The House of Vic-Ryn To Host an intimate evening with The Ball Brothers

On Friday 27th May, The House of Vic-Ryn will be the host venue for an intimate evening with the Ball Brothers. For just £35pp you will enjoy a two course evening meal, a donation to “Friends of the Cancer Centre” and a ticket to see the Ball Brothers perform in a full concert the following Tuesday 31st May at the Armagh City Hotel.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy great food and to be entertained by some of the most talented vocalists in Southern Gospel. Tickets are available from The House of Vic-Ryn, Moira Road Lisburn from Wednesday 4th May.

The Ball Brothers have a youthful presence coupled with an incredible grasp of harmony that has established them firmly amongst Gospel Music’s top names and has propelled them to new heights. This included an opportunity to open for the Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning quartet Ernie Haase & Signature Sound on on their 2006 summer tour across America.

In addition to the “Intimate Evening at The House of Vic-Ryn”, the Ball Brothers are also staging three other concerts across Northern Ireland.

• Thursday 26th May at Glenmachan Church of God, Belfast
• Saturday 28th May at Ballymoney Elim
•  Tuesday 31st May at the Armagh City Hotel.

All concerts start at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at just £12. For more information on this event and the other Ball Brothers dates and the opportunity to buy tickets, click on the “Ball Brothers Irish Tour” tab at the  top of the blog.

Ball Brothers Coming To Northern Ireland!

Ball Brothers Irish Tour

May 2011 will see another chapter written in the rich legacy that Northern Ireland is fast creating in terms of live  Southern Gospel music. The Ball Brothers are coming to Northern Ireland for a first ever Irish tour to spread the message they believe and live out. You can read more about the Ball Brothers here.

The Ball Brothers first caught my attention thanks to an appearance on the Ernie Haase & Signature Sound DVD, “Get Away Jordan“. They walked on stage, a trio at that stage, and sang “I Sing the Mighty Power of God“. For such a young group they had an incredible grasp of delicate harmony and Ernie Haase had thought the same, putting them on their 2006 summer tour.

The Ball Brothers are planning to sing at two concerts in Northern Ireland, Glenmachan Church of God and the Armagh City Hotel. Both shows promise to be exciting and delivered in the unique Ball Brothers style.  Tickets (£12) available from Faith Mission Bookshops and Ards Evangelical Bookshop. You can also purchase tickets, online at www.glenmachan.org and www.cormontmusic.com

 

A little bit of what you can expect from a Ball Brothers Concert:

 

The video that first brought my attention to the beautiful harmonies of the Ball Brothers.

 

 

For more information you can email: solidgroundministry@gmail.com

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.

Local Artist Spotlight – Downtown Radio – Gospel Time With Ronnie Morrison

 

 

Foreign Market Radio Station Of The Year (2006) - Gospel Time

I thought it would be interesting for readers across the world to know a little about the availability of Southern Gospel on local radio here in Northern Ireland.

The primary source for Southern Gospel music in Northern Ireland is found on Downtown Radio (FM – 103.1, Online, DAB) on a Sunday Morning, between 9:00AM and 10:30AM (GMT). The host is Ronnie Morrison, a name which has become famous, not just in Northern Ireland, but throughout the UK and further afield.

Ronnie Morrison has recorded several albums and sings in a popular regional group named “The Harvesters”. They have sung at many concerts in Northern Ireland and at the Gospel Music Convention in Fraserburgh, Scotland. Ronnie was also responsible for hosting three concerts with the Isaacs, back in 2008. You can learn more about Ronnie Morrison from his biography on the Downtown Radio website.

Ronnie Morrison helps to bring the biggest names in the Southern Gospel world to the airwaves of Northern Ireland. The show, however, is not confined to just the Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, etc. You can expect to hear anything from, The Perrys, The Fair Haven Quartet, Allison Speer, Kingdom Heirs and most others in between. Every single style within Southern Gospel is represented!

Gospel Time With Ronnie Morrison  serves as a great platform for local artists, such as Revelation and many more. Gospel Time also has the added advantage of being a brilliant, central place to raise awareness for upcoming gospel concerts and events happening within Northern Ireland. Very often when an artist is coming to Northern Ireland, Ronnie Morrison has interviews with them. Ronnie has conducted interviews with Bill Gaither, Gold City, Legacy Five, Jeff & Sherri Easter, The Hoppers and many, many more. This allows Northern Irish audiences to gain a perspective of the people behind the songs.

One of things I enjoy the most about Gospel Time is the fact that thousands and thousands of people could be listening to life – changing music. One of my favourite songs, “I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary”, for example, was played one Sunday. As I was driving in to church and listening to those incredible lyrics, it hit me. This is not just being heard by Phil Boles. This is listened to by many, many people, not just me. The gospel message is freely broadcast throughout Northern Ireland and it is married to a unique and uplifting style, directly into people’s homes and lives.

So, if you are free on Sunday mornings, driving to church or just looking for the best music to listen to, tune in to Downtown Radio and enjoy Gospel Time! (Sunday 9:00 – 10:30AM)

Concert Review – Revelation – Across The Lands

Saturday 23rd October 2010 saw the launch of “Across The Lands”, a brand new project for Revelation under the Crossroads Music label.

The pressure must have been immense on Revelation before they took the stage, anticipation had been building over a period of months since the announcement was made that Revelation would be travelling across to the USA to record a new project, with Jeff Collins producing.

The start of the concert was delayed by fifteen or twenty minutes as the organisers had to put in more seats and try to accommodate the many people who turned out to support Revelation on their big night. Eventually the show got under way and after a brief opening act by local radio DJ Martin Moore, Revelation hit the stage and opened up with a splendid a cappella rendition of Happy Birthday for one audience member. After that they sang a mid tempo version of, “I Will Sing The Wondrous Story”. The harmony was smooth and really whetted the appetite for what was ahead.

The title track of the album came next, “Across The Lands”. Thomas set up the song by briefly explaining how the opportunity came about to work with Crossroads and what a joy and privilege it had been. Lead singer  David Strange featured on, “Across The Lands” and did a stellar job communicating the lyric and tone of the song. “The Greatest Wonder” was up next and baritone Andy Calderwood delivered the song with confidence and with a great voice.  ”Hear The Call of The Kingdom”, “Be Thou My Vision” were up next and both these songs went down well with the audience, the celtic roots evident in the tracks, which added a touch of originality, in my opinion!

The most enthusiastically received performance of the night came in the form of, “Days of Elijah”. This performance had an added twist, the daughter of lead singer David Strange and tenor, Thomas McCalmont’s two sons came on stage to have a go at singing. With a little vocal back up from the senior Revelation trio, the junior line-up did admirably well, capturing many hearts with a youthful enthusiasm!

The most tender moment of the night came in the form of a duet between David and Zara-Jayne Strange, singing, “Kisses & Hugs”. It was a lovely moment, very special as the it reflects the love that these parents have for their children.

Before the intermission there was one more song, a wonderfully a cappella rendition of “There is a Fountain”. The harmony is one thing when singing along with a track, but when all the music is stripped away it allows the vocals to be clearly heard. The vocals were incredible! Revelation have a really tight blend, as possessed by many of the industry’s top trios.

After intermission Revelation performed one of my favourite cuts on the new project, “See Ya Over There”. This song is stylistically reminiscent of  Paid In Full. I love a good, up tempo, feel good song and this one hit the mark!

Thomas shared about the process of recording with Crossroads, from the very start of the journey until that very night. The Gaither Vocal Band song, “Beyond The Open Door” was a song that just collated all the thoughts and prayers of the group as they felt God guiding and leading. This song has many great lyrics and i enjoyed Thomas getting up high on different parts of the song.

George Strange, David’s Brother, then took the stage to sing bass with Revelation on the classic, “I Can’t Even Walk”. What a voice George has, it is rich and full and he sure was able to get down good and low. Not only a good vocalist, but a great communicator as well. This was one of the most well received songs of the evening, Northern Ireland loves bass singers!

David and Tom then swapped parts on, “I’m Telling The World About His Love”. This added a little variety to the arrangement and demonstrated the vocal flexibilities of the group. David mentioned that one night whilst practicing they swapped parts and decided to try it on the CD launch night. One thing to try it at home, another to pull it off live and in front of an audience!

Thomas featured next with the Dottie Rambo classic, “He Looked Beyond My Faults”. Thomas has a great tone to his voice and he was floating on some of the higher notes, one of my personal favourites from the concert. This song has a special resonance with Northern Ireland, the tune used for this song is the “Londonderry Air”.

“He Never Changes” was a song i was not familiar with, however I think this song will be played a great deal on my iPod over the coming weeks. The lyrical content is simple, yet they have a depth that really settles deep in your heart, couple this together with great harmony and its a simply brilliant live performance.

After this performance, David started off an impromptu rendition of “Through It All”, inviting the audience to sing along, it was a beautiful, spirit filled moment and the crowd enjoyed the opportunity to sing.

The final musically accompanied track of the night was, “See What A Morning”. A great concert ending song, that has victory as its theme and really paints a stirring picture for the believer and sinner alike. I love the reprise  that Revelation have incorporated into the track, it just makes it for me!

Rounding out the evening was a beautiful version of Beulah Land, a cappella and with a little help from the audience. Vocally it was excellent, another stand out moment for me.

Overall, it was easily one of the most spirit filled concerts I have attended. From a purely musical perspective, Revelation have a special blend, I urge anyone who enjoys trio harmony or just harmony sung well, to purchase the new CD, “Across The Lands”.

One of the most special aspects about Revelation is that fact that they have just been themselves throughout the process of making a new record. Yes they have stylings and influences from the Southern Gospel world, (Greater Vision, Paid In Full etc) but they didn’t set out just to cover existing songs, just like the original recordings. Revelation have taken on songs with a twist and that alone sets them apart for me.

You can purchase “Across The Lands” here.

 

Upcoming Concert Review – Revelation – Across The Lands

Tomorrow night I have the wonderful opportunity to see one of Northern Ireland’s premier Southern Gospel groups live in concert. Revelation are releasing their new project, “Across The Lands” tomorrow night at 2nd Broughshane Pres. Church Hall. The concert starts at around 7:30 and I would urge anyone in the area, or in Northern Ireland to try and attend.

From the Facebook page of the group, “This is our debut project under the Crossroads Music Group, NC (USA). Tickets £7 and children under 11, free… available from www.harmonyrecords.co.uk, or from Revelation direct on 028 93366549 or 028 25862830 and from Ballymena and Portadown Faith Mission bookshops and Bethel bookshop, Magherafelt. Love to see you all there!!!”

I’m looking forward to attending, if you see me there, feel free to have a chat!

Concert Review: Guy Penrod

On Thursday 12th August, in the beautiful venue of Glenmachan Church of God, Belfast, I had the privilege to experience a very different concert experience. I had looked forward to seeing Guy Penrod in a solo context for a long time. Ever since Guy departed the Gaither Vocal Band, I was interested to see what direction he would take. Soon after his departure news filtered through that his debut album, “Breathe Deep“, was in the works and the finished project was a blend of country and southern gospel sounds with great lyrics.

Kicking of the concert was a local group from Northern Ireland, “Simple Faith”. They sang about five songs, mainly covers of popular southern gospel songs. Simple Faith have been going for about 6 years and they are about to release their 4th album on the 28th August 2010. More information can be found here.

After a brief intermission, it was time for Guy Penrod to take to the stage. He started off the show with a Gaither Vocal Band classic, “Yes I Know”. A great way to start of the show and it really set the tone for the evening. Next came the more up tempo, “He’s Watching Me”. Guy held out the last note of this song for a long, long time garnering a very enthusiastic response from the crowd!

Guy mentioned that one of the main reasons why he changed direction and left the Vocal Band was that he wanted to share with people what he had on his heart. Guy talked and shared about nearly everything you could imagine. The importance of family and how couples should stick together and just keep working at relationships. Forgiving people and moving on, praying about everything and how we have a past, but more importantly we all have a future, in Christ. As many of you know, Guy’s father was a preacher and this has clearly been passed on to Guy himself. He really can communicate effectively with his audience. Their was a word for everyone, young and old and best of all, after he had talked for a bit, he underlined it with a song. What a way to get a message across!

Guy closed out the show with what we thought was his last song, “The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference” and it absolutely brought the house down, he received a standing ovation. Once the applause had died down the Pastor of Glenmachan got up and thanked Guy and wished everybody a safe journey home when we all heard Guy say, “I forgot to sing “Because He Lives!”", Guy then asked the local group, “Simple Faith” to come up and sing with him on his last song of the night. Again the song received a standing ovation halfway through and people just stayed on their feet!

Afterwards Guy came out to the product table and most people stayed for a quick word and a photograph. It is easy to see why Guy is so popular with people. He is simply the most genuine and sincere person I have met in a long time. Guy took time with everybody and launched into a full scale conversation with people.

When will you be back Guy? Northern Ireland can’t wait!

Update: Photos from Joanne Catterson via Facebook

Northern Ireland Trio Sign With Crossroads Music

A few weeks ago I posted about the Northern Irish Trio, Revelation, that are supporting David Phelps on his UK tour coming up in June. I thought supporting David Phelps was a big enough achievement, until yesterdays announcement!

They recently announced that they are signing with the  Crossroads Music label based in the USA. Crossroads is home to major southern gospel artists and groups such as Karen Peck and New River, Talley Trio and the Kingdom Heirs. Revelation are the first european group to sign with a major recording label, such as Crossroads. They plan to record their first album with Crossroads in North Carolina in August of this year.

This is very exciting news for the development of southern gospel in Northern Ireland and in the USA. Revelation are a ministry orientated group and this latest development will allow them to reach more and more people with their message.

From the Facebook Fan page:

Revelation are delighted to announce “signing” with USA Recording Company Crossroads Music, North Carolina, Home to Karen Peck and New River, The Talley Trio, The Kingsmen etc etc!!! The guys plan to record their first album with Crossroads in the Summer!!! Keep them in your prayers!!! Blessings!!

Revelation Ministry website can found here.

Song Profile: There is a Fountain

Recently I have been drawn to the song, “There is a Fountain”. I have sung this song many times in churches and it easy to let the lyrics just float past. I truly stopped to consider the lyrics the other day and they are truly amazing. What amazed me more is the story behind the lyrics. Like many hymns of the ages, there is often a story behind the music. A moment of inspiration has often been behind a song, conversely there have often been times of tragedy and sorrow that have inspired many stellar hymns.

There is a Fountain was penned by William Cowper who was born on the  26th November 1731 and passed away on the 25th April 1800.  He is regarded as one of the most popular poets of his generation and in many ways he is credited with being a forerunner of the  Romantic poetry genre.

Most interesting to me was the fact that Cowper suffered from manic depression and often felt that he was doomed to eternal damnation and hell. Cowper often doubted his spiritual reality and assurance of salvation. This is what inspired him to write such epic hymns and poems.

There is a Fountain was written after Cowper’s first bout of depression. The factors that led to his first bout of depression are thought to have been a combination of guilt and worry about past sin in his life.  Cowper had been promised a post as Clerk of the Journal to the House of Lords (Similar to the US Senate), but was dismayed up on learning he would have to under go a public examination in the House before beginning his duties.  This led to several suicide attempts. The following article from the North American Review, January, 1834,  shows how God prevented him from killing himself:

…but on waking at three in the morning, he took his penknife and lay with his weight upon it, the point toward his heart. It was broken and would not penetrate. At day break he arose, and passing a strong garter around his neck, fastened it to the frame of his bed: this gave way with his weight, but on securing it to the door, he was more successful, and remained suspended till he had lost all consciousness of existence. After a time the garter broke and he fell to the floor, so that his life was saved.

What a story! God clearly spared this man and allowed him to write a song that really does speak of what the Blood of Christ can do for everyone and anyone that calls upon the name of Jesus.

Many Southern Gospel artists have covered this hymn and my favourite version of this song is by a Northern Irish artist, Paul Irwin.  I reviewed his latest CD, “Forgive Me”, a few months back and this song was on the project. Be sure to let me know what you think of the song! You can learn more about Paul Irwin at his website, here.

There is a Fountain – Paul Irwin

Lyrics:

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

Northern Ireland Trio To Support David Phelps In Concert

David Phelps is embarking on a solo tour this summer, covering Europe and in particular interest to me, the UK. David Phelps will sing in Belfast on the 10th June and I am looking forward to this event. It is being staged in the Ulster Hall, which is a fantastic venue, the acoustics should be fabulous.

Lately I learned that a southern gospel style trio based in Northern Ireland, will be the support group for the UK segment of the tour. (Belfast 10th, Glasgow 12th, London 13th June) The group are called Revelation and they have three projects out at the moment. They are a great group to hear live and this is reflected by the opportunity to take part in a David Phelps concert.  It is a fabulous opportunity for a NI trio to perform in the same concerts as David Phelps. It will hopefully result in more people knowing about Revelation and what they stand for. Revelation have the aim of, “through song and testimony is to see many precious souls won for Christ before the great and imminent day of his return”

The Love of God – Revelation

Tickets for any UK David Phelps concert can be purchased here.

Revelation Website – www.revelationministry.co.uk