Karen Peck Discusses Her Role In “Joyful Noise”

In a somewhat controversial SG topic this month, the movie “Joyful Noise” is now in theaters. Peck’s involvement has been questioned by my fellow bloggers enough. I don’t have a side, but thought it’d be good to post this video from this past weekend’s concert at Lake Gibson Church in Florida.

 

YouTube Gem #27: New Material from EHSS

First of all, I want to make it known that it was not my intent to have three consecutive posts on the same subject. That’s just how it has worked out.

This past week, many SG bloggers reviewed the new EHSS project “Here We Are Again”. The two songs that have probably gotten the most atytention are “Any Other Man” and “Stand By Me”. Ironically, there were videos of each of those songs posted on YouTube Saturday.

Let’s start with “Stand By Me.” This is one song that I was probably a bit harsh on in my review. I think it caught me off guard more than anything. But after watching this video, I have a greater appreciation for this newer version of the song (even though Ian had some troubles with the words on his verses). Ian isn’t Tim, but that’s okay because Ian isn’t Doug. Also, Devin absolutely nails his part at the end. Totally unexpected to hear that! It’s great to hear this song back in their concerts again.

Now, the song that has caused the most discussion is without a doubt “Any Other Man.” A few weeks ago, a lower-quality video was posted online that barely does the song justice. This video is much better quality!

Some people have questioned EHSS for moving away from traditional southern gospel. But if you look at the demographics of an average EHSS concert compared to the demographics of any other average SG quartet on the road, they are different. EHSS attracts a different audience than Legacy Five or the Dixie Echoes. Good marketers market towards what their audience wants. As long as EHSS still is announcing the Good News everywhere they go, their style of music is not important to me. Maybe we’ll get a few screamo songs on the next album. I can picture it now…

 

Minnesota Review Monday (Tuesday Edition) – Here We Are Again (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)

Brief Description – It doesn’t seem like it’s been over three years since Dream On, but it has. In the three years since, EHSS has released two tribute projects (“A Tribute to the Cathedrals” & “George Younce with EHSS”) as well as their second table projects of older songs (“Influenced II”) and a Christmas project (“Every Light That Shines at Christmas”). Those were good, but many EHSS fans were ready for some all-new material.

Lake Superior – My Lake Superior is “You Are Welcome Here.” I believe this song could easily get airplay at a CCM station. Also, I’ll give Wayne Haun some serious credit here because the first time I heard the song, I thought Doug had the lead.

Mississippi River – At first I thought the inclusion of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” was strange considering that this was to be an all-new project after EHSS went through their phase of tributes and classics. However, after thinking about it more, that’s exactly what makes it a good song choice.

Lutefisk – Despite the fact that it fits Ian’s voice, I still believe including “Stand by Me” was a head-scratcher. Like Daniel Mount said on his own review of the project, many recent discussions surrounding EHSS are people comparing the current lineup to the one that originally catapulted the group into the SG spotlight. I wonder if this song will only spark more comparisons.

“Minnesota Nice” Factor – 5%. I love this project. I understand that it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there is enough variety that everyone should be able to find something they like. This project should translate well in a concert setting. In fact, a few of the tracks probably fit better in concert than they do in the project.

 

EHSS Previews “Here We Are Again”

 

RSQ Gets Patriotic

 

YouTube Gem #26: Ryan Seaton & Kids

Ryan Seaton got a chance to sing a song with his daughter’s (Ella’s) preschool class for their Christmas program. They sang Changed By A Baby Boy, and it is adorable! (The video is viewable for non-Facebookers too)

 

I Forgot How Good They Were

Has this ever happened to you? A group changes personnel and its sound changes, sometimes for the worse. But you get so accustomed to hearing the current lineup that you forgot how good they used to be before the personnel change.

That happened to me. I realized it after watching some old-school EHSS clips. Here’s a sample.

Man, they were electric! Nothing against the current EHSS lineup, I still love listening to them. But I think I’m finally realizing that this lineup was on a whole ‘nother level.

(Its interesting that some are saying RSQ has the same type of electricity.)

 

Wildcard Wednesday: Birthday Buddies

Well today is my birthday…I’m not going to tell you how old I am, but I’m halfway to 50. For this post, I was initially going to find a birthday song sung by a SG artist. But I decided it was a lame idea because there aren’t many of those songs out there. Then I remembered that I share my birthday with Mr. Ryan Seaton. So I decided that I will dedicate this blog posting to my “birthday buddy.”

Here are two recent videos from Ryan. The first is a mini-interview with Hannah about his new “Love Songs” CD:

 

 

The second video was shot at a recent concert, with Ryan singing “Please Forgive Me”:

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

 

Mark Trammell Quartet hires Eric Phillips

Looks like I made Friday’s post a bit too soon! Here’s the release from MTQ:

After three months of searching, praying, and auditioning. Mark Trammell Quartet is happy to announce that former Mark Trammell TRIO tenor Eric Phillips will rejoin the group at the end of the year.  Eric has faithfully served the city of Gadsden, Alabama as a law enforcement officer for the last 2 years and has earned highest honors in his service to them.  Eric states “When music is in your blood, its hard to get it out. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road with Mark and the guys, seeing friends I haven’t seen in two and a half years and most importantly encouraging people with the gospel message thru song!”  Mark states “I couldn’t be happier with Eric’s decision to return. He loved being a police officer and I admired him for his work. The first song we sang together when he asked to be considered again confirmed what God was trying to tell everyone in the room. All I can say is welcome home Eric, good to have you back!” Mark continues “We would like to thank 28 men and two ladies that showed interest in filling the position. It was a very difficult decision and we are honored that you would trust this ministry that much. Also, we MUST thank our friend Jim Cox from Cumming, Ga for his excellent job of filling in at the tenor position over the last two months. Jim has been a true joy to our fans and friends across the country.”

Here’s a tribute video that was made in 2009 when Eric decided to come off the road with MTT:

And here’s a little taste of what MTQ will sound like:

Add to that the best bass singer on the road, and you’ve got yourself a pretty good quartet!

 

11 Biggest Personnel Changes of ’11

Here are, in my mind, the 11 biggest personnel changes of 2011:

11. Blackwood Quartet and Toney Brothers merge

10. Anthony Davis replaces Dennis Dugger as Tribute bass

9. Dan Gilbert leaves, rejoins, and leaves Liberty Quartet

8. Legacy Five switches pianists

7. Joel Wood leaves Mark Trammell Quartet

6. No more Talley Trio

5. Tim Duncan joins Canton Junction

4. Burman Porter rejoins Dove Brothers

3. Signature Sound switches basses: Duncan leaves, Owens joins

2. Dixie Echoes get two new Mikes

1. Craig West leaves, Jerry Pelfrey joins Gold City