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

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

• Prayers go out to the family of Miggie Lewis who passed away this week at age 91. She was a member of the first family of bluegrass gospel music, the Lewis Family.
• Peg McKamey had open heart surgery this week. The surgery went well, but keep her and the McKameys in your prayers as she recovers.
• Please remember Tara Younce in your prayers as well. On Christmas Eve, the oncologist, along with other staff members at the Cleveland Clinic, told the family that there’s really nothing that they can do within their power for Tara. They are putting her into palliative care to make her as comfortable as possible. 
• Karen Peck & New River announced that Ricky Braddy is leaving the group. He has taken a position as a worship paster at a church in Nashville. 

Anything I've missed?

Songs of 2017

Today, I'm taking a look at the top songs of 2017. I've made the list of my favorite singles from this year and also recorded songs that aren't or haven't been singles yet.

These are all songs that have been on the Singing News Top 80 chart in 2017, most of them at the top of the chart.

Top Singles of 2017

10. "It Was Jesus" by Wisecarvers

9. "Tangled in the Middle" by The Old Paths

8. "Someone's Listening" by Jeff & Sheri Easter

7. "Still" by Greater Vision

6. "Here He Comes" by Joseph Habedank

5. "Rocks" by the Isaacs

4. "I Choose Christ" by Karen Peck & New River

3. "Chain Breaker" by Triumphant Quartet

2. "God of the Storms" by Tribute Quartet

1. "He Welcomes the Beggar" by 11th Hour


Top Recorded Songs of 2017

10. "Rolled Back Stone" by Greater Vision

9. "Living Water" - Steve Ladd

8. "The Bottom of the Barrel" by Triumphant Quartet

7. "He Can Take It" by Brian Free & Assurance

6. "Say the Name" by Joseph Habdank

5. "Power in Prayer" by 11th Hour

4. "Victory Is Mine" by Karen Peck & New River

3. "My Everyday Life" by The Old Paths

2. "Find Me Faithful" by the Perrys

1. "Everything" by Lauren Talley



What do you think? What would be on your list of top songs this year?

Top CDs of 2017

It's time to look back at the CDs released this year. This list only takes into account the projects I've had a chance to review. I do still have a few reviews of releases from 2017 that will come in 2018.

Here's a look at my top 10 picks from 2017 -

10. Walk Worthy - Master's Voice
Favorite Songs - "Where My Savior Is" and "Love Goes a Mighty Long Way"

9. They Don't Know - The Kingsmen
Favorite Songs - "They Don't Know" and "God Calls It Grace"

8. Beyond Amazed - Brian Free & Assurance
Favorite Songs - "He Can Take It" and "Anything Is Possible"

7. Still - Greater Vision
Favorite Songs - "Still" and "God Doesn't Care"

6. Silence the Stones - 11th Hour
Favorite Songs - "Power in Prayer" and "Doin' What's Right"

5. Testament - The Perrys
Favorite songs - "Find Me Faithful" and "Moses and Elijah"

4. The Gospel - Lauren Talley
Favorite songs - "Everything" and "What Grace Is Mine"


3. Hope for All Nations - Karen Peck & New River
Favorite songs - "Hope for All Nations" and "Victory Is Mine"

2. Thankful - Triumphant Quartet
Favorite songs - "Chain Breaker" and "Thankful, So Thankful"

1. Resurrection - Joseph Habedank
Favorite songs - "Here He Comes," "Just When You Thought" and "Jailbreak"


Honorable mention would definitely go to the Bowling Sisters' debut album, The Beginning. These sisters are the most talented young singers in gospel music today.

There were also strong EPs released this year from The Old Paths, Steve Ladd and Misty Freeman.

What do you think? What are your tops picks for 2017?

Hope for All Nations - Karen Peck & New River - CD Review

Karen Peck & New River released Hope for All Nations this summer. This is the group's first mainstream release with Ricky Braddy. Kari Gooch, Karen's daughter, continues to have more of a vocal presence. And, of course, you have Karen's sweet soprano voice paired with her sister Susan's alto that provides the perfect blend for the group.

Hope for All Nations has 12 songs running at 44 minutes. I like that it's a longer project for the listener. Karen Peck Gooch actually helped write the majority of the songs on the project.

"Love Will Never Give Up" kicks off the project. Karen is featured for that classic New River sound. "Hope for All Nations" is the second track, which has been a big radio success for the group. I love the piano intro of this song. Karen again is featured on this song.

Ricky Braddy is featured on "Who He Is What He Does" and shows off his soulful side. I really enjoy the sound that he brings to the group. He and Kari's duet of "I'll Keep on Praying" is a track not to skip! It's definitely a highlight of the project. Their voices sound great together on this more pop sounding song. Kari has really come into her own and it's so good to hear her step out on this song. Don't miss the powerful message of the song either. We don't always know where we're headed and while we keep hoping from answers from God, we'll keep on praying and trusting.

Susan is featured on "The Reason." My favorite of her features is "All You Need." This song like so many of the others on the project really speaks to this theme of hope. If He is all you have, He's all you need because He is greater and stronger. Susan communicates this message so clearly and authentically.

"Gotta Be Saved" has a spiritual feel to it. This is just a fun song that will have your head bobbing and toe tapping.

Karen absolutely shines on "The River." I love the buildup and the addition of the choir at the end of the song. How we all need the river!

"Victory Is Mine" is another Ricky feature. This soulful song is really in Ricky's wheelhouse. The song is a powerful reminder of the victory we have through Christ we can always claim.

The last song is "I'm Gonna Love My Neighbor," which includes some of the group's friends like Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Isaacs, Triumphant Quartet, the Whisnants and more.

Karen Peck & New River released one of the top projects of the year with Hope for All Nations. Every song on the project is one not to be missed and all really add something to the theme of the album. There is hope for all nations.

Song To Put on Repeat - "I'll Keep on Praying"
Song to Turn Up - "Gotta Be Saved"
Songs That Will Take You To Church - "The River" and "Victory Is Mine"


Song List -
1. "Love Will Never Give Up"
2. "Hope for All Nations"
3. "Who He Is What He Does"
4. "The Reason"
5. "Gotta Be Saved"
6. "I'll Keep on Praying"
7. "The River"
8. "Victory Is Mine"
9. "God's Got a Blessing"
10. "All You Need"
11. "I Know I'll Be There"
12. "I'm Gonna Love My Neighbor"

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

Here are news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Phil Cross announced the return of Poet Voices as a quartet for the first time in 15 years. Beginning January 2018, Poet Voices will start touring with Phil Cross, Donny Henderson, Nic Holland and Brandon Barry. The quartet will travel with a live band on select dates.
• Joshua Horrell announced his departure from the Kingsmen. He had been with the group since June 2016.
• Bruce Penland passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2017. He played upright bass with The Primitive Quartet. Services were held on Tuesday, December 12. Please keep his family in your prayers.
• Three Bridges has signed with Sonlite Records marking a reunion for the singing group and label. Their next album is due out summer 2018.
• Main Stage Artist Bureau announced that it has entered into an exclusive booking agreement with Wes Hampton of the Gaither Vocal Band.

Anything I've missed?

The Americana Sessions - The Nelons - CD Review

The Nelons released The Americana Sessions last month. The album might not be what you think when you first hear the title. It's not a collection of patriotic songs but a collection of American standards and ballads. Some are newer than others, but most of them you will recognize.

The project starts with the Glen Campbell song "Gentle on My Mind." This isn't the only country star the group takes on. Autumn Nelon Clark shines on "Coat of Many Colors." This songs shows off her voice so well. I got to see her sing this one live a couple of times before the release of the project. "Country Roads Take Me Home" is another country classic that is a duet with Kelly and Amber.

Kelly takes on the Anne Murray song "You Needed Me," which I'll confess I was not as familiar with. I thought this was a really great song for her. I love all the older country songs. Jason puts his stamp on the classic Merle Haggard song "Mama Tried."

Many fans probably know that Amber is a huge Disney fan, so I thought adding "Colors of the Wind" to the project was a great touch. Her version is incredible. My favorite cut of hers on this project though is "Oh, Shenandoah." The arrangement has mainly just piano background to really showcase her voice and her upper range.

The two more "gospel-y" songs are "Daddy and Son," which features Jason's vocals and songwriting abilities. This is a new song but definitely fits the theme of the project. The Nelons also recorded an a cappella version of "Battlefield."

The sisters take on the classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which is a definite highlight of the project. They switch back and forth on the verses and come together at the end for a powerful ending.

I really loved that they chose to include the "American Triology," which is a medley of songs "Dixie," "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "All My Trials." Overall, I loved the theme of this project and the song choice. It really showcases the family harmonies and blends well. It has a variety of songs that really has something for everyone!

Songs to Put on Repeat - "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
Songs to Turn Up - "Take Me Home Country Roads" and "Mama Tried"
Song That Will Take You Back - "Coat of Many Colors"


Song List -
1. "Gentle on My Mind"
2. "Colors of the Wind"
3. "Coat of Many Colors"
4. "You Needed Me"
5. "Daddy and Son"
6. "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
7. "Oh, Shenandoah"
8. "Take Me Home, Country Roads"
9. "An American Trilogy"
10. "Mama Tried"
11. "Battlefield"

Sing It Again - Jeff & Sheri Easter - CD Review

Jeff & Sheri Easter released Sing It Again in October of this year. The project is a collection of favorites and songs that you will probably be familiar with. The album is Jeff and Sheri at their finest. They put their Jeff and Sheri stamp and signature sound on this collection of songs.

The project is aptly named Sing It Again with that being the title track. They also do a reprise of the song as the final track. This might be the only track I didn't recognize, but it does a great job of setting the theme of the album.

The song selection of the project is definitely to be praised. While they select songs that audiences will be familiar with they don't chose songs that are "overdone" and they do a good job of making the songs their own.

"In the Sweet By and By" is a song I remember Jeff and Sheri singing on a previous Gaither video. I've always loved their version of this song. It's got some great fiddle and mandolin work. "Keep on the Sunny Side" is probably another song that you would have heard Jeff and Sheri sing before.

Let me just say it doesn't get better than Sheri Easter singing a Dolly Parton song. I love that they chose to include "The Seeker" on this album. This is such a fun, uptempo song that has some country soul to it. Sheri is also featured on "Wayfaring Stranger," which really shows the soulful side of her voice. The hymn "I Will Trade the Old Cross for a Crown" is another Sheri feature.

"'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" is my favorite hymn of all time, and I love Morgan's version. It really shows off the pure tones of her voice. This was a great song choice for her.

Jeff brings out the bluegrass with "On the Sea of Life." It's their style of bluegrass at its best. Jeff also is featured on the Hemphills' song "Sing the Glory Down" and "Where No One Stands Alone." Jeff turns in one of his best vocal performances on the latter. I love his version of this song!

Don't miss this new collection of songs from Jeff and Sheri Easter, it will have you wanting to play it again!


Songs to Turn Up - "The Seeker" and "On the Sea of Life"
Song That Will Take You Back - "In the Sweet By and By" and "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"
Song to Put on Repeat - "Keep on the Sunny Side of Life"

Song List -
1. "Sing It Again"
2. "In the Sweet By and By"
3. "The Seeker"
4. "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"
5. "On the Sea of Life"
6. "Wayfaring Stranger"
7. "Sing the Glory Down"
8. "I Will Trade the Old Cross for a Crown"
9. "Where No One Stands Alone"
10. "Keep on the Sunny Side of Life"
11. "Sing It Again" - Reprise

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

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

• David Phelps and Cana's Voice have announced the Big Voice Tour to take place in early 2018.
• Prayers go out to the family of Steve Lee. He was a member of the Cathedral Quartet from 1979-1980.
• Matt Fouch is hosting an interview giveaway with his popular "On the Couch With Fouch" series. A new interviewee will be chosen by popular vote. Check out the list of those in the running on his Facebook page and be sure to vote!

Anything I've missed?

Cana's Voice - Concert Recap

I'm combining a Fun Clip Friday and a concert recap today. Several weeks ago, I got the chance to see Cana's Voice in Searcy, Arkansas. With this group's limited touring schedule, I was excited to see that they were going to be so close to me. I had seen them at Praisefest Branson and on tour with Mark Lowry but this was my first chance to see them in full concert by themselves. This is one of the most vocally talented groups on the road in my opinion.

It was a night filled with some traditional hymns, several songs from This Changes Everything and incredible testimonies.

Here are highlights from the night -

• Doug and Jody both gave personal testimonies. It was great to hear them share their hearts. Doug that day had run into several travel issues and had a rough day to say the least. He sang "Jesus Saved Me (When I Couldn't Save Myself)" from his solo project. Then Jody gave his testimony about how God had worked and really performed miraculous deeds in his life before singing "Me," an incredibly powerful song.
• They did a hymn request segment. Well, apparently Arkansans are not good at requesting well-known hymns. The first one I hadn't really heard of and the second was one I knew but wouldn't be able to tell you the words. The group was in the same boat. Haha! But then people started requesting the classics like "It Is Well," "How Great Thou Art," "Victory in Jesus" and "Power in the Blood." I loved hearing them sing these, and they even let the congregation sing along on a couple. But they ended the hymn segment with "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Their a cappella version (clip above) is a must see and hear. It's absolutely incredible!
• "Jesus Never Fails" - It doesn't matter how many times I hear this song, it's always going to be a highlight to hear it live. It's such a powerful song but powerhouse singers.
• "I Won't Go Back" - Apparently this is not one they stage much but had a request for it. We've sang this in church a lot, but love their version of the song.
• I loved hearing several others from their CD like "Love Anyway," "All My Reasons Are You" and "Big Enough."

If you get the chance to see this group, don't miss them!

Quartet Tribute - Tribute Quartet - CD Review

Tribute Quartet released its Quartet Tribute (say that five times fast :)) in October. The project pays tribute to well-known quartet songs over the years. I enjoyed hearing several of these songs live at the National Quartet Convention.

I really like that it's not just the classic quartet songs that they chose but also a few by that you may not be as familiar with like "His Tomb Is Empty Now" and "Hold On (Jesus Will Come)," or at least I wasn't. The group even chose a mixed quartet song like "Every Question Will Be Answered." I think the song selection of the project is spot on.

Don't expect this to be a "table project" for the group. It's production value is top-notch with Gerald Wolfe producing.

Most of the songs recorded don't stray far from the original versions of the songs, but you don't really expect them to either with this type of project.

While I do love the unique song selection, I did find myself gravitating toward their versions of some of the more usual suspects for quartet songs. Riley on "Hide Thou Me" is a standout track on the project. "Over the Moon" is not typically one of my favorite songs, but I also really enjoyed their version of this song. "I'm Standing on the Solid Rock" and "Come on Let's Go to That Land" are both great uptempo quartet songs that I'm glad they chose to include!

Don't miss the ones that you might not be as familiar with though! "Hold On (Jesus Will Come)" starts out with a very soulful, churchy feel. As someone not familiar with the original versions, I really loved Tribute's take on this song and felt like it was a great introduction to the song to new listeners. "His Tomb Is Empty Now" is a great midtempo song and really shows off Gary's lead vocals.

I think one of the best things about this album is that it's Volume 1, so there's more to come from Tribute Quartet's Quartet Tribute.


Song List -
1. "I'm Standing on the Solid Rock"
2. "Over the Moon"
3. "Every Question Will Be Answered"
4. "His Tomb Is Empty"
5. "Come on Let's Go to That Land"
6. "Hide Thou Me"
7. "Move That Mountain"
8. "What a Meeting in the Air"
9. "I've Been With Jesus (And I'm So Happy)"
10. "Hold On (Jesus Will Come)"

2017 Christmas Releases

'Tis the season for Christmas music. If you are anything like me, Christmas music actually started about a month ago. I'm not a wait until after Thanksgiving kind of person.

If you are looking for some new music to add to your collection this year, several artists have released new Christmas projects. Here's a closer look at these albums -

The Perrys - A Very Perry Christmas

The Perrys released their first Christmas project in the history of the group. The project has many traditional songs along with a few fun expected ones like "Mele Kalilimaka." Libbi's rendition of "Silver Bells" and Andrew's version of "O Holy Night" are not to be missed!

I really enjoyed "Silver and Gold" that featured Troy. It's not a song that overdone, so I was glad to see this one make the cut. Another highlight is "We Need a Silent Night/ Silent Night." It's a nice mix of a new song with a Christmas classic. "Love Is Alive Forever" is a old Poet Voices song that I was not familiar with. It's not super Christmasy; however, I think it's a great addition to this album. I really liked that this project didn't have a lot of the standard Christmas songs, but really offers listeners something different with song selection.


Doug Anderson - Back Porch Christmas

Back Porch Christmas is a collection of eight Christmas songs. I'll be honest the opening song and title track just made me laugh because the lyrics are so true to life for what many of our family Christmases look like. It's a great song that I'm sure I'm not the only one who will relate to it.

This project also offers listeners a variation from your typical Christmas songs. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is the probably the most recognized song. I love all the new Christmas songs. Most of the songs are Christ-centered. I love how these songs make you think about the story we are all so familiar with in different ways. "When I Think of Bethlehem" is not a song to be missed! "Christmas in Heaven" is sweet song that can make the holidays a little more bearable when thinking about the loved ones no longer with us. The highlight of the project for me is "The Manger and the Cross,"


Roger Talley - Christmas Piano Classics

If you don't already have your tree up, this is the perfect project to turn on while you are decking the halls. The first half has a lot of your secular favorites like "Silver Bells," "The Christmas Song" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" while the second half has more of our church favorites. You'll find traditional carols like "Silent Night" and "The First Noel" as well as "Do You Hear What I Hear."

Roger Talley is known for his arrangements and this album is no exception. I love the tracks where he's meshed two songs like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel/ O Come Let Us Adore Him" and "We Need a Little Christmas/ It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas."


High Road - Wonder

This is an EP of six Christmas songs. It starts out with "I Wonder as I Wander," which has a nice classic, almost Celtic feel. "The Night Before Christmas" has a more country feel. It sounds familiar but I can't find that it's a previously recorded song. "Let Us Not Forget" is another great country-flavored song that reminds us what Christmas should really be about. It's my favorite song on the project.

They also have a great version of "O Holy Night" with a simple piano arrangement. The group included two instrumental songs on the project "For the Beauty of the Earth" and "Winter Wonderland."

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - December 2

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

• Congratulations to Karen Peck & New River, Joseph Habedank and the Collingsworth Family on their Grammy nominations. Wayne Haun was a producer on all three nominated projects.
• Watch the latest installment of On the Couch with Fouch with Jon Epley here.
• StowTown artist TaRanda Greene recently celebrated 20 years in gospel music with a debut performance at Carnegie Hall. 
• Continue to pray for Tracy Stuffle who is still recovering in the hospital. Doctors are amazed at his progress and they hope to be able to go home soon.

Anything I've missed?