Southern Gospel Concerts

Yesterday, my family and I went out to Harrod, OH to see the Blackwood Brothers in concert. The Blackwood Brothers Quartet is run by Jimmy Blackwood, son of James Blackwood. Jimmy himself sang lead for the Blackwood Brothers for some time in the ’70s before leaving the road; several years ago, he brought the name back.

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet is one of the few groups on the road today to do their entire program with two old-fashioned microphones. Much of their program is done with light soundtracks (piano and perhaps some bass guitar), but for some of the program their baritone/pianist, Brad White, moves over to the piano (where a third old-fashioned microphone is set up) and accompanies the group live.

First set:

• How About Your Heart (featuring lead singer Jimmy Blackwood)
• The Man Upstairs
• The Old Country Church (with encore)
• Group Intros
• Jesus is Coming Soon (featuring Jimmy)
• I’m Feelin’ Fine (featuring a piano interlude by baritone/pianist Brad White)
• This Old House (featuring bass Randy Byrd)
• The Lighthouse (featuring tenor Wayne Little)
• Since Jesus Came Into My Heart (Brad White piano solo)
• How Great Thou Art (Randy, Jimmy)

During intermission, Brad White played a second piano solo, “Tis So Sweet.”

Second set:

• Jesus is a Waymaker (Jimmy)
• He Bought My Soul
• I Get Happy (Randy)
• I’ll Fly Away
• I Wanna Be More Like Jesus

Then, they did a request time, taking several audience requests:

• Sweet Hour of Prayer (Brad on the melody)
• Prayer is the Key (Jimmy)
• Suppertime (Randy)
• Looking For a City (Wayne)
• His Eye is on the Sparrow

Then, returning to the program, they finished with:

• Learning to Lean (Jimmy)
• Oh, What a Savior (Brad)
• I’ll Meet You in the Morning (Jimmy)

The requests time was certainly one of the evening’s highlights. Much of their program was the same as when I saw them two years ago (with This Old House being a delightful addition), but the requests are different every time. In fact, the requests are perhaps the biggest reason to go see the group multiple times–even if the rest of the program remains the same, you can always ask for a favorite during requests.

After entertaining the thought of asking for “Excuses,” primarily to see what they would say, I settled on “Victory Road.” They didn’t know it well enough to feel comfortable doing it, but they let me have a second pick, and I asked for “Suppertime.” I had heard good things about Randy Byrd’s rendition, and I was not disappointed. He is one of the hidden gems on the Southern Gospel scene, and has both the voice and the personality to become a fan favorite once more fans get to know him

It was an enjoyable evening, and worth the nearly two-hour trip.

Last night, I had the chance to catch the Mark Trammell Trio in Shelby, OH.

First set:

• Won’t it Be Wonderful There (old one)
• I Still Believe
• Weary At the Well
• How Great Thou Art
• Moving the Hand of God
• Introductions
• There’s Something About That Name / In the Garden
• Hallelujah, I’m Going Home
• Glory Road
• Once Upon a Cross

The group got three standing ovations during their first set. The first was for Mark Trammell’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” Then they got back-to-back standing ovations for “Glory Road” and “Once Upon a Cross.”

Mark Trammell introduced “Glory Road” by explaining how he loved coffee and his wife didn’t care for it but fixed it for him anyhow since she loved him. He said he’d been singing “Glory Road” ever since he started in Southern Gospel thirty-four years before, even singing it at his first talent contest, and he’d performed it with every group he had been with since. He said that he was sick of the song, but like his wife making him coffee, he loved the audiences enough to do the song for them anyhow. Tenor Eric Phillips tore the song up, as always.

He commented that, interestingly enough, this was their first concert at a Lutheran church.

During the intermission, Dustin Sweatman played two piano solos, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and a quartet-style mid-tempo piano solo. The song sounded familiar but I couldn’t place it.

Second set:

• Thank God I’m Free
• Walking with Jesus
• When Compared to God
• I Know that I Know
• I Believe In a Hill Called Mount Calvary
• Won’t it Be Wonderful There (new one)

“I Know that I Know” will be on their next project. They had a great routine leading into it, with Mark Trammell asking lead singer Dustin Sweatman about the song’s title. Dustin said something, to which Mark replied, “I Know, but what’s the song title?” Dustin said, “I Know that I Know.” Mark said, “That’s all good and well, but what’s the song title.” Dustin replied again. Mark ended up saying he gave up, and “just tell me what key it’s in.” (They played it in F.)

Mark Trammell got a standing ovation for his performance of “I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary.” The final song on their set, “Won’t it be Wonderful There” (this time, the newer Chris Allman-penned tune), also got a standing ovation (which was partly for the overall concert).

If you enjoy the country side of southern gospel, you should have been there.
If you appreciate skillful musicians and great singing, you should have been there.
If you have a love for the Spirit of God and love being where you can feel His presence, you should have been there.
The Freemans concert was all this and more. I attended with high expectations, and they were met and exceeded. The Freemans are incredible people. I dare anybody to meet them & try not to like them. They all have a great sense of humor and the camaraderie between them is beautiful.

I loved watching them interact during the concert. You can tell that they love music. To them it’s like each concert is a chance to try something new and play it even better than before. But more than that, you can tell that they love God with all their hearts, and it makes you want to know God like they do. When you watch Chris Freeman throw her hands in the air and sing, “Thank God! He chose me!” you really get it. Something within you rises up and says, “God chose me! Not just Chris Freeman, not just the really cool people of the world, but He chose me! Halleluyah!”

Darrell was incredible on “The Next Step.” The first person I ever heard sing this song was Ron Hutchins with The Inspirations, (maybe some of you have heard that version), and I didn’t think I would like the way anyone else sang it, but Darrell does a great job. He also sang “Once Was Enough.” I love that song!

The only bad thing about the evening was that Misty wasn’t able to be there. She stayed home because she wasn’t feeling well. If you’ve ever heard her sing, you know how much she was missed. I love hearing her sing. Especially “The Man Who Really Hung The Moon” and “Cinderella.” Misty rocks.

Before they sang, “He’d Have To Walk Through The Blood”, Chris talked for a few minutes about the song and what it really meant to have the protection of the blood of Jesus over us. I’ve heard that song countless times, but after listening to her, it hit me like I’d never heard it before. Talk about a powerful song, it was incredible. I’m sorry I didn’t get a video clip of that one, but I think you’d have to have been there to get the full impact.

Of course a Freemans concert would not be complete without “Children Of The Dust.” I have played this song to many people who don’t even like southern gospel & I always get the same response, “The harmony on that is beautiful!” Live is no exception. You almost feel like if you looked hard enough, you’d see Jesus coming. Then they sang “Rise Up”, which if I had to describe that song in one word, I’d say “Hope.” When they’re singing that, you feel hope well up inside you. That one’s a personal favorite of mine.

Oh yes, lest I forget … I’m sorry Diana, but with all respect to Greater Vision, no one can sing “Still Been God” like The Freemans. Caylon absolutely dominates the drums on this song.

One of my favorite parts was when someone requested “I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ For My Journey Now.” I was surprised they actually sang it, but they did a great job. When you watch the video, notice the way Joe takes off on the keys as if it’s a song he plays every day. They’re all incredible at improvising. It’s fascinating to watch them. We arrived at the concert early, so we got to watch sound check. I have to say that I enjoyed that almost as much as the concert.

I could go through a list of songs and tell you how well they did, but I’m of the belief that a picture paints a thousand words, and a video is priceless. So watch the video and hopefully you will feel like you were there. And if you want to go see them yourselves, (I highly recommend it), go to www.the-freemans.com and click on “appearances.” You won’t be disappointed.

Jeff Steele of Ridgecrest Baptist in Springfield welcomed us. Ridgecrest bought Remingtons, which was Missouri’s largest nightclub at one time.

Gary Longstaff, general manager of KWFC Radio here in town, was MC of the concert. KWFC helped advertise the concert.

– Clayton Watson

Clayton was the first artist to preform, and the one who got this entire concert together. He has a great talent in piano playing.. which is what he blessed us with! He did a great job and all songs he chose to play were easily recognized, I couldn’t help but hum along.Clayton plays in nearby Branson, at the Branson Landing.

• Keep On The Firing Line
• When The Saints Go Marching In/I’ll Fly Away
• Just A Closer Walk With Thee
• Amazing Grace
• How Great Thou Art

– The Revelators

From Cassville, MO. This trio is consists of John and Wilma Hile, with their 19 year-old daughter Tiffany. I believe I’ve heard them several times before at other local venues, but I’m not sure.. They have a good sound and blend, and you can tell they enjoy singing. I like seeing a group perform that seems to enjoy what their doing. They sang several songs written by John.

On a side note, I might be wrong, but I think I now how the got their name of the Revelators… ever heard of John the Revelator? I found the idea quite interesting. Here’s the list of the songs they sang.

• One Way Ticket
• I Wanna Know How It Feels (Tiffany had the feature of this one and did a great job)
• On This Side Of The Blood
• Lord I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before
• Shepherd’s Eyes (This is one written by John, and I really liked this number)
• How Could I Say Goodbye
• The Lighthouse (They did a great rendition of this old classic… I can never get tired of hearing this song!)

After the Revelators, we were pleasantly surprised with a live video feed with Chris Barnes who is still in the hospital in Nashville. He was able to see the concert as well from his hospital bed. We then got to hear a letter written by Larry Ferguson thanking all for coming to the concert, and thanking everyone for their prayers as he recovers.

– Terry Dorsey

This is Lulu Roman’s manager. He has a wonderful voice. I could see him as a lead singer in a quartet, but then again, I think everyone sounds better in a quartet!

• I came to get my blessing
• This World Is Not My Home
• After Calvary
• One Day

– Lulu Roman

I’ve never seen Lulu in person, but I was looking forward to it. I’m too young to have seen Hee Haw when it was originally broadcast, but have seen re-runs on public television. My first introduction of her gospel singing was on KingsGold 1.

She came out and gave us great dose of Gospel Music with comedy interwoven between songs. If there is one thing, she can capture your attention, either in song or joke. She definitely made the night. Her faces and stories were fantastic, but of course, the songs she sang were great as well. Lulu knows how to work the crowd, and I believe everyone was at home with her performance.

• Orphan Girl (this song really touches the heart)
• That’s The Man I’m Looking For
• Buildin’ Up The Wall (my favorite out the entire night – I could see a bass singer singing this song as a solo)
• Amazing Grace (in my mind, her signature song)
• Heaven’s Watching Me
• Hiding Place
• All My Life
• I Will Glory In The Cross

Afterwards Clayton came back on stage to share a word of thanks, take up the offering, and he talked to Chris some more.

All the artists then joined Clayton on stage to do some songs in memory of Dottie Rambo, and of course… they were songs she wrote.

• Sheltered In The Arms Of God (Featured Terry on vocals)
• Holy Spirit, Thou art welcome in this place (Featured Clayton on the piano with the band helping him out)
• We Shall Behold Him (featured Tiffany Hile on most vocals)
• I Go to The Rock (this was everyone, with Tiffany leading them)

I was disappointed on the turnout… our big February concert here in town attracts 1,000-2,000 people. Clayton told me that the attendance was 150, and the money raised was $1200. I praise God that there was a decent offering given by such a few number of people!

You can view all the concert photos here.

I went to be in service with The Rowlands on Sunday night (6/22/08) at Trinity Baptist in Asheville, NC. This was a church service, so they were to sing 3 songs and let Bro. Ralph Sexton preach, but God decided to move through and bless using the group.

Ron Martin proved again last night why he is one of the best vocalists in Southern Gospel music today. Not only does he have “power to burn” (if I may borrow a quote from George Younce), he also has amazing control to sound so soft and smooth. Even though Ron is starting to get a few years on him, he can still hold his own when it comes to singing songs like their opening number, “Field Of Grace”. This song was just outstanding!

Their tenor, JW, recently was hospitalized with salmonella, most likely from the tomato scare that’s hit the nation. He was still weak last night, but did an excellent job on Kyla Rowland’s “Safe Thus Far”. Kenneth, the baritone & pianist, sang “Will Grace Be Enough” after the story was told of how he had lost half of his right hand in an accident & had it reattached, enduring 13 major operations. God really moved on these 2 songs. They sang an additional song and Ron Martin gave the story behind a new song that you may be hearing soon. It was titled something like “You’ll Always Be My Son” or something similar. Since it was a brand new song, I’m not 100% sure of the title, but I’m sure I’ll get to hear it again in a month when The Rowlands come to my house for a photo session and meeting about the artwork for their new project. They will also be singing in a couple of churches in Spruce Pine, NC.

Check out The Rowland’s schedule to see if they are going to be anywhere close to you. Go and see them if you can.

UPDATE: Scott Robinson of Eighth Day has contacted me about the “new” song by The Rowlands. It’s actually a previously released song entitled “Back To Me” and it was originally released to radio last year by Eighth Day. It reached #26 on the October, 2007 Singing News Top 80. The song was new to me…I don’t think I had heard it before. Thanks for the update, Scott!

As a fairly new Southern Gospel music fan, I had not attended any of the Mull Singing Convention concerts.  This one on Saturday, June 28, was in the theater of the New Hope Church (the former Lee Greenwood Theater) in Sevierville, TN. It was a large, comfortable venue, but what is it with smoke machines?  Can someone explain to me what the value of fog on the stage is?  Anyway, the featured artists were The Roarks, The Booth Brothers, Ivan Parker, and The Hoppers.

First up were The Roarks.  I had seen this group once before in a multi-artist concert.  They are a family trio of mother, father, and son with the strongest member of the group (in my opinion) being the son, Shane.  I think that most people would recognize their single “There Is a God.” They have a country sound and they even performed a song named something like “I Want Jesus as My Number One Fan” that Shane wrote about how he’d rather sing gospel than country music.  This group was enjoyable, but I’ll admit to being more anxious to hear the other artists that were on the program.

The Booth Brothers were up next and were my favorites of the evening.  They started out with a Mosie Lister song, Where No One Stands Alone.  Very few groups can match the smoothness of their sound and harmony.  They sang many of their most popular songs - Look for Me at Jesus’ Feet, Hallelujah Meeting, I Would (from Ronnie’s solo CD), The Secret Place (from Michael’s solo CD), Tears Are a Language, He Saw It All, The Eyes of Jesus, I’ve Been Changed, The Night Before Easter, Castles in the Sand, and Still Feelin’ Fine.  The Booth Brothers do an excellent job of featuring each of their members on very special songs that let the audience fully appreciate their vocal abilities while very strongly getting the message across.  Michael even sang the chorus of The Secret Place a-capella very slowly after the track ended to present the message just one more time.

Next on stage was Ivan Parker.  My favorites of the night were The Grace that I’m Under, I Choose, and the old Gold City standards When I Get Carried Away and The Midnight Cry.  He also performed God Bless he USA and I wondered how it felt to him to be singing that particular song in the former Lee Greenwood Theater!  He also performed his current single from his new “Inseparable” CD, You Can’t Take My Crown, which hasn’t quite grown on me yet!   On the second part of the program, Ivan also brought out Kim and Dean to join him on What a Lovely Name.

The Hoppers did a great job with songs like Yaweh, Marriage of the Lamb, Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin, I’m Just Waiting for My Ride (with the video —- not my personal favorite!), I’ve Come Too Far to Look Back, Jerusalem and Shouting Time.  On the second part of the program, I really enjoyed their performance of God Already Knew with Karlye being featured on one verse and Michael joining in on the vocals as well.  And then, little Lexie - not to be outdone by big sis - ran across the stage!  I’m a sucker for kids doing cute things, so I really enjoyed it!

It was a great evening of Southern Gospel music and I’ll plan to attend another Mull concert as soon as I can!

We journeyed over to Tallassee, Alabama on Friday, June 27 for Triumphant’s yearly visit to the Westside Baptist Church. This church always makes Triumphant’s stay such an enjoyable one by treating them to great food, boating, fishing, basketball, and more great food!! And then Triumphant provides a wonderful concert for them! It was such a joy for me and my travelling buddy to see the friends we met last year and to see how the kids have grown. It’s a lovely church and there’s not a bad seat in the house.

The music we heard that night was outstanding. It was announced that Clayton Inman has been singing with Southern Gospel groups full-time for 25 years and he was certainly in great form that night. His rendition of Welcome to Heaven brought the first standing ovation of the night and The Old White Flag brought the second! They performed several of the songs from their newest CD, “Intermission” - The Cloud He’s coming Back On (it’s even better in person than on the CD, of course!), Welcome to Heaven, It’s a Wonderful Day, and For God So Loved. Jeff Stice performed a medley of hymns including Thinking of a Mansion, Amazing Grace, When They Ring Those Golden Bells, and How Great Thou Art. He also played his medley of When We All Get to Heaven that includes the Do-Re-Mi song from the Sound of Music (my personal favorite!). And to the crowd’s delight, he also played the Hallelujah Chorus. Here’s a video I managed to get of Jeff’s hands during part of the Hallelujah Chorus.

I certainly hope to go back to Tallassee for the next annual concert!

I had a great time at a concert in Gainesville, Georgia on June 21.  The concert featured Mike Upright, Gold City and Triumphant Quartet.

Mike Upright was first on the program. I hadn’t heard him live before although I had heard his songs on the radio. He’s a tall guy with a big voice! He’s got a real country sound - but not twangy - both in his voice and the instrumentation on his tracks. He sang a total of about 14 songs in the two portions of the program.  My favorites were “He Is Risen” - he said it was an old Wendy Bagwell song - and “Love Letter in the Sand” - about the adulterous woman that the crowd wanted to stone and Jesus was writing in the sand as he spoke to them and the woman.

Gold City was next and I was delighted that they did some of the songs from the new album “Moment of Truth” including “I Cast My Bread Upon the Water”, “Turn Your Back” (Aaron McCune did a great job on this but I still prefer the Triumphant version!!), “What Children Believe” (I really liked this one!), and “When Jesus Saves” - a very loud, in-your-face, brassy, non-traditional song.  I’ve gotta say here that all of the music at this whole concert was VERY loud - of course, I was sitting right up under the speakers on the 5th row! They also did several of my very favorites - “When I Get Carried Away”, “Teach Me Lord to Wait”, “Midnight Cry”, “In My Robe of White”, and “I’m Not Giving Up.” All of the guys sounded great and I really enjoyed hearing Bruce Taliaferro for the first time and meeting their bus driver, Ed. Josh Simpson did a very nice job on his piano solo, How Majestic Is Your Name.

Then came Triumphant!! I see these guys a lot and many times their program is basically the same as the previous concert, but I never get tired of hearing them! It’s hard to list favorites, but I really enjoy Clayton’s rendition of Welcome to Heaven. WOW!! What a great song and a great singer! He gives it everything he’s got every time he sings it. They also did “The Cloud He’s Coming Back On” from the new Intermission album, and I like the TQ version better than the Kingsmen version! Great song! David and Jeff had the crowd on their feet with “Goodbye, World, Goodbye.” They are fabulous together on the harmonica and keyboard. Speaking of Jeff, he did two solo selections and was really fantastic. At the last couple of concerts where David has sung ‘For God So Loved,” they have followed that with “He Loves Me” and I just think that combination is SOOO effective. Eric asked the audience to join them on He Loves Me and I heard quite a number of people singing along.

This was a great concert but it was very long and only the true, die-hard fans stayed until the end.  I think you can guess what kind of fan I am!