Local Artist Spotlight – Solid Ground (NI)
Solid Ground are a male trio from Northern Ireland based in Ballee Baptist. They are composed of tenor Ashley Cotton, lead Wully Knowles, baritone Stephen Irons and sound technician David Long. The group has recently celebrated their 7th anniversary. They have a blog, which is updated frequently, often detailing the experiences of the group at the various churches they sing and minister at.
Solid Ground’s repertoire is focused primarily upon covers of great southern gospel tunes and hymnal classics. This works well for audiences in Northern Ireland, who often have little exposure to southern gospel music. Solid Ground are exposing more people to the delights of Southern Gospel music but most importantly they are “only sinners saved by grace who are seeking to be a witness for their Saviour and carry the glorious message of Salvation in song throughout the country. The message presented is one of salvation and hope through the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for Solid Ground as they seek to serve the Master.”
Last Sunday our church had the privilege of having Solid Ground to sing in the evening service. I thoroughly enjoyed the pieces they brought in song. They opened up with a fresh interpretation of “Just a Little Talk With Jesus” and closed the service with a beautiful rendition of ”Pass Me Not”. They sang the Ernie Haase & Signature Sound hit, “Reason Enough” which later would tie in with the sermon theme, “‘Reasons why people don’t turn to Jesus”. I believe this is at least the third time that Solid Ground have ministered at our church and each time i feel they have gotten better and better.
This is Solid Ground’s début project. The project is designed to help raise awareness and give financial support to OMS International and their work in Mexico. Specifically it will aid the ministry of Jonny and Julie Pollock. If you would like to purchase a copy of Solid Ground’s album, ‘He Made The Way’ you can find them for sale at the following locations: Faith-mission Bookshops, Gracenotes Music Centre, Ballymena, McAuleys Ballymoney, Newtownards Christian Bookshop. You can also contact Solid Ground for booking and CD’s through Stephen or Linda Irons on 02825639531 or Mobile 07809385410. You can also email Solid Ground at solidgroundtrio@hotmail.com
The CD has a good range of material, fast, slow, a cappella and each piece is well- sung and enjoyable. Notable cuts include, Yes He Can, When I Survey, Damascus Road and Beulah Land. An enjoyable project with something to suit everyone. I would urge anyone out there looking for a musical item in their services, look no further than Solid Ground. A highly dedicated and sincere group of men, looking to honour and serve the Lord.
Track Listing
- He Made The Way
- Old Rugged Cross
- He’d Still Have Been God
- Yes He Can
- Without The Lord
- When I Survey
- Damascus Road
- I Love To Tell The Story
- Restore My Soul
- I Wish You Could See Him Now
- Beulah Land
- Take It To The Cross
hi phil that was a good review,i like to keep up with local talent although it just seems to be covers and nothing original,anyhow is there any way to put in a sound clip of the group(s)
I will be doing a few more “local artist” spotlight features soon, there aren’t too many floating about! I know what you mean about covers, Paul irwin might have one or two original songs, not sure.
I will try to get a sound clip up, maybe a few tracks mixed together to give you an idea!