Archive for November 18, 2011

In Memoriam: Jackie Wilburn

Posted: November 18, 2011 by Steve Eaton in Obituary
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I was saddened to hear the news this morning of the passing of Jackie Wilburn.  Patriarch of the Wilburn family and a friend to many.  Great tributes have already been posted here and here.  I wanted to offer a few video clips of my own to honor this wonderful man of God.  All three come from the Wilburns landmark album, Alabama Lightning, from 1990.  My prayers are extended to the entire Wilburn family at this time.

Mini Album Reviews #3

Posted: November 18, 2011 by Steve Eaton in Album Reviews
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Today finds four more mini album reviews and what will probably be the final album reviews of 2011.  December will bring my annual year’s best list.  This year I will be counting down what I consider to be the top 20 albums of 2011 based on all the albums received.

**Denotes Personal Favorites

  • Album:  Now
  • Artist:  Browns
  • Release Date:  09/13/11
  • Synopsis:  The Browns have been adding their own brand of Southern Gospel music now for upwards of eight years.  The group’s newest effort, Now, is a 14 song collection filled with mainly new material.  This album also marks the return of sibling Jessica and her husband Nick Trammell.  This album does contain several stand out tracks.
OVERALL RATING:  7.764

SONG LIST:  1. “Now And Forevermore”**  2. “Good Enough”**  3. “Nothing Is Impossible”  4. “My Child Is Coming Home”**  5. “Everywhere I Go”  6. “Beautiful Day”  7. “Silent For Me”  8. “Joyful Medley”  9. “Grace Became Amazing To Me”**  10. “Rained Out”  11. “God Of A Second Chance”  12. “Worth Of It All”**  13. “Put Your Hand In The Hand”  14. “Still My Child”

  • Album:  50 Years:  The Call Is Still The Same
  • Artist:  Dixie Melody Boys
  • Release Date:  09/13/11
  • Synopsis:  The Dixie Melody Boys put this special 50 year recording together with several former members of the group.  The recording also contains a DVD of the making of The Call Is Still The Same.  Strong song selection and vocal delivery make this a must have for any fan of Southern Gospel quartet music.  Congratulations to Ed O’Neal of 50 years of service in Southern Gospel music.
OVERALL RATING:  8.092

SONG LIST:  1. “Jesus In My Boat”**  2. “Bottom Of The Basket”  3. “Too Much Thunder”**  4. “His Blood Alone”  5. “There’s Joy In Serving Jesus”**  6. “God Will Hear Your Prayer”**  7. “Good Ole Boys”  8. “That’s Why I Sing Gospel Music”  9. “Go To The Well”  10. “The Call Is Still The Same”**  11. “Gotta Get The Good News Out”  12. “I’ve Got Family There”**

  • Album:  Live In Memphis
  • Artist:  LeFevre Quartet
  • Release Date:  09/27/11
  • Synopsis:  Live In Memphis was recorded in 2010 and finally made its way to retail.  Consisting mainly of previously released music, Live In Memphis is still one of the best live recordings released in 2011.  The line-up at the time the album was recorded was Jeremy Easley (Tenor), David Staton (Lead), Mike LeFevre (Baritone) and Keith Inman (Bass).  A very enjoyable live concert experience.
OVERALL RATING:  7.825

SONG LIST:  1. “Let Me Tell You About Jesus”**  2. “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now”  3. “I Don’t Know Why”  4. “Hold On”**  5. “Take My Life”**  6. “Robe Of White”  7. “Last One Worthy”**  8. “Big Mighty God”  9. “You’re Never Too Far Away”  10. “LeFevre Medley: When The Gates Swing Open/I Love To Call His Name/I’ve Come Too Far/Stepping On The Clouds”  11. “Living In The Light Of God”**  12. “Jesus Saves”**

  • Album:  New Grace
  • Artist:  Master’s Voice
  • Release Date:  08/23/11
  • Synopsis:  New trio Master’s Voice, out of Bristow OK, caught my attention several years ago with the release of the albums Exceeding Abundantly Above and He’s All The Above.  New Grace is the 2011 release for Master’s Voice.  The album is a mix of new material and previously recorded music.  Their location keeps them from touring the major Southern Gospel markets in the southeast.  If you’re the type of Southern Gospel listener who is always on the lookout for new artists producing quality music, check out Master’s Voice.
OVERALL RATING:  7.783

SONG LIST:  1. “I Got A Feeling”**  2. “But God”  3. “All You Need Is Jesus”  4. “Funeral Plans”  5. “I’ll Just Go With God”**  6. “This Same Jesus”**  7. “When I Cross Over”  8. “Give Him The Glory”  9. “Come Without Delay”  10. “New Grace”**  11. “The Man In The Middle”**  12. “It’s A Wonderful Life”