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.
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