Last Saturday evening (12/5/09), I was privileged to attend a rare, ‘professional’, Southern Gospel concert in my home town of Burnsville, NC.  The concert had been advertised for weeks, so I made sure that The Edwards Family was not booked anywhere on this evening.  The concert was held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where my friend, Bro. Davy Shelton, is the pastor.  What should have been a packed house was deterred by a small skiff of snow.  I suppose that everyone was afraid that the roads would be dangerous, which lead to the attendance being very low (probably around 80-100 people).

This was my first time seeing The Perrys in a church setting.  I have seen them at the NQC which is by far NOT a church setting.  This was also my first time hearing the group live with their new baritone, Troy Peach.  I was excited to see the group, but I was more anxious to see how God would work through them.  The Perrys have a reputation of being not only a Top-Tier, professional Southern Gospel quartet, but also being one of the more spiritual professional groups….which I love!  This was my reason for wanting to be with them in a church/worship setting.

My church had taken a bus over to the concert, but due to the weather, only about a dozen came.  Fortunately, they were able to all get seats at the front of the church and my friend, Steve Stamey, saved me a seat on the front row with him, so we were ready to have church.  Bro. Davy introduced The Perrys at 6 PM and the singing began.  Here’s a quick run down of the song-list:

1. Gentle Shepherd
2. I Love To Tell
3. Still Blessed
4. Prior To A Prayer
5. I Know It Was The Blood
6. Did I Mention (That I Love Him)
7. I Rest My Case
8. Intros
9. If You Knew Him
10. Almost Morning
11. Trust & Obey (Invitational)
12. I Wish I Could Have Been There

Troy Peach is one of the best things to happen to The Perrys in recent years.  His stage presence and presentation of the gospel through song is simply delightful.  Joseph Habedank has really matured into a fantastic lead singer, while Libby Perry Stuffle remains among the elite altos in gospel music.  Tracy Stuffle is a highly underrated bass singer, as he is as capable of carrying melodies and hitting the deep notes as most other basses in Southern Gospel.  Bryan Elliot amazed the audience with his piano skills, even though there were some minor technical difficulties with the sound during his piano solo (not listed in the above song list).

God really met with us during the service and I believe I was more blessed by The Perrys in a church setting than any other full-time, professional group I’ve heard.  Not only do they throw out their program when the moment calls for it, they are sensitive to the crowd and adjust accordingly.  The atmosphere in the church was more serene and worship focused, so The Perrys cued in on that and sang songs that simply fit the service.

I learned a couple of years back that if I attend a concert only to report on it, almost always I come away from it feeling empty and disappointed.  When you try to take notes to remember everything, you can’t really focus on the moving of the Holy Spirit….or at least I can’t.  (I only took notes during the intervals in between songs when the service slowed a bit to record the song list or I never would have remembered them :-)!)  I talked with Joseph and Troy briefly before the service to introduce myself and Joseph asked about me being a critic.  I explained right away that when I’m in church, I’m there to have church.  I’m not going to focus on critiquing the groups singing….I’m there to worship; and I did!

I came away from the singing completely energized and blessed….not just entertained.  Events like this keep me falling in love with Southern Gospel Music over and over again.  I had been a little discouraged with gospel music, having not been able to attend a singing/concert unless my family was singing in it.  What a thrill it is to know that there are groups still on the road today that are in love with Jesus, not just $$$ and popularity.

_____________________________________________

Below are some of the songs that someone else in attendance recorded and posted on YouTube.  Hope you enjoy them.

…in general, I don’t care for them.  I prefer trios or quartets…that’s just my preference.

That said, I must eat those words for an artist that I met on Sunday evening.  Chuck Compton, formerly of The Comptons, was scheduled to sing at my home church along with The Rowlands.  When I arrived at the church, I ran into Mr. Compton in the restroom and briefly spoke in passing.  Since I book some for The Rowlands in my area, I was there primarily to support them and be faithful to our church since my family wasn’t booked this Sunday evening.

Let me say this before I go into further detail; I came away from this meeting in complete amazement and I was completely blown away with Chuck Compton’s singing, musicianship and last, but not least, his spirit and obedience to the Holy Spirit.

The Rowlands began the service and Ron, Kenneth & Wes was great as always; albeit, the service was a little more calm than we are accustomed to at Bethel Missionary Baptist.  The Rowlands sing “Did I Mention” better than any other group I’ve heard and it was certainly a hit with our bunch at Bethel.  Then Mr. Compton took the stage.

I saw from my seat that he was using soundtracks from an iPod through a Bose L1 system along with an acoustic guitar.  From the first note from his guitar, he completely had my attention.  Every song went so smoothly and I was absolutely blown away with his ministry and singing.  He didn’t use tracks on every song, so we were treated with some acoustic numbers along with what appeared to be a Digitech Vocalist Harmony processor.  (They don’t call Chuck Compton “Mr. Technology” for nothing), which was one of the coolest pieces of equipment that I have ever seen.  After I pulled my tongue back in my mouth from drooling over his setup, I got to enjoy one of the best song services I’ve ever sat in (and as you know, I’ve heard a LOT of singers in my day).

Chuck Compton sang several songs and we had a wonderful time in the service with him.  He had a great mix of upbeat songs with slower tunes.  He plays the guitar extremely well with some hints of Willie Nelson licks thrown in for good measure.  His vocals were great and I was very impressed with his stage presence.  He didn’t just stand there and sing.  He kept you interested by interjecting testimonies and stories in between his songs, plus on some songs, he would stop during the turn-arounds and talk then.

(Two great groups in one evening….is there anything else that could have made the evening better?  How about having two souls saved during the services and one of them being my oldest daughter, Keanna.  Praise God that He is still saving old sinners!!!)

I can’t say enough good things about Chuck Compton right now.  I was able to talk with him one-on-one for a bit after the service and I was so glad that I did.  Not only is he a great singer and musician, he is just a great guy.  I told him that I would be writing an article about him, because I believe that if you know of a good thing, then you should share with the rest of the world.

If you are ever wanting to book someone at your church that is more than just entertainment, the consider giving Chuck Compton a call.  His website is www.comptonministries.com.

I went to be in service with The Rowlands last night 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 tomatoe 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!

What a beautiful day this was.  The temperature was around 80 degrees at the end of October in the mountains.  The weather did nothing to curb the ongoing drought situation we are facing, but it was awesome weather for an outdoor concert.  CLICK HERE for a few photos from the day.

Each year the Primitive Quartet hosts concerts for a couple of weekends for tourists and fans to take in the beautiful surroundings of the mountains, valleys and many colors.  If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Primitive Quartet in Hominy Valley, do it!  Even if you’re not a fan of Bluegrass music, the ambiance of the grounds are enough to make even the worst musicians seem more than tolerable.  What a beautiful place!

I was so excited to go to this concert.  One of my all-time favorite groups, The Good Shepherd Quartet, were coming out of retirement to sing at Hominy Valley.  My Dad and I got there just before the concerts started and am I glad I did.  I had never really heard of the group that kicked the day off.  Paul Williams and The Victory Trio began the day and were just good.  Sometimes a little too bluegrassy or twangy for my tastes, but the spirit that swept the place while they were singing made the group sound great.  I would rather hear a mediocre group with a little ‘Umphhh’ from the Spirit than the tightest, dead vocals anyday.  Don’t get me wrong, I think any group should strive to be as vocally tight and in tune as possible, but some groups can pull off a not-so-perfect performance and still be enjoyable.  Paul Williams’ group is one of those groups.

The Good Shepherd were next and what a disappointment their set was to me.  The former bass player and bass vocalist, Michael Mooney, had joined another group and couldn’t make the trip.  Instead, James Hartsock (the former lead singer) sang the bass part and a new guy sang the lead.  I was so disappointed that I didn’t even catch his name.  Looking back, I should’ve listened to the group better, but it just wasn’t the same for me.  I have no desire to hear the group with a new member.  Maybe I shouldn’t feel that way, but I can’t help it.  After a group has been singing together for 20+ years, it’s really never the same with someone different in the group.

The Primitive Quartet finished the day and were awesome as usual.  Jeff Tolbert is one of the best additions the Primitive Quartet could have made.  He really raises their vocals to another level, not to mention all of the additional instruments he brings to the group.  I hope he sticks around for a long time to come. 

The Primitive are really popular in my area so they always draw a large crowd.  Their place in Hominy Valley is a perfect for the groups’ down home charm and style.  I’d go back in a heartbeat to Hominy Valley. 

The best part of the trip was getting some alone time with my Dad.  Since I’ve gotten married and started businesses, we rarely get any quality time together.  We shared a couple of hours of driving time, not counting the time at the concert.  That was honestly the best part of the trip for me.

 
Gerald, Rodney, Jason, Me &
My Youngest Daughter, Sarah

Yes, I’m late posting this, but what else do you do when you have no spare time.

The concert was on 10/19/07 at my alma mater, Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC.  My wife had a photo shoot that evening so my Dad & Mom accompanied me and my two daughters.  CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery of the evening.

The evening began with the 2005 Junior National Banjo Pickin’ Champ, Zane Petty.  The kid could flat play but must have been very shy.  There were few smiles to be seen, but the stage was dark and I imagine the banjo takes quite a bit of concentration.  He was only 14 years old, so this kid will have a long future in gospel music should that be the path he chooses.

Dumplin’ Valley was next and I was surprised by how good these guys (and gal) were.  Isn’t this the same group that Gerald Wolfe left to join the Cathedrals?  I think they were called the Dumplin’ Valley Boys then, but this may be an entirely different group.  I meant to ask, but I forgot.  Anyway, I left the concert with 6 different CDs by the group.  Yes, they were that good.

Greater Vision took the stage next.  They were excellent but to be honest, I was a bit embarrased by the crowd.  There were probably only around 250-300 people attending.  The area has strong roots in the Primitive Quartet and Bluegrass gospel, so Southern Gospel concerts aren’t usually as successful here.  I would imagine that if this concert wasn’t an annual fundraiser for a local Boarding School for youths, then there would be even less in attendance.

Gerald Wolfe and company treated the crowd as if they were singing at NQC.  I admire the way that Greater Vision treats fans, always taking the time for pictures and to talk.  Does anyone else think that Jason’s voice is sounding tired?  Something just sounds different with him.  Don’t get me wrong, he’s still good, but his voice almost sounds scratchy to me.  Maybe it’s just me.

Overall, it was a great evening, but I left after intermission when Dumplin’ Valley took the stage for the second time.  The kids were getting restless and my parents were ready to leave.  Dad’s not a big Southern Gospel fan, but he toughed it out for me.  Mom seemed to enjoy it, but she and I have similar tastes in music.

It’s hard to beat Greater Vision in a live setting.  Great performance, guys!!!

I would personally like to say “Thank You” to Associate Pastor Scott Shields and the church staff for a wonderful evening with the Kingdom Heirs at the North Asheville Baptist Church. For more information about this wonderful church, here is a link to their website:

http://www.northashevillebaptist.org.

Please pray for this church as they are getting ready to expand to a second campus for church services. They already do 2 services on Sunday mornings and they have a need to add another location to accommodate all of those attending. Our God is truly amazing!

Alright, back to the concert.

The concert started at 6 PM. After group introductions by Pastor Scott, The Kingdom Heirs took the stage. Here is a song list from the evening:

1) I’ll Be A Friend (from their Series 1 project)
2) Let’s Go To That Land (from their Gonna Keep Telling & Series 1 projects)
3) Mighty Deep Well (from their Going On With The Song project)
4) The Day Before He Saved Me (from their Give Me The Mountain project)
5) We’ll Soon Be Done (from their Series 1 project)
6) God’s Word (from their Give Me The Mountain project)
7) Sea Walker (from their Off The Record project)
8) My Anchor Of Hope (from their Give Me The Mountain project)
9) Goodbye World, Goodbye (Band Instrumental)
10) I’ve Got That Old-Time Religion (Piano Solo)
11) I Don’t Wanna Go Back (from their Give Me The Mountain project)
12) Pray For Me (from their Give Me The Mountain project)

- Intermission -

13) Move That Mountain (from their Off The Record project)
14) Nicodemus (from their Off The Record project)
15) I Know He Heard My Prayer (from their Off The Record project)
16) Forever Changed (from their Forever Changed project)
17) Invitational by Steve French
18) How Great Thou Art (from their Feelin’ At Home & Series 1 projects)

I knew it was going to be a good evening when the crowd response on the very first song prompted a turn-around on “I’ll Be A Friend.” The crowd was very response for the entire concert.

Jeff Chapman kept the crowd going with “Let’s Go To That Land.” His voice keeps getting deeper and stronger every year that I hear him. I just listened to a recording of Jeff when he was with the Anchormen in 1994 (Spirit Live – 1994 VHS) and it is amazing the difference in the quality of his voice between then and now. He was also very impressive on the Kingdom Heirs hit song, “Mighty Deep Well”. In fact, vocally, it was one of Jeff’s better song performances of the evening.

While I’m on that song, let me say that IMO, Billy Hodges was far better on the tenor than anytime I heard Jodi Hosterman sing that song. Not that I didn’t like Jodi’s voice, but Billy has a higher range and therefore fits the song better.

Jeff continued singing with the Rodney Griffin song, “The Day Before He Saved Me”. Again, Jeff was top notch the entire evening. What a powerful song!

The classic song, “We’ll Soon Be Done”, from the red Church Hymnal was next. This song drew more response from the crowd than any other song from the first half of the concert than any of the other 11 songs.

“God’s Word” was the next song. I’ve never been a big fan of this song. To be honest, I’m still not after hearing another live performance. Vocally, it was good. I’ve just never liked the feel of the song.

The Statesmen classic, “Sea Walker”, was next. Good performance, but it wasn’t one of the highlights of the evening. It seemed like more a filler song for the concert. But then, they go from kind of “Blah” with “Sea Walker” to the most powerful song of the first half of the concert, “My Anchor Of Hope”.

Billy Hodges was spectacular on this song and the crowd was eating this song up. It was great to see hands uplifted to Heaven during this song and people getting a blessing from the lyrics. Although this song was great, the most powerful song was yet to come. More about that later.

The next two songs were instrumentals, “Goodbye World, Goodbye” (featuring the three band members) and “I’ve Got That Old-Time Religion” by Joseph Cox. The Kingdom Heirs have the reigning “Band Of The Year” in Southern Gospel and they did not disappoint with their musicianship. Joseph seemed to be a great fit, but that is now a moot point with his departure from the group the day following the concert. I guess he didn’t fit as well as it seemed.

Two more songs completed the first half of the concert. “I Don’t Wanna Go Back” was next and it was another one of those “Blah” songs to me. But then, Arthur Rice unloaded on “Pray For Me”. Being in his hometown, Arthur was feeling at home…….and that was apparent in his vocals for the evening……then again, I’ve never heard Arthur sing when he wasn’t at the top of his game.

After a thirty minute intermission, the Kingdom Heirs were welcomed to the stage once again and they began with three consecutive songs from their “Off The Record” album:

  “Move That Mountain”
  “Nicodemus”
  “I Know He Heard My Prayer”

The first two were good vocally but didn’t pull much response from the crowd. That all changed when the Kingdom Heirs sang “I Know He Heard My Prayer”. The crowd really got excited with this song and that Spirit of excitement grew exponentially when Arthur sang “Forever Changed”. This is one of the most powerful songs that I’ve ever had the privilege of hearing the Kingdom Heirs perform.

Steve French gave a good invitational with several people coming forward to the altar for prayer. This was probably the sweetest service that I’ve ever been in with the Kingdom Heirs. Steve really did well during this time of prayer.

Arthur Rice finished the evening with “How Great Thou Art”. Arthur showed us with his vocals on this song why he is one of the best lead singers in Southern Gospel music today. This is becoming one of his signature songs, mostly due to the amount of time that he holds a note in the second verse of the song. He held the note (and stayed on pitch) for around 30 seconds. It’s pretty amusing to see how many shades of red he turns while he holds the note. What a way to end the concert!

Overall, it was a great evening with the Kingdom Heirs.