Retro Spotlight – 1986

As I was looking at new things to present in 2011, this retro idea came to mind after talking with an individual.  The individual mentioned that they would like me to present my Southern Gospel music collection.  After thinking about it, I thought the best way to share it with everyone is present periodic posts by spotlighting a specific year and provide some music clips from albums released in that year.  So my first retro spotlight shines the light on the year 1986.  While I can’t present music from every album I own released in that year I did pull out a few from my collection.

The Bishops were just starting to make a mark in Southern Gospel music.  They had two recordings prior to 1986, but in 1986 the group released the album, Can’t Stop Now.  The song clip included was one of the first songs I remember hearing on the radio from this group, “Battle Scarred Soldier”.

The Cathedrals were riding high during this time period after several successful recordings leading up to 1986.  Along with Master Builder, The Cathedrals also released Travelin’ Live in 1986.  The clip I chose from this recording was “Homeland.”

The Freemans were recording for Calvary Records at this time period, the same label for the Hinsons.  “Always” became the first top 5 song for the Freemans off of the recording Solid.  The clip I chose was one of my favorite songs from the group during this time period, “God Is Still On The Throne.”

One of my all time favorite Gold City recordings was Double Take, Live In Charleston South Carolina.  The album released in 1986 and featured a song that would go on to be a Gold City classic, “When I Get Carried Away.”  The song clip I chose from the recording is “Loose Him And Let Him Go.”

Every five or so years there is that male trio that makes a name for themselves (Bishops, Greater Vision, Booth Brothers).  During this time period it was Heaven Bound.  Revived was the album released for the group in 1986.  The song clip featured is “Sweet Is Thy Spirit”.

As a kid in the ’80s, my favorite group to see in concert was the Kingsmen.  1986 saw the release of Stand Up At Opryland USA.  The Kingsmen were masters of the live recording during this time period.  “Stand Up”, which was a re-write of a country song was a huge concert song.  I featured “I Sing Because” as the clip.  Listen for a young Arthur Rice take the lead on this tune.

It was around this time frame that I first became introduced to the music of the McGruders.  Before being picked up by Sonlite Records, the McGruders had an album out in 1986 titled I’ve Got To Praise Jesus.  This recording featured several songs written by Carroll McGruder that would go on to be huge hits for other groups, “I Lean On You Lord” and “Thanks”.  The clip I featured was the title cut, “I’ve Got To Praise Jesus.”

One of the biggest songs to come out of albums released in 1986 would probably be the Talleys, “Triumphantly The Church Will Rise.”  Found on their recording, United, this song became an anthem for the group and it was a show stopper when presented live.

Let me know what you think.  Is there a specific year you would like me to highlight in a future retro spotlight?  You can let me know in the comments.

Concert Review – Tony Greene Memorial Sing

Friday January 28th, 2011 I had the chance to attend the Tony Greene memorial concert in Lenoir NC.  This was an event that used to be promoted by Tony as the annual Lenoir Gospel Winterfest.  This year’s line-up was a mixed bag of artists.  Here are a few highlights in order of appearance.

*McKameys - This Clinton TN based family kicked off the evening.  It was interesting to see that each artist seemed to bring their own group of fans to the event.  Enthusiastic while their preferred group was on and then quiet while the other artists performed.  The McKameys took the audience through current hits such as “Above And Beyond, “I Keep Praying” and “The Shepherd’s Point Of View”, while also performing classics such as “God On The Mountain” and “I’ve Won.”  “I’ve Won” was the closing number for the McKameys and by the time the group made it to this song, Peg’s shoes took a trip across the stage.  I first saw the McKameys live sometime around 1987 and their style and presentation has remained consistent since that time.

*Brian Free & Assurance - The lone quartet on the night received a tepid response from the crowd for nearly their entire performance.  It took the encore of “Long As I Got King Jesus” to get the crowd on their feet.  The group did give the crowd several songs from their current recording.  “Never Walk Alone”, “Anything Is Possible” and “Remind Me Of The Cross” were all great additions to the groups performance.  “Go Tell The World”, “I Am Redeemed”, “Glory Road” and “You Must Have Met Him” were also in the mix.

*Taranda Greene - A memorial video of Tony Greene preceded Taranda’s solo performance.  The video brought many in the crowd to tears.  By the time Taranda was introduced the crowd were on their feet.  Taranda started with “When God Has Another Plan”.  You could tell it was tough for her to be there without Tony.  She struggled through the first verse of “When God Has Another Plan” and the crowd let her know they were behind her.  Most of her time was spent talking about Tony and how her life has changed since his passing.  She also sang “Sky Full Of Angels”, “God Is Singing Over Me”, “Oh The Cross” and “The Hallelujah Chorus”.

*Primitives - The Primitives closed out the program with their own brand of mountain/bluegrass gospel music.  “The Blood Of God’s Only Son” and “No Longer An Orphan” highlighted this group’s style.

Promoter Bill Bailey was on hand to assist with the program and he also emceed the event.  It sounded as though he may take over the event in the future.  Another highlight was this was the 2nd week in a row that I have been to a concert event that has been sold out.  There were over 1,000 in attendance  at the Crabb concert attended last week and 800 packed out the JE Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir for this event.

EXTRA CONCERT NOTE:  I also had the chance on Saturday January 29th, 2011 to go to Thomasville NC.

*Freemans -  Held at a Baptist church, this program was definitely more of a church service than a normal concert program.  The group performed for over an hour and rolled out all of their biggest hits which included “He Chose Me”, “The Father And The Son”, “He’d Still Been God”, “Three Rugged Crosses”, “He’d Have To Walk Through The Blood”, “Sing Hallelujah”, “Seawalker” and ”Once Was Enough.”  The group also threw in a few classics, “I Can’t Even Walk” and “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand.”  The service ended with a powerful and moving rendition of “What A Day That Will Be”.  I was glad to have been a part of this service.

Going Places – Crabb Revival

This week’s album review is a new feature that will happen periodically throughout the year. This is the first collaborative review from Musicscribe (David Murray) and Southern Gospel Views from the Back Row (Steve Eaton). Think of it as the ‘Siskel & Ebert’ of Southern Gospel music.

Going Places by Crabb Revival is the group’s third recording behind their debut Runaway Train and their Live At Oaktree recording. Hitting retail outlets 02/08/11, Going Places reinforces the group’s modern country sound, layering some southern rock melodies into the mix while still producing a project that will fit within the Southern Gospel marketplace.

The collaborative review will offer likes and dislikes from the two of us and then give a definitive yes or no on whether the album is a ‘must buy’. Most of the reviews we write individually present an objective evaluation of a CD’s quality, but these joint reviews are all about our own likes and dislikes.

SOUTHERN GOSPEL VIEWS FROM THE BACK ROW

• I consider Going Places the best recording of Crabb Revival’s career thus far.
• “The Crossing” (penned by Gerald Crabb) and “Unforgiven” (penned by Leslie Winn Satcher and Jimmy Yeary) are stellar songs. Huge hits in the making.
• Gerald must have been listening to the Wilburns “God’s Promised Land” when he penned “The Crossing”. The melody to the verses is eerily similar.

MUSICSCRIBE

• “When you’re down to nothing, God’s up to something” is a great lyric. The song works even better as a slice-of-life Country solo. (Check out Clay Underwood’s version.) Still, it’s one of the best songs on the CD due to comforting assurance found in the lyric.
• “Come To Jesus” is a mournful blues arrangement. My favorite Crabb Revival song of all time at the moment is a toss-up between this song and “Both Sides Of The River.”

SOUTHERN GOSPEL VIEWS FROM THE BACK ROW

• The group’s modern country melodies will probably keep some listeners away from picking up this album.
• While I can’t relate to the message in the title cut and couldn’t imagine going through that experience, after listening to the song, I found it to be quite depressing.

MUSICSCRIBE

• In many spots, I find myself noticing how closely Adam Crabb’s singing style reflects his brother Jason’s. The similarities are completely understandable, of course, but when he sings a song in his ‘Jason voice,’ I can’t help but think I’d have preferred a Jason version.
• “Gonna Have A Time Tonight” has the potential to really get up and rip, but never does. This song should have been recorded in the studio just like I know they’ll eventually do it in a concert setting.

SOUTHERN GOSPEL VIEWS FROM THE BACK ROW

• YES – This recording gives Crabb Revival their identity as more than just a Crabb Family cover band.

MUSICSCRIBE

• NO – I’d download a couple of songs that stand out, but the CD as a whole isn’t one I’d absolutely have to own.

Smack Down!! – “Plan Of Salvation”

This week’s Smack Down feature is a bass singer show down of one of my all time favorite quartet songs.  “Plan Of Salvation”, written by Ruby Moody was recorded by the Cathedrals on their 1986 recording Master Builder.  For any fan of bass singing, the bass singer gets the lead on the verse to this song.  George Younce’s version to this song is off-limits.  He had the definitive version so you can’t choose his version.  In this Smack Down you have to choose among the (3) bass singer covers to determine which one you enjoy.  This is not to determine who sounds most like George Younce but which newer version you enjoy most.

Their have been more than three groups cover this song over the years.  I only pulled three more recent versions to use for this week’s Smack Down.  In chronological order we’ll start with Will Lane’s bass cover from Driven Quartet’s 2007 debut recording, He Will Provide.  That will be followed by Pat Barker’s bass cover from the Dixie Echoes 2009 album, I’d Rather Have Jesus.  We’ll close it out with the most recent cover, that of Tim Duncan’s off of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s 2010 recording, A Tribute To The Cathedral Quartet.  Enjoy!!

George Younce

Will Lane

Pat Barker

Tim Duncan

Reader’s Choice – Stacking And Scrubbing

First let me say congratulations to Andrew for winning the quartet configurations poll from last week.  Consider that poll closed and voting over.  It just so happened Andrew was the individual who submitted that reader’s choice topic.

The second reader’s choice topic comes from a reader in Michigan.  They wanted to get my thoughts on one of their pet peeves, vocal stacks and re-dubbing of recorded DVD footage.  Thus the title ‘stacking and scrubbing’.

First, the issue of vocal stacking.  I know this topic has been tossed about on more than one occasion.  Personally my thoughts on the use of vocal stacking in the studio is one of, if it creates a better final product, then why not.  As a consumer of Southern Gospel music, I don’t mind a studio recording that has been produced with the best production value; the vocal quality being a huge part in the overall production value.

On the other hand, one area that I don’t want to hear vocal stacking is in the live setting.  I know this has been a common practice in Southern Gospel music since the exit of the live band and the introduction of tracks.  Adding several layers of ones vocals to add emphasis and effect and also recording several harmony layers for the same effect at times takes away from the live presentation.  Sure it adds a fuller sound to the presentation and also at times helps vocalists hide some vocal mis-steps.

And don’t think this only happens in Southern Gospel.  It is common practice in R&B (at least in the recording process) to use vocal stacking.  For me, Southern Gospel is best served live and live to me means instruments, vocals and harmony singing, no stacks.

Now to the area of re-dubbing or as the reader put it, scrubbing.  My thoughts on vocals that are re-done for a DVD recording of what was supposed to be a live concert can be summed up this way.  I can understand the artist wanting to send the best quality product to the market and with the success of Southern Gospel DVD sales, the practice of re-doing a missed vocal is fine with me.  In all likelihood I was not present when the specific DVD was recorded and therefore as a watcher of the DVD will in all likelihood miss any vocal re-dubs.

So what say ye.  Any thoughts on the matters of ‘stacking and scrubbing.’

Thanks again to the reader in Michigan who presented this week’s reader’s choice topic.  Remember if there is a topic you want me to discuss, simply email me the topic and it may be included in a future reader’s choice post.

Concert Review – Crabb Family Celebration

I took my seat on the back row of the T. Austin Finch Auditorium in Thomasville NC on Saturday January 22nd for the Crabb Family celebration/reunion concert.  There was a full line-up of talent including several regional artists.  Highlights in order of appearance include:

*Crystal River – I might as well get my complaints out-of-the-way first.  I wish the emcee/promoter of the event would’ve left off all that local talent and allowed the main acts more time.  Crystal River came from Winder GA to sing four songs (no second half performance).  Cory Beeler of the Beelers joined Tony and Ben for the performance Saturday night.  The group performed “Jesus Wake Up”, “I Stand In Awe”, “Mercy Always Finds A Way” and Cory performed a solo song he wrote with only piano accompaniment.

*Jeff & Sheri Easter - I have seen Jeff & Sheri at least a half-dozen times within the last year.  Their song list didn’t stray too far from the last several performances.  They included “Life Is Great And Gettin’ Better”, “Love Remains”, “Born To Climb”, “Workin’ On A Road”, “Hear My Heart”, “I Need You More Today” and ”Praise Your Name”.  Jeff & Sheri also had Logan Smith traveling with them during the weekend.  This is the young kid who attempts to sing like Vestal Goodman.  Forgive me for being over critical but this kid’s ‘schtick’ is up when he hits puberty.

*Gordon Mote – One word; impressive.  Gordon has traveled with the Homecoming tour for some time now and has been an established studio player in Nashville for many years.  He is a performer.  His piano talents are unrivaled and vocal talent is easy on the ears.  “When I Lift Up My Head”, “Don’t Let Me Miss The Glory”, “I Can’t Even Walk”, “Pray About Everything, “Mercy Walked In” and “Old Gospel Ship” were included in his performance.  Gordon stayed out and played while Jason Crabb sang his song “Ellsworth”.

*Bowling Family - From all appearances it looked as if Jason Crabb was supposed to close out the individual segments with a solo set.  Instead he gave that time to the Bowling Family, which I was happy to see.  One of the main reasons I went to the concert was to see the Bowling Family again.  They only did four songs but this is when the entire program started to change from a concert to more of a worship experience.  They opened with “Your Cries Have Awoken The Master” and glory fell in that auditorium.  They continued with “A Miracle Today”, “Thank You Lord” and “That I Could Still Go Free”.

*Crabb Family – Aaron was not along on this trip and Crabb Revival (as a group was not there) but Adam was.  Jason’s band backed up Jason, Adam, Kelly and Terah as they went through the Crabb Family catalog of songs.  I do miss the Crabb Family.  The live music, the excitement from the stage and the powerful performances really set this group apart and I was glad to re-live that experience if only for one night.  The crowd was receptive from the first song and didn’t let up until their performance ended over an hour later.

I know some would like to shy away from talk of the spirit of the Lord actually moving in a concert event.  I know most would argue that a concert setting is not the place for it.  It has been some time since I felt the spirit move on me in such a way at a Southern Gospel event.  I was blessed to see young people praising the lord.  That is the main reason I enjoy sitting on the back row of a concert event.  I am able to take in the entire concert experience from the stage to the audience.

Smack Down!! – “Marriage Supper Of The Lamb”

This week’s Smack Down feature offers a song and a cover that was both recorded by the same artist.  “Marriage Supper Of The Lamb” was originally recorded by the Hoppers on their 1988 He’s Still God Live album.  Written by Jean Canter, whose most notable song is probably “I Know What Lies Ahead”.  The reason I chose this song is because when the Hoppers decided to re-record the song they took a totally different approach with the arrangement of the song.

On the original cut of the song, the Hoppers chose a mid-tempo style arrangement for the song.  The vocalist line up on this version included Dean, Connie, Claude, Greg Bentley and Shannon Childress.  The original version is heard here with the first verse and chorus.

The song cover was recorded twelve years later by the Hoppers on their 2000 recording, Power.  This was a landmark album for the group and contained one of their biggest hit songs, “Yes I Am”.  The newer arrangement was vastly different from that of the original.  Taking an up tempo approach to the original, the Hoppers created a song they used as a concert opener for several years.

The cover also became a top 5 hit for the group in 2001.  The newer version is heard here with the second verse and chorus.  This is the first Smack Down feature that I have presented that has two clearly different takes on the same song and it just so happened to be recorded by the same group.

So is it the original mid-tempo version or the newer up-tempo cut?

Sing The Story – Taylors

OVERALL RATING:  8.06

CRITERIA:

1. Creativity/Originality = 7.5
2. Lyrical Content = 9
3. Production = 8
4. Song Selection = 8
5. My Recommendation = 7.82 (11 song average)

 

The album review for this week is an album that I didn’t get around to reviewing in 2010.  Originally released in the fall of 2010, Sing The Story by the Taylors is the fifth recording for this North Carolina based family group.  Other recordings for the group include Rivers Crossed, He Leadeth Me and Family Favorites Volumes 1 and 2.  This brothers/sisters mixed quartet got attention after winning the National Quartet Convention’s group talent competition in 2007.

The Taylors are a young group.  The current line-up of the group is composed of Jonathan (Lead), Suzanne (Alto), Leslie (Soprano) and Christopher (Bass) with ages ranging from 19 to 23.  The Taylors were a product of singing schools.  Their pitch perfect harmonies are proof of that fact.  Their style reminds me of the Hayes Family, who are also known for their pitch perfect harmony and use of proper technique when singing.

This current effort from the Taylors shows maturity compared to their previous recordings.  Considering their current ages, this group will be the mixed quartet everyone is talking about in another five years. 

The album kicks off with a cover song, “Joybells”.  I remember this song from the Rex Nelon Singers 1982 recording, Feeling At Home.  This is also the group’s latest single.  The Taylors also include “Triumphantly, He Shall Return”, “My, My, My” and “Alleluia To The Lamb” to this recording.  All were previously recorded by the Nelons and provide some of the best songs on this recording.

Another song that should be considered for single possibilities is the worshipful, “You’re God”.  This introspective ballad sung by Leslie is one of the best songs on the entire recording.  Jonathan also turns in a strong performance on “Lord, Please Shine Your Light”.  The group also show their a capella prowess on “I Can Call On Jesus”. 

The only downside the traditional Southern Gospel audience may find with the Taylors is their youth.  Don’t let that stop you from giving this group a listen.  They sing traditional Southern Gospel music reminiscent of the Hayes Family and then add just a touch of the modern sounds found with groups like the Hoppers and the Nelons.

I would venture that most of you reading this have not yet been introduced to the music of the Taylors.  Sing The Story is a great place to start.  They truly have the makings of a top-tier mixed quartet in the Southern Gospel music industry.  They have just enough youth and modern sounds to appeal to the progressive fans while keeping their flawless traditional harmonies to appeal to the traditional fans.  Some of the best groups in this industry are those that can appeal across the broad spectrum of the Southern Gospel fan base. 

SONG LIST:  1. “Joybells”  2. “Sing Me The Story”  3. “What A Glorious Day”  4. “Triumphantly, He Shall Return”  5. “You’re God”  6. “My, My, My”  7. “Alleluia To The Lamb”  8. “I Can Call On Jesus”  9. “Lord, Please Shine Your Light”  10. “My Faith Is Built On The Rock”  11. “Power In The Blood”