Homecoming - Mark Trammell Quartet - Concert Recap

In early November, the Mark Trammell Quartet came to Benton, Arkansas. It's always great to see these guys in Arkansas with two group members having Arkansas roots. However, this night was actually at the church that Randy Byrd grew up in and his dad pastored for many years. It was nice to see the response he got from the congregations and the gratitude that he showed toward people who had invested in his life. Randy shared how much the night meant to him and how thankful that he was to get to travel with the Mark Trammell Quartet. It was such a sweet moment!

It was good to hear such a great mix of songs from their latest three projects. We got to hear several classic hymns and gospel standards to the upbeat songs like "I'll Take It to the Grave" and even a few Christmas ones thrown in.

The Lancaster Family from Arkansas sang during the break. They did an a cappella version of "Hallelujah What a Savior," and it was beautiful!

Here are highlights from the night -

• "He Hideth My Soul" - I love their arrangement of this classic hymn that's always been one of my favorites. Blake does an outstanding job on this song.
• "I Know, I Know" - It's good to hear them on this song from their most recent project, Great Moments. Love to hear Nick on this song!
• "Hallelujah" - Trevor has been a great addition to the quartet. He was featured playing this song.
• "My Faith Still Holds" - This song is so powerful from their Full Sail project. They ended the first half with this song.
• "Oh Holy Night" - Randy requested that Mark sing this song, and I am so glad he did! It was the first Christmas song I've gotten to hear live this year, and there's none better. Love Mark's version of this song. After this song they sang another Christmas one, "Glory to God in the Highest."
• "Thanks to Calvary" - It was great hearing Randy on this song! You could tell that the night meant so much to him and he was really felt so much of the song.
• "The King Is Coming" - No group sings this song better. Period.

Silence the Stones - 11th Hour - CD Review

11th Hour's newest release Silence the Stones released a couple of weeks ago. This is the group's third release with its current lineup of Amber Eppinette, Jaquita Lindsey and Grant Gibson. 11th Hour's previous release What a Moment set the bar high for their next project. However, this group only continues to get better and better.

"Doin' What's Right" kicks off the project and is the group's first single. It's a fun, catchy song with a simple message. It's impossible not to get this song stuck in your head.

Grant then is featured on "God Will Deliver Me" that has a country flair with guitars and banjos. My favorite of the songs that Grant has a solo on is "Hallelujah." This is a modern hymn that really showcases his voice with its simple arrangement and powerful lyrics.

"I'd Like to Meet the Preacher" is a great song that talks about the legacy of faith; it's not only about the preacher who led us to the Lord but the preacher who influenced him. Amber does an incredible job on this song. This is the first of Amber's four co-writes on the project. She wrote this one with Kenna West and Jason Cox. I'd love to see this as a single as well!

Jaquita is featured on the soulful "I Want to Praise Him" that is upbeat with nice brass and organ work. Jaquita also shows off her songwriting skills on "Let Grace In." This is such a great closer to the album. It's a song that is so relatable and will speak to so many people. Jaquita does a beautiful job on this song.

"Silence the Stones" has a more progressive sound. Grant and Jaquita share the verses on this song. It takes the idea from Luke 19:40 that if believers kept quiet that even the stones would cry out. Let our praises silence the stones. I love how this song uses the verse, and it was a great choice for the album title!

"Power in Prayer" is another one of my favorites. This is another Amber co-write and one that she is featured on. This bluesy sounding song is one that you'll find yourself hitting repeat on.

After several listens of Silence the Stones, I'm sure that it will be among my list of the best albums of 2017. It's a must buy this year!


Songs to Turn Up - "God Will Deliver Me"
Song to Take a Second Listen - "I'd Like to Meet the Preacher"
Song to Put on Repeat - "Doin' What's Right" and "Power in Prayer"
Song that Will Take You to Church - "Hallelujah"


Song List -
1. "Doin' What's Right"
2. "God Will Deliver Me"
3. "I'd Like to Meet the Preacher"
4. "I Want to Praise Him"
5. "Hallelujah"
6. "I'll Be the First One"
7. "Silence the Stones"
8. "Power in Prayer"
9. "I Want You Beside Me"
10. "Let Grace In"

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

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

• The Singing News announced the winners of the 2017 Songwriters Search. Grand prize winners include Blake Bolerjack (song - “Bring On The Storm” to be recorded by 11th Hour), William Carroll Cook and Jennifer B. McCallister (song - “Heavenly Peace” to be recorded by Gordon Mote), and Sherry Anne Lints (song - “You Came” to be recorded by the Hyssongs).
• The Guardians announced an exclusive booking agreement with the Dominion Agency.
• Tracy Stuffle had to undergo major surgery. They removed 2 liters of infection from the left lung. He will be in ICU several days to recover, but the surgery went well.
• On Tuesday, Dean Hopper underwent a follow-up angiogram. The doctor reported that Dean is not only doing well, but the stent is adhering and improving better than expected. Dean's only artery has gone from 5% usage on day of surgery to 90% on Tuesday.

Anything I've missed?

Come Thirsty - Jay Stone Singers - CD Review

The Jay Stone Singers have a 41-year heritage in Southern Gospel music. The second and third generations of the family are now carrying on the name and legacy with Jay's daughter Sharona, her husband Bobby and their children, Stone and Emma.

Come Thirsty is the latest release from the group. It's actually their third album with Crossroads Music.

Emma Carter kicks off the album with "Just Receive It." It's a great country sounding song that really shows off her young talent.

Sharona is featured on "Your Will Another Way." It's a beautiful song about surrendering to God's will and purpose even when it may not be clear to us. She has a strong, power voice that lends itself to this song beautifully.

"I'm Saved," which was written by Karen Peck Gooch, Jason Cox and Sue Smith and previously recorded by Karen Peck & New River switches back to the more country-flavor. Bobby takes the lead on this song.

"Each Time" takes a more progressive turn. The song was written by Stone Carter and Matthew Lawson. Stone is featured on this song. I knew that Stone has been recognized for his drum skills in the industry, but he is also a great vocalist.

Sharona steps up again with "I Won't Turn Back," which is Karen Peck Gooch's second cut on the project. She also sings the ballad "That Great Tomorrow," a definite highlight of the project. There's something about Sharona's voice that really makes me want to hear her sing something from a Broadway musical. She's definitely got an incredible vocal talent!

Stone is not only the group member with a writing credit. "That's Where Miracle Begin" was written by Bobby Carter and John Mathis. He's also featured on the song. The song wraps up the project going back to the more country sound.

If you were like me and weren't that familiar with the Jay Stone Singers, pick up Come Thirsty today and give them a listen!

Song to Put on Repeat - "That Great Tomorrow"
Song to Turn Up - "I Won't Turn Back"
Song That Will Take You to Church - "Cornerstone/ I Go to the Rock"



Song List -
1. "Just Receive It"
2. "Your Will Another Way"
3. "I'm Saved"
4. "Each Time"
5. "I Won't Turn Back"
6. "Come Thirsty"
7. "Kept by the Promise Keeper"
8. "Cornerstone/ I Go to the Rock"
9. "That Great Tomorrow"
10. "That's Where Miracles Begin"

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbit - November 18

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

• Gus Gaches will host the very first Song Garden Summit to be held October 26-28, 2018 at Ridgecrest Conference Center just east of Asheville, North Carolina. This three-day conference event will feature music and unique activities with seven Song Garden artists. In addition to concert times, attendees will enjoy contests, games, hiking, fellowship and laughter along with an intimate time around the campfire each night. “We are very excited about the level of enthusiasm we have received from the artists, sponsors and attendees for this unique weekend event,” said Gus Gaches. “We look forward to providing a weekend where folks can relax and renew, make memories that will linger throughout the year and leave with lasting friendships.” The conference event pass includes admission to five sessions, two nights lodging and four meals on campus. For more information or to register for the conference event please visit: http://www.songgardensummit.com.
• Paul's Journey announced a new tenor singer, Ron Higgins. Ron has been singing gospel music for 29 years previously singing professionally with the Pacesetters Quartet.
• The Troy Burns Family have reached an exclusive booking agreement with The April Potter Agency. Troy Burns is a 2017 inductee in the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The Troy Burns Family consists of Troy Burns, his wife, Tammy, their baritone, Shane Mathis, and pianist, Jacob Kluttz.
• Congratulations to Chapel Valley’s CEO Shane Roark and his fiancé, Jacqueline Ratliff on their upcoming wedding on December 8, 2017. Shane and Jacqueline welcome your prayers as they begin their life together as husband and wife.

Anything I've missed?

Concert Recap - Brian Free & Assurance

A few weeks ago I got the chance to see Brian Free & Assurance in Arkansas. It had been over a year since I had gotten to see this group in person and this was coming right off the release of their new album, Beyond Amazed. Here are some highlights of the night -

• They had a lot of requests for fan favorite songs, but they were able to get in two new songs and they probably were the two I most wanted to hear live - "He Can Take It" and "Sometimes You Need a Song." Glad that they are already staging a few new ones!
• "For God So Loved" - This is one of the most powerful songs. I love hearing this one live!
• "Say Amen" - This is another powerful song. I love when the audience will chime in and say "Amen" as the song progresses. This is becoming one of their staple songs.
• "He Will Carry You" - I've heard this song on the radio so much lately. It's a beautiful reminder that when tough times come He will be there to carry us.
• "You Can Be the Difference" - This song is a fun upbeat song, but also very challenging. It's another great one to hear live.
• It's always good to hear those fan favorite songs. It wouldn't be a Brian Free & Assurance concert without "Long As I Got King Jesus." They also sang "I Keep Looking Up," "Praying Man" and "If It Takes a Valley," three more of my personal favorites.

Check out Brian Free & Assurance's schedule to see when they are near you!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - November 11

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

• The Triumphant Quartet will now be booked by the Harper Agency.
• The Dixie Melody Boys also announced a new booking agent with the Beckie Simmons Agency. 
• The Talleys, Tribute Quartet, Kenna West, Highroad and pianists Jeff Stice and Sandra Payton as well as other gospel artists will start the holiday season with “Bells, Boots, and BBQ,” a dinner and music event benefiting The Veranda. The event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at The Depot Square in Gallatin, Tenn. A silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and concert at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $40 per person, and tables of eight are available for $300. Seating is limited to 300, and reservations are requested before November 24. Reservations may also be made online at www.verandaministries.org

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - CMA Awards

In case you missed the CMA Awards that aired this week, you missed an incredible version of "Softly and Tenderly" that has been circulating now online. Carrie Underwood sang the hymn during the "In Memoriam" tribute. And I've also heard that gospel music's own Gordon Mote did the arrangement and played during the performance. I've yet to see anything from him post that, so if anyone knows for sure, be sure to comment!

Watch the video below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

The Last Big Thing - Kingdom Heirs - CD Review

The Kingdom Heirs released The Last Big Thing at the end of September during the National Quartet Convention. That week, I got to hear a few of the songs live from main stage. Of course, the big hit of the week was the title song, "The Last Big Thing." I have to say it's the standout track of the album.

The project starts with a standard Kingdom Heirs style song, "Plenty of Singing." Then Jeff Chapman really gets the album going with "Victory." If this song doesn't get your toe tapping along, nothing will. I think one will be a big hit for them. I can see this one going over really well live.

This is the first mainline release with baritone Loren Harris. He is featured on "Telling the Story." This song really showcases Loren's voice. It's a great song that goes through many of the miracles of the Bible. It talks about these stories about the power of God never get old and can serve as reminders when we go through trials.

"Heroes of Faith" is another great uptempo song featuring Jerry Martin. He also sings the country-flavored "Just Another Mile." Fun fact - this is actually Dianne Wilkinson's 1,000th song!

Jeff Chapman gets a feature again with "I Wanna Do More." He shows why he's consistently one of the best in the business. I love the harmonica on this song. The style is great with Jeff's voice. Another standout from NQC was Jeff singing "Heaven Just Got Sweeter for You." On a project with a lot of uptempo songs, this ballad definitely stands out. It's a a great tender song about the promise of Heaven and letting our loved ones go.

The project wraps up with the classic sounding "I'll Trust You With My Tomorrow." The style is completely different than any other song on the project. It has a timeless sound, and the message of the song is definitely just that!


Song to turn up - "Victory" and "The Last Big Thing"
Song to grab a tissue for - "Heaven Just Got Sweeter for You"
Song to put on repeat - "I'll Trust With My Tomorrow"

Song List -

1. "Plenty of Singing"
2. "Victory"
3. "Telling the Story"
4. "The Last Big Thing"
5. "Heroes of Faith"
6. "I Wanna Do More"
7. "Heaven Was Counting to Three"
8. "Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You"
9. "Just Another Mile"
10. "Live It Up"
11. "I'll Trust You With My Tomorrow"

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - November 4

Excuse the blog hiatus this week. Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Naomi Sego. The gospel legend passed away on Friday.
• Christ Church Choir founder and long time director, Landy Gardner passed away on October 28, 2017.

Anything I've missed?