Tim Duncan Does The Splits……

It is just bound to happen. With all the high energy and jumping about the place with synchronized ease it had to happen. Just not too ol’ Timmy Duncan. I do like EHSS a great deal and indeed there is something that appeals to me with all their high energy stuff. Just must be highly embarrassing, however, in fairness it was his boss who first slipped up on stage in a YouTube video aptly named, “The Fall”!

UPDATE: For some reason the original video was removed, but i did a little digging and it turned up on the “EHSSQ” YouTube Channel.

The Genius of Gerald Wolfe

This morning whilst on my daily YouTube trawl i came across ths clip of Legacy Five and Greater Vision. What the clip alludes to is the fact that Gerald Wolfe has a big voice. A very big voice! His range is somewhat scary and ok, i know he blows the high Bb at the very end of the clip a little but he covers well with a little vocal improvisation.

Can someone fill me in on the suggestion that Gerald filled in the bass part when George was ill and had to take some time of the road with the Cathedrals? Simply amazing if this is the case!

Ipod Shuffle Review No1. Heroes of The Faith – Legacy Five

Here it is! The first Album review based upon the random press of a button. It throws up a definite and personal favourite of mine. I first had the video of this project and loved it a great deal, so when i finally decided to purchase the CD, I did with a slight degree of reluctance as often i prefer the “live” performances to the studio perfection, however i was not disappointed.

As the title suggests it is a poignant tribute to those who paved the way for the quartets and groups of today, most notably George Younce and Glen Payne. It is also worth noting that at the time of recording/filming George Younce had not passed away.  The title track is simply beautiful. Penned by Roger Bennett about the passing of Glen Payne and the impact that Glen had upon his life as a role model and the almost “father figure” identity of Glen Payne.

1. Freedom- The opening track is lively and uplifting. This coupled with great harmony and a rousing internal lyric make for a great opening cut. Great delivery from Scott Fowler makes the song a level above a “good” song and a “great” song. A personal favourite of mine i have to say!
2. Heroes of The Faith- A deeply individual and somewhat raw song from the pen of Roger Bennett. It is simply a very personal expression of what it meant to have a “hero” in the “Faith” and how this helped to nurture arguably the greatest pianist ever to come along in music.  During the the live taping for this project i liked the video montage they produced honouring and showing those who have passed on into the glory. A touching and heartfelt delivery by Roger Bennett make this the modern classic it is.
3. While I’m Waiting (God is Working) – This track was written by and features tenor Tony Jarman. I have to say on a personal level this song resonates with me a great deal. The lyric is compelling yet gloriously simple and effective.  How many times in life have we prayed and waited for an answer? We think God is ignoring, forgetting or not answering. Yet through it all when an answer comes, we can look back and see how God had been working while we waited to provide the answer we needed.
4. If You Ask me – A bit of a bluesy feel to this track delivered by Scott Fowler. I love the way it builds up in a crescendo context finishing off on plenty of high notes and vocal niceties.  Tony Jarman does a fabulous job on the tenor parts establishing him as a real favourite of mine and many others. As Nate pointed out recently Tony is back and singing solo.
5. Carved In Stone - For some reason i never really liked this song. Don’t get me wrong, it has a great lyrical content and Scott can provide the vocal without a problem, but for some reason it never struck a chord with me.
6. Walk With Me - A real country flavour to this track communicated by the under-rated Scott Howard. A true rich baritone is quite a rare commodity in quartets these days but Scott is one of the few and demonstrates why! Walk With Me was penned by Randy Travis and is a great cut. The live version of this song is simply hilarious and one would be worthwhile to check it out.
7. Somebody Sing – Featuring Bass singer Glen Dustin, this track is solid and has quite a country flavour or “camp meeting” thematic running through it. Dustin is a great bass singer who can really hit the low notes and his diction, delivery and tone are spot on for this song. The way L5 finish off this song is something which i really like. Tony Jarman holds a nice high-ish note, whilst the other three continue singing then they all come together for a wonderfully sharp, crisp ending.
8. He’s Been There – This track would be one of my favourite songs of all time. Expressed by Tony Jarman with fabulously concise and accurate lyrics it makes for a beautiful soaring ballad with a powerful, high and sustained ending. I noticed early on that Tony Jarman’s voice has two levels. This might sound strange but i think its fabulous. It seems to open up as he gets higher and it sounds brilliant and only enhances the delivery, particularly in the Live version of this song. I also like the guitar and the way the percussion was mixed down for this track. A great cut.
9. Sunshine of  Today – With the vocals of Scott Howard and a great little lyric and message this cut is one of the hidden gems of the project. Again this song has to be up there with some of my all time favourites. It is a great reminder of how we need to focus upon the blessings of today and to enjoy ourselves through Christ on a day to day basis.
10. In His Grip –  This song is a very strong testimony of how we should live today. Just simply as a person reliant upon God and knowing that we are in his grip and we cannot be removed. Written from the heart of Roger Bennett and with careful and respectful references to the tragic events of 9/11, this song fits the context and feeling of that time to perfection.

Overall production of this project is impeccable and is simply fabulous. For me this is  Legacy Five at their best. It is a pity that Tony Jarman did not stay longer with the group as continued stability in the tenor position could have brought even more success and even better projects. A must have project for any Southern Gospel fan.

Ipod Shuffle Album Reviews….

As part of my blogging experience i would like to incorporate some album reviews both for past and present time contexts. To do this i shall fire up the old iPod and select the “Shuffle Songs” in Album mode and scroll to the “Southern Gospel” genre and see what pops up. This should make for a diverse range of material to be covered!

The First Steps…..

Hi!

Welcome to Phil’s Southern Gospel Blog. What i seek to do is provide another opinion and analysis of events within Southern Gospel in a positive and forward thinking manner.

About Me!

I am 19 years old, reside in Northern Ireland and am currently on holidays, or vacation for you American folks! I have always loved Southern Gospel ever since my Father brought home a CD of  the “Palmetto State Quartet” when i was about 4 or 5. What was sparked inside me that day was a genuine amazement of the way four men could sing so tightly together, in perfect harmony and the wide range of vocals. From the low bass to the high tenor i was rather enthralled!

What I Seek To Do

Over recent months, i have had a desire to start up some form of outreach or way of communicating my thoughts to the outside world on the music which i care a great deal about. Now that i have time on my hands being off from school, i felt this was the best time to proceed with this concept. Inspired by numerous other blogs out there that cover the SG World such as…..

http://www.southerngospelblog.com/

http://www.musicscribe.com/blog/wordpress/

http://swainsmusings.blogspot.com/

There are lots out there and i simply couldn’t list them all. In time i hope to list my favourites at the side of the blog.

I’m a first time blogger so if i mess up sometimes….sorry!! Forgive me as i change the aesthetics of the blog from time to time, just trying to find one that fits!

Getting Started…

Spotted this video of Jason Crabb singing “Daystar” backed up by Wes Hampton and David Phelps from the Gaither Vocal Band. Impeccable delivery from all three contribute towards a rather fabulous performance. Thoughts? opinions? Disagree with me?! Lets hear it!