Statler Brothers Tribute

Here at Va Southern Gospel, we are always proud when one of our own makes it to the top of their industry.  The Statler Brothers did just that and stayed there for years upon years.  I recently ran across this video simply called “The Statler Brothers Song,” which is a tribute to the Statler Brothers.  The group is Grandstaff, which are the sons of Don and Harold Reid.  If you would like to find out more about the group you can go to http://grandstaff.net/

Diamond Rio A Christian Band?

Last weekend my girlfriend and I had the privilege to go to a Love 4 Life conference.  They are put on by AACS or American Association of Christian Counselors, which is headed up by Tim and Julie Clinton.  The night consisted of two speakers and two musicians.  The two speakers were John Trent and Kevin Lehman.  Both of these speakers are well respected in their line of work.  Kevin Lehman has a lot of the secular world’s attention, appearing on some good morning shows and Oprah.  

The night kicked off by Charles Billingsley doing worhip music with his keyboardist Adam Lancaster.  But the highlight of the night for me was Diamond Rio.  Diamond Rio have always had clean songs and you can’t beat that high soaring harmony that is found in just about every one of their songs.  Previous to this night, I have seen them in concert twice.  The last time I saw them they talked about their next CD being a gospel CD.  They had just done their Christmas CD which was through Word Records.  As many of you know, Word Records is a Christian label.  I thought it might be a onetime thing because most of your country acts will do a song here and there and pay homage to a “higher power.”  Lead singer, Marty Roe, took a moment and shared a testimony.  He said that they had felt like they had gotten off track as a band and he got to the point to where he wouldn’t sing unless there was a check tied to it.  He started having serious vocal problems and went to a series of vocal coaches and none of them could explain it.  He finally went to a Christian vocal coach and the first few sessions they just spent time talking and praying.  After that he said his voice started clearing up.  Although not back to 100% it was getting better.

So in light of the band taking a new direction, they have signed a record deal with Word Records.  It will be exciting to see what the future holds for them as they embark on this new direction.  Over the last few years they have been putting out songs like I Believe, In God We Still Trust, and God Only Cries.  The hook line to that song is “God only cries for the living because it is the living that are so far from home.”  Skeptics would say that this is only a marketing ploy and that they will go back after a little while.  I am hoping that they stay true and we can actually see the fruits of their labors, but that is something that only time will tell.  

You can go to http://www.vasoutherngospel.com and go to “Gallery” to see pictures from this night and may other concerts.  

Concert Review: Down East Boys & Rick Webb Family

Two weekends ago I attended a Central Va Angel Hearts Bennifit Concert to benifit the family of Christian Godin.  As I explained before on the Homesteaders review, this series is to help hurting people in the central VA area take care of medical bills through an offering given at the concert.  Preconcert music was done by the King’s Strings.  This is a group of young musicians with none of them being over the age of 21.  They played mostly bluegrass and hymn standards instrumental.  Following was the comedy and MC work of Gerilynn.  She was soon joined by Barbara Dalton and JoAnn Willis to make the rest of Garden of Grace.  Gerri Smoot was out taking care of family business so JoAnn was filling in for the night.

The first of the main groups of the night was the Rick Webb Family.  I had never heard them in concert before and was quite impressed.  To be honest, I had not heard much of their music either.  They had tight harmonies and a very good stage presentation.  If you have the chance to go out and see them it will definitely be worth the effort.  

Second up was the Down East Boys.  I think this is one of the most, if not the most underrated, quartets going today.  The Down East Boys / Quartet has been in existence in some form for several years.   They have had many hit songs yet the name Down East was not easily recognizable by your common southern gospel fan until a few years ago.  The songs that really put them back on the radar were The Mountains Will Be Shaken and Shouting on the Hills.  Those two are what Get Away Jordan are to Signature Sound and the Dove Brothers.

Overall the night was a night filled with good southern gospel music.  If you want to see pictures from the concert, visit http://www.vasoutherngospel.com and click on Gallery.  

New Gaither.com Online Community

Gone are the days of paying to be a member of Gaither.com. Well partly. Starting on March 2nd the Gaither site will be completely redone and will offer a lot of free stuff. One of the most exciting is the community features it will be offering. Singing News and Daniel Mount have tried to keep a successful discussion board but because of various issues neither have been able to keep it afloat. Gaither.com will include a free one and I am sure they will have the server space to take all the people they want. Included will be the possibilities of creating your own page, your own blog, post your favorite songs and photos, and the ability to keep in touch with fans from around the world.

Another exciting aspect is a blog from Bill Gaither himself. One would assume we will get a little more insight into how his mind works and the stories behind many of his historical songs and career moves. I am sure there will be some perks to being a paying member like special content. I have not heard exactly how the differentiation will be made but there probably will be.

Archie Watkins Resigns from the Inspirations

There have been many stories and opinions on what is happening with the lineup of the Inspirations, espeically tenor Archie Watkins.  After waiting, we finally have an answer.  Archie is set to go solo effective after the Inspirations concert Febuary 28th.  He will appear with the group one last time at New Hope Church in Sevierville, TN.

If you would be intersted in having Archie at your church you can contact him at 828-497-9798 or email him at info@archiewatkins.com  To keep up with his touring schedule and other things happening in his ministry visit www.archiewatkins.com