Playing Catch Up

I'm doing a little bit of catch up today after a blog hiatus. I'm hoping in 2019 I can get back to blogging more regularly. I've got a stack of CDs to review and several concert events coming up in early 2019.

But for today, there are several big news items I've missed over the past couple of months -

• Gospel music lost two legends in Les Beasley and Ernie Phillips. Les passed away on Saturday, Nov. 17 at age 90. He was the president of the National Quartet Convention and the longtime owner/manager/singer of The Florida Boys and a producer of "The Gospel Singing Jubilee." Ernie passed away on Nov. 29 at age 68. He was a legendary tenor and former Kingsmen Quartet member.
• Gary Casto of Tribute Quartet announced that Riley Harrison Clark is stepping down as the group's tenor to pursue a solo career. Riley has been with the group for nine years. He will be replaced by Gus Gaches, formerly of Legacy Five. 
• Squire Parsons had heart bypass surgery to repair blockages in his heart. He is now at home recovering well.
• The 2019 Grammy nominations were announced. For the first time in a while, the nominations for the Roots Gospel category were all Southern Gopsel artists: Unexpected by Jason Crabb, Clear Skies by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Favorites:Revisited by Request by the Isaacs, Still Standing by the Martins and Love Love Love by Gordon Mote. 
• 2nd Generation based in Oak Grove, Arkansas announced the group's retirement. They will do two final concerts in Arkansas in January. The group consists of Brenda Denney, Elaine Robinson and Randy Barnes. 
• A new group has been formed, Redemption’s Promise. The group consists of Chuck Pettyjohn on tenor, Shannon Yates on lead, David Emery on baritone, and Paul Hyde on bass. They are based on Morristown, Tennessee.

2018 National Quartet Convention - Saturday Night Recap

I was back watching tonight for the final night of singing. The schedule overall ran early which allowed for Bill Bailey a little leniency. It was good that he asked a few artists back on stage for one more song or asked them to repeat a chorus of a previous song.



Highlights and Commentary - 

• I missed seeing the Kingsmen earlier in the week, so this was my first look at the new lineup. Thought they are sounding good together already!
• It's always fun to see who artists might pull up to join them during their sets. Lauren Talley joined Mark Bishop during his set for "With Me Always." The Erwins had a full choir from First Baptist Sevierville with them during their set. 
• The stretch from the Kingdom Heirs to the Whisnants was some of the best singing of the week in my opinion.
• I'm sad that Second Half Quartet will not be making appearances anymore (though I certainly understand why). They are quartet singing at its finest.
• I liked how they worked in the power hour artists into the program tonight. I wish that could be done every night.
• I wish the finale tonight had been different. I get that they wanted to do something different than the typical #1 parade of songs (which I do love every year). However, the thing that separates this music from everything else is that at the center is Jesus. I wish the culmination of the week had not been focused on America but on Jesus. 

Favorite Performances - 

• "In the House of the Lord" - The Erwins
• "Saints Will Rise" - The Kingsmen
• "What An Anchor" - Mylon Hayes Family 
• "Until You've Known the Love of God" - Greater Vision
• "Midnight Cry" - Jonathan Wilburn
• "Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You" - Kingdom Heirs
• "The Broken Ones" - The Talleys
• "Going Home" - Second Half Quartet
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" - Jim Brady Trio
• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love" - Tribute Quartet
• "I'll Pray for You" - The Whisnants

2018 National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night Recap

I tuned in last night to catch the last part of Greater Vision's set. I will miss tonight's but be back for most of Saturday night.

Highlights and Commentary - 

• Of course, Thursday has become known as Gaither day at NQC. I didn't hear if it was sold out like last year but just judging by the webcast it looked pretty full. The Gaither Vocal Band had a 45 minute set last night. The more I hear this lineup, the more I like them - Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Reggie Smith, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither. Wes Hampton is one of the best vocalists on the road today, in my opinion.
• Someone recently asked me who's going to be the next big up and coming group. My answer was the Jordan Family Band. I 100% stand by that after hearing them again last night during the power half hour on main stage. They are one to watch!

Favorite Performances of the Night - 

• "He'll Carry Me" - Greater Vision
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Calvary" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Go On" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "He Made a Change" - Legacy Five 
• "Walking Through Fire" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• "He Never Made a Promise" - Kingdom Heirs
• "You Better Get Right" - Jordan Family Band

National Quartet Convention 2018 - Tuesday Night

The second night of the 2018 National Quartet Convention is in the books. I watched most of tonight's evening concert missing only a little bit at the beginning. I hate that I missed seeing the Kingsmen not getting a chance to see the new lineup of this group.

Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night:


Highlights and Commentary - 

• One of my favorite things is to see the "scrap iron" groups come together. Jim Brady organized the Confused Quartet with himself on lead, Chris Allman on bass, Susan Whisnant on baritone and Nick Trammell on tenor. They sang "Winging My Way Back Home." I was very impressed with Chris' bass! 
• There were sweet tributes tonight from Kelly Nelon Clark and Sheri Easter to their parents. Kelly talked about how she had lost both of her parents early before singing "Going Home." Of course, Sheri just lost her mother Polly about a month ago and they played a clip of her singing with the Lewis Family from a Gaither Homecoming video. 
• It was good to see a few of the daughters of gospel music get the spotlight tonight. Karlye Hopper sang her song "My Ransom" on main stage tonight and Jason Crabb's daughter, Ashleigh, came up to sing with him on "Short Are the Years."
• Again, it was good to hear some of the new songs from albums releasing this week. Joseph sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" with the Erwins from his new duet album. Riley Harrison Clark sang one from his new solo project, "You Will Be Found."
• Gerald Wolfe joined Legacy Five on "Champion of Love" tonight toward the end of the evening. It was good to hear he and Scott Fowler collaborate on this Cathedrals classic.

Favorite Performances - 

• "Going Home" - Nelons
• "Cheer the Weary Traveler" - Second Half Quartet
• "Wayfaring Stranger" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "I Love You This Much" - The Whisnants
• "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" - Joseph Habedank and the Erwins
• "Grace At Its Best" - Tribute Quartet
• "There Is Jesus" - The McKameys
• "Song of Moses" - The Hoppers
• "I Know He Heard My Prayer" - Greater Vision
• "Through the Fire" - Jason Crabb
• "Champion of Love" - Legacy Five

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Sept. 23

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

• The McKameys announced that 2019 will be the group's final year of touring. 
• Riley Harrison Clark of Tribute Quartet signed a contract for solo record with Daywind Records. His solo project, Welcome To Me, will release on September 28.
• The Perrys released a new concept video for "It Carried Him." Check it out below!

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic - Silver Dollar City - Day 7

It was a rainy day, but that did not stop the crowds at Silver Dollar City or the almost 4,000 people who came down to Echo Hollow to see the return of the Collingsworth Family to the park. I didn't make it out as early as I intended, but I did manage to see three different groups.

Here are highlights -


11th Hour

This was my first chance to see Logan Smith with the group. He's sounding great with Amber and Jaquita.

• "Silence the Stones"
• "Power in Prayer"  
• "Bound" 
• "What Heaven Means to Me" - They let Logan sing a Vestal Goodman song since that's what he was known for when he was younger. 
• "He Welcomes the Beggar" - Love, love, love this song! It's always a highlight to hear this one live. 
• "Mountain Moving Faith"

Tribute Quartet

• "Standing on the Solid Rock"
• "Mary Did You Know" - It's not even close to Christmas, but I'm glad someone asked Riley to sing this one. No one does it better!
• "Homesick Angel"
• "Never Forsaken"
• "His Tomb Is Empty" - I hadn't heard them stage this one before, but it was definitely a highlight of the afternoon. 
• "God of the Storms"

You never know what's going to happen with Tribute Quartet, but the biggest surprise of the afternoon came from Duane Garren, emcee of the festival. During "Over the Moon," Duane made a surprise appearance on stage with a new Silver Dollar City ride - a scooter wearing a mask and earmuffs. Josh decided to sit on his knee and enjoy the ride for a little bit! It was hilarious! I'm sure there will be a video floating around on social media soon!

Collingsworth Family

This is a group that I don't see live very often. I saw them at NQC, but it had been years before that. And a 20 minute set at NQC isn't the same as a full concert. This family was absolutely incredible last night. There were so many goosebump moments.

• "Fear Not Tomorrow"
• "Mercy and Love" - Loved this song from their new project!
• "His Ways Are Higher Than Mine" - I saw the video they posted of this song a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. I am SO GLAD that Courtney sang this one last night. It's an incredible song!
• "This Is My Father's World" - They did an a capella arrangement of this song!
• "The Lamb" - They said it was the first time they had sung it live, and it was amazing!
• Anytime Kim stepped up to the piano, it was a highlight. She ended the night with the "Hallelujah Chorus," probably my favorite piece that she played.
• "Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary" - They gathered around the piano with no track just piano for this one. 
• "Casting Our Crowns at His Feet/ Worthy the Lamb"

Fun Clip Friday - Mondays with Mark

Mark Lowry has started a new video series called "Mondays with Mark." He's had several notable guests so far including the Jim Brady Trio,  Jeff and Sheri Easter and Michael English. Here's one video from a couple of weeks ago with Tribute Quartet. Enjoy for today's Fun Clip Friday!

An Evening With Tribute Quartet - Concert Recap

It's been a slow seasons for concerts in Arkansas this year. Thankfully a couple of weeks ago that picked up when Tribute Quartet's bus rolled into Jacksonville, Arkansas. (With concerts picking up, hopefully the blogging will too!)

These guys get better and better each time I see them. They really are one of the top quartets in the business right now. It was good to hear so many songs from Here For You, which I still contend as the best album of 2016, along with their new quartet tribute album.

Here are a few highlights of the night -

• "Everybody Come See Jesus"
• "God of the Storms" - This is one of my favorite songs they sing. I think sometimes with the songs that are midtempo or faster we can miss the beauty of the lyrics, but this song has some incredible nuggets of wordsmithing. Riley led the congregation in "The Haven of Rest" after the song. He reminded us that with Jesus we are safe ever more no matter what we are going through.
• "Every Question Will Be Answered"
• "Power in the Blood" - When Josh steps over to the piano, it's easy to see why he was voted favorite musician last year at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. 
• "Come On Let's Go to That Land" - Anthony does a great job on this song, and it's always a fun one to see live.
• "Grace At Its Best" - I'm so glad they staged this song that night. Gary is not only featured on this song but also co-wrote the song with Barbara Huffman. I love to hear Gary and Riley sing this song.
• "Hold On (Jesus Will Come)" and "His Tomb Is Empty" - I hadn't heard them sing either of these live before.
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Riley does such an incredible job on this song. I think it's becoming one of my favorite Tribute Quartet songs. Riley started the song back a cappella after sharing about the story of the prodigal son. It was a beautiful moment and a great reminder of just how much God loves us no matter what we have done.

Thanks, Tribute Quartet, for a great night of gospel music that reminded us of God's perfect love for us and that no matter what we're facing He is right there alongside us. 

Fun Clip Friday - On the Couch With Fouch with Riley Harrison Clark

It's a new year, so hopefully I'm getting back to my normal blog features, which includes Fun Clip Friday. The latest installment of the On the Couch With Fouch series has an interview with Riley Harrison Clark of Tribute Quartet. Enjoy watching Matt Fouch's interview with Riley where he shares his testimony and much more!

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)"

Saturday Night - National Quartet Convention

Well, NQC 2017 has now come to an end. Since I first discovered gospel music as a teenager, I heard about the National Quartet Convention and how it was a "must" event for gospel music fans. It's been a "bucket list" item for a while for me, and this week I got to check it off. It's truly been an incredible week. I've gotten to attend more than 42 hours of concerts during this week (and I didn't even go to everything!).

This morning's chapel was a hymn sing hosted by Gerald Wolfe and Dr. Tim Hill speaking. It was one of the most precious times of worship I've ever been a part of. The message was one of the best I've ever heard. This afternoon, we got to see a Dixie Melody Boys reunion and a tribute to the television show The Gospel Singing Jubilee.

Here's a look at highlights and commentary from tonight -

• The reunions and tributes were my favorite sets of the night. The Gold City reunion featured Jay Parrack, Mark Trammell, Jonathan Wilburn and the one and only Tim Riley. The Perrys reunion went through the decades starting with the original Perry siblings - Libbi, Debra and Randy. They sang clips of all their hits through the decades. Then, the Nelons did a sweet tribute to Rex Nelon. They had Jason's dad, Dan Clark, singing bass for them. They all lived up to the hype!
• Tribute and the Isaacs had the longer sets tonight. Tribute got to sing a lot from Here For You. Sonya (who hosted along with Scotty Inman tonight) got to give part of her testimony before singing "I Love You More."
• The finale of the night featured #1 songs from eight different groups. Well, except for the Kingdom Heirs who were supposed to sing "Joys of Heaven" but there was a track issue. They ended up having Gerald Wolfe come up and play piano for them on "I Know He Heard My Prayer." This ended up being such a great moment!

Key Performances -

• "I'd Rather Have Jesus" - The Blackwood Brothers featuring Michael Helwig
• "Scars in the Hands of Jesus" - Diplomats
• "When He Calls I'll Fly Away" - Gold City Reunion
• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Jesus Saves" - Tribute Quartet
• "I Wish I Could Have Been There" - The Perrys Reunion
• "Just When You Thought" - Joseph Habedank
• "Damascus Road" - Kingdom Heirs
• "He Is Mine and I Am His" - The Hoppers
• "I Love You More" - The Isaacs
• "It's Almost Over" - The Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Oh, For a Thousand Tongues" - The Nelons
• "Then Came The Morning" - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• "Til the Storm Passes By" - Greater Vision

National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night

Day four of the National Quartet Convention is in the books. I attended the afternoon showcase of Aaron Wilburn and the Gaither Homecoming sing-along. I have to say that the two-hour Homecoming sing has been my favorite part thus far of convention. I've never had an experience quite like that one. When I've been to Homecoming concerts in the past, there have never been that many artists on stage at one time.


So for the evening concert, here are highlights -

• Tonight was a sell out. Of course, the Gaither Vocal Band was the closer tonight. They had an extended set as well as the Hoppers.
• The reminder of Heaven was a major theme tonight. Jim Brady shared of his dad's passing and the song that came out of that. Mike LeFevre said goodbye to his mom only a few weeks ago and shared about her passing and then they sang a tribute to her.
• Patriotism was another theme of the night as it has been all week. The Nelons sang several from their recent Americana project. Selah actually joined the Nelons during their set. Of course, Legacy Five sang and played a couple as well. 
• Bill Gaither came up during the Hoppers' set talking about the new album he just worked on with them. Mark Trammell paid a touching tribute to Gaither before singing his song "The King Is Coming."
• The Gaither Vocal Band set was great tonight and gave us something different from what we had been hearing this week. Mark Trammell Quartet, the Hoppers and Tribute Quartet also had some of my favorite sets of the night.

Key Performances -

• "I'll Worship You Again" - The Taylors
• "To Say Goodbye" - LeFevre Quartet
• "When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace" - The Nelons
• "Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb" - The Talleys
• "It Is Well" (a cappella) - The Isaacs
• "The King Is Coming" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Farewell, But Not Forever" - Jim Brady Trio
• "What a Meeting in the Air" - Tribute Quartet
• "Be An Overcoming" - The Hoppers
• "Facts Are Facts" - The Booth Brothers
• "'Til the Storm Passes By" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "It Is Finished" - Gaither Vocal Band

National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of the 2017 is now complete. The last few hours of the night were packed with highlights. For those who left before the power half-hour missed a lot of great up and coming groups. Here are my thoughts on the night.


Highlights and Commentary -

• I am really enjoying the longer sets for featured groups. Last night it was the Whisnants. Tonight it was the Jim Brady Trio and Greater Vision.
• The entire Daywind set was incredible. It featured Legacy Five, the Hoppers, Greater Vision, Joseph Habedank and Tribute Quartet. 
• If for some reason you didn't love Katie Erwin before, you would after tonight. She and Joseph Habedank hosted together. She looked just as comfortable and at home up there as he did. They did a great job!
• I was impressed by the unity and support of groups tonight. From artists in the artists circle supporting each other to actual on-stage support. Jason Crabb had several younger artists back him up on a new song. He returned the favor for Highroad's song. Jaquita Lindsey of 11th Hour filled in for Lisa Williamson, whose grandmother just passed away. Riley Harrison Clark joined the Talleys set for "What Grace Is Mine," a duet with Lauren.
• Josh Townsend of Legacy Five gave a stirring testimony before playing and singing "God's Been Good." Today was his 20th birthday and he told everything that he'd been through in his 20 years. He's a walking miracle. He gave such a touching performance singing and playing "God's Been Good." It's one of those moments people will be talking about for years to come. 
• The power half-hour tonight featured a lot of great playing and picking from the live music of Highroad and the Lindsey family to the incredible piano playing of Jacob Klutz with the Troy Burns Family.
• It was another night for a lot of new songs. The Perrys had all songs from Testament, their latest project. Jason Crabb sang a song he wrote after the recent hurricanes that had never been sung before.

Favorite Performances -

• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "It's About the Cross" - Ball Brothers
• "Give Me Jesus" - The Talleys
• "What Grace Is Mine" - Lauren Talley and Riley Harrison Clark
• "Find Me Faithful" - The Perrys
• "Love in Your Heart" - Jason Crabb
• "God's Been Good" - Legacy Five
• "Something's Happening" - The Hoppers
• "Still" - Greater Vision
• "Here He Comes" - Joseph Habedank
• "Beauty of the Blood" - Joseph Habedank
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet

Sunday Night at National Quartet Convention

Today we drove all day to get to Pigeon Forge tonight. We weren't sure if we'd make it in time or be able to go to the kickoff concert, but we made it! The Sunday night bonus concert featured the Hoppers, Mark Trammell Quartet, Tribute Quartet, Tim Lovelace, the Jim Brady Trio and Greater Vision. Each group came out and sang two sets. I have to say overall the second sets were better than the first sets. There were some incredibly powerful moments!

As is pretty typical, we got to hear some songs from some new projects. Mark Trammell Quartet sang several from their Great Moments project. Tribute Quartet also featured one from their quartet tribute CD.

Here are some highlights of the night -

• "Life Is Good" - The Hoppers - Dean is back on stage with them. For them to stand and sing "Life Is Good" with all they have been through with Dean back on stage, you couldn't help but smile.
• "Why Me Lord" - Greater Vision
• "God of the Storms" - Tribute Quartet
• "What a Day That Will Be" - Jim Brady Trio
• "He Is Mine and I Am His" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Come on and Go to That Land" - Tribute Quartet
• "Grace at Its Best" - Tribute Quartet 
• "Love of God" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin" - The Hoppers
• "The King Is Coming" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "For All He's Done" - Greater Vision

I'm going to tie the two grace songs for the moment of the night with "Grace at its Best" and "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin."

Can't wait for a week full of gospel music!

Worshipping with Tribute Quartet - Concert Recap

Toward the end of July, Tribute Quartet made its way to Arkansas. I got to see them at Unity Baptist in DeWitt. A sister duo, the Walker Sisters, opened for them that night. They did an a cappella version of "It Is Well" that was incredible! They were fantastic and set the night up for a great time of worship.

When Tribute took the stage, it was so good to hear so many song from their most recent project Here For You. They even started out with the title track. They featured more than half of the songs that night including "Everybody Come See Jesus," "Jesus Saves" and "Somebody Sing Me That Song." If you don't have a copy of that project, get it now. It was, in my opinion, the best Southern Gospel album released last year.

I love the energy these guys bring to the stage and to the music but also how they always bring the focus back to the main thing. They make sure that Christ is at the forefront of the night. I'm thankful I was able to be there for such a great night of worship. 

Here are a few highlights from the night - 

• "That's How I Know" - This is such a fun one to see and hear live!
• "God of the Storms" - This has probably become my favorite song from Here For You. When you take time to stop and really pay attention to the lyrics, they are incredible. "Troubled waters of danger set a stage for His feet." Riley took the time after the song to talk about them. Our circumstances and situations are too big for us, but in the middle of what we are facing, we can know that God is faithful and more than able to take care of it. We can experience an extreme peace because of this even when we are in the midst of the storms. 
  
• "Oh What a Savior" - I haven't seen Riley sing this one live very much, so I was glad they chose to include it that night.
• "I've Been Blessed" - They called up Dennis Duggar to sing one with them. Dennis sang with Tribute for several years and was in the audience that night. It was good to have him back on stage!

Gary closed the night by talking about how much the hymns of the church have meant to him. He talked about specific hymns and how encouraging they have been to him - "In the Garden," "Because He Lives" and "Leave It There." It was such a sweet time of worship with the congregation singing along with the choruses of each song. 

Thank you, Tribute Quartet, for a great night of worship. Thank you for being an encouragement to believers and pointing people to Christ. 

Top CDs of 2016

It's time to look at the best of 2016. There were many "must-buy" projects this year, but who came out on top? Of the 25 projects I reviewed that were released this year, here's my list of top 10 -

10. Undivided - Master's Voice 
Favorite songs - "Lord of Mercy" and "Everything the Blood Touches"

9. Only Faith Can See - The Erwins
Favorite songs - "Chasing After You" and "He's My Everything"

8. Family Harmony/ Stronger Together - The Nelons
The Nelons released two projects this year on the same day. I went back and forth on this, but decided to call it a tie and put them in the same spot at #8. 
Favorite songs - "We Shall Behold Him," "I Just Can't Make It By Myself," "Family Chain" and "You Can't Make Old Friends"

7. In the Hands of a Carpenter - Legacy Five
Favorite songs - "In the Hands of a Carpenter" and "Grace Will Find You"

6. Life Is Good - The Hoppers
Favorite songs - "Jesus, the One" and "Life Is Good"

5. This Changes Everything - Cana's Voice
Favorite songs - "Jesus Never Fails," "Same Hands" and "All My Reasons Are You"

4. Refreshing - Second-Half Quartet
Favorite songs - "Cheer the Weary Traveler," "Remind Me of Calvary" and "The Prodigal Son"

3. What a Moment - 11th Hour
Favorite songs - "When God Shows Up," "He Welcomes the Beggar" and "I Trust"

2. Nature's Symphony in 432 - The Isaacs
Favorite songs - "Rocks," "I Love You More" and "This Is the Year"

1. Here for You - Tribute Quartet
Favorite songs - "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love," "God of the Storms" and "Somebody Sing Me That Song"

When I first heard Tribute's new project this year, I knew it was the best they had ever released. Every song on the project is worthy of repeating. It was hard just picking the top three of my favorite songs. To me, this was the best CD released in 2016.

What are your top albums of 2016?

Top Moments of 2016

Each year, I enjoy looking back at the top moments of the year. I look back at either memorable concerts or moments that I experienced live either in person or via webcast. This year they were all in person and it seemed that they either occurred toward the beginning of the year or toward the end. Here's a look at the top 5 moments of the year -


5. Home for Christmas Tour - It's no secret that I love all things Christmas, so when two top groups (The Whisnants and the Mark Trammell Quartet) team up for a tour chances are it's going to make the list of top moments. I was able to see them on their first night of the tour this year, and it was the perfect night to put you in the Christmas spirit. Not only was it full of great Christmas songs, but they had a few of their newer songs too that made for some great, worshipful moments. Here's the full recap.

4. Sheri Easter testimony - This was a moment that came early in the year in January actually. Jeff and Sheri Easter were in concert in Sherwood, Arkansas. Sheri spoke candidly about life-defining moments, her breast cancer diagnosis and the death of her father at a young age. Life happens to everyone, but it's what we do about it, how we come through it and the perspective we gain from it. She sang "Jesus Loves You," which made for such a touching moment. Read the full concert recap here.

3.  Crabb Family Reunion Concert - Last year this the moment of the year, and it was definitely one of the best this year as well. I love seeing this family together, knowing how much they have been through together and as individuals. It was an incredible night! It was very nostalgic hearing so many classic Crabb Family songs. Read more on the night here.

2. Tribute Quartet concert on Dec. 1 - Ironically, my first and last concert of the year was Tribute Quartet in Ward, Ark. The church liked them so well in January, they had them back in December. And I'm glad they did. You can read my full recap here, but it was one of the sweetest nights of worship I experienced this year.

1. Gospel Music Hymn Sing in Conroe, Texas - This moment was easy to identify. In October, I got the chance to visit a friend in Houston. It happened to be the same weekend as the Gospel Music Hymn Sing in Conroe, Texas. So I took advantage of that trip to pass through Conroe on my way home, and I'm glad I did! Because of the DVD taping, we were allowed to have our phones our during the concert, so I have no real photos or notes, but it's a night I won't forget. The choir from Mims Baptist was amazing. The artists on stage included Greater Vision, Mark Trammell Quartet, the Whisnants, Karen Peck & New River, Jim Brady Trio, the Mylon Hayes Family, Pat Barker and Stan Whitmire. There was such an incredible spirit that night. I loved the hymn singing, and you could hear the entire congregation singing along. I can't wait for the DVD to release soon.


What are some of the top moments you have seen this year?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you are all have a wonderful holiday celebrating the birth of our Savior. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas songs. Enjoy!

Night of Testimonies and Worship - Tribute Quartet Concert Recap

I kicked off December by seeing the Tribute Quartet in concert. I went in hoping and expecting to hear a lot of Christmas songs, but what I got was so much more.

It was one of those nights where you felt the Spirit moving during the first few notes that were sung. It was a night where you know people walked away changed. I'm thankful for nights like these, where we experience a little bit of Heaven on earth. I'm thankful that Tribute was attentive to the Spirit's leading and didn't just stick to the "plan."

The night started with "Here For You" from their latest project of that title. They sang almost every song off their new CD. It was good to hear so many of those songs live. That project is definitely one of the best of 2016 (see where it ranks on my list next week).

Other songs that they sang from that project were "Jesus Saves," "More than Able," "Everybody Come See Jesus," "Never Forsaken" and "That's How I Know" with several repeats. Each of these new songs is incredible!

Then, they sang "God of the Storms" (also from Here for You). After the song, Riley said that the line, "Troubled waters of danger set a stage for His feet" was one of his favorite lyrics from the new project. "Your circumstance and situation, chances are it's too big for us to handle, but it's in those moments that God shows Himself more faithful than we can imagine," he said. The next lyric goes on to say, "I'm peaceful in the midst of all danger and harm beneath the safe cover of the God of the storms." Riley said that it's a great reminder that we don't have to be discouraged by storms but be encouraged He is in control.

Gary stepped up next to sing "Grace at Its Best," which he actually cowrote with Barbara Huffman. The song is a beautiful picture of the greatest love story. There's no greater picture of grace than the cross itself. It was one of the moments of the night.

During the second half, they started out with a Christmas song, "Jesus, What a Wonderful Child," but they kept getting different requests from the audience. So they decided to skip the Christmas and go with requests, which included "I Remember the Day" and "In the Valley I Can Hear His Voice." Gary said that he's thankful to serve a God who speaks to us even in the valley. He's a God who heals from whatever we might be going through, not just physical, but also spiritual or emotional. Then, Gary sang "I Am Healed." It was such a powerful moment where you felt the presence of the Lord in that little church in Ward, Arkansas.

Gary then led the congregation in "I Am Blessed." We are blessed to have a Savior, blessed to be loved enough for Jesus to pay the ultimate price at Calvary. Gary said that no matter what we face, what we've done or where we have been, nothing can stop the Savior's love from reaching us. Riley then stepped up to sing "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love," one of my favorites from their new project. Such a beautiful reminder of His love for us!

Riley said no matter where people may be tonight, the Savior is always standing there waiting with arms open waiting on us to turn to Him and say that we can't do it on our own. He then started singing "God's Been Good." Through it all God has been good. Even though we know that God is faithful and the many times God has been faithful to us in the past, when we face the storms and difficult situations of life, we can lose sight of that. God has not changed; if He was faithful once, He will be faithful again.

Tribute invited people to share their testimonies. We heard stories of healing and stories of God's power at work. It was incredible to hear several people stand up and share. Riley told the congregation to not only be encouraged by what God has done in your life and in the lives of others, but be encouraged by what God is going to do.

I'm so thankful that this group allowed God to lead them that night. While I would have loved Christmas music, that's not what God had planned, and it's His plan always better? The night was a beautiful worship service and a testimony of God's love and grace.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - November 26

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

• Bryan Hutson announced this week his plans to leave Soul'd Out Quartet. Please be in prayer for him and the quartet as they go through this transition.
• The Jordan Family Band has signed with Skyland Records, an imprint of the Crossroads Label Group. The group is based in Calhoun, Georgia.
• Daywind Instrumental announced the addition of Josh Singletary (Tribute Quartet) to its roster. Josh released his first project Hymns From Home on November 25.
• Please keep Paul Heill and his family in your prayers. His mother passed away on Wednesday. The service will be held next Wednesday in Pennsylvania.
• Please be in prayer for the Clark Family. The Nelons' Jason Clark's mom had a heart attack on Thursday and is in critical condition. She will have to undergo open heart surgery soon. 

Anything I've missed?