Concert Reviews
NQC Highlights 2013: Day 3
Last night at the National Quartet Convention was all male quartet night. As well as the standard quartets, they put together an all bass quartet consisting of Pat Barker, Eric Bennett, Jeff Chapman, and Matt Fouch. There was also a quartet comprised of Jeff Easter singing tenor, Scott Howard singing lead, Arthur Rice singing baritone, and Mark Trammell singing bass. I’m sure this will make it to YouTube. A hilarious few minutes.
I was traveling so didn’t make notes but all of the groups did well.
There was a new group to me called Keepers of the Faith. Originally from Hawaii but now based in Washington, they did a great job, especially on “Oh What a Savior.”
I should have more to report from tonight’s program. I think it’s been the best evening so far. I’ll try to find time to write it out tomorrow. Also tomorrow, the NQC is offering free video viewing to anyone who would like to tune in. I believe you will find information on their website.
NQC 2013 Highlights: Day 2
Last night’s main stage performances were emceed by Jeff & Sherri Easter who also performed at a point. Their daughter has really developed a good voice.
The McKameys sang several new songs (to me) but threw in a chorus of God on the Mountain.
The Inspirations sang a combination of old and new songs including “If You Only Knew.”
The Penny Loafers are doing the acapella fillers this year and doing a great job.
I was so glad to see Libbi Stuffle on stage last night. She’s had a rough year but is a tremendous testimony of God’s grace. Jeff Stice jumped on stage to play piano while they were singing, “This Old Sinner Testifies.” What a moment!
The Talleys sang, “Searching” and Jason Crabb came on stage to sing his verse and the rest of the song with them.
Tonight is all quartet night. I look forward to sharing those highlights with you tomorrow.
Highlights From NQC 2013: Day 1
Today began this year’s National Quartet Convention, the last year the event will be held in Louisville, KY (at least for the time being). I am not at the convention but was able to watch much of it online. Unfortunately, the reception came and went all evening but it was getting better as the evening progressed. Instead of mentioning everything that happens this year, I thought I would share what I consider some of the highlights or better sets from what I see this year.
I really enjoyed watching The Browns this evening. My favorites they sang were “Be Thou My Vision,” “He’s My Everything” (I think that’s the title), and “A Place in the Choir.” The thing I liked about this latter song was the trio of fiddles they would do in between verses.
Tonight was the first I ever heard The Sneed Family but they are worth mentioning. They sang, “I’ve Got More to Go to Heaven For,” “Hallelujah Square,” and “He’s Leading the Way.”
The Primitive Quartet didn’t do any of my favorite songs tonight but they did sing a song I’d not heard before titled “Empty Me, Lord.” One of the best songs I heard tonight. They followed that with “He Included Me” which features Randy. I never tire of watching the joy in his countenance as he sings.
Triumphant Quartet was their typical entertaining, professional selves. The highlight was Jeff Stice’s piano solo which he started the set with. They also sang, “Don’t Let the Sandals Fool Ya,” “He Is,” “When the Trumpet Sounds,” and “We’re Almost Home” (another new song for me).
I was glad to see some old videos of the Speer Family. One was with Dad and Mom, Brock and Ben Speer. Then they played a clip of Ben with Brock, Faye, Mary Tom, and Rosa Nell, as Ben explained that they were going off the road. They then played a clip of “While Ages Roll.” A very neat moment.
I always enjoy Squire Parsons. He is now singing with his son Sam, and Sam’s wife Leah. Among other songs, he sang his most popular “Beulah Land.” Sam sang the second verse.
Another highlight was Phil Collingsworth playing trumpet and his wife Kim playing piano on “O Magnify the Lord With Me.” Very powerful.
Ivan Parker sang the old Imperials’ song, “Sail On” and his former number one song, “Midnight Cry.”
Other performers included: The Providence Quartet, The Lesters, The Collingsworth Family, The Hoppers, and Greater Vision.
Concert/CD Review: Once Again (The Kingsmen)
On Friday, February 1, I had the blessing of seeing my first-ever full concert of the Kingsmen. It was at the Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo, MI. I’d never heard of this auditorium before but I was excited about checking it out. The promoter told me that they used to have southern gospel concerts there a lot but they haven’t had any now in a number of years since The Bill Gaither Trio stopped singing there. He is planning to bring in more southern gospel groups, and I really hope it goes well for him. It’s a nice place.
I met Ray Reese a couple years ago and, since that time, had put the Kingsmen on the top of my list of groups I wanted to see. God finally worked it out and I’m so grateful.
They started with a couple old songs: “Traveling Home” and “Called Out.” Then they sang a song that came out a couple years ago: “He’s Everything I Need.”
After that they sang, “After the Sunrise” and then Randy Crawford introduced the group. I had seen Ray Reese and Randy Crawford previously but was not familiar with Chris Jenkins and Bob Sellers. I enjoyed hearing each of them as they were featured on the various songs. On a side note, I did not know before the concert that Ray Reese is still going through cancer treatments. It sounds like God is answering prayer though for which I’m very grateful.
“Loving Shepherd, Gracious God” is a beautiful song featuring Ray. Then they sang “I Can Hardly Wait” and “Meet Me at the Table.” I’m glad they still sing some of their old classics. I never tire of hearing them.
After that, they went into an acapella version of “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” and then Chris sang, “O What a Savior.” They ended the first portion of the concert with “Saints Will Rise.”
After intermission, they began with the uptempo, “I’ll Live in Glory.”
Throughout the concert, Randy talked about how going to church, being a good person, etc. doesn’t save you. It’s Christ that saves you. I also appreciated it when he said ,”The Great Commission was given to everyone.” Too many think that the call to go and make disciples was given to pastors and missionaries but that’s not true. We all have mission fields. We just need to be obedient to serve God in that way.
They then sang “What a Day That Will Be” and the chorus of “Beulah Land.”
During intermission, I had decided to go ahead and make my CD purchases to save time afterward. As I listened to “Here Comes the Bride,” I wished I had bought the CD that included that song. After I got home and started listening to the CDs I got, I found it is included on their latest CD. Songs on that CD not included in the concert are listed on the CD review portion of this post.
After that, Randy talked again, giving a powerful message. One thing he said, I’ve not heard anyone say before but it is so true. He was talking about how, when Jesus was praying in Gethsemane, His prayer was, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” God’s answer was “No.” “Do we think we’re more important than Jesus? Jesus went to the cross not to accomplish His will but His Father’s will.” Stop and think about that. God doesn’t owe us anything, yet He blesses us daily.
Randy then gave an altar call, encouraging people to come forward if they needed prayer for anything but especially salvation. Chris sang, “He’s All I Need.” Bob prayed and then they sang “One Way Trip” which they encored a couple times. They had fun as Chris would go up and hit especially high notes.
Randy closed in prayer and dismissed everyone. I was so blessed by the ministry that went forth that evening. I was expecting to be entertained (and they are entertaining) but I was blessed that God was at the center of every song and every word spoken.
The Kingsmen recently released a CD of all previously released but re-recorded songs. For long-time fans like myself, this is a great CD to add to your collection. I remember Jim Hamill saying years ago that the Live recordings always sold well but they couldn’t give the studio recordings away. As I’ve listened to the Kingsmen’s music in the last few years, I believe that’s got to be changing. They’ve put out some good recordings with excellent songs and this is no exception.
When you first push play, you will hear their popular song, “God Sits On High.”
I hadn’t heard “I’ve Never Trusted You” previously but it’s a beautiful song which talks about surrendering to God and fully trusting Him.
“Justified” talks about what it means to be justified and what a blessing it is for those who are justified.
“What a Happy Time in Heaven” is an uptempo quartet song about Heaven.
“Without Jesus” talks about the hopelessness without Him but how, with Him, we have everything.
As mentioned earlier, many of the songs on their latest CD were sung in concert so they are mentioned in the concert portion of the review. I’ve been enjoying listening to these songs afresh and I’ve no doubt you will enjoy them as well.
Concert Review: Primitive Quartet (11/8/12)
This past Thursday, I once again had the blessing of seeing the Primitive Quartet in concert. I hadn’t seen them in over a year so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see them once again.
They opened with the title track from their latest CD entitled, “He Included Me.” Then they went into “Fallen Leaves,” which brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear them sing it. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have more friends around than leaves upon the ground? Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that has friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” I pray that will be known of me when I die.
After that, Jeff Tolbert sang, “He Didn’t Stay Dead,” followed by Reagan Riddle singing their acapella song, “The Same God.”
Next, they sang a couple more new songs, one of which featured Mike titled, “Thank You For Saving Me.” I don’t hear Mike sing a lot so I was glad he sang several songs on the program.
Jeff sang “No Longer an Orphan” and Reagan sang “Look How He Found Me.”
Randy Fox is one of my favorite people to watch sing. I’m sure I’ve said it before but, when he takes the lead on a song, the Spirit resonates from him. He sang “I Wonder What They’re Doing in Heaven” and then they went into an instrumental number.
Reagan sang “The Greatest Nation” after they acknowledged the veterans who were attending and then Randy sang “Walking in the Highway.” From my viewpoint, a Primitive Quartet concert is not complete without that song and I’ve never attended a concert where they’ve not sung it.
After intermission, they sang “Jesus Came Searching,” “That Soldier Was Me,” “I Don’t Have to See the Tomb” (another song Mike sings), “I’ll Be Waiting at the River,” “There’s a Record Book” (one of my personal favorites), and “If I Could Give You Anything for Christmas.” Then they played two instrumental numbers back to back: “When They Ring Those Golden Bells” and “Holy Manna.”
They ended with “Didn’t He Shine” and came back out for an encore with “Gloryland.” “If you have friends in Gloryland who’ve left because of pain, there’ll be no pain in Gloryland. They’ll suffer not again.” Amen!
Concert Review: Legacy Five (7/22/12)
I didn’t realize how late I am with getting this review up but I trust a late review is better than no review.
A little over a month ago, I had the blessing of catching Legacy Five in concert. I’d not seen a full concert since Roger Bennett died so I was really looking forward to it. This was before they hired Matt Fouch as their bass singer so Stacy Bragg was filling the position at the time.
The concert started with two songs off of their latest project: “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “God Cares for Me.” Then they went into “Still Feelin’ Fine” which I love.
Stacy sang, “Thankful for the Change” and then they sang, “I’ve Been Changed.”
Gus Gaches sang, “For What Earthly Reason” before Scott Fowler and Scott Howard began giving Trey Ivey a hard time. I had to laugh when Scott said to Trey: “They love you because they first loved us.” Trey decided to earn some love in his own right, however, as he played “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.”
“I Found Grace” continues to be one of my favorite Legacy Five songs but this is only the second time I’ve seen them sing it live. After that, the tempo slowed down as they sang, “Something About That Name,” “Holy is Thy Name” and “We Shall See Jesus.”
There was a brief intermission, during which an offering was taken. Then they came back to sing “Strike Up the Band,” “Life Will Be Sweeter Some Day,” and “Destination Known,” one of my newer L5 favorites.
Scott Fowler then told the story of the lady and her daughter who were saved by being at their Memorial Day Sing “by accident.” They sang “Ask Me Why” and ended the concert with “Boundless Love.”
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so didn’t get any pictures but it was a blessed evening.
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.
Concert/CD Review: “50 Years: The Call is Still the Same” (Dixie Melody Boys)
I remember the Dixie Melody Boys from the days of “Good Ole Boys,” “Ride That Glory Cloud,” “Double Dose,” etc. Two weeks ago was my first time to experience a full concert however. Performances were great from Matt Felts, Steve Cooper and, of course Ed O’Neal. It was an extra blessing to find that David Staton was filling in that weekend for Donald Morris, whose wife had just had a baby.
The concert started with a couple old favorites: “First Day in Heaven,” “Roll on Jordan,” “Royal Telephone” (which I hadn’t heard in probably over 20 years),” and “Victory Road.”
Steve Cooper sang “Gotta Get the Good News Out.”
David Staton sang “Bottom of the Basket.”
I met Matt Felts a couple years ago when he was singing with Perfect Heart but I haven’t heard him sing much. He sang “O What a Savior” and did a really good job. They then went into a medley of “Search Me, Lord,” “Working on a Building” and “Walk Dem Golden Stairs.”
Ed sang, “I’ve Got Family There” and then they sang their uptempo “Jesus in My Boat” which I believe is the song Ed said they hadn’t sung on Sunday morning before.
After a brief intermission, they sang “There’s Joy in Serving Jesus,” “God Will Hear Your Prayer,” “His Blood Alone” and the powerful “The Call is Still the Same.”
The pastor of the church gave an altar call and then requested the group to sing again “God Will Hear Your Prayer” and “O What a Savior.”
The new CD from DMB celebrating 50 years is the best I’ve heard from them lyrically in a long time. Many of the songs they sang in concert are on the CD. Plus they brought back “Too Much Thunder” and “Good Ole Boys” which long-time fans will remember from back in the 1980s. The CD also includes “That’s Why I Sing Gospel Music” which was written by David Staton.
Concert Review: Gospel Singing Caravan
Last weekend, I had the blessing of attending a concert of the Gospel Singing Caravan which consists of The Blackwood Brothers, The LeFevre Quartet and the Chuck Wagon Gang. The concert was held in the beautiful Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Indiana. This was my first time to attend a concert at this venue but it’s a fabulous place. Since I found out about the concert only a couple days before, I worried that I would have really bad seats. Upon arriving, I found there are no bad seats in the place. I was a few rows back, left to center of the stage and I could still see very well.
The concert started with the Blackwood Brothers singing a lot of songs the group has been known for since the 1950s and ’60s: “How About Your Heart,” “The Old Country Church,” “I’m Feeling Fine,” “Jesus is Coming Soon,” “God Made a Way” (one of my favorites),” and “The Lighthouse.”
They then brought up pianist Mike Hammontree to do a Johnny Cash impersonation. If I were blind, I would have thought it was a video of Mr. Cash. Mike sang lead on “Daddy Sang Bass” with the quartet joining in on the chorus. Jimmy then sang “His Hand in Mine” which he said was one of his favorite songs that his dad sang. They closed with “Everyday Will Be Sunday Bye and Bye.”
There was some trouble with the mics during this first set but it proved to me what professionals the Blackwood Brothers are. They just kept singing and it all worked out.
The Chuck Wagon Gang was next with “Heaven’s Jubilee,” “Church in the Wildwood,” “Heaven’s Gonna Shine,” “Bare Hands,” and “Turn Your Radio On.” Stan Hill then sang “There’s a Light at the River” with Jeremy Stephens playing banjo. Then Jeremy played a banjo solo of “In the Sweet Bye and Bye.”
My favorite song during this set was “Someone to Talk to.” If you’ve had those nights of wishing you could talk to someone but knowing it was either too late or everyone you knew was busy, it really makes you grateful that God is available EVERY time you need someone to talk to. He will never make you feel bad for contacting Him.
They also sang “When He Calls, I’ll Fly Away,” “When I Wake Up to Sleep No More,” “Gloryland,” and “Hard Trials Will Soon Be Over.”
The LeFevre Quartet opened their set with “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now.” Then they sang “Let Me Tell You About Jesus.” Mike Allen sang “Way Down Deep” and then the group sang “When I Get Carried Away.” Every time Mike LeFevre sings that, I want to cry. I remember the first time I heard that song in the mid-1980s and I still love to hear it. He invited people to sing along so of course I did. What a blessing!
Tenor Jeremy Easley sang “You’re Never Too Far Away,” after which they encored the chorus acapella. As Mike was introducing the old LeFevre’s song, “I Love Him So,” David Staton announced that they wanted Mike’s son, Jordan, to sing the second verse. Mike protested but that’s what they did. Jordan is a great baritone in his own right so it was wonderful seeing him sing that and the closing song, “Jesus Saves.” If you have not yet heard this song, you need to request it from your local southern gospel radio station. What a powerful song!
During intermission, the groups stood behind their product tables, talking to people. I know they had to be tired but they were pouring themselves out.
After intermission, all three groups shared the stage. As a group, the Caravan sang “This Great Caravan Keeps on Rolling Along,” “Too Near Home,” “Crown Him King,” “I Always Have a Song to Sing,” “A Sinner’s Plea,” “Daniel Prayed,” “Oh the Glory Did Roll,” “Wait Upon the Lord” and “How Great Thou Art.”
Intermittently, they played vintage videos of the Blackwood Brothers, the Chuck Wagon Gang, and the LeFevres.
The groups are only doing select dates together but watch their schedules and, if you have the opportunity to see them, make plans to do so. You will not be disappointed.
On a side note, Daywind has released a CD titled “The New Gospel Singing Caravan Keeps on Rolling Along” which features all the songs the Caravan sang at the concert. The CD is available from each of the groups. Just click on their websites above.
