Smack Down!! – “I Want To Get Closer”

In this week’s smack down feature, a classic quartet song “I Want To Get Closer”.  Penned by famed bass singer ‘Big Chief’ James Weatherington, it is no surprise this quartet classic lets the bass singer shine.  The retro version of the song comes from the Rebels Quartet.

Featuring famed bass singer London Paris, “I Want To Get Closer” shows London at his best hitting those low notes.  Found on the Rebels Quartet 1966 recording Someone Touched Me, the group will take the first verse and chorus of this classic tune.

A cover of “I Want To Get Closer” was recorded in 2002 by Poet Voices.  Released on a classics album titled Timeless 1,  the line-up during this recording was Dale Brock (Tenor), Phil Cross (Lead), Scott Inman (Baritone) and Tim Duncan (Bass).

Listen to Tim take the lead on the second verse and chorus.  Penned by one of the greatest bass singers of all time, a smack down feature of bass singers.  ”I Want To Get Closer”.  Enjoy!

Classic Videos – “He’s Still In Business”

Take a look at this classic video clip of the Hoppers from a 1990 television appearance on the Nashville Network.  The song is “He’s Still In Business”.  Enjoy!

“He’s Still In Business” – Hoppers (1990)

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The Song Lives On – Jason Crabb

OVERALL RATING:  7.917

CRITERIA:

1. Creativity/Originality = 7.5
2. Lyrical Content = 9
3. Production = 8.5
4. Song Selection = 7
5. My Recommendation = 7.583 (18 song average)

Jason Crabb is one of the most dynamic performers traveling the Southern Gospel circuit.  He can communicate a message through song that few can match.  In Nashville, back in April, Jason recorded a new album at the Loveless Cafe.  The Song Lives On just landed at retail.

I am not a fan of albums that feature all previously recorded music.  Unless the artist can take those songs and make them sound new, then I have a hard time enjoying it.  When I saw the song list for this new Jason Crabb recording, I was a bit hesitant in taking a listen.

There was enough strong moments on The Song Lives On to make the recording enjoyable.  Jason does take several Southern Gospel standards and make them sound new.  The biggest stand out tracks were the Dixie Echoes classic “I’ll Take Jesus” and the Florida Boys hit “When He Was On The Cross”.  Jason takes both songs and adds his own personal vocal touch to make them sound fresh.

Other highlights included Jason’s versions of “Until Then”, “I Saw The Light” and “Why Me” (with William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys).  Also a live version of Jason’s top 10 hit “Sometimes I Cry” was a great addition to the album.  The Song Lives On closes with a nice up tempo crowd pleaser; the Dottie Rambo classic “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before”.

The album also had some misses in terms of covers.  Another countless version of “God On The Mountain” and “Who Am I” didn’t add to the recording.  While “Through The Fire” will always be the Crabb Family’s biggest song, this recording didn’t need another recorded version of the song.

Jason is at his best in the live setting.  If you ever get a chance to catch a live performance of Jason and his band, GO.  He has a knack for reading a crowd and tailoring his program accordingly.  The Song Lives On captures enough of that formula to make this recording enjoyable.

SONG LIST:  1. “On The Battlefield”  2. “Hymns Medley: Everlasting Arms/Meeting In The Air/I’ll Fly Away”  3. “I’d Rather Have Jesus”  4. “I’ll Take Jesus”  5. “Unclouded Day”  6. “Until Then”  7. “Jesus On The Mainline”  8. “Sweet Beulah Land”  9. “God On The Mountain”  10. “Through The Fire”  11. “Sometimes I Cry”  12. “When He Was On The Cross”  13. “Who Am I”  14. “I Saw The Light”  15. “Why Me”  16. “Midnight Cry”  17. “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”  18. “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before”

Ten On Ten – Gaither Vocal Band

Attempting to rank the top albums of a group like the Gaither Vocal Band is tough.  The caliber of recording consistently released by the group can make the list easily interchangeable.  With many of Gaither’s songs re-recorded by various versions of the group through the years, it comes down to what version is liked best.  My attempt at ranking the Gaither Vocal Band’s top recordings.

The top ten albums of the Gaither Vocal Band are:

1. Greatly Blessed (2010)
2. Testify (1994)
3. I Do Believe (2000)
4. Homecoming (1991)
5. Give It Away (2006)
6. Passin’ The Faith Along (1983)
7. God Is Good (1999)
8. The New Gaither Vocal Band (1981)
9. Southern Classics (1993)
10. Peace Of The Rock (1993)

• Of all the albums the group has released since 1981, I pick the group’s recent 2010 effort Greatly Blessed as the top album released?  First, the vocal line up on the recording is hard to match.  Second, the song selection is some of the finest you’ll hear.  Finally, it is simply a great recording.
• The 1994 recording Testify wasn’t far behind as the group’s best recording.  The only recording to feature Buddy Mullins at the lead.  The vocal impact he made on the group in the short amount of time he was there shows on this recording.
• In ranking Gaither Vocal Band recordings, instead of looking at the specific songs on the record, it was more looking at the vocal performances found on that particular recording.  That is why I Do Believe ranked so high on the list.
• The four albums released from 1991 to 1994 all made the group’s ten best list.  Homecoming, the album that started a Southern Gospel phenomenon that continues 20 years later, is next behind Testify ranked at #4.
• The Southern Classics album from 1993 is the best collection of previously recorded songs the group released.  It is hard to beat the line up of Franklin, English, Lowry and Gaither singing “There Is A River”, “Give Up”, “Jesus On The Mainline” and “Little Is Much”.
• Nearly every line-up of the group has an album listed among the group’s ten best.  It shows the versatility the group has when members change to continue recording top-notch music.
• Two of the Gaither Vocal Band’s early recordings are among the group’s ten best.  Passin’ The Faith Along from 1983 and the group’s debut effort The New Gaither Vocal Band from 1981 are worth picking up if you enjoy collecting classic Southern Gospel music.
• The forgotten gem in the group’s discography is another album released in 1993 titled Peace Of The Rock.  Taking a more progressive approach separated this recording from the Southern Classics album also released the same year.
• Yes, even a group like the Gaither Vocal Band has an album that should be forgotten.  The 2011 release I Am A Promise is already a top that list.  I understand the concept is that it is supposed to be a kid’s album.  It has been quite a while since I have been a kid.
• The Gaither Vocal Band is probably the most recognized Southern Gospel artist outside Southern Gospel circles.  Their broad appeal continues to introduce new crowds to Southern Gospel music whether it be in concert or on the television with one of the many homecoming programs.

***NEXT UP ON TEN ON TEN:  TALLEYS***

Classic Video Smack Down!! – “Beautiful Home”

To kick off another week, you get a 2 for 1 special.  It is a smack down feature that happens to feature two classic videos clips of the same song.

Up first is the Kingsmen, singing a Kingsmen classic, “Beautiful Home”.  This is a 1987 clip of the group from a Heritage USA television program.

“Beautiful Home” – Kingsmen (1987)

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The second clip of “Beautiful Home” is the Kingsboys.  This is from a 1989 appearance also at Heritage USA.

“Beautiful Home” – Kingsboys (1989)

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The Days Ahead – Michael Wayne Smith

OVERALL RATING:  7.908

CRITERIA:

1. Creativity/Originality = 8
2. Lyrical Content = 8.5
3. Production = 7.5
4. Song Selection = 8
5. My Recommendation = 7.542 (12 song average)

Highlighting songwriters is something I will do as long as I continue writing this blog.  This week’s album review spotlights singer/songwriter Michael Wayne Smith.  I became introduced to Michael’s music via radio and the song “Everything’s Fine”.  Found on his 2008 album Welcome Home, this song was one of my favorite radio songs in 2010.

This album review spotlights Michael Wayne Smith’s 2011 recording The Days Ahead.  Michael has a country sound to his music and a few selections found on The Days Ahead even have a ’80s pop feel to them.

The stand out track is the current radio single “Until The Storm Is Over”.  The acoustical version contained at the end of the album trumps the version heard at radio.  Readers of this blog know of my health issues back in the spring.  This song came out at a perfect time for me personally.  The first time I heard this song it was though Michael wrote this song specifically for me.  It is a personal favorite of mine of all songs released in 2011.  It was a prayer I said many days, …’But Until The Storm Is Over, I Need You Lord To Come And Help Me Stand’.

Another strong contender for best song on the album is “When The Blood Was Applied”.  This is a perfect fit for Southern Gospel radio.  It covers everything lyrically any good Southern Gospel song should contain.  Being a ’80s kid, I also enjoyed the ’80s pop vibe found on “Why Should I Worry” and “Still Find Peace”.

Other highlights include “Come To The River”, “I Just Wanna Go Home” and “I Will Give You Grace”.

Michael has a pleasant vocal tone that is only enhanced when interpreting his own compositions.  The passion for his music comes across to the listener.  As with any solo artist, the down side is vocal variation.  By the end of the recording the songs can begin sounding the same as a result of hearing the same voice throughout the entire recording.  It is a problem you get with any solo artist.

As was the case with the Roy Knight Singers review last week, I enjoy hearing songwriters interpret their own compositions.  Michael Wayne Smith is a name many are currently not familiar with.  If he continues writing the caliber of songs he is currently recording, he may not become a house hold name in Southern Gospel music as a solo artist, but he will for his songwriting.  If you’re looking for a change of pace from the ordinary Southern Gospel album, check out The Days Ahead by Michael Wayne Smith.

SONG LIST:  1. “Come To The River”  2. “My Song To You”  3. “Sometimes God Burns Your Bridges”  4. “Until The Storm Is Over”  5. “I Just Wanna Go Home”  6. “Why Should I Worry”  7. “When The Blood Was Applied”  8. “Home To You”  9. “I Will Give You Grace”  10. “Run To Jesus”  11. “Still Find Peace”  12. “Only You Can Love Me This Way”  13. “Until The Storm Is Over (Acoustical)”

Ten On Ten – JD Sumner & Stamps

This week’s ten on ten feature highlights one of Southern Gospel music’s biggest quartets; JD Sumner and the Stamps.  JD Sumner was a larger than life personality both on and off stage.  To his work with the Blackwood Brothers, then taking over the Stamps and ultimately the Stamps singing back up with Elvis Presley.  This ten on ten feature will take a look at the recording career of the Stamps from the group’s 1966 recording The New, Very New Sound through The Final Sessions; the final new album released in 1999.

JD Sumner and the Stamps top ten albums are:

1. Live At Murray State University (1975)
2. The Exciting Stamps Quartet (1970)
3. Live In Nashville (1971)
4. The Touch Of His Hand (1971)
5. What A Happy Time (1974)
6. The Final Sessions (1999)
7. Signs Of A Good Life (1969)
8. Let’s Have Church (1995)
9. Sweet Song Of Salvation (1972)
10. Victory Road (1990)

• Live albums were game changers for artists in the 1970′s.  Listening to those albums now, captures an era in Southern Gospel that many current listeners were not around to experience.  JD Sumner & Stamps two live recordings from the 1970′s sit at the top of the list; the #1 album being the 1975 recording Live At Murray State University.
• The vocal line-up on the Live At Murray State University album was Bill Baize (Tenor), Ed Enoch (Lead), Ed Hill (Baritone) and Sumner (Bass).  You can’t beat “A Soul Such As I”, “In His Hands”, “Rainbow Of Love”, “Thank God For The Old Rugged Cross” and “I Can Feel The Touch Of His Hand”.  One of Southern Gospel’s best live recordings.  Actually one of Southern Gospel’s best albums.
• The top studio album from the group is the 1970 recording JD Sumner And The Exciting Stamps Quartet.  Not to be confused with the compilation recording released in 1971 with the same title, the 1970 Heartwarming release  contained the group’s original cut of “The Night Before Easter”.  This recording also contained strong selections in “The Army Of The Lord”, “I’ve Been Born Again”, “My Non Stop Flight” and “When God’s Chariot Comes”.
• JD Sumner & Stamps had many great vocalists spend time with the group.  Bill Baize, James Blackwood Jr, Ed Enoch, Ed Hill, Jim Hill, Mylon LeFevre, Roy McNeil, Richard Sterban, Rick Strickland, Donnie Sumner, Jack Toney, Jerry Trammell and Steve Warren to name a few.
• The other live recording to land among the best of the Stamps was the 1971 Live In Nashville album.  This was the first album to feature Richard Sterban at bass.  Richard spent a couple of years with JD Sumner & Stamps before joining the Oak Ridge Boys.
• The late ’60s and early ’70s era was JD Sumner & Stamps at their best.  The music they were releasing during this time period is some of the finest Southern Gospel quartet music you’ll find.
• The group saw a re-birth in the 1990′s.  Three albums released during that decade is among the groups ten best.  The top ’90s album is The Final Sessions released in 1999.  Recorded prior to JD’s death in 1998, it was haunting to hear JD on “Ole Man Death” once the album was released.
• Another of JD’s signature ’90s performances was “The Lord Still Lives In This Old House” recorded on the 1995 album Let’s Have Church.  I would also consider this the forgotten gem in the group’s discography.  For all new Southern Gospel listeners, if there is one fairly recent JD Sumner & Stamps recording you should have in your collection,  Let’s Have Church is the one.
• The album that should be forgotten in the group’s discography is the 1980 album I Believe In The Old Time Way.  JD Sumner & Stamps just don’t sound the same with a female vocalist in the group.
• JD Sumner and the Stamps are rarely ever named when Southern Gospel historians look at the industry’s biggest quartets.  One will usually hear groups like Statesmen, Cathedrals and Blackwood Brothers mentioned first.  As already stated the music released in the late ’60s and early ’70s by JD Sumner & Stamps is some of the finest quartet music you’ll hear in Southern Gospel music.

***NEXT UP ON TEN ON TEN:  GAITHER VOCAL BAND***

Smack Down!! – “I’m Rich”

This week’s smack down feature highlights the Teddy Huffam tune “I’m Rich”.  Teddy Huffam and the Gems recorded the song on a 1988 recording titled The Way It Oughta Be.  The song has since become a Southern Gospel standard being recorded by several other artists including being recorded in one of the Homecoming Series videos.

Teddy Huffam and the Gems always brought excitement to the concert stage.  Hitting the scene in the mid ’70s, the group went on to record over a dozen albums before Teddy’s untimely death in the early ’90s.  Listen to Teddy and the Gems on the first verse and chorus of “I’m Rich”.

One of the biggest remakes of the song came from Gold City when they recorded it on their 2006 album Revival.  Lead singer Jonathan Wilburn took the lead on the song and really made it his own.  The excitement he generated in the live setting with this song rivaled the original.

Listen to Gold City take the second verse and chorus of “I’m Rich”.

As a bonus, here is a verse and chorus from Wilburn & Wilburn.  They recorded the song on their self titled recording released earlier this year.  Enjoy!!