Fun Clip Friday - Memphis Quartet Show

I shared some clips from the Memphis Quartet Show last week. I was able to be there on Saturday night and what a great night it was! Steve Ladd shared this video on Facebook of the second half with all the groups. Check it out below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - December 3

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

• Soul'd Out Quartet announced this week that Jason McAtee will be joining the group as lead singer. Jason joins the group after spending 10 years at Godfrey United Methodist Church near St. Louis, Missouri. Matt Rankin also announced that in 2017 the quartet will be touring with a live band.
• Former Poet Voices members Phil Cross, Howard Stewart, and Philip Hare along with Jump Keys announce they have reunited to begin a new musical journey as Highland Park.
• Soloist Caleb Kelley is joining Lighthouse Media Group for publicity. Caleb is no stranger to Southern Gospel Music after traveling with the well-known group Hope's Journey among others.
• The TOP Television Channel, a division of Johnny Minick Ministries, announced its official launch on the ROKU system of channels and programming. TOP, which stands for Trustworthy On-Line Programming, will join other major networks on the popular online portal. To sign up and receive more information on future programming and news go to http://toptelevisionchannel.com.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - November 26

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

• Bryan Hutson announced this week his plans to leave Soul'd Out Quartet. Please be in prayer for him and the quartet as they go through this transition.
• The Jordan Family Band has signed with Skyland Records, an imprint of the Crossroads Label Group. The group is based in Calhoun, Georgia.
• Daywind Instrumental announced the addition of Josh Singletary (Tribute Quartet) to its roster. Josh released his first project Hymns From Home on November 25.
• Please keep Paul Heill and his family in your prayers. His mother passed away on Wednesday. The service will be held next Wednesday in Pennsylvania.
• Please be in prayer for the Clark Family. The Nelons' Jason Clark's mom had a heart attack on Thursday and is in critical condition. She will have to undergo open heart surgery soon. 

Anything I've missed?

Changes for Soul'd Out Quartet

Bryan Hutson announced today that he will be leaving Soul'd Out Quartet and focusing on a different ministry. He has been with the group since 2011. He put this message on his Facebook page -

I want to thank everyone who has embraced me and my family over these last nearly 24 years in full time gospel music.

For sometime now, I have felt God’s leading into a different avenue of ministry. To be transparent, I am not completely sure what avenue that is but God always reveals Himself in His timing. I am sure though that the time has come to make a change.

I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the best men in the Southern Gospel industry. I value my time with the Heartland Boys to my nearly 10 years with the Kingsmen. I also have had the privilege to minister next to Dusty Barrett, Matt Fouch, Ian Owens, Michael Howard and Zach Lloyd (Soul’d Out Quartet).

My hope for the future is to continue to minister/sing in whatever form that becomes in an environment that is passionate about reaching lost people and helping others grow in their walk with The Lord. I remain passionate about encouraging men to be men of integrity and fighting for their marriage and family.

From now until the New Year, I will be ministering with my wife, Yvonne, on select dates that can be found on our Facebook page Rescue Me Ministries or Friends of Bryan Hutson.

Our family covets your prayers during this season of change.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - November 19

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

• Jason Crabb has partnered with New Day Christian Distributers to make his Jase the Crabb children's book series available to the Christian retail market. Lifeway Christian Stores and independent retailers will carry the series along with the Jase® the Crabb plush figure. 
• Prayers requested for Soul'd Out's Ian Owens' son Liam who has a tumor called a polyp lesion in his bowel. He will have to have surgery for removal next week. 
• The Music City Show will have taping for its fifth season on Monday and Tuesday. Guests include Triumphant Quartet, Lauren Talley, Brian Free & Assurance and more! Reserve your tickets now by emailing: tickets@themusiccityshow.com. 
• Allegiance Trio announced a new video series that they will be launching to go along with the release of their new album. See the full video of the announcement.
• Cliff Barrows passed away at the age of 93 this week. He was the music and program director for Billy Graham Crusades. 

Anything I've 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 - November 28

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! Here are some news items from the past week in Southern Gospel -

• 11th Hour has its first #1 song with "Jesus Is in the House." The song will be #1 in the January issue of the Singing News.
• Michael Howard has stepped down from Soul'd Out Quartet. He was with the group as piano player for seven and half years.
• Steven Hickinbotham has rejoined Spoken 4 Quartet as the group's baritone singer. Brian Arnold had been filling in that role. With a busy solo ministry, Brian and the group decided that it was best for the two separate ministries to work together still but with Brian not being a full-time member of Spoken 4. 

Anything I've missed?

Good Friday - Fun Clip Friday

Happy Good Friday and Easter weekend! I love this time that we get to really stop and reflect on the incredible sacrifice that was made for us and the Almighty power of God with Jesus' resurrection.

It's only fitting that for today's Fun Clip Friday post that I pull two of my favorite Easter-related songs to share with you! Enjoy!

NQC Day 6 Highlights - National Quartet Convention Recap

The last night of the 2014 National Quartet Convention is over. The first convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is in the books. I missed last night and some sections of the other nights, but overall I think this was one of the strongest nights of the convention.

Sometimes it can be easy to forget the first groups of the night by the end, but tonight was definitely an exception. Some of the strongest sets occurred early on. The night started with the Sneed Family, Gold City and the Whisnants. The Sneed Family continues to impress me more and more, and I love that they sang "Hallelujah Square!" Gold City turned in another strong set tonight with a repeat of "Power of the Cross" and bringing back "There Rose a Lamb." It was also neat to see them take the stage on "I Get Down" by Quarteto Gileade which was a highlighted showcase artist. The Whisnants started their set with "A Greater Yes," my favorite of their songs! I was also glad that they brought up Austin and Ethan to sing "On the Road to Emmaus" with Jeff.

And it was a great night for all quartets in general at the quartet convention. It's hard to single out anyone out but for me Old Paths, Triumphant Quartet and LeFevre Quartet also had really strong sets. I love that Triumphant had part of the choir from First Baptist Sevierville join them on stage for a couple of songs, "Oh Happy Day" and "We Will Remember" (And I think I spotted a few Triumphant family members in the choir!). The LeFevre Quartet was joined by the Booth Brothers on "Jesus Saves" which both groups have recorded.

The finale or bonus had several groups coming back to the stage for one of their most requested songs. The groups were the Mark Trammell Quartet, Collingsworth Family, Booth Brothers, Triumphant, Whisnants, Hoppers and Greater Vision. The night ended with them all on stage for "Bless the Lord," which is the song the Sunday night concert started with, a very fitting ending to a great night! :)

Here are highlighted songs and moments (in no particular order) -

• "Love of God" - Hoppers
• "I Bowed on My Knees" - Old Paths
• "I Rest My Case at the Cross" - Perrys
• "Arise My Love" - Soul'd Out Quartet
• "Jesus Saves" - LeFevre Quartet with Booth Brothers
• "There Rose a Lamb" - Gold City
• "A Greater Yes" - Whisnants
• "For All He's Done" - Greater Vision
• "When the Trumpet Sounds" - Triumphant Quartet
• "Homecoming Day" - Tribute Quartet

It's a Great Day - Silver Dollar City Southern Gospel Picnic Day 7

We have reached the point in the week where there is more of the festival behind us than ahead. It’s always a little sad to me when we get to this point. If you are within a few hours of the Ozarks and love gospel music, this is an event you don’t want to miss next year.

The Whisnants were first on my agenda yesterday morning. I caught two of their shows. They sang several standards like “King Jesus Is Coming,” “Be Not Afraid,” “I’ll Pray for You” and their “Ready Medley.” Austin and Ethan sang with Jeff on “Road to Emmaus.” I love hearing them do this one! Austin also sang “I’ll Make Heaven Home.” Their sons are really going to be ones to watch as they mature and have a bigger role in their ministry! I also got to hear Susan sing “Is Anything Too Hard for God?” which I had never heard her sing live.

The Whisnants

One of the highlights was hearing Aaron on “I’m Trusting the Blood.” This is becoming one of my favorite Whisnant songs! However, the definite highlight came at the end of their last show. Susan told about her mom’s cancer scare. She said her mom was really the one reassuring her, because Susan had admitted that her faith had been weak. At the doctor’s appointment, the doctor couldn’t explain what they had seen weeks before but it wasn’t there any more. Susan said her mom knew that God had done a work in her life, but she had the faith that “all was well” no matter what the outcome had been that day. She then sang “All Is Well.” Incredibly powerful moment!!!!

2nd Generation

 I also got to see 2^nd Generation at the Riverfront Playhouse yesterday. I saw them in Arkansas at the end of last year when Randy Barnes had not been with them long, and he wasn’t feeling well that night. It was great hearing them yesterday with Randy in full force. This trio is sounding great together!! They started with “One More River to Cross,” and then went into the classic hymn “What a Day That Will Be.” Brenda was featured on the first verse, and Randy on the second. It was good to hear “Hanging on a Nail” again live! This is one of my favorites that they sing. They got the audience involved on “Feel the Joy.” It was great to see the audience all standing doing the motions with the group! One of the highlights was Elaine singing “Sheltered in the Arms of God.” They ended the set with “Redemption Draweth Nigh,” also featuring Elaine.

In Red Gold Hall, Soul’d Out Quartet had three show yesterday afternoon. I was able to catch two of them. I am more impressed with this quartet each time I see them. They sang a lot of familiar songs like “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before,” “Singing and Rejoicing on my Way,” “Jesus Is Coming Soon” and “I Believe,” which featured Ian, love hearing him sing this song! They also got the audience really clapping along with “Fare Thee Well!”

Soul'd Out Quartet

It was great hearing Bryan sing “I Want to Thank You.” Love the message of this sing, and it was great to hear it live. Dusty was featured on “You Were There,” which was a highlight of their final show of the afternoon! Incredible job! They ended each set with “Arise My Love,” which is such a powerful song for them!! I was glad I got to hear it twice!!

Legacy Five was the final show of the night. This was probably one of the biggest crowds they have had in Echo Hollow so far in the festival. They started the night with “Great Day” and then sang “Bloodwashed Band.”

They sang several more from their latest project including “That’s a Hallelujah,” “Great Medley,” “Who Is This Man,” “He Is To Me” and “Christ Is Still the King.” I loved the “Great Medley” that includes “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “How Big Is God” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Legacy Five

Scott Fowler talked about loving the old hymns of the church. Before the concerts at night, we have been having a hymn sing, so the guys got to hear the audience sing some tonight. There were several hymnals on top of the piano. Scott picked up the redback hymnal. He talked about the taping they had done at TBN and found “Grand and Glorious Feeling” that they had sung that night and they sang it.

Scott talked about how Trey had been trained in classical piano at a conservatory. He asked Trey to play a piece that weaves classical with a hymn, so Trey played classical with “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” Scott Howard asked what that was at the beginning when he finished and Trey said that it was a sonata. Scott said that made sense to him since “it’sonata hymn.”

Before the end of the first half, Scott Fowler read the resurrection story from Luke, and then they sang “Christ Is Still the King.” It was a great moment! Probably the highlight of the night for me!!

In the second half, they sang a few requests like “Strike Up the Band” and “Ask Me Why.” They were going to end on “Champion of Love,” which would have been great, but the audience wanted one more. So they closed the night with “What a Happy Day” with audience standing and clapping along!

It was another great day, now on to Day 8!

Testimony from Ian Owens

In mid-September, Megan Owens, wife of Ian Owens of Soul'd Out Quartet, was rushed to the hospital with a suspected brain aneurysm. The official diagnosis was hemorrhagic stroke. Thankfully Megan had a miraculous recovery only by the hand of God and was able to go home early October. Ian shared for the first time recently about Megan's miracle. Watch below!

Megan Owens, wife of Ian Owens, Undergoing Brain Surgery

Soul'd Out Quartet and its bass singer Ian Owens requested prayer early this morning for Ian's wife Megan. She was taken to University of Kentucky hospital with a brain aneurysm.

The official diagnosis as of this afternoon is hemorrhagic stroke, which is a stroke caused by a vessel hemorrhaging into the brain rather than a stroke caused by a blood clot. She will have an MRI tonight or tomorrow morning, and if that provides no additional answers then she will have a second angiogram next Monday.

Update on Oct. 1 -

My neurologist just came in and gave me the green light to go home today!!!! After 16 days, I will be in my own bed tonight. 16 days seems like such a long time, but compared to normal circumstances in this health situation, 16 days is nothing!!! I am so blessed! God healed me and I am WALKING away today. With full cognitive and motor function!!! I survived a brain hemorrhage and came out feeling more loved by my family, friends, and Creator than I ever have. I still have a long road to recovery, but I am so up for the challenge. The love, support, and prayer I have received is amazing, and I appreciate it more than you could ever know! I will say though, I had some amazing nurses, techs, and doctors, and I feel like I am losing some friends.

Update from Ian on Sept. 26 -

Megan is out of her angiogram. She was perfect! They're going to clamp her EVD (extra ventricular drain) and start weening her off!!!!!!!! Praise God!!!! We could go home as soon as 4 days from now!!!!! Keep on praying!! In Jesus' name she's been healed!!!! We serve a big and AWESOME God, people!!!

Update from Megan on Sept. 25 -

My neurosurgeon just came in. They decided to hold off one more day for the Angiogram. He says I'm definitely still in Vasospasms and he needs to time everything just right. Still draining a lot of spinal fluid from my brain, so that also gives us another day without clamping the EVD. Another day to recover.

Update from Megan asking for specific prayers -

I am so grateful for all of the prayer warriors on my side. I do have some specific requests today if you don't mind:
1. No more vasospasms!! Horrible nasty things Id like to punch in the face!!2. My TCD numbers are high and need to go down.
3. No more nausea.
4. I have pain pretty much all over, but the pressure in my head and behind my eyes is pretty intense. I would love for that to at least stay manageable.
5. I have a fever today that needs to go away.
6. I am missing my babies something awful. Pray that ache lessens.
7. Strength for Ian. He has not left my side. Feeding me when I can eat, getting me things I can't reach, giving me medicine, witnessing the horrible lows I have gone through. I know he is physically, mentally, and emotionally drained.

Thank you! And love to you all!

Update from Ian on Sept. 23 -

I hope no one is getting tired of hearing from me yet , but I wanted to give an update post-angiogram. Megan was definitely in vasospasms and to a pretty severe degree. There was still no sign of aneurysm, so they still don't know the cause of the subarachnoid hemorrhage and hemorrhagic stroke, but I'm believing there's no answer to be had because God healed the cause! Her headaches and cranial pressure have subsided some today. She and I both were able to get some rest last night (praise God!!!!), but I was wakened twice during the night by Megan throwing a wet rag at my head so I'd get her something. Ha!! So the plan going forward is to keep her under even closer scrutiny so the vasospasms don't get out of control. If she is still experiencing the spasms Wednesday, the doctors will perform another angiogram and inject more verapamil. If her spasms have subsided, the doctors will start the weening process for removing her TVD (trans-ventricular drain). I think that's all we know right now. Thank you all so much for the continued prayers! We are trusting and believing God through this and I know it will be a situation where He is glorified tremendously through His great work and Megan's miraculous healing!!!!

Update from Megan on Sept. 19 -

Not gonna lie, today has been rough. I have had pretty intense headaches all day that are not ceasing. I have had no appetite because of the pain. However, I am so blessed because Ian has not left my side. He is taking great care of me! I have an amazing team of nurses and doctors keeping close tabs. I also had a very sweet person re dedicate his life to The Lord because of my story. That makes all the pain worth it! I am so honored God would choose me to glorify His name!! Please pray specifically that the pressure in my head and behind eyes would ease. Thanks!

Update from Megan at 7:00 a.m. on Sept. 18 -

God is good!!!! My MRI results came back completely normal. Whew! Everyone here in the NICU and on the neurological team thinks I'm a miracle! They say that the fact I'm even able to talk coherently after a brain hemorrhage is amazing, let alone everything else. And now to have such great test results?!?! God has truly touched me!! I go for another angiogram sometime in the next week, and will be in the hospital for at least another 10 days, but that is nothing! God's got me in the palm of His hand!!

Here's an update at 6 a.m. -

Night number 1 in ICU has been pretty rough so far. Megan is only getting very brief periods of time where the pain is manageable enough to fall asleep. These "naps" are few and far between and have only lasted about 15 minutes each. The rest of the time she's been almost inconsolable. I stand at her head and I very lightly massage her temples and forehead until she finally stops groaning and falls asleep. When I wet a washcloth with very cold water, it seems to provide a modicum of relief, as well. It breaks my heart to see her hurt this way and, as any husband will understand, it makes me feel so useless to her. We want to be our wife's hero. We want to be the fixer, but here is the humbling truth...... God is the hero and He is the fixer!!!!! God has been so good, so faithful, and so true during this process and the praise report through all of this is that Megan, even though miserable, is the "best case scenario" where this ailment is concerned. She has 100% control of all motor functions and her cognitive functions are spot on, so there is no sign of any long term damage!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!! I'm now believing in Him to allow that prognosis to persist. As far as the pain goes, she still has a huge amount of excess spinal fluid and blood on the brain, but the longer the fluid drains away from her brain, the more relief she'll have, so it's a waiting game for relief at this point. Hopefully today will bring some answers as to the cause of the hemorrhagic stroke and some direction as far as treatment and prevention of future hemorrhages or strokes. If you are reading this you need to know that God is good!!! He is awesome!!! He loves YOU!!!! He is in control!!! And He has a plan for your life!!! Praise Him!!!

Here's an update from Ian Owens at 12:55 p.m. -

Angiogram results are back. It was negative for a large aneurysm. Again this is not conclusive evidence that there is no aneurysm. The neurologist said that sometimes aneurysms are missed due to excessive clotting. There will be a follow up angiogram one week from today to completely rule out an aneurysm. Now, what that means going forward is this: there is still unexplained bleeding in her brain and there is still an unexplained blockage causing the spinal fluid to not drain naturally or normally from around her brain (the drain they installed facilitates the drainage for now). So, this evening or tomorrow morning she will have an MRI to rule out other possible causes and to decide how to move forward. Thank you all for your continued prayers. We aren't out of the woods yet, but God is AWESOME and he's gonna continue to work it all out.

Ian has mentioned a specific prayer request - "I have a very specific prayer request. During the installation of the drain in her head, they gave Megan some pretty strong pain meds. She felt great for a while, but now those are wearing off. The nature of her situation, unfortunately, now prevents them from giving her anything stronger than Tylenol going forward. The reason for this is that with any type of bleeding on/in the brain they need to monitor her lucidity and cognitive functions. These would obviously be compromised by strong pain meds. She's had several invasive procedures at this point and is in severe pain. Please pray specifically for a supernatural relief for her pain. Thank you all."

Soul'd Out posted an update at 11:41 a.m. on its Facebook page -

Drainage Cath has been installed successfully and has relieved much of the pressure. Megan is currently undergoing an angiogram that should tell us more about what's going on. It's amazing the things that are going on this morning. Matt Rankin led a man to The Lord this morning that he met in the waiting room.  

Please continue to pray! We're all anticipating celebrating a miracle with Ian and Megan soon!

Please keep them in your prayers. Ian and Megan have three chidren, Liam, Taylor and Piper.

Back to Where It All Started - Day 7 Recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

A little more than 10 years ago, a teenage girl's life was changed in Echo Hollow at Silver Dollar City when she attended a gospel concert. This concert was part of Gary McSpadden's Southern Gospel Nights with the Martins headlining the concert. And last night for the first time since then that girl got to see the group that started it all for her!

The concert that night with the Martins is what really got me hooked on gospel music. I can still remember what it felt like that night not wanting it to end and wanting to find out all I could more about this group and Southern Gospel in general. I knew all about Silver Dollar City's in-house groups that sang Southern Gospel and loved them, but this was different. And tonight I was reminded why! But first things first....

The day started with Wilburn and Wilburn. I was looking forward to seeing this group for the first time, and they did not disappoint! They sang some familiar favorites along with some of their songs. 

I loved hearing "A Man Like Me" and "Jesus Will" live. However, one of the highlights was "John Saw a Mighty Number," Jonathan really got to cut loose and have fun with this one!

I would love to see this group again in a full concert setting! 

Then, we saw Soul'd Out Quartet. As I mentioned I grew up listening to Silver Dollar City's in-house gospel groups, like Cumberland Quartet. Ian Owens was a part of the group at one time and today was my first time seeing him since then, and it was back at the City. It was great seeing him on stage again. He sang a version of "The Old Rugged Cross" that was amazing!

They did a number of classic songs and hymns. Loved hearing these guys sing so many beloved songs. However, one of the standout songs was "He Is All I Need," that featured Dusty Barrett. Another highlight was "Since I've Been Saved," featuring Bryan Hutson and had a crooner type feel. 

Then, the Martins were down in Echo Hollow tonight! I had a poll a while back on who does a cappella best, and after this week I'm still not sure but I do know that Martins do it amazingly!!! They sang several a cappella numbers including the doxology, medley of hymns and "Softly and Tenderly." 

They also sang "The Promise," which is a personal favorite. And they ended the first half with "Love's Gonna Drive This Train" with the entire audience on its feet clapping!

Each group member took a moment to tell of God's faithfulness in their lives. They all had touching testimonies of how God had worked during trials in their lives. Joyce said they had all sang since childhood and knew what it was like to be in ministry and sing about being saved. However, now they were grown up and had experienced life and various trials, and they knew what it was like to be lost and for God to redeem them. Judy sang "Unredeeemed" which was another highlight!

They closed the show with "So High," which I can remember them singing that very first night. 

It was a fantastic day and night that reminded me of how my love for southern gospel got started! Thanks to the Martins for a great night now and then, and for really introducing that teenage girl to Southern Gospel music!

Ian Owens Joins Soul'd Out as New Bass Singer

Ian Owens has joined Soul'd Out Quartet as its new bass singer. Matt Fouch left Soul'd Out in August to join Legacy Five. 

Soul'd Out released this:

Despite having met many great people through the audition process, we (the men of Soul'd Out) had made the decision to remain a trio unless God provided the absolute right fit for our team and ministry.

Soul'd Out Quartet is thrilled to announce that God has provided us with the right bass singer!! We are so excited to have Ian Owens joining the Soul'd Out family! You may have heard Ian's name before as the bass singer for Gospel Quartets such as "The Imperials" and "Ernie Haase and Signature Sound". Ian has 12 years of full time ministry in Gospel music and we are so pleased that this chapter of our lives brings us together to proclaim the Good News!! Ian's first appearance with Soul'd Out will be on November 9th, 2012. We ask for your prayers for both Ian and the current Soul'd Out members as we transition into this new and very exciting time.

Ian Owens also added this statement:

After spending a weekend on the road with Soul'd Out Quartet, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that joining their team is God's will for my life. I am very excited to have the opportunity to spread the Word of God with such strong men of faith and integrity! Matt, Bryan, Dusty, and Michael all have such a sincere and earnest desire to see souls won and lives changed. I absolutely can not wait to be "pounding the pavement" with these awesome men! However.....I'm scared I may not be much of a bass singer for them if I'm always hoarse from laughing at them! They're funny!!

When Ian announced his resignation from Signature Sound, I wasn't sure if he had decided to come off the road for a while or what his next step would be. I'm glad to see that he will still be singing. Look forward to seeing this new lineup of Soul'd Out!

Southern Gospel Picnic Day Four

Day Four of Southern Gospel Picnic is complete. We made seven shows today! The day for us started with the Dixie Echoes and ended with the Perrys. Here's a recap:

Dixie Echoes

Since seeing the Dixie Echoes last year at Silver Dollar City, three members left. The group performing on Monday consisted of Randy Shelnut, Scoot Shelnut, Jordan James (bass), Craig Thomas (tenor) and Ben Hart (piano). 

They started with "I'll Shake the Hand of the Lord" and then "Close to the Master."

Craig Thomas was featured on "I Know a Man Who Can." He and Jordan were both featured when they group sang "Just a Little Talk with Jesus." Both did a great job singing, but you can tell they are new to the group. 

Ben Hart played "Keep on the Firing Line," and provided some comic relief when Randy played his "guitar song." They finished the set with "I'll Have a New Body."

LeFevre Quartet

It had been a while since I saw the LeFevre Quartet in concert, so we saw two of their shows at Red Gold Heritage Hall. I was able to see Paul Harkey at bass who has only been with the groups a few weeks now. He was featured on their opening song of the second set, "Plan of Salvation." He has a great bass voice, very strong. Harold Reed was featured on "Never Too Far Away" and they sang the chorus again a cappella. Many bass singers hold the microphone extremely close because the low notes can come out very quiet. But he was holding it quite a distance from him during this a cappella part, and his voice was so strong and coming through loud and clear.

They sang a few Gold City songs like, "When I Get Carried Away" and "In My Robe of White." They also sang a couple of older songs like "Sing His Praises" as well.

Murray Family

We went back to see the Murray Family again today. They started out with "This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me," which features Connie. She really has a great classic sound on this song. They sang "I'm Going Where He Lives" next, which was another great vocal performance from the family.

The third generation of Murrays got their turn on the stage as they sang "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)." The girls did a great job, and it sounds like they will have more singers to add to the group one day!

They repeated a few of my favorites from yesterday, "Lazarus" and "He's Alive." Chris pulled out his banjo as they sang "Hills of Old Judea," which featured Cindy, his wife. It was a great performance and great way to end the show!

Soul'd Out Quartet

This was my first time seeing Soul'd Out Quartet with Bryan Hutson. While I was really disappointed with fellow Arkansas native Tanner Stahl left the group, Bryan is a great addition. We got to see two of their sets.

Two highlights for me were them singing "When They Had Prayed" and "Worthy the Lamb Is He." The closed their second set with the latter, and there was such a sense of worship in the theater as they sang this song!

The group sang a number of older songs including, "Unclouded Day," "Kneel at the Cross," and "Meet You in the Morning."

They ended their shows at Silver Dollar City with "We'll Soon Be Done With Troubles and Trials" and the entire audience was on its feet clapping along.

I'm presuming this was Matt Fouch's last appearance with Soul'd Out. Matt Rankin said that we would see him perform the next night with Legacy Five. I was very hopeful that since the groups were performing consecutive days at Silver Dollar City that this would happen! Look for that recap tomorrow!

The Perrys
I only saw the Perrys a few weeks ago right outside of Conway, Ark. And it really was one of the best gospel concerts I've been to. (Read its recap here.) So by that, the Perrys had set a pretty high bar for themselves!

They started the night with "Blue Skies Coming," and then went into "Come and Get Me." Tracy then let Libbi sing her bluegrass song, "Jesus, Hold My Hand." And the audience loved it! The guys on stage didn't, but she had the audience on its feet three songs into the concert!

They sang a number of new songs from their latest project not yet released. As much as I love hearing the songs that I know and my favorites, it was great hearing the new songs! After tonight, I cannot wait to hear this album!! New songs that they sang include: "Everywhere I Go," "When He Spoke," "One of These Mornings" and "The Blood and its Power." I have a few videos I will post later.

"When He Spoke" is a song that the Perrys cut in 1998. Tracy said he didn't like to recut songs, but they never felt that this song got the attention they thought it deserved. It's an incredible song, and one that I wasn't really familiar with. Their delivery of this song live was a highlight of the concert for me!

Libbi sang "The Blood and its Power" when I saw them last, and it's such a great song that reminds us all of the power of Christ and in His blood. As she was singing, a lady had to be helped from the amphitheater for presumably health issues. Tracy stopped the concert after the song to pray for the lady. It's one thing to sing about the power of Christ and the power of prayer, but it's another to stop the concert to have prayer for a person in attendance. That spoke volumes to me about the kind of people the Perrys are and the faith they live out! Such a sweet moment for them to take time to go to the Lord on her behalf.

During the introductions, Tracy had Bryan sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and I have to say I've never heard him sing it better! He again had the audience on its feet.

They ended the first half with "If You Knew Him." They sing this song with such conviction and power behind their vocals every single time I see them! Joseph really outdid himself on this song Monday night. And again, the crowd of more than 4,700 people went to their feet!

They sang a couple of classic songs to start the second half like "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" and "I'm Living in Canaan Now."

They ended the night with "I Wish I Could Have Been There," which has become a tradition for them to end their concert with at Echo Hollow. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite songs they sing. As soon as the song started, people were clapping along and standing to their feet enjoying every word. They, of course, did several encores of the song!

It was a great night with the Perrys! They had the largest crowd of any night so far in the festival! Tracy mentioned how they always love coming to Silver Dollar City, and it was evident from the crowd tonight that the feeling is definitely mutual! The Silver Dollar City crowd loves the Perrys!

Matt Fouch Joins Legacy Five

Legacy Five announced today that Matt Fouch will join as their new bass vocalist. He will officially join the group on Sept. 1. Fouch was with Soul'd Out Quartet for eight years.

Here's a statement from Matt:

“For the past eight years I have had the great opportunity to travel and sing with the guys of Soul'd Out Quartet (SOQT). These men are high character individuals and it has been a pleasure to sing along side them. God has blessed SOQT and I am very thankful for the many friends I have made and the opportunities God has given through the ministry of SOQT. With that said, after much prayer, thought and consultation with my wife, I have decided to resign my position with SOQT and join the Legacy Five team. It is an honor and a privilege to join L5. These men have a wonderful calling on their lives and do a fantastic job. They are men of integrity and I couldn't be happier to join their ranks. I'm excited to see where God leads and what He does in this new season of my life. My family and I are thankful for your prayers and support, and I ask that you keep SOQT and L5 in your prayers as He leads both groups in the calling He has placed on their lives. God bless!” 

Scott Fowler of Legacy Five says:

“Seasons of life change for us all. Change is never easy but it is inevitable. The older I get, the less I like change, but with change comes the excitement of seeing what new and refreshing doors God opens for us. We are really looking forward to Matt’s contribution to Legacy Five, both on and off the stage. To Matt, Dusty, Michael and Bryan of Soul’d Out, I want to say how much I have appreciated how gracious and kind they have been to Legacy Five and Matt during this time of transition. I cannot remember when two groups have had this type of cooperation in a situation like this. They are truly good men and I have great respect for them.”

Also in the release was a statement from Matt Rankin of Soul'd Out Quartet. I think this move showed a lot of class from both group.

“Soul'd Out Quartet wishes to thank Matt Fouch for 8 years of service to the Lord and the group. We have been a part of seeing many come to Christ in those years. We have been a part of watching God's hand at work and have watched him supply the group's needs time and time again. We hate to see Matt leave Soul'd Out but we trust that God is leading this decision. We will be in prayer for a replacement and will continue our prayers and support for Matt Fouch, his family, and Legacy 5. Though change is many times difficult, the big picture is that we all are trying to serve the King. With that said, thank you Matt for making Soul'd Out a better group while you were here. We love you. God bless."

I'll get the opportunity to see both Legacy Five and Soul'd Out Quartet in Branson at Silver Dollar City next week. Since Matt doesn't start with Legacy Five until Sept. 1 officially, I wonder if he'll still be with Soul'd Out Quartet then or if he'll stay on and go ahead and sing with Legacy Five! I'll be sure to let you all know. Regardless, I look forward to seeing the new lineup of Legacy Five and what's in store for Soul'd Out.  

Here's Matt featured in a song with Soul'd Out Quartet