Wall Of Prayer, a new album by The Rowlands has just been released.  You can hear samples and order your copy here:

http://www.therowlandsministries.com

Song List:

1. Wall Of Prayer (Kyla Rowland)
2. He Looked Beyond The Cross (Kyla Rowland)
3. The Only Thing He Ever Purchased (Kyla Rowland)
4. Nobody Will Be Missing (Kyla Rowland)
5. Comfort In The Cross (J. Brian Edwards)
6. I Made It By Grace (Kyla Rowland)
7. God Saves Old Sinners (Kyla Rowland)
8. Just Wait (J. Brian Edwards)
9. When He Says Arise (Kyla Rowland / Gerald Crabb)
10. Because Of The Hill (J. Brian Edwards)
11. Will Grace Be Enough (J. Brian Edwards)

The Rowlands consist of the following group members:

• Ron Martin (Lead Vocals / Guitar)
• Aquilla Martin (Utility Musician / Lead Vocals)
• Wesley Green (Tenor Vocals / Bass Guitar)
• Kenneth Stepp (Baritone Vocals / Piano)
• Dustin Greene (Piano)

Ron Martin is one of my favorite vocalists in Southern Gospel music today.  He has a lot of power and an excellent range.  He ranks very high in my list of favorite singers.

His wife, Aquilla, takes the lead on a couple of songs.  She is also an accomplished musician and plays many instruments (Bass Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin,….) for the Rowlands.  She’s has some voice problems in the past few years, but she still has a powerful voice.

Wesley Green, Kenneth Stepp & Dustin Greene make up the rest of the group.  You couldn’t ask for a nicer group of guys to be around.  All group members live what they sing (an attribute that I am growing more fond of as time goes by).  If you ever have the opportunity to be in concert with this group, by all means, do it!

The popular Kyla Rowland song, “Wall Of Prayer”, is the first track on the project.  Wesley Green is the featured vocalist.  First made popular by the McKameys, The Rowlands have put a new twist into this song.  The usual bridge of “Sweet Hour Of Prayer” was replaced by “Somewhere A Warrior” (also by Kyla Rowland).  What an excellent song to begin their new album with!

“He Looked Beyond The Cross” is next.  Ron Martin’s vocals on this Kyla Rowland song are excellent, as always.

Kenneth Stepp takes the lead on “The Only Thing He Ever Purchased”.  I love this song.  Another song by Kyla Rowland, this track talks of how Jesus never purchased any earthly items…….the only thing He ever purchased was ME!!! He paid the highest price possible…….He gave His life!

“Nobody Will Be Missing” is the most upbeat song on the project.  I tend to like the upbeat songs better than the slower ballads, although I think my tastes are evolving as I grow older.  Aquilla sings the lead vocals on this track.

I really enjoy this next song, “Comfort In The Cross”.  Ron Martin sings this ballad, penned by J. Brian Edwards, and it is an excellent invitational number that speaks of comfort for the lost when they kneel at the cross.  I especially like the bridge of “In The Cross” in this song.

“I Made It By Grace” is next.  The Redeemed first released this song and many groups have recorded it.  This song was also written by Kyla Rowland. 

Kyla also wrote the next song, “God Saves Old Sinners”.   I’ve loved this song since I first heard it.  Mike Upright had my favorite version of this song….that was until I heard Ron Martin singing it on this new project.  I love the words of this song and I really enjoy how The Rowlands deliver the song on this CD.

“Just Wait” is another ballad by J. Brian Edwards.  Ron Martin takes the lead on this song.

Kyla Rowland, along with Gerald Crabb, wrote the next song, “When He Says Arise”.  Kenneth leads the first verse, then Ron takes over the lead.  Yet another great song!

Two songs from J. Brian Edwards finishes the project, “Because Of The Hill” (Ron leads) & “Will Grace Be Enough” (Aquilla leads).  The lyrics on both of these songs are great.  I’ve never heard of J. Brian Edwards (no relation, btw), but if this is a preview of what is to come from him, then he will have a long career as a songwriter.

You’ve probably noticed that The Rowlands recorded several songs by Kyla Rowland.  Ron Martin is Kyla’s brother.  Ron & Kyla used to travel together and sing as The Rowlands.  Kyla came off of the road a few years back, but Ron kept The Rowlands on the road.

There are sound clips from this new CD at The Rowlands website here:

http://www.therowlandsministries.com/products.htm

Again, if you ever have the opportunity to be in a service or concert with The Rowlands, I highly recommend that you do so.  Tell them I sent you………

Daniel Mount (www.southerngospelblog.com) has posted a great article about piracy in Southern Gospel music with insights from the artists here:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/archives/310 

Daniel makes many excellent points in his article and I highly recommend that you check it out. Below are my thoughts on the issue:

I’ve had the opportunity to be around many local groups that instead of selling their product, they give it away and tell people to feel free to burn and distribute copies as the see fit. This action can lead people to think that this practice is common for all artists and they don’t realize that they are actually committing a crime. They see these Christian artists freely sharing their music and think that full-time artists can do the same. You’ll have to understand that where I live, there are MANY local artists that only sing part-time and they are in financial positions where they do not depend on income from sales to keep the group on the road………never mind that most of the projects are low quality and probably cost at most $1000-1500 to get the completed recording in hand.

It is hard to get people to realize that copying a CD or sharing digital files isn’t really spreading the gospel. These people truly believe it is and they sometimes refuse to accept that it is an unethical practice, let alone illegal. They usually feel that they are doing some good deed by giving a copy of a recording to someone, but basically they are doing nothing more than telling people that they have no regard for the law and that Christians can break that law by stealing from SG artists so that someone doesn’t have to shell out fifteen bucks for a CD…….not a good witness, IMO.

I believe ignorance of the law is no excuse and that people that try to play the ignorance card are just as accountable for their actions as those who willfully break the law. I certainly have no problem correcting people that feel the need to “share” Christ through illegal file-sharing. I’ve had people contact me and argue that there is nothing wrong with this practice because some albums are out of print and not available for purchase any more. I can’t count the number of people that ask me for copies of some of my older projects. They even get irate when I refuse to take part in sharing my files. Some people can’t grasp the fact that the law is the law.

It seems that lately, there have been a number of older CD projects popping up for sale on eBay. I’ve won a few auctions myself, only to be disappointed by the fact that the artwork is an obvious reprint and the CD inside is nothing more than a CD-R that someone has burnt from the original. Along those same lines, a local seller of SG music recently had a stockpile of older projects available for sale in their store. I questioned where they were purchased and the store owner, whom I’ve known for many years, gave me the name of the company that is distributing the CDs, which were obviously not the original releases. I was able to get the distributors contact information, so I called them up. They claim to have the rights to the original masters of the projects, so they were re-releasing them to the public. I also asked to be put in contact with someone from the company to further question them on these “re-releases” that they were producing. I wasn’t really surprised when no one would return my calls and I couldn’t get past a receptionist while making my inquisitions.

I can’t say for sure that this company is doing anything wrong, but it certainly makes me question them because no one would return my calls to discuss.

If you’re not certain on where I stand on this practice, here it is. Illegal file-sharing is WRONG! It takes away from the artist’s ministry, plus, it takes away from the participant’s witness and testimony for Christ. DON’T DO IT!

Again, please visit www.southerngospelblog.com to read Daniel Mount’s article on Piracy in Southern Gospel music. Excellent topic, Daniel!!!

I’ve been pondering today about a basketball tournament game that I played in last night.  It’s the final game of the tournament for our local recreation league and my team is taking on the powerhouse of the league that was (and remained) undefeated on the season. 

Keep in mind that we have to pay to get to play in this league.  We are not drafted, nor recruited from schools.  We are older men, has-beens if you will, that try to get some exercise while having a little fun.

These guys are getting angry and frustrated over the lack of officiating for the games, let alone some of my team acting like we are in the NCAA or NBA finals with the world championship on the line.  For a moment, I was at a loss when trying to understand why this game was so important.  There was going to be no rewards or repercussions from winning or losing, so what is missing in their lives to make them hunger for a victory.  Then I realize, that these games are the highlight of their evenings.  Some have no one to go home to, some are seeking some sort of fulfillment or purpose for their lives, and some are trying to relive days gone by.

I was quasi-amused while watching from the bench while taking a breather in the second half.  You could see the dejection in my teams faces and I’ll admit, it would have been nice to have won the championship, but it wasn’t so important to me that it affected my entire being.  I didn’t get angry or upset, but some of my teammates were so upset to the point that it kept them from playing their best.  Why would this game have so much impact on them?

I don’t have a good answer, but I can’t help but feel that something meaningful is missing from their lives.  Most of my teammates profess being a Christian, but are they truly walking the path that they need to be on.  Could it be that they are constantly searching for what Christ has made readily available for all of us……..Peace, in knowing Him! 

…………..something to think about…………. 

True To The Call is the first original CD release from the Kingdom Heirs since Give Me The Mountain from 2005.  It has certainly been worth the wait. 

Track Listing: 

1. Since Jesus Moved In (Dianne Wilkinson)
2. The Rock’s Between The Hard Place And You (Dianne Wilkinson)
3. True To The Call (Dianne Wilkinson)
4. I Am The Way (Ann Downing / Toni Clay)
5. I Want You To Know (Dianne Wilkinson / Chris Binion)
6. Jesus Made A Believer Out Of Me (Dianne Wilkinson)
7. Looking Out For You (Gerald Crabb)
8. Praying Your Troubles Away (Dianne Wilkinson / Jerry Kelso)
9. Lord, Your Word Is Still True (Dianne Wilkinson)
10. What We Needed (Dianne Wilkinson)
11. I Sing Because (Squire Parsons) 

The project begins with Arthur Rice leading a mellow quartet selection, “Since Jesus Moved In”.  I couldn’t help but tap along to the beat of this one.  This song was an excellent way to begin the album. 

Arthur Rice is also the primary vocalist on the next track, “The Rock’s Between The Hard Place And You”.  This upbeat song will get your feet moving.  I imagine that this will be a song that is released to radio…..and it should do well on the charts. 

The ballad, “True To The Call”, gives Steve French the opportunity to display why he is one of the better baritone singers in Southern Gospel music. 

Jeff Chapman takes the lead vocals on “I Am The Way”.  Although he doesn’t really showcase his range on this song, his vocals are still strong.

“I Want You To Know” is an awesome quartet song and one of my favorites from the CD.  This is a song that will see a lot of play on my computer and iPod.  If you like great quartet singing, then you will love this song.

Probably the most unique song on the project is “Jesus Made A Believer Out Of Me”……and that isn’t a bad thing.  I enjoy songs that are atypical and different from your typical traditional quartet sound.  Arthur Rice takes the lead vocal on this song. 

Billy Hodges sings the next song, “Looking Out For You”.  The vocal on the song are strong, but it’s not a track that holds my attention well.  It’s the only song on the CD that I find myself skipping to get to the next song. 

“Praying Your Troubles Away” has the most unique intro of any other song on the album.  The first time I heard it, I couldn’t help but think of the musical intro to that old ‘50s song, “Mr. Sandman”.  The first verse is kind of slow and methodic.  Then the chorus takes off and the song is amazing.  This is one of the best songs on the project. 

To me, the most powerful song on the project is “Lord, Your Word Is Still True”.  Billy Hodges is excellent on it. 

My favorite song on this CD turned out to be “What We Needed”.  I love the arrangement on this song.  It begins with the trio of Billy, Arthur, & Steve on the first half of Verse 1.  Then Jeff takes a short solo and they finish the verse as a quartet.  Then the chorus takes off with Arthur leading.  The second verse also has a great arrangement with the guys alternating melody and harmony.  I love this song! 

“I Sing Because” was the song I anticipated most on the album.  This classic song by Squire Parsons has been around in my area of NC ever since I can remember.  I was very excited when I saw this on the track list of True To The Call around a month ago when they Kingdom Heirs first started advertising their upcoming CD.  Arthur Rice is, as always, amazing and I wasn’t disappointed.  I can’t wait to hear this song live at one of their concerts. 

You can order this CD directly from the Kingdom Heirs’ website, www.kingdomheirs.com, or you can wait until it is released for retail sale on April 17, 2007.  It is planned to be release on iTunes on this same date.

After listening through one of my all-time favorite recordings yesterday, The Wilburns : Alabama Lightning, I couldn’t help but wish I could have been in attendance.  This concert was recorded at the same time of The Perrys : Little Thunder – Live In Alabama project.  Both recordings are excellent and I wonder what it would have been like to have witnessed this concert in person.

After debating on this yesterday evening, I came up with a small list of recordings that I would have loved to been in attendance for:

• The Wilburns – Alabama Lightning (1990)
• The Wilburns – Sing It! (1988)
• The Perrys – God’s Little People (1989)
• The Perrys – Little Thunder (1990)
• The Perrys – Absolutely, Positively Live (2000) 
• The Kingdom Heirs – Live At Dollywood (1990)
• The Kingdom Heirs – Song Of Praise Live (1993)
• The Bishops – Live In Fayetteville (1988)
• The Bishops – Chapter X Live (1994)
• The McGruders – Come Fly With The McGruders (1990)
• The Kingsmen – Stand Up At Opryland (1986)
• The Kingsmen – Big & Live (1973)
• The Cathedrals – Reunion (1995)
• The Cathedrals – Live In Concert (1974)
• The Anchormen – Spirit Live (1994)
• Tony Gore & Majesty – Cool, Clear Water (1995)
• Gold City – Live (1982)
• Gold City – Double Take Live In Charleston, SC (1986)
• Legacy Five – Live In Music City (2006)

There are many other live recordings that I have and listen to on a regular basis, but those listed above are the projects that I listen to over and over again.  It’s nice to get to enjoy the recordings, but I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like to enjoyed these concerts in person.

The home-going service for Roger Bennett was excellent.  At times, it was very difficult to hold back the tears.  I can’t imagine being on stage and trying to sing for the loss of a best friend.  My hat is off to Legacy Five and especially to Scott Fowler.

You could tell at times the song lyrics were difficult to get out, but Scott did a fine job leading the congregation in “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” & “Victory In Jesus”.  Jeff Stice was amazing at the piano, but of course that is all you would get from Jeff anyway.  Jeff is a class act. 

I know that Roger will be missed, but I really liked what Phil Hoskins said.  “We will be with Roger a lot longer than we will be without him”.  I’ve never heard more comforting words. 

In a newsletter from L5 this morning, we learned that the funeral service for Roger would indeed be broadcast via the internet.  Here is the newsletter:

We just got word from the staff at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN, that they are able to provide a live video stream of the funeral services for Roger Bennett on Wednesday afternoon, March 21, at 2 pm.

The Bennett family has decided that it would be a nice thing to offer to those who were not able to come… you can watch the funeral services by just clicking thru to the Brentwood Baptist website and then clicking on “live stream”…

Once again, thank you for your prayers and concern at this difficult time.

Please continue to pray for the Bennett family.

While this recording is comprised of classic Statesmen songs, The Kingdom Heirs have brought new life to these songs of days gone by. While some will relive the past with this new recording, some people will be hearing these selections for the first time. This is a fine tribute to those that paved the way and helped make Southern Gospel what it is today.Before we get into the individual tracks, let’s talk about the musicians for a moment. This album was recorded only with a piano, upright bass, and a snare drum. Kreis French plays the upright, Dennis Murphy plays the snare drum, and Adam Harmon tickles the ivories. Stan Whitmire is the only additional musician used on the recording.

This recording starts with “Move That Mountain”. Of course, the recording starts sounding like an old record, with the hissing, and pops & cracks. The vocals sound like they are going into a single mike but quickly jump into a modern, full studio sound. The Kingdom Heirs stay true to the Statesmen sound with their rendition of this classic song.

The album continues with the ballad, “When My Master Walks With Me”. This is a smooth, mellow song with tight vocal harmonies.

The upbeat “I’ve Got Something To Shout About” is next (yes, the same song from their “Forever Changed” album). The arrangement is a little different from their version on the “Forever Changed” project, but overall, the song is basically the same.

“I Know He Heard My Prayer” is next in the lineup. This is possibly the strongest song on the entire project. The vocals by Billy Hodges (tenor) and Jeff Chapman (bass) are very full. I don’t think I’ve heard them sound any better.

Arthur Rice (lead) and Jeff Chapman belts out the vocals on “Sea Walker”. This song will get those toes tapping.

The ballad “On That Judgment Day” features Jeff Chapman on the low, bass lines throughout the song. In my opinion, this is one of the weaker songs on the project.

“Let The Lower Lights Be Burning” is next and is good, but one that I would probably skip about every time I listen to the CD.

Next up is “I Know It Was Jesus”. The song starts slow with Billy Hodges belting out the tenor vocals, but the tempo speeds up and Arthur Rice quickly grabs your attention with his amazing lead vocals. This is definitely one of the best songs on the project.

The classic “Hide Thou Me” is next featuring Billy Hodges. This song honestly sounds like every other version of the song that has been recorded.

“Nicodemus” is a fun song to listen to. That’s about it for this song…a fun, quartet song.
The album continues with another ballad, “Beyond The Gates”. Arthur Rice takes command in this classic song.

The last song on the “Off The Record” recording is “Oh What A Time”. While this is a good version of the song, it will probably be compared to the Gaither Vocal Band’s rendition of the song. After hearing David Phelps and Guy Penrod master this song, the Kingdom Heirs version of “Oh What A Time” is just average.

Overall, I would say that the Kingdom Heirs have released another great album. I was disappointed that Steve French wasn’t featured once on the album (aside from a short solo on “I Know He Heard My Prayer”), but his baritone vocals were excellent as usual. Arthur Rice’s lead vocal were top-notch, as always. As stated earlier, I don’t believe that I’ve heard Jeff Chapman or Billy Hodges sound any better. Jeff’s voice has matured into one of the best bass voices in SG today and Billy Hodges is on his way to becoming one of the better tenors in the industry.