National Quartet Convention - Monday Night Recap

Unfortunately, I am not at NQC in person this year. Last year was my first time to be there in person, and if you are a gospel fan, I highly recommend it. But this year, for me, the webcast will have to do. You can still subscribe if you are interested and you'll get to watch this year and last year on demand through the end of the year.

I tuned in tonight to catch the last part of the Jim Brady Trio's set, so I missed about the first hour of the night.

Highlights and Commentary -

• The Tracy Stuffle tribute was not a moment I will soon forget. It was incredible and so touching to see all the former members come back to pay tribute. They sang "I Know It Was the Blood," "Plan of Salvation" with a video of Tracy, "I Rest My Case at the Cross," and then Libbi sang "I Will Find You Again." Major kudos to Libbi for powering through the song, because I couldn't see for tears by the end. It was great to hear all the quotes about Tracy from former members. The whole set was just class and such a touching tribute.
• Clarke Beasley honored Libbi as a "hero of faith" before she left the stage. He then pulled up Kim Hopper and Chris Allman to sing "More Than Wonderful" in her honor as they have watched her faith remain steadfast through all the trials of the past several years. It was good to see her recognized as well as Tracy.
• I enjoyed the longer sets of Karen Peck & New River and the Kingdom Heirs tonight. 
• Karen Peck Gooch came up and joined former group member John Darin Rowsey and the Guardians on a song she cowrote "Uncommon Praise." I love when moments like that happen at NQC.
• Of course, with NQC comes the release of several new projects. It was good to hear several groups debuting new songs on the main stage - the Guardians, Jim Brady Trio and Gold City. 

Favorite Performances -

• "Ordinary Love" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Find You Again" - The Perrys 
• "Gotta Be Saved" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet 
• "My Hope Is in the Blood" - Primitive Quartet
• "God Fights on my Side" - The Guardians
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - Kingdom Heirs
• "All My Hope" - Gold City

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City - Day 3

I was able to catch two groups today - the Talleys and Triumphant Quartet. The Talleys sang in Red Gold Hall this afternoon and then Triumphant closed the night off down in Echo Hollow.

Here are a few highlights from the day -


Talleys

• "There Is Coming a Day" - They sang this one by request. A couple had told them of a family member who passed away and this was the only song they played. 
• "The Broken Ones"
• "He's Alive"
• "Grab Your Umbrella" - Love this new song from them. It's a fun one to see staged!
• "Naaman" - This is one of my favorites to get to hear live!
• "When the Answer Is No" - I loved getting to hear Debra sing this one from their latest project. One of my favorites from Finest Hour. 
• "People in the Line"
• "When Death Was Arrested - This was such a great worship moment. I'm glad they have taken this song to the Southern Gospel world. 

Triumphant Quartet

• "Thankful, So Thankful" 
• "Saved By Grace"
• "Chain Breaker" - This is a song that has taken off in the Southern Gospel world. It resonates with so many people and it's always so evident when you see it live. 
• "Hallelujah" 
• "Amazing God"
• "When the Trumpet Sounds"
• "Long, Black Train" - Eric does an incredible job on this song!
• "I Can Only Imagine" - I had never heard them sing this one live, so it was so good to hear Scotty on this song.
• "The Old White Flag" - Always a fun one especially at Echo Hollow!

Fun Clip Friday - Interview with Scotty Inman

Check out this recent interview with Scotty Inman of Triumphant Quartet. He shares a little bit about how he got started in gospel music, songs, songwriting and much more. Watch this video for today's Fun Clip Friday!

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

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

• Congratulations to Amber Nelon Thompson and Nathan Kitsler who announced their engagement.
• See the latest video from Matt Fouch's On the Couch With Fouch, which is an interview with Clayton Inman of Triumphant Quartet. Watch it here.

Anything I've missed?

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?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - October 7

Since I was out at NQC last week, I'm catching up on news this week. Here all news items and tidbits in Southern Gospel music -

• The Singing News Fan Awards were held last week at NQC. There were a few changes in the typical awards with favorite soloist going to Joseph Habedank and favorite tenor going to Chris Allman. Here's a full list of winners. 
• Les Beasley was honored last Friday at NQC for his work with the Gospel Singing Jubilee. 
• Southern Gospel promoter Norm Basden, of Altoona, Alabama, passed away this week. Visitation for will be held Monday with the funeral services on Tuesday.
• Triumphant Quartet celebrated its 15th anniversary last week with a special appearance by Louise Mandrell who helped the group in its beginning stages.
• The latest "On the Couch With Fouch" episode features Matt Fouch interviewing Tribute Quartet bass singer Anthony Davis. Watch it here.

Anything I've missed?

National Quartet Convention - Friday Night

Tonight was my favorite night overall. Every group pressed through it being Friday night of NQC and put together amazing sets. There are a lot of highlights and standout peroformances, so here we go -

• The past two nights have been more quartet centric. Tonight it was more about family groups with the majority of the groups being mixed groups. But even with the quartets you had some family connections.
• The Erwins had one of the strongest sets of the night close to the beginning of the night. They brought Joseph Habedank up to join them for a sing since they are doing some tour dates together now. They also paid a sweet tribute to Vestal Goodman with "What a Lovely Name."
• We got to hear several new songs again tonight with Gold City singing "If Church Pews Could Shout" and Jeff and Sheri Easter singing several from their new project including Sheri featured on "Wayfaring Stranger" and Morgan on "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," loved both of these old/new songs. I'd also never heard Ricky Braddy of Karen Peck & New River sing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cry Holy," but he did an outstanding job on that song!
• The Browders told the story of a woman who had been given a grim diagnosis listening to the song "Put It Into God's Hands." The song became an anthem for her and she called the Matthew Browder after a followup appointment. The Browders played the voicemail they received saying that all the tests were now completely clear. It was a powerful moment! They then had some help on the chorus of the song from Riley Harrison Clark, Lauren Talley and John Darin Rowsey.
• The Whisnants singing "New Day Dawning" on main stage never fails to disappoint. They were joined by Suzanne Taylor Hise (one of the hosts for the evening) and several members of Second Half Quartet with Rodney Griffin showing off his dance moves around the stage.
• It's too hard to crown a best set of the night. 

Key Performances

• "Heaven in the House" - The Littles
• "We'll Understand It Better By and By" - Dixie Echoes
• "I Can Through Christ" - Erwins with Joseph Habedank
• "I Will Stand" - Gold City
• "I've Won" - The McKameys
• "Cost of the Cross" - Kingsmen
• "I'm Trusting the Blood" - The Whisnants
• "Put It Into God's Hands" - The Browders
• "Going Home" - Second-Half Quartet
• "Wayfaring Stranger" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "Jesus Only Jesus" - The Rick Webb Family
• "Jesus Changed Everything" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• "Four Days Late" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet
• "This Is My Father's World" (a cappella) - Collingsworth Family

National Quartet Convention - Wednesday Night

We're more than half way over with the 2017 National Quartet Convention. Only three nights left! Wednesday was another night full of great music. And everything seemed to run a little bit ahead of schedule.

Here's a look at highlights and commentary from the night -

• It was a night for quartets. Kingdom Heirs, Second Half Quartet and Triumphant were all featured artists having a longer (30ish minutes) set. It's a toss up with Second Half and Triumphant for the best set of the night. With Second Half, they took the time to tell a little bit about how the group came to be. It's good to hear just the voices the the piano and bass guitar. Triumphant sang a few songs from Thankful including the title song and their two-time #1, "Chain Breaker." Eric got to share a little bit about how much the song "Chain Breaker" is changing lives.
• Specials guests were a plenty tonight. Karen Peck & New River's set featured the Wilmington Celebration Choir. Jeff Easter in true Jeff Easter fashion was kind enough to share the stage with Michael Combs and Eli Fortner both of whom have undergone transplant surgery this year.
• For those who left before the power half-hour, they missed some incredible young talent. The Chitans was the showcase winner. The group is five young siblings. 
• Layke Jones and Morgan Easter were the hosts for the night. It's been so good to see the younger generation of Southern Gospel artists showcased in this way this week. 
• There were a number of debuts tonight with new songs and new featured singers. Gold City debuted its new single "I Will Stand." Jason Crabb also sang another new one his dad wrote, "God Works in Mysterious Ways." Kingdom Heirs also sang a few new ones with "Heaven Will Be Sweeter" being a highlight of the night. I think this was the Wilmington Choir's first trip to the mainstage of NQC. Also, the Perrys featured Jared Stuffle for the first time on main stage. 

Key Performances

• "I Will Stand" - Gold City
• "What a Day That Will Be" - The Guardians
• "Heaven Just Got Sweeter" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Like My Mother Does" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "Let the Church Arise" - LeFevre Quartet
• "Hope for All Nations" - Karen Peck & New River
• "God Works in Mysterious Ways" - Jason Crabb
• "I Love You This Much" - The Whisnants
• "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" - Second Half Quartet
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "It Carried Him" - The Perrys
• "Hallelujah" - Triumphant Quartet

Being Thankful With Triumphant Quartet - Concert Recap

Triumphant Quartet doesn't make many stops in Arkansas, so it's always good to see this quartet when they are in the area. Seeing them live is always a reminder of why they are consistently the fan favorites.

It was good to hear so many of their new songs from Thankful. The guys actually recently celebrated a #1 song from that project, "Chain Breaker," which they did sing that night.

I love getting to hear this group sing, but I also love the chance to hear their hearts. They see how this music changes lives and draws people to Christ. They share stories of that with their audience, but you can see when they sing how they communicate every line making sure the message of the song is front and center.

Here are some highlights from the night -

• "Amazing God" - I love this song and hearing David sing this. The song really makes you stop and think about how blessed we are to have such an Almighty God. 
• "Thankful, So Thankful" - Such a great song from their new CD! This is such a fun song to hear live. 
• "Chain Breaker" - This is becoming one of my new favorite songs of theirs. I love how they brought this song to the Southern Gospel world.
• "Hallelujah" - This was actually included on their Christmas project and is a spin on the Leonard Cohen classic. Love how this song tells the story of Christ. It's good to hear each of the guys get featured on a verse. 
• "Hello Mama" - They featured Aaron Dishman on this song. Good to hear him step up the mic. 
• "Grace and Mercy" - This was a highlight of the night for me! I love this song, another one from Thankful.
• "I Know Him" - Such a great song that features David. After the song, Eric talked some about the song and what it meant. As great as it is for us to know Him, it's also a reminder that He knows who we are. Do we talk to Him enough and read His word enough? Are we really taking time to build that relationship with Him? It was a great challenge for all of us. 
• "White Flag of Surrender" - Always such a fun song! I love watching the audience and seeing everyone involved from the little kids to the more mature audience members. :)

Thanks, Triumphant Quartet, for a great night of incredible music and worship!

Fun Clip Friday - Memphis Quartet Show

I shared some clips from the Memphis Quartet Show last week. I was able to be there on Saturday night and what a great night it was! Steve Ladd shared this video on Facebook of the second half with all the groups. Check it out below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Fun Clip Friday - Triumphant Quartet and Guests

Happy Friday to all! Here's a cute clip from a recent Triumphant Quartet concert. The guys were singing "Bottom of the Barrel" from their latest project and got a little help from Eric Bennett's granddaughters. Watch and enjoy!

Thankful - Triumphant Quartet - CD Review

Triumphant Quartet released Thankful last month. This is the group's third release with StowTown Records. The quartet proves why they continue to be the fan favorite in the industry with this release. Triumphant Quartet is one of the most consistent groups in the business not only with the lineup but also with their own sound we have all come to love.

The project starts with the worship song "We Welcome Your Holy Spirit." It's a nice song that features a snippet from "Sweet, Sweet Spirit." I thought it was a nice touch.

"Chain Breaker" is the next song and the first single. I've already heard this song quite a bit on the radio and wouldn't be surprised to see it at the top of the charts soon. The song was originally done by Zach Williams, but I really prefer Triumphant's version. The quartet sound works really well with this song. Scotty does a great job on the verses.

Thankful has 11 songs, five of which were written by baritone Scotty Inman. It's no surprise that he's been listed as a top five songwriter for the last couple of years. The first one on the project is "God Will Always Be God" also featuring Scotty. The message is simple but always a needed reminder. "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" is the next one. The song features Clayton and David. I love the arrangement and how the song builds for a powerful ending.

Eric is featured on "One Happy Man," a song that tells the story of a man's funeral from a rather interesting perspective. It's his funeral but knowing the life he lived and where he is now, he's one "happy man." However, my favorite feature of his is "Bottom of the Barrel." It's a fun uptempo song with some nice brass in the background.

"Thankful, So Thankful" is definitely a favorite for me and one of the more upbeat songs. It picks up the pace with a little bit of a banjo and bluegrass. "Never Assume" is another uptempo song that will make you tap your foot along but also might step on a few toes as well. The song reminds us to always be a witness to others around us, because we never know when we need to be ready to share Jesus with those around us.

David has the solo on the Kirk Talley-penned "I Know Him." This is a great ballad; I love the hook of the song, I know Him, but best of all He knows me. I love David's smooth vocals on this song.

Clayton has a great feature on "Grace and Mercy." It's a great traditional church song with the organ backing them up. The last song "My God Called Me This Morning" has a soulful, black gospel sound that's a cappella. It really showcases the great blend these guys have.

Triumphant continues to show why they have been the top quartet in the industry with Thankful. The project has a number of songs that I could see as chart-toppers for the group. The project does have a number of slower songs, but with the strength of each song on the album I don't really mind it. It's a CD you must add to your collection!


Song that will take you to church - "Grace and Mercy"
Songs to turn up - "Bottom of the Barrel" and "Thankful, So Thankful"
Song to put on repeat - "Chain Breaker"
Song to give a second listen - "I Know Him"

Song List -
1. "We Welcome Your Holy Spirit"
2. "Chain Breaker"
3. "God Will Always Be God"
4. "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need"
5. "One Happy Man"
6. "Thankful, So Thankful"
7. "I Know Him"
8. "Never Assume"
9. "Grace and Mercy"
10. "Bottom of the Barrel"
11. "My God Called Me This Morning"

Fun Clip Friday - Jeff and Sheri Easter's Homecoming

Well, I'm back. After a long week out of town for my regular job, I am back home and back to blogging.

Jeff and Sheri Easter have their annual homecoming this weekend in Lincolnton, Georgia. They had Triumphant Quartet last night. Apparently they had some fun yesterday with Jeff Easter before concert time. Check out these videos from Jeff & Sheri's Facebook of Jeff hanging out with the Triumphant guys for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Praisefest Branson 2017 - Part 1

Praisefest Branson was one of those events I'd always heard about but never been able to experience. This year, I decided to fix that. The event was held at the Mansion Theater over the course of three days with more than 10 different artists. 

As my grandmother and I were driving back to where we stayed Thursday night, we said if the rest of the weekend was like that it would be one of those events we wouldn't forget. It was! I keep trying to pinpoint a favorite session, but they were all great and different because of the artists, comedian or speaker. 

Gerald Wolfe kicked off the first night with a little hymn singing "The Family of God" and "Because He Lives." On Thursday night, the featured artists were the Jim Brady Trio, Greater Vision, Aaron Wilburn and Triumphant Quartet.

Here are some highlights of Thursday night (in order of the night) - 

• "Greatest of All Miracles" (Jim Brady Trio) - I love to hear Melissa Brady sing this Squire Parsons song. She talked about her dad and what a great testimony he had of completely turning his life around for Christ.
• "I Know a Man Who Can" (Greater Vision) - No surprise that Greater Vision had some requests for this song. In my opinion, no one does it better than Chris.
• "Hallelujah" (Triumphant Quartet) - The group sang its own version of this song that was included on their latest Christmas project. If you see them anytime soon, make sure to request this song. Each member takes a verse and it walks through the life of Christ to the melody of the popular Leonard Cohen song. 
• "Side by Side" (Aaron Wilburn) - This definitely wasn't the most spiritual moment of the night, but Aaron Wilburn sang the song that George Younce sang during one of his public appearances. The audience definitely enjoyed it!
• "He Is" (Triumphant Quartet) - The quartet ended their second set with this song. I love their version of this song that is such a reminder of God's power and presence throughout all of scripture.
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" (Jim Brady Trio) - Loved hearing the trio on this Goodman classic.
• "My Name is Lazarus" (Greater Vision) - Greater Vision ended the night with probably Rodney Griffin's most-loved song.

Friday morning started the same way as Thursday night with Gerald leading the audience in a couple of hymns. 

Here are highlights of Friday morning - 

• "Hallelujah Square" (Greater Vision) - I think this was another request from the night before. Always enjoy hearing Chris on this one!
• "I'll Carry Him" (Greater Vision) - I don't get to hear this song often enough live! I forget what a powerful song it is. So glad they chose to include this in the morning set!
• "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" (TaRanda Greene) - I was really glad that she did a few solo songs that morning. I don't remember ever getting to hear her sing this one live. It's such an incredibly powerful song!
• "It Is Well With My Soul" (TaRanda Greene) - Her version of this hymn is simply incredible! Probably the moment of the morning for me! (Funny side note: Aaron Wilburn was right after this, he took the stage and asked, "How do I even begin to follow that?" )
  
• "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - They sang several fast songs from their latest project, but this one is probably my favorite.
• "My Faith Still Holds" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - Love, love, love this song from their Full Sail project. It's always a highlight to hear them sing this in person. 
• "Too Much to Gain to Lose" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - Love hearing Mark featured on this song!

Will post the second session on Friday and Saturday morning later this week!

Testimonies, Handkerchiefs and an Amazing God - Triumphant Quartet Concert Recap

It's been an unusual start to 2017. I didn't get to attend my first concert until mid-February, which is very unusual. I had missed it, missed the live music and concert setting since it had been about two months when normally I'm at a concert a couple times a month. As soon as I found my seat at Hempstead Hall that night in Hope, I knew it was going to be well worth the wait.

Triumphant Quartet took the stage that night in Hope. From the first note to the last, it was just an incredible night.

Highlights of the first half -

• "We Will Remember" 
• "Jesus Built This Church on Love"
• "Who Can Do Anything"
• "Somebody Died for Me"

Eric took the stage with his Bible and talked about Psalm 22 and Psalm 23. David was the author of both; yet they have very different tones. One is full of confidence with assurance that God is with him, but the other asks God why has He forsaken me. He said that we don't know how much time passed in between the two. However, we all know that things can change on a dime. We can all go from a mountaintop moment to a low point quickly. He reassured the audience that night that no matter what we face He is still amazing and He is still with us. He read the chorus of "Amazing God" before David stepped up to sing the song. This song was probably the moment of the night for me. It's such a beautiful reminder of just how "amazing" God is. We tend to throw that word around flippantly, but with God it's completely true. They ended the first half with "Hallelujah," which I had never heard them sing live! Loved their version of this song with each of them taking a verse.

After an intermission, they came back to sing "Because He Loved Me" and "This Blood," which is always one of my favorites!

There was a problem on one the major interstates driving into Hope causing several people and groups to be a little late to the concert. Eric told the audience that because of that they would sing a few more than normal. A man from the audience shouted out "Thank you." I think all of us felt the the same way, late or not. Eric then said they would do something they don't normally do and that was let the audience ask them some questions. They gathered their stools to take a seat near the front of the stage and took questions like when they were all saved, their favorite songs to sing and even took a request or two. One of the requests included the hymn "He Touched Me," which they said they had never sung before as a group. They were put on the spot, but it was a great moment!

They sang a few more like "When the Trumpet Sounds," "Whiter Than Snow" and "Love Came Calling." Of course, it wouldn't be a Triumphant concert without "The Old White Flag." There were a number of people seeing Triumphant for the first time, and I always love to see their faces when the hankies start waving.

It was an incredible night. I always love getting to see this group live. I loved hearing them sing, but also love that I got to hear them share from their hearts from Eric's set up on "Amazing God" to their individual testimonies. Thanks, Triumphant, for a great night of worship!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! It's a day when we celebrate the love we have with the people God has placed in our lives. For many that's a spouse or significant other or it could be children, parents or grandchildren or could even just be good friends. But let's not forget the greatest love of all. Here are a few love songs to think about the great love that God has for us!

Southern Gospel Christmas CD 2016 Releases - Part 2

Next week is Christmas! If you're looking for some more great Christmas music for the holiday season, here are three other Southern Gospel Christmas releases this year!


Glad Tidings (Home for Christmas Series) - The Whisnants and Mark Trammell Quartet

This is the second Christmas CD the two groups have done together. The project includes more non-traditional and new Christmas songs than the first. I like the mix of the groups singing together and then each group having a few songs that are their own.

As much as I love traditional Christmas songs and carols, my favorite songs on this project are the new ones or ones that you aren't as familiar with.

Favorites -

• "That's Why We Adore Him" - Incredible song for any time of year!
• "His Excellent Greatness"
• "Ordinary Donkey, Carrying a King" - I love songs from a unique perspective on the Christmas story, and this one fits the bill!
• "Glad Tidings" - The title track features both groups and really gets you in the Christmas spirit. 

Song List -
1. "Glad Tidings"
2. "Glory To God In The Highest"
3. "Away In A Manger"
4. "Christmas Is Coming Again"
5. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
6. "Glory"
7. "That’s Why We Adore Him"
8. "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"
9. "Silver Bells"
10. "His Excellent Greatness"
11. "Ordinary Donkey, Carrying A King"


He Is Christmas - Triumphant Quartet

I like that they included the more traditional songs in medleys to switch things up a little. It was also a good way to incorporate some of the fun, nonsecular songs into the project.

They had a choir backing them up on several songs, which was a really nice touch especially on "Jesus, What a Wonderful Child."

Triumphant fans will recognize "He Is" (the books of the Bible song). You don't think about it as a Christmas song, but it does work!


Favorite Songs -

• "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - I really like their a cappella take on this song!
• "Mary Did You Know" - Eric's version is a new favorite. 
• "Hallelujah" - I've never heard this Christmas version before, but loved it. Don't skip this song. 
• "Hope Has Hands"

Song List -
1. "Repeat the Sounding Joy"
2. "Celebration Medley"
3. "He Is"
4. "Hallelujah"
5. "Blessed Be the Day (Of Our Savior's Birth)"
6. "Medley of Fun"
7. "Thank God for Kids"
8. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
9. "Jesus, What a Wonderful Child"
10. "Mary Did You Know?"
11. "Hope Has Hands"
12. "Jesus Is Lord for all Time"


Messiah - Legacy Five

Legacy Five released this Christmas EP this year. They are all songs that you have probably heard of but not familiar enough that you know all the words to. It begins with a big instrumental "Prelude" to kick off the Christmas feeling.

With a six song EP, you'll find yourself wanting more, but this is great taste of Christmas!

Favorite Songs -

• "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" - I really like this arrangement. The bass step out lines by Matt Fouch are great!
• "I Pray on Christmas" - I like the soulful feel to this song.
• "Mary's Wish" - Beautiful song!

Song List -

1. "Prelude"
2. "For Unto Us a Child Is Born"
3. "I Can Still Celebrate Christmas"
4. "I Pray on Christmas"
5. "Mary's Wish"
6. "Hallelujah Chorus"

2016 National Quartet Convention - Saturday Night Recap

The 2016 National Quartet Convention is now complete. It was a great year. I am looking forward to seeing some of the performances again on demand and also catching what I missed Friday night. Here are my thoughts and highlights from the last night of NQC -

Commentary/ Highlights -

• It was great to see so many of the younger generation in Southern Gospel highlighted tonight. I loved what the Erwins did by having so many of them join them on stage for "I Choose to Be a Christian." It was definitely a highlight of the night. The Bowling sisters singing "At the Cross" was another incredible moment. That sister harmony cannot be beat!
• The hour of Tribute and Triumphant Quartets were the best of the night. These two groups had the longer sets of the night. Tribute again sang a lot from their new project again. I loved hearing all the new songs; their new project is a must buy! They ended their set with Triumphant joining them on "I Remember the Day." Triumphant then did a lot of favorites and requests. They closed with "He Is," great moment!
• Gerald Wolfe had some chest congestion so he asked Mark Trammell to join Greater Vision on stage to help him sing. During their set, he said he felt like he could sing bass like J.D. So they did the Cathedrals arrangement of "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" with him singing bass. 
• I have to say I was expecting more during the finale. I was a little disappointed that several groups didn't come back to the stage and sing some of their hits. 
• Voices of Lee, though not officially on the program this year, made an appearance during Gordon Mote and Mark Trammell Quartet's sets. They also sang a great arrangement of "Good, Good Father." 

Favorite Songs/ Performances of the Night -

• "I Choose to Be a Christian" - The Erwins
• "At the Cross" - Bowling Family (sisters)
• "Only Jesus Can Heal This Hurting World" - Gordon Mote
• "Holy Shore" - Perrys
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet (with Voices of Lee)
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet
• "He Is" - Triumphant Quartet
• "His Life for Mine" - The Talleys
• "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" - Greater Vision with Mark Trammell

2016 National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of National Quartet Convention is now in the books. I got home in time to turn on the webcast as the Inspirations were on stage. Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night -

• If the Booth Brothers and Collingsworth Family went on tour together, that would be a concert I wouldn't miss. That was one incredible hour of gospel music. From the opening song together to the last note of "Jesus Saves," it was amazing. I loved Michael's sweet tribute to Jim and his time with the group. He even joined them on the last song. The two instrumentals from the Collingsworth Family, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and "My Tribute," were also highlights. I also enjoyed Michael putting together the live band on "Life's Railway to Heaven."
• Jim Brady told the story of his sister's battle with cancer to set up "Every Cry Is Heard." Last year at NQC is when he found out his sister didn't have much longer to live, and this song written by Jim was a song that she heard on the radio after her diagnosis. It was one of the more emotional moments of the night.
• It was good to hear the Perrys sing "Calvary Answers for Me," probably my favorite performance by an individual group tonight. 
• Triumphant Quartet had one of the strongest sets of the night with "Love Came Calling" and "This Blood," both being highlights.
• "Jesus Loves You" is such a powerful song from Jeff and Sheri Easter. I'm glad they sang it tonight, definitely the highlight of their set. 
• Both Loren Harris and Trent Adams have just started with their respective groups, Kingdom Heirs and LeFevre Quartet. They are getting thrown in the deep end with this being the biggest event in gospel music, but both have been very impressive!

Favorite Songs/ Performances -

• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Can Pray" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - The Perrys
• "This Blood" - Triumphant Quartet
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "Blood of Jesus" - Collingsworth Family
• "Jesus Saves" - Collingsworth Family/ Booth Brothers
• "Jesus Loves You" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "He Left No Stone Unturned" - LeFevre Quartet

Fathers and Sons - Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic - 2016

It's hard to believe the 2016 Southern Gospel Picnic is halfway over. I was later getting out to the park today, but still was able to see three different groups.

Tribute Quartet

I was able to walk in late to catch the very end of their second show, but got to see the entire third one. During the second show, Riley said that his family was there since his hometown in Oklahoma is not that far from Branson. He said it was actually his dad's birthday, so we all sang "Happy Birthday" to his dad.

During the third show, they started with "It Always Gets Darkest" and then went into "It Makes Me Wanna Go."

They sang a couple I hadn't heard them sing in a while, "More Than Able" and "Homesick Angel," which the crowd always seems to really get into.

Anthony and Riley sang "In the Valley I Can Hear His Voice." Love hearing this song live!

Tribute has a new project coming out in September. They previewed one song during the third show, "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love." The song was outstanding, can't wait to hear the full project! They ended with "Good News From Jerusalem," always a fan favorite!!

Wilburn and Wilburn

This duo opened the night with "Nobody Like Jesus" and then sang "Let's All Go Down to the River."

I've only seen the duo a handful of times and each time I'm more impressed. I love that they sang "Love Without End Amen," a country song that easily fits into the gospel world.

They sang a few from their recent project, "Living Proof" and "You Asked Him to Leave," which was a #1 for them. And by the audience's response you can see why!

Jonathan and Jordan also sang a few older ones like "Had It Not Been" and "The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference," which they closed with. The last song was the highlight of their set for me!

Triumphant Quartet

These guys knocked it out of the park last night!! They opened the night with "We Will Remember" and then sang "Love Came Calling," love this song!

Eric slowed it down a bit to sing the George Younce classic, "Who Can Do Anything," he sounds awesome on this song!

Last year when Triumphant was in Echo Hollow, the bottom fell out of the sky. I mean, it poured. So this year the guys decided it would be fun to sing "I Wish It Would Rain," thankfully this year, the sky was clear. However, some people started getting out their umbrellas, because after Monday night, we all came prepared!

Aaron is only a few weeks into traveling with Triumphant, but doing a great job. They featured him on "Hello Mama," that he sang with the Dixie Melody Boys. He and David also did an instrumental version of "Beulah Land" that was amazing!

Clayton and Scotty were featured on "He Is" right before intermission. This was one of my favorite moments of the night!

They sang several favorite Triumphant songs like "Somebody Tell Somebody," "Saved By Grace," "Amazing God" and "When the Trumpet Sounds." David then sang "This Blood." This song is so powerful!! The best song of the night!

Then, we went to something even more spiritual. :) It's not Triumphant at Silver Dollar City without Clayton singing "The Old White Flag." The amphitheater is full of hankies, napkins and even a few white towels being waved. I love how even the Silver Dollar City staff gets involved! Thankfully this year they weren't being rained on while singing!

Ready for another day of gospel music as we get into the last half of the festival!