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

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

• The Southern Gospel Music Association Board of Directors announced the Hall of Fame inductees for 2017 for individuals who have shown a lifetime commitment to Southern Gospel music  - Tony Greene, LaBreeska Hemphill, Troy Burns and Randy Shelnut, Sr. SGMA President Arthur Rice said, "All of these individuals are well-deserving, and we thank our membership for their participation in making the selection." 
• Congratulations to newlyweds Adam and Kaitlyn Crabb who got married this week in Florida!
• The top 10 semi-finalists for the 2017 Singing News Ultimate Talent Search were announced this week - 
• Exodus – Gadsden, AL – Mixed Quartet 
• Blake and Jenna Bolerjack – Yukon, OK - Duet 
• Then Came Sunday – Texarkana, AR - Male Trio
• Matt Linton – Katy, TX – Male Soloist 
• Hinshaw Trio – Bahama, NC – Female Trio 
• Donna Kilmurray – Ada, OK – Female Soloist 
• Ben Chapman – Mocksville, NC – Male Soloist 
• Sojourner Quartet – Findlay, OH – Male Quartet 
• Heather Van Deren – Millsap, TX – Female Soloist 
• Harrell Family – Teachey, NC – Mixed Trio

Anything I've missed?

Sometimes He Whispers - When Lyrics Speak

Ever feel like you're just in an "in-between" time? You've got a lot of questions and uncertainties that need answering, but you're just waiting to hear from God. You have no idea how God will choose to move, but you have to trust that He will.

It's always interesting to see how God chooses to move in a situation. I've had some doors shut closed in my face very abruptly. I can see now how it was all for the best. And then there have been times when I have had to trust His gentle nudging for me to go in the right direction. Whatever His method, He has proven time and again that He is in control and will lead us if we just listen.

One song that I've heard a lot lately has been "Sometimes God Whispers" by Adam Crabb. We don't know how God will move in our situations, but He always knows what we need. I love that line! He always comes in the form of what we need. He can be water to the thirsty or a consuming fire. While at times He shouts, sometimes He just whispers.

The second verse talks about choosing to trust and believe while waiting. That can often be the hardest part of the process, but thankfully we serve the Almighty God who set the world into motion. The verse says that He is the same one who speaks peace to us.

Even though in those "in-between" times, we don't know how God will speak or how He will move. We can always trust that He will. We just have to be willing to listen for those gentle whispers and open to hear Him.

Transformation Tuesday - Adam Crabb

Here's another Transformation Tuesday post. With Adam Crabb's recently joining the Gaither Vocal Band, I thought it might be fun to take a look at him.

Here's a clip from 2002 of him singing with Mike Bowling and Aaron Crabb. I'm almost positive that he's the last one of the trio to take a solo part (Sorry, if I'm wrong on that.)





Now here's a look at Adam just a few weeks ago.




 He has always been a great singer with his family. When he stepped out with his own group, Crabb Revival, and then eventually solo, we really got to hear Adam. He made a name for himself. Now he's really about to take advantage of a great opportunity to make a name for himself with the Vocal Band. I can't wait to hear more clips of him with the Vocal Band. I think he will be a great addition to the group!

Adam Crabb Joins Gaither Vocal Band

The Gaither Vocal Band has announced its newest member this afternoon. The group welcomes Adam Crabb. Adam had been singing and filling in with them some, but will now join the group full-time. Here's the release from the Gaithers - 

We are thrilled to welcome Adam Crabb aboard as the newest member of The Gaither Vocal Band!  Adam comes to us with years of musical expertise, including on-stage and studio work as a member of award-winning Crabb Family, and as a solo artist and worship leader.

Bill Gaither is grateful and excited about the future! He says, “For decades now, we have reinvented the Gaither Vocal Band again and again, and in the process we have found some of the most incredible male singers and wonderful human beings on the planet. Adam is a very exciting addition to this 30-year legacy of excellence."

As for a fifth member of the Gaither Vocal Band, Bill adds, "We are taking our time and trying out some wonderful individuals during the next few weeks. You will see some very gifted guest artists out on the tour with us as we seek the perfect fit.  Trust me. You do not want to miss the chance to see what is about to happen as we enter this new season."

Check below to see upcoming Family Fest 2015 ticket information and 2014 concert tickets so you get in on the next chapter of GVB history!

I think this is a great choice, and I can't wait to see what is in store for Adam and the Gaither Vocal Band.

Surrender - Adam Crabb - CD Review

Even though Adam Crabb has been a solo artist for several years now, he released his first solo CD in June. After the Crabb Family went into their separate ministries, Adam was in Crabb Revival for a time, but now has a formed a strong presence as a solo artist. While singing solo, the roots of the CD and of his music are very reminiscent of the Crabb family style.

In addition to having his family come in as background vocalists, Adam also gets some help from Charlotte Ritchie and Gene McDonald. And I'm guessing he gets some help from his kids on "Hey Now." Cute beginning to this song with the kids voices!

One song that really spoke to me right off was "Sometimes God Allows." So many times we pray asking God to take away a burden or situation. And we know that He has the power to do so, but sometimes He chooses to allow things to happen in His wisdom! Love this song, one of my favorites!!

Another powerful song lyrically on the album is "Jehovah Jireh." Both verses tell stories of individuals who have fallen on hard times, but they are choosing to trust in Jehovah Jireh, our provider. It's a great ballad, and a song that Adam really shines on vocally. The arrangement is simple so that his voice and they way he communicates the lyrics really comes through strongly.

"Surrender," the title track of the project, has a different message than I expected. It not only talks about how we should surrender to Christ because of what He did for us, but the second verse also brings up that He surrendered everything for us.

Crabb Family fans will recognize "I've Got a Right to Pray" that was a popular one for the family, and Adam includes it on this project.

I like Adam's version of the hymn "Higher Ground." He puts a new spin on it, and has some guest bass vocals from Gene McDonald.

Album rating - 4 stars - Fans of Adam Crabb and the Crabb Family will love this project! The song selection is also great, so many powerful songs! The songs are mostly slower tempo, but with the message each song brings this didn't bother me a bit!


Song List:

1. "That Whosoever Was Me"
2. "Covered"
3. "I've Got a Right to Pray"
4. "Sometimes God Allows"
5. "Hey Now"
6. "Surrender"
7. "Why I Am Who I Am"
8. "Higher Ground"
9. "The God I Know Now"
10. "Sometimes He Whispers"
11. "Jehovah Jireh"