the songs the rest of the night -

• "He Saved Me" - They did the chorus a cappella, absolutely beautiful!
• "Stepping Out in Faith"
• "The Love of God" - Love their version of this song. 
• "What a Day That Will Be" - They featured Layke on this one with just Melissa at piano to accompany him. 
• "Keep on the Firing Line" - Always a fun one to hear live. 
• "Wherever I Am" - This was my first time seeing them stage this song. I was glad they included this one from their Promises CD. 
• "Greatest of All Miracles" - I love hearing Melissa sing this song!!
• "Tell Me" - They had Chase Davis traveling with them this summer. He goes to Bethel University and sings in a group there. He sang on this one with them and the next one. 
• "Because He Lives" - The three guys sang this one with Melissa on the piano. Chase has a great voice!
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me"
• "All Over the World"
• "Every Cry Is Heard" - One of my favorite Jim Brady songs! He talked a little bit about all their family had been through in the last few years with the death of his dad, sister, Melissa's mother and then Jim's brother. It had been a rough season, but what an encouragement the song was. None of the moments they were prepared for, but God was evident in those trials -- those interruptions of life. Through the heartbreak, Jim said he could thank the Lord for the promise of Heaven and His faithfulness through it all. 

It was a great night with this group. The night was a powerful reminder of how God is faithful to walk with us through everything we face. 

Praisefest Branson 2017 - Part 1

Praisefest Branson was one of those events I'd always heard about but never been able to experience. This year, I decided to fix that. The event was held at the Mansion Theater over the course of three days with more than 10 different artists. 

As my grandmother and I were driving back to where we stayed Thursday night, we said if the rest of the weekend was like that it would be one of those events we wouldn't forget. It was! I keep trying to pinpoint a favorite session, but they were all great and different because of the artists, comedian or speaker. 

Gerald Wolfe kicked off the first night with a little hymn singing "The Family of God" and "Because He Lives." On Thursday night, the featured artists were the Jim Brady Trio, Greater Vision, Aaron Wilburn and Triumphant Quartet.

Here are some highlights of Thursday night (in order of the night) - 

• "Greatest of All Miracles" (Jim Brady Trio) - I love to hear Melissa Brady sing this Squire Parsons song. She talked about her dad and what a great testimony he had of completely turning his life around for Christ.
• "I Know a Man Who Can" (Greater Vision) - No surprise that Greater Vision had some requests for this song. In my opinion, no one does it better than Chris.
• "Hallelujah" (Triumphant Quartet) - The group sang its own version of this song that was included on their latest Christmas project. If you see them anytime soon, make sure to request this song. Each member takes a verse and it walks through the life of Christ to the melody of the popular Leonard Cohen song. 
• "Side by Side" (Aaron Wilburn) - This definitely wasn't the most spiritual moment of the night, but Aaron Wilburn sang the song that George Younce sang during one of his public appearances. The audience definitely enjoyed it!
• "He Is" (Triumphant Quartet) - The quartet ended their second set with this song. I love their version of this song that is such a reminder of God's power and presence throughout all of scripture.
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" (Jim Brady Trio) - Loved hearing the trio on this Goodman classic.
• "My Name is Lazarus" (Greater Vision) - Greater Vision ended the night with probably Rodney Griffin's most-loved song.

Friday morning started the same way as Thursday night with Gerald leading the audience in a couple of hymns. 

Here are highlights of Friday morning - 

• "Hallelujah Square" (Greater Vision) - I think this was another request from the night before. Always enjoy hearing Chris on this one!
• "I'll Carry Him" (Greater Vision) - I don't get to hear this song often enough live! I forget what a powerful song it is. So glad they chose to include this in the morning set!
• "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" (TaRanda Greene) - I was really glad that she did a few solo songs that morning. I don't remember ever getting to hear her sing this one live. It's such an incredibly powerful song!
• "It Is Well With My Soul" (TaRanda Greene) - Her version of this hymn is simply incredible! Probably the moment of the morning for me! (Funny side note: Aaron Wilburn was right after this, he took the stage and asked, "How do I even begin to follow that?" )
  
• "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - They sang several fast songs from their latest project, but this one is probably my favorite.
• "My Faith Still Holds" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - Love, love, love this song from their Full Sail project. It's always a highlight to hear them sing this in person. 
• "Too Much to Gain to Lose" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - Love hearing Mark featured on this song!

Will post the second session on Friday and Saturday morning later this week!

Fun Clip Friday - Praisefest Branson

I'm in Branson this weekend for Praisefest 2017. This is my first time to attend this event, and last night was a great start to the weekend!

If you're anywhere close to Branson this weekend, there are still some seats available! Here's a short clip from last night from the Jim Brady Trio. Enjoy for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - December 31

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

• Congratulations to Joseph Habedank, Michael Farren and Tony Wood who wrote the title cut "Sing It Now" on Reba McEntire's new gospel album due out in early 2017.
• The Dixie Melody Boys announced the addition of Willie Sawrey as their new baritone singer. Willie, wife, Dana, and their children reside in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. For the last 28 years, Willie sang regionally with the Southern Ambassadors and King’s Messengers. His first official date with the group is tonight.
• Prayers requested for Jim Brady and family. Jim's older brother, Chuck, was killed in a car accident on Monday.

Anything I've missed?

Encouraging Night with the Jim Brady Trio - Concert Recap

The Jim Brady Trio made a stop in Arkansas right before Thanksgiving several weeks ago. This was my first chance to see the group in a full concert since Layke Jones joined Jim and Melissa earlier this year. He's doing a great job rounding out this trio!

The night was full of encouragement. I love concerts like this where the artists through their words and songs speak nuggets of wisdom and inspiration. I was blessed to be there that night!

A local quartet opened the night with a few familiar songs like "Loving God," "Pray About Everything" and "Victory in Jesus" before the Jim Brady Trio took the stage.


Highlights from the night include -

• "Stepping Out in Faith" - This is such a great song that's really become the theme of the group in their first years of ministry.
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" - I love this sweet song about Heaven. They repeated the chorus a cappella, and it was beautiful!
• "Keep on the Firing Line"
• "Love of God" - I love their version of this classic song! Melissa told the story of her grandmother before they sang this song. When Melissa was young, she would go visit her grandmother almost every day. Her grandmother lived right across the street from the school, so she would get to go have lunch with her and they would watch The Price is Right together. They had a close relationship, but her grandmother didn't know Jesus. When Melissa invited her to church, her grandmother still didn't want any part of a personal relationship. Later in life, her grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. Melissa prayed that her grandmother wouldn't die without accepting Christ. She didn't realize that in addition to her family the pastor's wife from the nearby church was also praying and visiting her grandmother every week. Before she passed away, her grandmother accepted Christ one afternoon sitting with the pastor's wife. Melissa said God reminded her during that time that God loves us so much He gives us a will of our own to choose Him. When we really stop to think about how amazing the love of God is, the thought is overwhelming. 
• "Tell Me" - Jim's sister, Marla, and her husband Keith are traveling with the group now. Jim pulled his sister up to join them on this song. She also was featured on "Consider the Lilies."
• "Every Cry is Heard" - This is one of my favorite songs that Jim has written! He actually wrote this song for his sister when she was first diagnosed with cancer. It's such a sweet reminder of how God always hears us and cares about us. Jim talked about how great it is to look back on our life and see how God has answered us and worked in every detail of our lives. He cares about every difficulty in our life. He loves the world, but He is a personal God. 
• Booth Brothers fans also were not disappointed with the trio singing several songs from Jim's days with the male trio like "All Over the World," "I Have an Anchor" and "When He Saved Me." 

Be sure to check out the group's schedule to know when they are in your area!

2016 National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of National Quartet Convention is now in the books. I got home in time to turn on the webcast as the Inspirations were on stage. Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night -

• If the Booth Brothers and Collingsworth Family went on tour together, that would be a concert I wouldn't miss. That was one incredible hour of gospel music. From the opening song together to the last note of "Jesus Saves," it was amazing. I loved Michael's sweet tribute to Jim and his time with the group. He even joined them on the last song. The two instrumentals from the Collingsworth Family, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and "My Tribute," were also highlights. I also enjoyed Michael putting together the live band on "Life's Railway to Heaven."
• Jim Brady told the story of his sister's battle with cancer to set up "Every Cry Is Heard." Last year at NQC is when he found out his sister didn't have much longer to live, and this song written by Jim was a song that she heard on the radio after her diagnosis. It was one of the more emotional moments of the night.
• It was good to hear the Perrys sing "Calvary Answers for Me," probably my favorite performance by an individual group tonight. 
• Triumphant Quartet had one of the strongest sets of the night with "Love Came Calling" and "This Blood," both being highlights.
• "Jesus Loves You" is such a powerful song from Jeff and Sheri Easter. I'm glad they sang it tonight, definitely the highlight of their set. 
• Both Loren Harris and Trent Adams have just started with their respective groups, Kingdom Heirs and LeFevre Quartet. They are getting thrown in the deep end with this being the biggest event in gospel music, but both have been very impressive!

Favorite Songs/ Performances -

• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Can Pray" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - The Perrys
• "This Blood" - Triumphant Quartet
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "Blood of Jesus" - Collingsworth Family
• "Jesus Saves" - Collingsworth Family/ Booth Brothers
• "Jesus Loves You" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "He Left No Stone Unturned" - LeFevre Quartet

A Soloist, A Duo, A Trio and a Quartet - Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic 2016

A soloist, a duo, a trio and a quartet all walk into a theme park ... kinda sounds like the start of a joke and probably not a very good one at that. But yesterday all of these groups walked into a theme part and spent the day singing Southern Gospel.

Wednesday, I covered all the bases by seeing a soloist, a duo, a trio and a quartet. I got out to the park in the early afternoon and was able to see four different artists. Here's how my day went -

Jim Brady Trio

I went straight to Red Gold Hall when I got to Silver Dollar City. I was anxious to see the Jim Brady Trio with new singer Layke Jones. He's only 22, but sounds like a seasoned singer, incredible young talent! Layke was featured on "When He Saved Me." 

They started the set with "Stepping Out in Faith" and then sang the Booth Brothers song, "I Have an Anchor."

They sang "Tell Me" with a special guest that had been traveling with them for the weekend, Jim's sister Marla. I've always been a fan of this song when Melissa did it with the Booth Brothers, so I was glad they staged it! The trio ended the set with "Half That's Never Been Told."

Wilburn and Wilburn

It was great to get a chance to see this father/ son duo again. They featured Jordan on several of their hit songs including, "Help Me Help Someone." I didn't realize the lead singer for Rascal Flatts wrote this song. 

They also got the crowd going with "I John, Saw a Mighty Number." Jonathan really cut loose on this one! They also sang "Nobody Like Jesus," another great uptempo one!

They closed with "You Asked Him to Leave," which has probably become their most requested song!

Mark Bishop

Mark Bishop opened the night in Echo Hollow with "Listening for the Call." He sang one song from his latest project, "Pick Me Up and Carry Me."

He also sang a few of his more well-known songs like "I Can Rejoice," "Can I Pray for You" and "I Got Here Just as Fast as I Could."

He sang a few of my favorites like, "Pray on the Little Days" and "My Name is Jesus," which he closed with! Love this song!

Legacy Five

They opened their set with "Great Day" and then really got the crowd going with "He Made a Change." They turned it around and repeated the chorus with the audience clapping and singing along.

Josh was featured on the Goodman classic "What a Lovely Name." They also sang one of the first songs that Scott Fowler sang with the Cathedrals, "After While" with just piano.

They sang one of my favorites, "I Found Grace." Then Matt was featured on "I'll Keep Working, Watching, Waiting for the King," love this one as well!

They ended the first half with the audience standing up through both of the last two songs. Trey played "God Bless America" and then they went into the "Hallelujah Chorus."

They came back after intermission and sang "Great Medley," "His Name is Wonderful" and "Who Is This Man."

Ready for Day 8 tomorrow, only five days left now!

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

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

• Congratulations to Layke Jones who is the newest member of the Jim Brady Trio. Recently, he was a guest vocalist on a project with the Gaither Vocal Band, as well as a featured vocalist for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. He is from central Indiana.
• Butch Owens's dad and Ian Owens's grandfather passed away last night. Pray for the family in the days ahead. 
• Here's a clip from last night's Memphis Quartet Show with Michael Helwig with a health update and powerful performance of "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power."

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

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

• Melissa Brady's mother passed away on Monday. Please be in prayer for her family. The funeral was held in Ohio.
• The Troy Burns family has welcomed Shane Mathis to the group. He is from Gainesville, Georgia.
• Check out the newest On the Couch with Fouch interview with Cana's Voice here. 

Anything I've missed?