4 star
Concert/CD Review: Journey of Hope (Tribute)
I had the blessing of seeing Tribute back in July. They had concert copies of their latest release, Journey of Hope, but since it wasn’t yet available outside of concerts, I held off on reviewing it. I am happy to let readers know that the CD is now available for purchase.
The concert began with the familiar song, Stepping on the Clouds.
Then they went into a song from their new CD: I Could Sing About Heaven. This is a pretty typical song but I can still enjoy a simple, toe-tapping Southern Gospel song. “I could sing about Heaven for a million years. Still I could never tell it all.”
Riley Harrison Clark sings the encouraging I Will Rise. “Trials never last forever. I will rise.”
I like their song, I Want to Thank the Lord. Most people don’t thank Him nearly enough for everything He has done for them.
After that, they introduced the group.
I was glad to see them bring back an old Perrys song, I Remember the Day. They could have put a bit more energy into it but I still like the song. I am so thankful that God saved me when he did over 20 years ago!
Josh Singletary then played I’ll Fly Away on the piano.
I first heard God Wants to Hear You Sing in concert by Jason Waldroup. This was my first time to hear Tribute’s version but they did a good job.
They sang Safe Thus Far and then Riley led the congregation in singing Farther Along.
Good News from Jerusalem is still a fan favorite.
They took a break to collect the offering, then Tribute came back out singing, He’s Leading the Way. I will never get tired of hearing them sing this song. This was the first song I ever saw them sing on stage, and it made me stop to listen. I’m so glad He’s still leading the way in my life.
After that, they sang He’s Been Faithful, and Anthony Davis sang, Leaving on My Mind.
Kyla Rowland wrote, I Am a Soldier. “I am a soldier reporting for duty. I got my sword and shield. I am ready to fight.” Can you proclaim that today?
Many groups no longer give altar calls but they gave an altar call that night and then closed with another chorus of I Remember the Day.
Songs on the CD which the group did not sing in concert include:
The encouraging song, He Can Do It Again.
Josh Singletary sings All Made it Ashore, a song that tells about the shipwreck on which the apostle Paul prophesied that not one life would be lost, and there wasn’t. No matter what you are going through, you also can make it. Keep holding on and don’t give up.
Those Who Know Me Know has a bit of a Jamaican feel.
Everything I Need is another uptempo song of encouragement. No matter what I go through, my Heavenly Father is everything I need.
Everybody Needs Jesus needs no explanation. A simple, true fact.
In the Valley, I Can Hear His Voice: When things are going well, we don’t always take the time we need to be still and hear but, in the valley, that is sometimes a different story.
Another song I really like is God of All My Days. It ends the CD leaving me worshiping the God of all my days.
Everything I Need is another uptempo, encouraging song. No matter what I face in life, God is everything I need.
CD Review: Great Day (Legacy Five)
The latest CD by Legacy Five begins with the uptempo title track, Great Day. I love the tight harmonies that we have come to expect from this group.
Gus Gaches sings Christ is Still the King. A powerful song written by Dianne Wilkinson and Rebecca J. Peck. “Rejoice! The tomb’s still empty, and Christ is still the King!”
More great quartet harmony on That’s a Hallelujah. “Every time the Lord has been good to ya, that’s a Hallelujah!”
Scott Howard sings So Many Things which tells of many of the things he’s thankful for in spite of the difficulties life brings.
What a Happy Day is a medley of old songs: “O What a Happy Day,” “Everybody Will Be Happy Over There,” “I’ll Live in Glory,” “When We All Get to Heaven,” “I’ll Have a New Life,” “Heaven’s Jubilee,” and “A Wonderful Time Up There.” So many old favorites, yet they fit portions of each song into just a little over four minutes.
Only the Living is a beautiful song. It talks about how sad it is for those living when a loved one goes on to Heaven. The one who left, however, is experiencing joy on the other side.
In my view, the message of Who is This Man has been overdone but the delivery is well done.
He Heals is a slow song of hope hope for the hurting.
He is to Me has a similar feel to “He Is” which Triumphant Quartet sings.
Great Medley features, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “How Big is God,” and “How Great Thou Art.” Hallelujah!
I read some other reviews of this project and apparently not everyone hears it the same way I do. In my book, featuring great arrangements by Lari Goss and great lyrics from a variety of songwriters, as well as great harmony, this is another great Legacy Five CD.
Concert/CD Review: But for the Cross (The LeFevre Quartet)
The first southern gospel concert I ever attended was on May 13, 1989, when my mom paid for me to see the Gold City Quartet. They were my favorite quartet at the time, and I thought Heaven could not be better. The group at that time consisted of Tim Riley, Mike LeFevre, Ivan Parker, Brian Free, and Garry Jones. Twenty-Five years later, on May 15, 2014, I got to see The LeFevre Quartet, owned by former Gold City baritone, Mike LeFevre. I have seen the quartet a few times at the National Quartet Convention but this was my first time to see a full concert of theirs. It was reminiscent of the Gold City concert I attended long ago: good harmony, great songs, some humor, but everything centered around God and giving Him the glory.
They started the concert with Brandon Barry singing, Plan of Salvation.
Next was a new song to me: Standing on the Daily Promises.
I never tire of hearing Mike LeFevre sing, When I Get Carried Away. He gave another excellent performance this evening.
Mike then introduced pianist Michael Lott, at which point they went into an instrumental version of Just a Closer Walk With Thee.
Brandon was featured again on I’ll Let You Lead Me. Then Mike introduced him to those of us who were seeing him for the first time. After that, Brandon sang, Let ‘Em Find Me Guilty. I had never heard this song before either but it is a very powerful song.
Jordan LeFevre sang, Come and See. “Miracles are still alive today. It’s not the lack of God’s power; it’s the lack of our faith.” Then they sang the old quartet song, There’s a Rainbow.
After Thomas Nalley was introduced he sang, I Know a Man Who Can. That song was followed by a toe tapper Brandon Barry wrote entitled, Saved by the Blood. They ended the first portion of the concert with Jesus Saves.
Unfortunately I lost my notes for the last half but they took requests, singing at least a chorus of each song that was requested. One highlight for me was when they sang I Love to Call His Name, an old Rex Nelon song.
My favorite song of the evening was Put it Right There. The first verse talks about a young man who tells his dad about his drug addiction. The father tells the son to, “Put it right there. We’re in this together. I’ll help you through this” (my paraphrase). The second verse talks about Jesus dying on the cross and possibly telling the soldier to “put it (the nail) right there,” as He paid the price for our sins.
After that, Mike gave a really good message about the importance of surrender. They closed with the perfect song, I Surrender All, as they encouraged those who needed to surrender to come to the altar.
Other songs on the latest CD by The LeFevre Quartet include: But for the Cross, I’m So Saved, The Wedding Song, We Are the Church, The Blessed Hope, and Someday Soon.
This CD was released in 2012 but Mike told me they are working on three CDs which will be coming out yet in 2014. They have a table CD which will be releasing soon, and then later this year, they will release a Christmas CD and a CD of all new songs. I can’t wait to hear them.
CD Review: Committed to the Call (The Rick Webb Family)
Rick, Phyllis, Parker and Hannah (aka The Rick Webb Family) have released another great CD of songs of praise to our Lord.
This CD begins with See What a Morning, written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend.
Next is I Will Sing of My Redeemer, Satisfied (aka “Hallelujah I Have Found Him), and Unclouded Day.
Let the Rocks Keep Silent is an uptempo song of praise.
Hannah Webb sings Send Me, a song about Jonah. I like the country flair of this song.
The tempo slows down for All Rise. Then Phyllis Webb sings If Not for the Old Rugged Cross.
Rick Webb sings Valley of the Shadow,
The song ends with a song that says over and over, I’ll Say Yes Lord. Is that your heart? If there is anything you are still holding on to, I hope you will release it today.
CD Review: Looking Toward Home (Herb Henry Family)
When I first heard southern gospel music, I fell in love with the harmony of some of the mixed groups of the time. The last little while, we seem to have returned to more of a quartet/male group genre; however, I still love good family harmony when I hear it. That said, I am so glad I finally got to hear The Herb Henry Family last year.
Several groups have recorded Ronnie Hinson’s song, He is Leading the Way, in the last couple years. I’m glad to see that song hasn’t died. I first heard it 25-30 years ago but the message is still relevant.
Healer of Broken Hearts has a great message and great harmony.
Chris Henry wrote Looking Toward Home. “I’ll not grow weary though the journey be rough wherever I roam. I’m looking ahead and I’m looking toward Home.” Amen!
Tougher Than Nails is a song about the cross but Jesus was tougher than nails. He is still ready and willing to forgive you if you reach out to Him.
I love the toe-tapping On the Sea of Life.
Arise is about Christ’s Resurrection.
I remember my mom singing Song Holy Angels Cannot Sing when I was a little girl. The Herb Henry Family does a great job on this Gordon Jensen classic.
Next is an acapella rendition of Golden Bells.
Wish You Could See Me Now is a bit more progressive but I love it.
Another song I absolutely love is Unto the Hills.
The Second Time Around, Jesus won’t be coming as a baby and He won’t be dying on a cross. “He’ll step on a big white cloud when the trumpet sounds to take us Home when He comes the second time around.”
Bless the Lord has a Hawaiian feel to it. It’s straight out of Psalm 103.
Chris Henry wrote about the Perfect Gift which is the one that God gave when He sent His Son to earth.
The children sing Go & Tell. Very cute and a good message.
I work for Family Renewal and handle the itinerary for Israel Wayne, a national speaker, founder of Family Renewal, LLC and author of Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview, Full-Time Parenting, and Questions God Asks. Would you be interested in helping to organize a seminar with Israel as the speaker? His most popular seminar right now is Revival in the Home which is not homeschool specific but talks about the importance of spending time with your children and discipling them so that they are not among those who leave the faith when they are older. He can also speak on worldview/apologetics, homeschooling, etc. If you have an event coming up where you would like a speaker, that would be great but I could also schedule a seminar when we are going to be going through your area anyway.
Let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sony Elise
Family RenewalP.O. Box 227
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
(269) 282-6058
CD Review: Open Your Heart and Sing (Johnson Family Quartet)
Back in September, I had the opportunity to attend the WSGMA Labor Day Celebration in Turlock, CA and I was introduced to The Johnson Family Quartet for the first time. I was instantly struck by their stage presence and their harmony, along with their fun style of singing.
“Open Your Heart and Sing, Sing, Sing!” is an uptempo, fun song.
I love their medley of “Cleanse Me/Whiter Than Snow.”
“Jesus Knows My Name” is another uptempo song with a simple but good message.
“There but by the Grace of God Go I” is a really neat song and one of my favorite songs on the CD.
“I Sing the Mighty Power of God” is an acapella number which showcases their great harmony.
“Brand New Old, Old Story” is a happy song about salvation being the brand new old, old story.
“Autograph” talks about how we can see God’s love all around us.
Bonnie Johnson has a sweet voice and sings, “I Fall On My Knees and Pray.” No matter what you are going through, there is such comfort on your knees, talking with the One who can take your burden away.
They sing a unique arrangement to “Love Lifted Me.”
“I Love Living in Grace” has a “swing” feel to it.
“A Secret Place” is an excellent song penned by Michael Booth. Every time I hear it, I have to ponder: Is there a place in my heart that I wouldn’t want Jesus to go?
An acapella version of “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit” concludes the recording.
CD Review: Between You and Me (Laura Ollis)
I met Laura Ollis a year ago at the National Quartet Convention. You may know Laura’s husband, Eric, from his years with the Dixie Melody Boys or the Whisnants but Laura also has a music ministry. She has a sweet voice and puts her heart into her music. Laura sums up the CD by saying it’s “a collection of songs that represent a relationship between my Heavenly Father and me; songs of praise and adoration.”
Songs on this project are:
“Tell Him What You Think”–God already knows so don’t hesitate to tell God what’s on your mind.
“Mary For a While” is a great song to turn on when you need to unwind after a busy day. It’s easy to be “Martha,” caught up in busyness with no time to rest and listen to God but it’s vital we pull away from that busyness at times.
“The First Line”–“Every day I find that the pencil in my mind is writing ‘Thank You, Jesus’ on the first line.” Is that true in your life?
“Jesus Did” talks about what Jesus sacrificed so that we could spend eternity with Him. It’s a call to people to turn to Him.
Laura wrote “Talk to the Father,” a song from the perspective of one who sees another hurting and desires to help carry that burden by talking to the Father on the hurting person’s behalf.
“Bless Your Holy Name Again” is a song of worship to the Father.
I love the song, “In Your Arms.” I’ve heard others sing this song but never tire of hearing it.
You may remember “I Just Want to Thank You,” as the Isaacs sang it years ago but the message is timeless. There’s always so much to be thankful for.
Laura wrote “That’s What a Father Does” for her father but it also talks about the goodness of our Heavenly Father.
“What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life” is a song from the ’70s. I’d not heard it in a while but it’s fitting for this CD of praise.
Concert/CD Review: Here We Are Again (Ernie Haase and Signature Sound)
A couple weeks ago, I had the blessing of getting to see a full concert of Signature Sound for the first time. Because I’d not seen them, I didn’t expect to get to talk to them but they came out before the concert, at intermission, and at the end of the concert to talk with people, answer questions and just be available. I was impressed at the attention they gave each person who wanted to take a bit of their time.
The concert started with a song that was recorded on one of their early projects, “Glory to God in the Highest.”
“Singing in the Midnight Hour” features Doug Anderson and has a soulful feel.
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” sounds like the old quartet song that it is. On the break, each group member uses their voice to sound like an instrument. A different arrangement but creative.
“Here We Are Again” is one of my favorites on their new CD. Ernie asked everyone to sing along on the chorus.
Next they sang “Reason Enough.” “I won’t wait for signs and wonders to teach me how to trust for You’ve already proven, Lord, the depths of Your great love.”
I remember when the Cathedrals released “Climbing Higher and Higher.” I thought it was a different song for them but they sang it a long time. I’m glad Ernie continues to sing it.
“Movin’ Up to Gloryland” was fun. At the end, Ernie was going around having each band member do the “moo hoo hoo hooving.” Then he had the crowd try. Ernie doesn’t need to worry about anyone taking that job over for a while. 🙂
Doug Anderson sang the first verse of “I Thirst” with Ernie singing the second verse.
Next was “I Pledge My Allegiance,” followed by “God Bless America” and acknowledgement of the veterans which were at the concert.
I love “Sometimes I Wonder,” which paints a picture of what those gone to Heaven before us may be thinking or doing.
I also love “Walk With Me” and Ernie does a great job on it. At the end of the song, they walked away from their microphones and sang acapella. Very beautiful.
Ian Owens sang a verse and chorus of “The Old Rugged Cross” before the group sang “Love Carried the Cross,” written by Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey. Ernie said it was the first time he’d written about the cross, but he and his co-writers did a great job.
They ended the first segment with “Get Away, Jordan.”
After intermission, Doug Anderson sang two songs from his solo project: “Smile It Through” and “Only Here for a Little While.”
Then the group joined him back on stage to sing Cathedrals classics, “Step Into the Water,” “I’m Gonna Live Forever,” “Boundless Love” and “Mexico.”
Wayne Haun stepped away from the piano and joined them in an acapella version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
Then they sang, “Swinging on the Golden Gate.”
“Every Time” is an uptempo song which almost moves too fast but, once I got it, I really enjoyed it. At one part in the song, it says “makes me want to shout.” Ernie was trying to get the crowd to shout but we didn’t know what to do. Once people learn the song, I don’t think he’ll have a problem getting audience participation. It really is a fun song and, if you listen to the words, it has a good message as well.
Ian Owens sang the old song, “I Believe.”
Devin McGlamery sang, “We Shall See Jesus” which is a song I’ve heard many times but I’ve still not gotten tired of it.
Pianist and songwriter Wayne Haun sang “You Are Welcome Here.” No matter what you’ve done, Jesus arms are always open to welcome you Home.
Ernie ended the second segment with “O What a Savior.”
Unfortunately, I didn’t note what they sang for the encore but they did sing one more song and then closed out with another chorus of “Every Time.”
The only songs on the CD which they didn’t sing in concert are: “I’ve Been Here Before,” “Stand By Me,” “Thankful to You,” and “Any Other Man” (recorded Live in Bucharest, Romania).
Something I thought noteworthy: Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun co-wrote 7 of the 12 songs on this recording–5 with Joel Lindsey and 2 with Sue C. Smith. Wayne Haun wrote “You Are Welcome Here” with Will Hopkins.
Concert/CD Review: Joy in the Journey (The McKameys)
It’s hard to believe but up until a little over a week and a half ago, I had never seen the McKameys outside of the National Quartet Convention so I was thrilled when we were in MO and I found they were going to be at a church about an hour from where we were staying. I confess I was a bit stressed as we headed to where we thought the church was and ended up being in a residential area. God led us, though, and we ended up arriving right at 7:00. Not only that, we were able to sit on the front row!
If you’ve talked to anyone who has ever met the McKameys, the word you’ve probably heard the most is “genuine” and I can attest to the fact that they are that. I’m truly convinced that what you see is what you get.
Songs sung at the concert included:
Joy in the Journey – the title song of their latest CD.
Between 12 and 33 – a song I’ve loved since I first heard it sung at NQC. As my birthday approaches, I find myself singing this song more. Although older than 33, to me, it’s a reminder of how faithful Jesus was to His father even at a young age and how He desires to use me as well. I don’t know if that’s what the writer intended to say through the song but that’s where my mind goes when I hear it.
I Made Up My Mind – I needed to hear this song. I find it easy to live life doing what others think I should do instead of pressing in to know what God desires me to do. I need not worry about what others think. God’s approval should be all that matters.
God Saves Ol’ Sinners – Reuben sang this song. Very simple but true.
All That Matters – a song in which Eli is featured, recorded on their latest CD
When Faith Steps In – “When you open your eyes to that Heavenly scene and you realize it’s not a dream, that’s when faith will end.” Can you imagine the day when our faith becomes sight? When we not only believe that Heaven is real but we know it’s real?
God on the Mountain – I don’t suppose a McKamey’s concert would be complete without this song. The first time I heard of them, someone gave me a cassette which included this song. All these years later, I never tire of hearing it. I guess most people don’t.
I Made it by Grace – It’s by grace that we’re saved, not by works lest anyone should boast. This is also off the Joy in the Journey CD.
After this first set, there was an intermission and an offering was taken. When the group returned to the stage, they sang what I believe was all requests. These included:
I’ll Be Looking for You – Featuring Reuben and Peg, this was on the tape with “God on the Mountain” so I would not have thought to request this song but someone did and I was blessed to be able to see them sing this live.
Shepherd’s Point of View – The McKamey’s song list is full of songs encouraging people in the midst of trials and this song sung by Sheryl Ferris is one of those. You may not know why you face such mountains here on earth but one day you will be able to see from the Shepherd’s point of view.
Roll That Burden on Me – is another great song of encouragement. If you’re weighted down with the worries of life, you simply need to roll your burden onto the Father. Nothing is too heavy for Him.
I Prayed for You – If someone has ever said this to you, you know what a blessing it is when God lays you on someone’s heart and they take the time to pray for you.
Do You Know How It Feels – This is one of my favorite McKameys songs so I was grateful that they included it in their program. I’m so glad I know how it feels to be a child of God.
Right on Time – “Look ahead. Here comes Jesus right on time.” His timing is always perfect.
Other songs on the Joy in the Journey CD include:
I Have a Great Savior – talks about the greatness of our Lord.
Glorify the Lord in the Fire – Peg McKamey Bean sings this song which talks about the Hebrew children and how they glorified the Lord in the fire. Then verse 2 talks about the trials of life and how we still need to trust God and glorify Him in fiery trials.
All is Well – Connie Fortner sings this song in which the first verse talks about Christ’s resurrection. The next verse talks about a loved one who died but who is now in Heaven. All is well!
Remember When – Reuben Bean sings about “when Jesus saved my soul … made me whole … gave me peace within when He took away all my sin.”
He Gave – Peg sings about the various things which Jesus gave, the greatest gift being His life.
God Doesn’t Think Like Me – There may be times you wish God would write your life differently but you don’t see the whole picture. Seek first His Kingdom and be transformed by renewing your mind. God doesn’t think like you.
CD Review: It is Time (The Troy Burns Family)
Many of you will remember Troy Burns from the years he sang with the Inspirations or, more recently, with Archie Watkins and Smoky Mountain Reunion but some may not realize he now also sings with his wife Tammy and son Trey as The Troy Burns Family. This past year, Troy recorded his first CD with his family and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“Come Sweet Anointing” is a song I first heard the Ruppes sing years ago and Troy does well conveying this prayer in song.
“The Coming” is an uptempo song which talks of Christ’s return. The music is different on this one. To me, it sounds like a mixture of Hebrew and bluegrass. Very cool.
My favorite song on this CD is “The One We’ve Been Looking For.” Part of what I love are the lyrics which I can so relate to: dealing with daily stresses, yet reminding myself that this is not my final Home. My Father’s prepared a place much better than this. Someone was talking the other day about how everyone is looking for Heaven whether they realize it or not. Every disappointment we go through shows how far away we are but one day what we only dream about now will be reality. I, for one, can’t wait to run into the arms of “the One [I’ve] been looking for.”
I also like “The Crown” which gives us a glimpse into Heaven where “the crown of thorns He wore is traded for a crown of gold.”
“It is Time” begins describing the feeling of standing at the grave of a man who just died. Then it turns to looking up to Heaven as Jesus returns in the clouds and the dead in Christ live again.
Okay. Maybe I don’t just have one favorite on this CD. “Crucified with Christ” is not a new song but still has a powerful message. As I listen to it now, it makes me want to shout. I’m so thankful it’s not I that lives but Christ who lives in me.
“Isn’t It Grace” explains how we don’t have God’s love because we deserve it but because of His grace. With that knowledge, we can go on.
Other songs included are: “My God is Watching Over Me,” “He Only Sees the Blood,” and “When Mama Prayed.” Clips of the songs on this CD may be heard on their website.
