The Collingsworth Family - The Lord Is Good CD Review

The Collingsworth Family recently released two separate projects, Hymns From Home and The Lord Is Good. I think both will be eventually reviewed, but for now I'm going to look at the latter one that has more original songs.

This family continues to impress me. And it's clear from the Fan Awards, fans feel the same way. This family has continued to grow and mature. I cannot say enough about how incredible Olivia sounds on this project! There are points were I have trouble telling the difference between her and Courtney.

"I've Come Here to Tell You That the Lord Is Good" gets the album off to a great start. This is definitely one of my favorites from the project. I love Brooklyn's voice, and she does an incredible job on the verses. Also love hearing her on "My Debt Was Paid."

"Show a Little Bit of Love and Kindness" is a definite favorite on this project for me. I love how it starts out with the scratchy, classic record player sound. Olivia does great taking the lead on the verses of this song. This is such a great uptempo song, and I'm sure one that will be great in a live concert setting. Another uptempo song that I liked was "Living in Love with the Lord."

I love Courtney's vocals on "If He Hung the Moon." To me it's reminiscent of "I Can Trust Jesus," which is probably my favorite Collingsworth song. I also like that they just used the female trio on this song. That's one thing that has always stood out about this family is the different combinations of subgroups they can use within the family. The sames goes for the combo of Phillip and Brooklyn on "There Is Healing in His Hands." Beautiful vocals, but I also love the orchestration on this song.

"How Great His Love for Me" is another standout song that features Phillip. This is an incredible power ballad that will definitely wow listeners!

Can't leave out Mom and Dad Collingsworth. I really liked their duet at the beginning of "I Could Never Outlove the Lord." It definitely is a great close to the project.

Album Rating - 4.25 stars - This album shows that the Collingsworth Family continues to be at the top of mixed groups in the industry for a reason. I don't think this is my favorite project of theirs, but it's definitely at the top of the list! The song selection of this project is top notch!

Song List -
1. "I've Come Here to Tell You That the Lord Is Good"
2. "It's Not Too Late to Pray"
3. "Show a Little Bit of Love and Kindness"
4. "If He Hung the Moon"
5. "We Will Serve the Lord"
6. "There Is Healing in His Hands"
7. "My Debt Was Paid"
8. "God Is Moving"
9. "Living in Love With the Lord"
10. "It Matters to the Master"
11. "How Great His Love for Me"
12. "I Could Never Outlove the Lord"

Singing News Fan Awards 2013

The Singing News Fan Awards was held this afternoon in Dollywood. And for the first time in a few years, there were a couple of surprises.

I love that Libbi Perry Stuffle took home the Favorite Female Vocalist of the Year. She's an incredible deserving vocalist, but this year she's also proven what a strong woman of faith she is. I love that she was honored today with the year they have had.

I was also hoping that the Perrys would take home the award for favorite album. To me, it was the best of last year.

As far as Song of the Year goes, while I like "I Got a Hold of God This Morning," I was kinda pulling for either "All Is Well" or "I Want to Be That Man."

It was another big year for both Collingsworth Family and the Booth Brothers. Very deserving!

Any thoughts on this year's winners?


Here's a complete list -

Favorite Small Market DJ of the Year - John Whisnant (WCIS Morganton, NC)

Favorite Medium Market DJ of the Year - Lottie Squires (WCKB Dunn, NC)

Favorite Large Market DJ of the Year - Daniel Britt (WXRI Winston-Salem, NC)

Favorite New Trio - Red Roots

Favorite New Traditional Quartet - The Old Paths

Favorite New Mixed Group - The Taylors

Favorite New Soloist - Steve Ladd

Favorite Soloist Of The Year - Ivan Parker

Female Vocalist of the Year - Libbi Perry Stuffle

Favorite Male Vocalist of the Year - Ronnie Booth

Favorite Musician - Kim Collingsworth

Favorite Band - Gaither Vocal Band

Favorite Trio of the Year - The Booth Brothers

Favorite Young Artist of the Year - Olivia Collingsworth

Favorite Non-Performing Songwriter of the Year - Dianne Wilkinson

Favorite Mixed Group of the Year - Collingsworth Family

Favorite Traditional Quartet of the Year - Triumphant Quartet

Favorite Bass Singer of the Year - Eric Bennett

Favorite Lead Singer of the Year - Ronnie Booth

Favorite Baritone Singer of the Year - Jim Brady

Favorite Tenor Singer of the Year - Michael Booth

Favorite Alto Singer of the Year - Libbi Perry Stuffle

Favorite Soprano Singer of the Year - Kim Hopper

Songwriter of the Year - Rodney Griffin

Favorite Song of the Year - I Got A Hold Of God This Morning by the Perrys

Favorite Album of the Year is: Greatest Hits- LIVE (Booth Brothers)

The James D. Vaughan Impact Awards - Louise Mandrell

Favorite Artist of the Year - The Booth Brothers

Mike Holcomb Resigns From Inspirations

It's been a day for changes. And I think I can safely say this one was a huge surprise. Mike Holcomb of the Inspirations is resigning. Holcomb has been a staple in the group serving as bass singer for 42 years. Here's what the Inspirations released on Facebook earlier today:

Folks, we have an announcement to make. Today, October 1st, Mike Holcomb has announced that he is resigning from The Inspirations. Mike has been singing bass for 42 years with us, and is one of the greatest bass singers to ever step on the stage. However, not only is Mike an incredible singer, but he is an amazing preachers as well! He feels that it is time for him to begin a “new season” in his life, and will be hitting the road full time in preaching and singing evangelism. We know God will use he, and his sweet wife Bavaria, in a tremendous way, but we are devastated to lose him. We love Mike and Bavaria dearly.

If you would like to book Mike Holcomb at your church, conference, or camp meeting (and we HIGHLY recommend that you do) here is his contact info:

Mike and Bavaria Holcomb
”Heart’s Desire Ministries”
PO Box 1007
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2025
heartsdesiremin@frontier.com

God bless you all, and keep us all in your prayers.

Jerry Pelfrey Leaves Gold City, Organizes Family Group

Gold City released a statement this morning about the departure of lead singer Jerry Pelfrey from the group. He joined the group in late 2011. He is leaving the group to organize his family group with his wife and sister. His last day with the group will be Oct. 16.

However, Gold City has already announced that Chip Pullen will be its new lead singer. He was most recently with the Anchormen.

Here's the full release -

Gadsden, AL - In a joint statement, Gold City manager Danny Riley and lead singer Jerry Pelfrey announce Jerry will be leaving the award-winning quartet to reorganize his family group, The Pelfreys. Jerry's last day with the group will be Wednesday, October 16th at Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Danny says, "Anyone who has heard Jerry sing knows he has been a great addition to Gold City vocally and behind the scenes as well. We could make this a sad occasion over losing a valued team member, but in reality, no one knows more the importance of traveling with family than my father (Tim Riley) and I. We respect Jerry for taking this opportunity to be with his family at this time in their lives. Gold City asks that you join us in praying for the Pelfreys that God would bless their ministry and allow them to do His work for many years to come."

The Pelfreys will feature Jerry, his wife, Mikki, and Jerry's sister, Kim Pelfrey Van Hoozier. Jerry says, "I will be honest. I am scared to death, but ever since the song Lord of Life, I have had a burden to personally be more specific in asking people who Jesus is to them. Once I made the decision with my family to re-establish The Pelfreys, I have had a peace about it. We covet your prayers as we step out in faith to launch this new ministry."

Gold City's new lead vocalist is Chip Pullen, who has most recently sung with The Anchormen and is an Alabama native. He will assume his role with Gold City on Thursday, October 17. Danny says, "We know fans are going to fall in love with Chip. We are excited about our future as we continue to make great gospel music for the glory of God."

Jason Crabb's Love Is Stronger Music Video

Jason Crabb had the premiere of his music video yesterday with USA Today. The video stars Ashley DeRamus, who has Down syndrome. She started the Ashley DeRamus Foundation to raise awareness about people with Down syndrome and also launched a clothing line specifically designed for women with the Down syndrome. She has received 43 Special Olympics competitive medals.

I have to say of all the Southern Gospel music videos I have seen, this has to be my favorite. It effectively tells a story and communicates the message of the song beautifully! And the story might not be what you expect, but it definitely sends the message of "love is stronger." Check it out below!