February 2010 Archives
Thinking About the Weather
At first glance, this may seem like one of those posts where I am groping to come up with something to say but the weather has been of particular interest to me this winter. In a state where the snow can start falling in October and can continue until April or May, this has been a very mild winter for us. Yet I find it interesting that there have been quite a few concert cancellations in some of the southern states recently. Ice and 6+ inches of snow have made traveling difficult and unsafe and have, therefore, cut into the revenue of many gospel groups. I find myself wondering if this was a fluke year or if people will start heading north for the winter to avoid the extreme cold and snow. I think sometimes God changes even weather patterns to confound the wise–a perfect way for Him to prove that He is God and we are not. We may make our plans but our Father orders our steps … and the weather.
CD: “Singing His Praises” (Calvarymen Quartet)
This past September, I picked up a copy of the latest CD from the Calvarymen Quartet. I’d never heard of them before and it’s rare that a CD will hit me the first time I hear it but I have really enjoyed this one. The title is so fitting as it really is full of songs of praise to God.
The project starts with “I’m On My Way,” an uptempo traditional southern gospel song. Most people will know “Total Praise.” As I listen, I’m quickly swept into the presence of the Lord desiring to truly give Him total praise. “What Does the Word Say” has more of a jazzy tune while “The Blood On My Hands” is a mid-tempo song with the first verse sung by bass singer Darrell Young.
There are two “quartet songs” on this project: “Beautiful Shining Happy Golden Shore” (I love the bass singing on this one) and “Heaven’s Joy Awaits” which is an old Vep Ellis song. They even did a verse using the shape notes. I know several groups who do that in concert but I’ve rarely heard it on a CD.
I love the message of “He’ll Leave No Stone Unturned.” It’s the longest song on the project but conveys how God won’t stop reaching out to save that lost person.
Other songs on the project are “I’ve Never Had Water Like This,” “In His Arms,” “Going Home”, and an acapella rendition of “Gentle Shepherd.”
If you’re looking for a worshipful CD sung by a quartet, you will love this one.
