Coming Home - Martins Concert Recap

As I grow older, the times at home in the house I grew up in with my family become less frequent but more precious. It's not that I live very far or travel all the time, but there's something about being back home, where you grew up with the people who watched you grow.

The Martins (Joyce, Jonathan and Judy) made a stop in Arkansas a few weeks ago. They are from Hamburg, Arkansas, so the concert was like one big homecoming and you could tell that they had similar feelings of how sweet it can be to come "home." The church was full of family and friends who had watched and supported the group from their beginnings and had seen them in the best of times and the worst.

Their parents were, of course, in attendance. At one point as they were singing, their dad walked from the back down the center aisle to get a photo. It was such a sweet moment and a reminder that it doesn't matter who you are or how far you've made it, dads will always be proud dads.

It was good to hear so many songs from their Still Standing project. That was one of my favorite releases of the year last year. They talked about how they went skydiving with the Army Golden Knights. And then played a video of them skydiving along with the song "Still Standing." I love how they did "Beautiful." It's so much their testimony song that the siblings sing to one another. They talked about how they had a hand in writing several of the songs on the new project. They also sang their new version of "Wherever You Are," which has been one of my favorites of their songs.

Of course, highlights from a Martins' concert will always include their a cappella numbers. Their sibling harmony is the best. I love hearing their cover of "You'll Never Walk Alone."

If I were listing my all-time favorite gospel songs, "The Promise" would definitely be in the top three. I'm so glad they still stage this song. This song always ministers to me and seems to be just what I need to hear.

If you've read my blog for any time, you know that the Martins are the first professional group I saw and the group that really opened the door to my love for Southern Gospel. It's always so good to see them live, and it's especially special to see them in Arkansas. I'm thankful they made the trip home.

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?

Fun Clip Friday - The Chitans

I remember this young family group taking the stage at NQC last year. I was so impressed by this family of five siblings. Matt Fouch interviewed them as part of his "On the Couch With Fouch" series. Be sure to watch and hear how they got started and them singing at Gaither Family Fest. And watch until the end to hear them sing a cappella.