CD Review – Revelation – Across The Lands

 

“Across The Lands” is the aptly titled, debut release for Revelation under the Crossroads Music label. After two projects that included mostly cover versions of hit southern gospel songs, it was encouraging to see a Northern Irish group push the envelope in terms os style, song selection and sound.

Drawing upon the celtic connection was a given for Revelation for this project. The entire CD is not saturated with celtic sounds however. This allows the album to have the key element of variety as well as having a clear hit-tip to its roots.  This celtic feel is most evident on songs like, “Be Thou My Vision”, “Across The Lands” and “He looked Beyond My Fault”.

Vocally the trio have a refreshing blend, which has elements of Paid in Full, Greater Vision in the mix, yet avoid the effect of being a carbon copy. Revelation draw upon the strengths of various groups and incorporate their own, dynamic blend. I think what helps to cultivate such a fresh sound is the accents. Northern Ireland has the variety when  it comes to regional dialects!

Technically speaking,  Revelation have the key elements for a close blending trio, a tenor that has a beautiful, defining tone, a strong lead singer and underpinned with a blending baritone to make the sound fuller.  Andy Calderwood sings baritone, Thomas McCalmont sings tenor and David Strange keeps everyone right with the lead part.

Song selection was one of the strongest elements of this project,  fresh material that has never really been touched by a southern gospel group helped to make this project really strong. The Keith & Kristen Getty influence is clear to see on the album. (Keith Getty was born in my hometown, Lisburn and also attended the same High School as me, Friends School Lisburn!)

I will openly admit that I was not a huge fan of Getty music, not for any particular reason, I simply prefer my music in a quartet style if possible, trio will also do! In this situation you have a great fusing together of incredible lyrics, with a great melody and sung in a uniquely Revelation style.

Naturally, as I’m also from the great wee country of Northern Ireland, I have much to be proud of concerning Revelation.

However more than the music, more than sounding great every time they sing and no matter how much product they sell, Revelation have always been and will remain, focused upon using music to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

Keep up to speed with Revelation on Facebook.

CD available from Revelation website here.

 

 

Ian Owens With EHSS

January 21st saw the debut of Ian Owens as the new bass singer for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Fellow blogger Daniel Mount has this topic well covered, so I would recommend heading over and checking out his post. There is little point in me simply rewording his post and posting the same videos here!

For fans based in Northern Ireland, I am very much looking forward to hearing this group in person. YouTube provides a decent reference, but it can in no way compare to the real thing. Once Ian Owens has a chance to gel and learn the subtle choreography of the group, it will be a fantastic line-up!

Tim Duncan Departs Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

In a surprising move, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound announced yesterday that Tim Duncan, who had been with Signature Sound for eight years, had decided to leave the group. Tim Duncan was easily one of my favourite bass singers in southern gospel music today. I have seen EHSS live four times and I can honestly say, I don’t think Tim missed a note. Tim was solid, dependable and very consistent. Best wishes to Tim Duncan and his family.

This is one of the clips which i always enjoyed the most by Tim Duncan.

The bass position is filled by Ian Owens formerly of the Imperials and the Cumberland Quartet. I have watched several YouTube videos of Ian singing a variety of styles and whilst I think Ian is used to singing in a more contemporary group, he more than has a voice and the ability to do a fantastic job with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.

I have the opportunity to see EHSS on February 12th in Northern Ireland, so you all can expect a concert review. The new sound will be interesting, I have high hopes for this new line-up.  Congratulations to Ian on his appointment.

From Singing News,

Tim Duncan, bass vocalist of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, is stepping down after eight years with the quartet.

 

 

Tim states: “After 8 years of service to Ernie Haase & Signature Sound I have been feeling in my heart that my time has come to an end. I’m sad on one hand yet excited on the other hand. Ernie & the boys are like brothers and always will be. I covet your prayers.” 

Ernie Haase states: “I realize changes are inevitable, it always brings a challenge as well as new opportunity. We will always be grateful for Tim’s contribution to the group over these past years. We love Tim and wish him and his family great success.”

Ian Owens will replace Tim Duncan. His first date with the group will be January 21 in Portland OR.

 

 

Tim Parton Resigns From Legacy Five

From the Legacy Five email,

“After serving as Legacy Five’s pianist for 5 years, Tim Parton is getting off the road and has accepted a position at 3ABN (3 Angels Broadcasting Network) in West Frankfort, Illinois. Tim’s new role at 3 ABN has already begun, but Tim has committed to “juggle his schedule” and remain with Legacy Five until his replacement can be found. Scott Fowler of Legacy Five states, “Scott, Glenn, Gus and I will certainly miss Tim. His professional contribution to Legacy Five has been extraordinary, but mostly we will miss him personally. Tim is one of my favorite people and I wish him and his family all the best.”

 

Tim Parton is a skilled musician, who brought more than just playing along with the group. What I liked most about Tim Parton and Wes Burke summed it up best when he said, “Parton never tried to become Bennett, but was simply himself.”

Tim Parton had abilities that stretched beyond the keyboard and is an extremely gifted producer and arranger. This is reflected in his new form of employment as a part of team to develop music for 3ABN. (3 Angels Broadcasting Network)

Tim Parton has a blog which you can read here, it gives lots of detail and more context to the story. All the best Tim, you will be missed in southern gospel!

 

Persons interested in applying for the position of pianist for Legacy Five should contact Scott Fowler by email at: scottfowler@legacyfive.com

Buddy Greene & Jeff Taylor Coming To Belfast, Northern Ireland!

My first introduction to this musical genius was on the Cathedral Quartet video, “A Farewell Celebration”. The late Roger Bennett and Buddy Greene shared several moments of friendly banter, over Buddy’s attempts to add additional instrumentation to the piano on “Life Will Be Sweeter Someday”.

It was not until I had the opportunity to see Buddy Greene live with the Gaither Homecoming Tour in Glasgow, Scotland, did I fully appreciate his heart and his style of ministry. The harmonica element is absolutely amazing, but Buddy was also very effective in communicating with just a guitar and his voice.

It promises to be a good night, Buddy Greene is one of the most talented musicians around, if you can make it to Glenmachan, Church of  God, Belfast on January 25th, please do!

Tickets available here.

New Country Gospel Radio Show For Northern Ireland

A few weeks ago I took the opportunity to highlight the work of local radio host Ronnie Morrison, who exposes southern gospel music to everybody in Northern Ireland. Recently, Ronnie announced that Downtown Radio have given him another show to present his music. This is due, in part, to the popularity of Gospel Time, the show I featured a few weeks ago.

The new show, “Country Gospel” will be on Saturday evenings from 8:00pm until 10:00pm. It debuts on Downtown Radio on Saturday 8th January, 2011. Do try to tune in, you will not be disappointed.

You can listen online to Downtown here, download the Downtown App for iPhone/iPod Touch or if you want to tune in on FM, it is available at 102.3. You can check out the operational page at Downtown for a full break down of frequencies for your particular area!

This is fantastic news for country and gospel music fans in Northern Ireland. Hopefully even more people will be tuning in to hear the wonderful message that southern gospel contains, maybe even a slightly different audience will get to hear more about southern gospel and help it grow in popularity.

All the best for this new show Ronnie!

Listen to Downtown Radio.