Southern Gospel View

Update on Musicscribe

2009-03-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

I purposely left my last post at Musicscribe unlinked here at Southern Gospel View, and it appears to have gotten some of the best response of any post I've done thus far. This shows me that my initial worry of people missing my blogs is not a problem.

As of today, I will no longer be funneling my posts from Musicscribe to here. I am going to post a permanent link to Musicscribe from here, and leave my previous posts online for everyone to read, but I will no longer be actively posting on this site.

As stated before, I want to thank everyone who has followed this site thus far, and I invite everyone to join me and the rest of the gang at Musicscribe.

"Something To Say"

2009-03-05T17:36:00.001-08:00

http://www.musicscribe.com/blog/wordpress/?p=1376

A Country Quartet

2009-03-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.musicscribe.com/blog/wordpress/?p=1355

Roger Bennett on SG piano/bass combo

2009-03-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.musicscribe.com/blog/wordpress/?p=1346

Joining forces with Musicscribe

2009-02-26T17:14:00.001-08:00

I am please and excited to announce that I will be joining David Bruce Murray's site, Musicscribe, as a regular contributor. David has been one of my major influences since I first started my own blog two years ago, and I am honored that he would think enough of my site, my writing, and my approach to invite me to join forces with the likes of not only DBM, but also Daniel Britt and Chuck Peters on such a reputable site as Musicscribe.

What does this mean for Southern Gospel View? Well, this site is not going away just yet. As I post on Musicscribe, I will add links to my posts here, and all of my previous posts will remain here for your viewing. I have no immediate plans of shutting down this site, and from time to time, I will post some "exclusives."

I want to thank everyone who has been so kind and supportive of my work since I've started this site. The only goal I ever had when I started posting was to offer my own opinions and viewpoints on an industry that I so dearly love in hopes that it would make an impact. I have seen this goal accomplished many times, and with the "merger" with Musicscribe, it is my hope that that impact will continue to grow.

I invite everyone who visits this site to join David, Daniel, Chuck, and myself over at Musicscribe as the site continues to grow. And don't worry, I'll still be floating around here as always!!

Perrys update

2009-02-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

In what could possibly be the shortest trial period, Troy Peach has been named the new baritone singer for the Perrys. Troy had been a sound engineer previously, and occasionally shared the stage, most notably during Nick's matrimonial absence last winter.

Nick Trammell leaves Perrys

2009-02-23T14:16:00.001-08:00

I can't say that I am entirely surprised to hear that Nick Trammell is departing the Perrys. With his recent marriage to Jessica Brown, I figured it'd only be a matter of time. Not that I blame him; I just expect to hear in the near future that he will be joining The Browns. I could be wrong, but one just has to wonder....

Eat your heart out, SandyPatti

2009-02-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION QUARTETS....if you have the time and funds to teach this gentleman English, I would suggest you call him and hire him IMMEDIATELY on tenor!!

It happens to the best (?!) of us

2009-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know we all get a lot of material from the infamous Kurt Young clip, but to take the spotlight off of him a little, here's another example of "vocal misfiring" (and for the record, I'm not talking about the EXTREMELY nasal performance....even Doug would have to admit that this makes Archie sound like David Phelps!!).

Your first OFFICIAL look at the new GVB in action....

2009-02-19T21:13:00.001-08:00

Gaither Studios has posted the first official clip of the Gaither Vocal Band in action with all five members. I must say, I am definitely intrigued!! My favorite part, so far, is hearing Mike singing the solo towards the end of "Let Freedom Ring." I like the sound!!

Anyway, here it is!!

Progress is (slowly) being made

2009-02-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

For the four or five of you who are interested, I think I've finally nailed down the songs for my new solo project (my first in three years). As always, it's subject to change (since I have a tendancy to find new songs while I'm recording, or more often than not, realize that I simply can't do certain songs justice!), so I'm gonna wait to post the song list for now, but rest assured, there are gonna be some favorites, as well as some brand new songs from some top-notch writers (and one or two by yours truly....).

As for what I CAN divulge, here are some "official" details that can be made public: it will be released by Wavemakers Media, a Cincinnati-based multimedia company that I have a long-standing relationship with, and the scheduled release date is September, 2009.

I have a photo shoot coming up in the next couple weeks, and once I get the artwork back, I'll pull a "Talley Trio" on everyone and let you help me pick the cover.

Stay tuned....more to come!

Interesting comparison

2009-02-16T03:38:00.000-08:00

In light of the new Oaks DVD coming out, here is a clip of both "Jesus Is Coming Soon" and "I Know," as performed by the Oaks in 1971 at the peak of their gospel popularity, just after they won a Grammy award. The line-up at this time consisted of Willie Wynn, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Noel Fox.

Big changes for N'Harmony

2009-02-15T19:36:00.001-08:00

A fresh press release from Shane Dunlap announces some BIG changes for N'Harmony....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

N'Harmony Announces New Lead Singer
Nashville, TN - N'Harmony is pleased to announce the addition of fan favorite Josh Feemster as the new lead vocalist for the group. "We are honored to have Josh joining us in our ministry", states Shane Dunlap. "He is one of the finest singers in gospel music today and we look forward to working and traveling with him."

With the addition of Josh at the lead position, Shane Dunlap will be assuming the baritone vocalist position. Feemster's first concert with N'Harmony will be held at Temple Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC on Good Friday April 10, 2009.

To learn more about N'Harmony's touring schedule, please visit www.nharmonymusic.com or www.dominionagency.com.

This is a HUGE announcement, considering the number of fans that Josh had built in his relatively short time with Mercy's Mark. It'll also be interesting to see how the arrangements work with essentially two very able lead singers in one group (Josh and Shane). Add the fact that Josh and Brent Mitchell already have singing time together, this seems like a natural fit.

I was anxious to hear this group initially....now I'm full-blown excited!! I can't wait to see this group live.

Dottie Rambo Home Going video now online

2009-02-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

Not sure if this is official or not, but someone has taken the liberty of posting clips from Dottie Rambo's memorial on YouTube. If you'd like to check it out, here is the link.

A week of Oaks stuff

2009-02-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

The new stuff keeps coming for The Oak Ridge Boys....this was posted by Joe Bonsall on the Oaks' message board, and I must say, it's looking quite awesome!! This is for their much-anticipated release, The Boys Are Back, produced by David Cobb. Everyone who has heard this project thus far says that it is definitely unique, taking the Oaks in a brand new direction. I can't wait to hear it!!

Preview of Oaks DVD

2009-02-10T15:30:00.001-08:00

Looks like Gaither has learned the value of YouTube after the hype he built for the GVB Reunion DVD's. And he also likes driving me nuts.....

I will say this....I am SO GLAD he is using The Mighty Oaks Band - Ronnie Fairchild, Donnie Carr, Chris Golden, Jimmy Fulbright, Rex Wiseman, and Jeff Douglas - instead of trax!! There's history just in that band - William Lee Golden's son, Chris, is playing drums, and the Oaks' long-time keyboard player, Ronnie Fairchild, literally grew up in Gospel music, playing with groups like the Blackwoods and the Downings (that, and there's the whole Tommy Fairchild-is-his-daddy thing!).

The DTV issue

2009-02-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

David Bruce Murray seems to be quite irritated, er, interested in the upcoming DTV switch. The latest news it that the previous deadline for the final switch, February 17th, has now been extended to June to allow for the lazy people to get their TV fixed for the conversion.

What the ordinance really states is that TV stations must cease analog transmissions by a certain date, since the frequencies that they broadcast on are being reassigned to other users (such as cell phones). What the ordinance does NOT state, however, is that TV stations must continue an analog broadcast up to that date.

I personally think that stations that are ready to make the switch should just go ahead and do it. Once the people who are dragging their feet see that they can no longer find out if the 15th guy tested is the father on Maury, they'll be the first ones in line to get their converter boxes. If they don't have an incentive, they won't make the switch!!

An interesting flea market find....

2009-02-08T23:33:00.000-08:00

Digging through a record basket at the flea market today, I came cross an interesting LP - trio by the name of Couriers Unlimited. Astute historians will remember that this is the group that Mike English sang with briefly in 1984 after the Goodmans officially disbanded and before rejoining the Singing Americans.

This particular album includes English, along with Ray Boling and Steve Wilson as members. Research says that he was only with this group for six months, so I'm guessing this is the only album that he was a part of. There is no copyright date, but the fashion on the cover just SCREAMS early 80's (pastel suit jackets, and those KILLER suspenders!!), and there's no label associated with the record, so this is apparently an independent/custom release.

This self-titled project includes the following songs:

He Will Meet My Needs
The Army Of The Lord
If All I Know Is Love
Now that I Know Your Love
You Can't Stand On Promises
Build The House
What I Believe
Let The Whole World Sing
Have You Died

Once I get a chance to listen to it, I'll post a review, and later today, I'll post the cover pic for ya (although, some quick searches on Google will turn up a picture of it as well).

And the Grammy goes to....

2009-02-08T22:49:00.000-08:00

....the Gaither Vocal Band for Lovin' Life. This is slightly surprising to me, considering some of the reaction to the album. Fans seem almost split on the project; some love it, while other hate it, and I've yet to find an in-between crowd. Apparently, the RIAA comes down on the "love it" side.

WHOO HOO!!!

2009-02-08T22:07:00.001-08:00

April 21 is the official date, according to EMI-CMG's website....

You can bet your sweet what-have-you that I'll be banging on the doors when this is released! Here is the playlist....

1. Jesus Is Coming Soon
2. I Know
3. Didn't It Rain
4. Thank God For Kids
5. Elvira
6. The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor
7. Jesus Is The Man For The Hour
8. Because He Lives
9. Did I Make A Difference
10. Jonah, Job And Moses
11. An American Family
12. Closer To Home
13. I'm Gonna Live With Jesus
14. Loving God, Loving Each Other
15. Where The Soul Never Dies
16. Have A Little Talk With Jesus
17. Hold To God's Unchanging Hand

Interview with Steve Ladd

2009-02-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

For nearly 3 decades, Gold City has been at the forefront of Gospel music, both in quality and innovation. While they, like any group, has endured changes over the years, their commitment to quality and class has not wavered.

Gold City is also one of my all-time favorite groups. While I have followed them since childhood and have been enjoyed each line up, for me, today's incarnation of the group is by far my favorite.

So you can imagine my excitement when tenor singer Steve Ladd agreed to an interview for Southern Gospel View! While I've been blessed to be able to interview several industry leaders, I admit that the fan boy in me came out when I got to conduct this particular interview.

So without further ado, here is an interview with Gold City tenor singer, Steve Ladd....

What was your first exposure to gospel music?

My father is an evangelist, and my family (The Ladd Family) sang all the music for his revivals. We used to go to the concerts at Dayton Memorial Hall in Dayton, Ohio. That is where I first heard Gold City. I sang with my family until about a year and a half before I joined The Anchormen.

When did you realize that you wanted to be a gospel singer?
I knew at about 9 years old that I wanted to sing gospel music for the rest of my life. I credit my mother and father for instilling the love of gospel music in me.

What was your first gospel music "gig"?
I traveled with a local group in North Carolina for about 6 months when I got a call to audition with the Anchormen. I went one night and tried out and was hired that same night.

You spent quite a few years with the Anchormen. How would you describe your time with them?
I spent 8 years being an Anchorman, and that is where I learned to be a quartet man. I learned what life is on the road, and it prepared me for being with Gold City. I have so many great memories with them and made lifelong friends. I wouldn't trade my time with the Anchormen for anything.

When word first came out that Jay Parrack was leaving Gold City, who approached who about you singing tenor? Did you immediately jump at the opportunity, or did they come to you?
When I heard that Jay would be leaving the group, I immediately called Beckie Simmons and told her I wanted to call Tim Riley. They didn't approach me; I made the first call. I had always wanted to be with Gold City.

When I was a kid I would play their music and dream about singing tenor for them. It was a no-brainer, I WANTED THAT JOB!! haha

Obviously, following such a well-known singer as Jay must've been nerve-racking. Did you have any apprehensions about filling his spot?
Jay was (and is) very popular and a great tenor singer! I knew it would take some time to win over his fans....and I still haven't. I guess it was more nerve racking to think of the legacy of the group and to be a part of that tradition while having my own identity. To think that in 28 years, there have only been 3 tenors - Brian Free, Jay Parrack, and me Steve Ladd! That is a lot to live up to!!

With the last two albums, it seems that Gold City has been expanding their horizons musically. Is this a conscious effort by the group, or is it just a natural progression?
I guess its a natural progression. Each version of Gold City has always had their own sound. They have always (in my opinion) been ahead of the game in their style. Listen to Pillars Of Faith - totally different than any other quartet sound of that era. Then with Jay, Jonathon, Mark, and Tim, they had their own style that was different than the years before. We knew with the vocal talent that's in the group now we could pull off this sound. We wanted to have our own sound and yet still be true to the legacy of Gold City.

One song that seems to be getting a lot of response from Moment Of Truth (that really gives you a great feature) is "When Jesus Saves." Who found the song, and what was the reaction initially from the group?
"When Jesus Saves" is a great song. I had so much fun recording it. Danny, along with our producer, Michael Sykes, and Ken Harding first heard the song and Danny brought it to me. He knows I am a closet rocker!! I love the 80s style rock and we wanted to kind of bring that style to this song. Danny said, "Go for it," and I ran with it. Everyone was pleased with how it turned out. We get requests for it from all ages.

What's your favorite song from the new album?
I love every song on this album! This is the first time I can truly say that. My favorite would have to be "When Jesus Saves."

Recently, fans have been treated to a lot more of Gold City "classics" on stage, such as "In My Robe Of White," "John Saw," and "One Scarred Hand." What's your favorite GC "classic"?
My favorite G.C. classic that we currently sing is "In My Robe of White."

Being a tenor singer, I'm sure your voice gets quite a work out each night. Is there anything in particular you do to ensure that your voice stays strong?
I warm my voice up before every performance (very important!). It kind of gets on all the guys nerves but it works. I drink a lot of water. When you sing, you can tell if its there or not, so if I'm having an "off" night, I just try to take it easy and take the low road.

In three words or less, describe the other members of Gold City....

3 words? Well... Friends, Crazy, Great singers/musicians

If you could do anything other than sing gospel music, what would you do?

Not sure what I would be doing. I had no other goal in my life growing up other than to sing.

What have been some of the highlights of your career?
Being with G.C. is definitely a highlight. Singing at the Grand Ole Opry was awesome! Singing "Preach the Word" for Jerry Falwell a few months before his passing is something that I will never forget!

Any hidden talents?
I play the bass guitar and a little harmonica.

And the million dollar question: Is Daniely Riley easy to work with?
No!! He is very hard to travel with and to work for!!!!! (just kidding!) Danny is so easy to work for. He is a great guy and a great singer. I only have good things to say about Danny.

Readers can check out Gold City online at http://www.goldcityqt.com/. Thanks, Steve, for taking the time for this interview!!

The battle was still raging....

2009-02-01T21:15:00.001-08:00

In light of the current GVB line up, this was just TOO FUNNY to pass up!!! Kudos to the creator of this video.

Cathedrals Tribute project on hold

2009-01-28T15:59:00.000-08:00

According to Ernie Haase, the planned Cathedrals tribute project by Signature Sound has been put on hold for the time being. Ernie explains the whole situation here.

Happy Birthday, Dad

2009-01-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

The single biggest influence on my passion for southern gospel music is my dad, James. Growing up, Dad had a stack of gospel records that he would play at home. He would copy them to cassette to listen to in the car, as well, which meant that many road trips were spent listening to Dale Shelnut belting out "In The Prayer Room" or Archie Watkins singing, "When I wake uuuuuuuuup.....to sleep no more."

Over the years, what began as something to listen to on long rides became more of an interest, then a passion, and the entire time, Dad was there to encourage me. Whether it be teaching me parts, giving suggestions on recordings, or driving me to gigs, he's always been a helping hand. He's never had any real experience in gospel music himself (save for a church group he sang and played with); but he does what he can to help me along.

Today, January 28th, marks his 66th birthday. I just want to take a minute to wish him a Happy Birthday and thank him for all of his support.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!

More changes

2009-01-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

According to SoGospelNews.com, Jeff Snyder, who most recently sang with Mike and Kelly Bowling, is now a member of another family group, the Greenes. This would explain why Mike and Kelly are holding open auditions for a new singer, but this leaves me confused; unless I've been completely oblivious over the last year or so (which is entirely possible!), hasn't Paul Lancaster been singing with the Greenes (part of the reason that Everyday Driven disbanded)? What is Paul doing now?