Jul 29

CD Review: Phillips Family – “This Same Jesus”


The Phillips Family
This Same Jesus

My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Produced by: Danny Crawford, Mylon Hayes, Gary Rushing
Label: Independent
Website: www.ThePhillipsFamilyMusic.com

This family group from Gaffney, SC made up of three brothers and a sister (Clint, Joel, Stephen & Tabitha) has caught my attention like no other group before.? At this time last year, I had just been introduced to The Phillips Family’s music and now I can testify that they are one of the top independent groups in gospel music today.? They continue to record quality, original, music which Stephen Phillips’ keeps writing.

David Johnson, Danny Crawford, Mylon Hayes & Chris Rushing contribute to the instrumentation and the quality of the tracks are simply superb.? All four group members alternate vocals on the songs and the harmonies of this family are top-notch.? There’s an old saying that you can’t beat family harmony and this project helps confirm that tale.

Track List (*** – tracks with stars have a video below):

  1. Riding On Grace
  2. But God
  3. I’ll Be Surprised ***
  4. This Same Jesus ***
  5. Born In The Fire
  6. Acquainted With Grace
  7. Pick Up My Towel ***
  8. God’s Breath
  9. The Tomb Is Still There
  10. Yes, He Can

Each track on this project is fresh and it’s hard for me to pick just one favorite.? Currently, my favorites from the new album are “This Same Jesus”, “But God”, “The Tomb Is Still There” & “I’ll Be Surprised”.? Here are some live clips of The Phillips Family singing songs from their new release.


“I’ll Be Surprised”


“Pick Up My Towel”


“This Same Jesus”

If you are around where this group is singing, be sure that you go and check them out.? While their recordings are great, they are even better in person.? They come out to minister and while they are doing that, you also get treated to their wonderful talent.? It doesn’t get any better than that.

This CD, as well as their older releases, can be purchased directly from The Phillips Family here.? I highly recommend any of them!

Jul 28

The Edwards Family – “When I’ve Traveled My Last Mile”

Here’s a clip of my family singing at Trinity Baptist at their 40th Annual Land Of The Sky Jubilee on July 20, 2009.

Jul 27

What a week it was

Last week was Jubilee week at Trinity Baptist in Asheville, NC. My family sang on Monday morning and evenings, but we also visited almost every service during the week, either in person or live-streaming video on the web.

We enjoyed a ton of singing through the week from the following groups:

  • The Rowlands
  • The Phillips Family
  • The Whisnants
  • The Rochesters
  • The Squire Parsons Trio
  • Mike Speck Trio (w/ the Trinity Choir)
  • Doug Ramage
  • Steve & Brenda Ruppe Hurt

Preaching from:

  • Randy Bane
  • Steve Roberson
  • Jack Gassaway
  • Wendell Runion
  • Keith Hutchinson
  • Tolbert Moore
  • Ross Lewis
  • Zane Fishel
  • Donnie Dalton
  • Craig Edwards
  • David Gibbs
  • Randy Barton
  • Roy Yelton
  • Stanley Adcock
  • Joe Arthur
  • Jack Lemmons
  • Billy Cashwell
  • Daniel Buchanan
  • Kenny Baldwin
  • Clyde Box
  • Larry Sprouse
  • Davy Shelton
  • J.W. Depew
  • Greg Lentz
  • Larry Brown

We had the best time in the Lord and really grew closer in our walk with Him.? But as always, when you grow closer to God, the enemy really starts fighting, so we’ve had some battles over the weekend.? But isn’t living for God worth the battle?

Yes……yes, it is!

Jul 23

The Inspirations – When I Wake Up To Sleep No More

This is one of my all-time favorite songs…this lineup knocks it out.

Jul 22

Today Music Playlist (7/22/09)

1. “Leave Your Sorrows And Come Along” by The Kingsmen
I love this old song from the “Red back” hymnal.? This song was recorded on The Kingsmen’s Stand Up At Opryland Live project in 1986.? I particularly enjoy the harmony solos on the song.

2. “The Son Came Down” by The Inspirations
This song is the brand new single from the Inspirations new project by the same name.? David Ragan (Lead) and Dallas Rogers (Tenor) make their debut with the group on this project and they do not disappoint!

3. “I Bowed On My Knees And Cried Holy” by Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad
I just had to share this song with you all because it is the most unique version of the song that I have ever heard.? The song is on the groups 2008, Pickin’, Praisin’ & Singin’, project, which I believe was their first all gospel release.

4. “Oh What A City” by Heirline
Adam Elrod of HisSong is featured on this song recorded with his tenure with Heirline.? I love this song from the groups The Sky’s The Limit project and I thought you might as well.

5. “He’s A Personal Savior” by Gold City
This song is from one of the first iterations of Gold City and comes from their 1981 Sing Golden Nuggets album.? Group personnel at the time was Bob Oliver (tenor), Jerry Ritchie (lead), Ken Trussell (baritone), Tim Riley (bass), John Reinhardt Jr (piano), Larry Goddard (bass guitar/piano), David Holloway (steel) and Wayne Hussey (drums).

6. “Nothing Can Hold Me Here” by The Rarely Herd
I love this bluegrass tune.? It’s from the groups 1997 project, What About Him.

Enjoy!!!

(To play the tracks, click on the music player at the bottom of your screen. If you have any suggestions or requests for a certain song, leave me a comment.)

Jul 20

On cloud nine…

…my family and I visited Trinity Baptist tonight to help support our dear friends, The Rowlands, who were singing at the 40th Annual Land Of The Sky Jubilee.? I was blown away when I pulled up in the parking lot and pulling up next to me was Mrs. Brenda Ruppe Hurt, formerly of The Ruppes.? I knew her right away but we had never met.? I guess since I look like a gospel singer now (slicked hair, suit, noticable weight gain 🙂 lol), she approached me because she thought she knew me.? Guess I just have that look, because I get that a lot.? We talked all the way into the church…she’s a wonderful lady.

The service was wonderful.? The Rowlands absolutely hit a home run with their set and then we had wonderful preaching by Bro. Steve Roberson.? Afterwards, we went with Pastor Jerry Young & The Rowlands to Stone Ridge Tavern for dinner.? Great food & fellowship filled the rest of the evening.

We’ll be singing in the morning at 10 AM.? If you happen to have a minute, try to watch the live webcast here.? As always, I ask that you pray for us while we try our best to serve Him!

Jul 17

Busy weekend ahead

I would much appreciate your prayers this weekend. The injury to my fingers has really started to bother me when playing the bass, so I would certainly like to know that my online friends are praying.

We’ll be singing tonight & tomorrow night in Mars Hill, NC, and then traveling around with the Rowlands on Sunday.? We’ll also be singing at Trinity Baptist Church on Monday morning at the AM service of their 40th Annual Land of the Sky Jubilee.? If you’re interested, I think the services will be broadcast live on the web at www.tbcasheville.com.

God bless you all!!!