Can weekends be overrated?

One of my very dearest friends in this world has declared that weekends "...can never be overrated!"

As wonderful a person as this friend is, and for as much as she can teach me about enjoying life properly(and still does daily), I thought I'd turn her declaration into a question and examine it a little closer.

You see, there has become a whole subculture in our society that tends to view the weekend as an inherent refuge from the drudgery of a 9-to-5 world, and the workweek as an all-too-necessary drain upon a life we would otherwise be enjoying to the fullest!

If you think that is a bit of a stretch, perhaps it is....slightly. But how often do we meet people on a Monday, ask how they are, and get an answer like, "Well, what can I say, it's Monday!"...as if the first day of the workweek is inherently a drag, and not to be thankful for or appreciated?

Feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken, but where is it written...or evident in the day itself...which statistically is just as likely to be as sunny and nice as any other day of the week...that Mondays by virtue of their position on our calendars are inherently cursed?

The answer is...of course Monday can be as nice as any other day of the week if we allow it to be...after all, the people we work with and our job are the same as they are the rest of the week...and the weather can be just as nice...I know of no "Monday weather disasters" that have affected the earth to date. In short, there is no significant difference between Monday and any other day on our calendar in reality! It's in our minds...and we people who put our trust in the Creator of this Monday-filled world know that our Mondays can be as great as the rest of our days if we allow Him to be Lord over them.

And what's with the saying "T.G.I.F."? Are we saying that simply because Fridays are the end of our workweeks that somehow they are inherently "better" than the rest of our hopelessly drab workweeks? (For those that say "yes" to that, explain what the big deal is about Friday the 13th then...go ahead, I'll wait.)

After all, it's still the same job with the same tasks that we do all week...and we have to come BACK to it in two more days...how then is Friday that much of a liberating factor? And what entitles us to automatically feel better because of what it says on the calendar about today? Statistically, calamities are just as likely to occur on Friday as they are on any other day of the week.

Of course, the answer is obvious. Fridays are no better or worse than Mondays in God's domain.

Which leads us to the weekends. Now most of the world does most of its' work on the Monday-Friday cycle, using Saturdays and Sundays to rest, relax, worship, or otherwise "take a break" from work for a couple of days. And doctors agree that such rest is essential for a healthy lifestyle. I don't have a problem with any of that in any way.

But we all are still alive and functioning all seven days of a week. And there are many who need to be working on the weekends so that our world can function as it is intended to. People like...oh, doctors, nurses, law enforcement officials, truck drivers, recreational workers, media people(well, I can't leave myself out of this completely, can I?:-)...and most of all, parents(ESPECIALLY mothers!)...parents NEVER get time off, formal lunch breaks, vacations, or anything!

But the people who do get a break from work on the weekends like to use the extra time to take in some of the wonderful sights of this world, and the many beautiful things in it...and I salute them for doing so. I'd do it more myself if I could(yes, and I know it's a choice I make to have a job in which I work on the weekends!)!

But let me ask, is Yosemite or Yellowstone or Mt. Rainier or any other natural wonder more attractive on Saturday and Sunday than it is, say, Monday or Tuesday? Is there less litter or noise or air pollution on the weekends than during the work week? Did God create those days to be superior to the others, or have we made them what they are to us by the choices WE make as a society to elevate "the weekend" into a special societal status? I think you can already answer this question without me having to do it for you.

One final example...I had the time of my life on June 18th, a Friday, when I watched my friends Dave, Duane, and Neil sing here in Fresno. I even had quality fellowship time with these three men, my friends. To me, there is NOTHING that can be enjoyed more than fellowship with brothers in Christ whom I admire greatly. Now others might enjoy seeing a beautiful coastline more, or a field in bloom...nothing wrong with that. But can a better time than I had be had? No!

I was doing what I enjoy more than anything in the world. Now, it was on a Friday...some might say because it was the evening, it was already part of the weekend. But that didn't matter one bit to me...I would have enjoyed that time as much if it had been on a Tuesday or a Wednesday as I did on that Friday.

Conclusion: We get out of life what we put into it...when we put it in...whether it's on a Monday, a Friday, a Saturday, or a Sunday.

The weekend has no binding authority on our joy or happiness...it is our relationship to God, and how we allow Him to be Lord of our lives, that matters most.

I love Him, and I love my friends...I'm a happy man...more to the point, I am content. I am no martyr with a chip on my shoulder because I don't get to do what other people do on Saturdays or Sundays.

I am His...and He is mine. Amen.

Psalm 23:1

Gospel music heroes we need to talk more about

As you saw in an earlier installment on this little corner of the web, I had a great time watching my friends Dave, Duane, and Neil sing here in Fresno this past June 18th.

And that is not surprising...for I have sung their praises numerous times here, almost to the point that even THEY might be sick of reading and hearing it!

For to me, the original Couriers are true gospel music heroes...they were(and remain)excellent musically, they approach their craft with purpose and dedication, and they are truly committed to the cause about which they sing!

In short, they're everything I think a gospel singer should be...and in addition, have become among my dearest personal friends in recent years, which to me is even more important than how well they sing!

OK, John, you might say...I'M sick of always reading about the Couriers here, too. Is there ANYBODY else that sings gospel music that is a hero of yours?

Well, since you asked...

Most people who know me well know that I first came to love gospel music through the work of such superlative bass singers such as London Parris(my all-time favorite gospel singer), JD Sumner, :Big Chief" Wetherington, Jay Simmons, Bill Lyles, and Paul Downing. As a youngster in California growing up, I always wanted to sing like those guys...and later, when I got to see and meet a couple of them, I wanted to BE like them, too.

Now the more I learned about them, the more I learned that they were a lot more like me than I cared to admit...nice people, and super-talented artists, but still flawed human beings in need of a Savior, just like I was, and just like they sang about in their music.

Well, in time, I found that Savior that all those men pointed me to...and I learned to appreciate the fact that those guys did, too...and I had a fuller, more mature and complete picture of my gospel music heroes.

And I learned to, as my good friend Neil Enloe wrote in a song of his, "choose my heroes carefully."

And I still do...and that is why guys like the original Couriers remain gospel music(and personal)heroes of mine.

But there's a man I want to talk about here who has become a new gospel music hero of mine, and he has become that in the past few months.

And the majority of you will probably never hear of Jerry Saylor, or see him sing....but in the same way that JD, London, and the Big Chief are gospel music heroes, Jerry is certainly one of them.

Who is Jerry Saylor?

He's a Fresno resident who has sung the bass part with Wilbur Daniels' Chordsmen Quartet, who headline the monthly Friday Night Sings here in Fresno, and who sang on the June program with Dave, Duane, and Neil. And he is neither the lowest nor the most polished bass singer you'll hear, but he really is a gospel music hero, in the tradition of men like Aycel Soward, Bobby Strickland, and the Big Chief.

Why are you putting Jerry in that company, John?

For the past few months, Jerry has been battling cancer. He was hospitalized recently before a singing, and was only given a 20% chance of making it out of the hospital, PERIOD. Not just to sing...just to get out! But because Jerry is the kind of man who loves the Lord, and feels called to sing with the Chordsmen before people, and he loves to sing, he got OUT of the hospital...and has not stopped singing. Like a divinely called Energizer bunny, Jerry just keeps going, and going, and going, and going. He refuses to let anything get him down or stop him. In that sense, Jerry is just like the men who put southern-style gospel music on the map...he's going to sing, and that's that!

And Jerry is also a kind, loving man...who never forgets to give a kind word to people, or to pray for anything.

In short, Jerry is the epitome of what a gospel music hero should be...and I never thought he'd be one of mine, but he is. I'm proud of Jerry, and even prouder to know him.

As I said, most of you will probably never meet or hear much about Jerry Saylor. He will probably never sing at the NQC, or rattle a floor like a Tim Riley, or be played over and over again on YouTube.

But he is what gospel music has always been about at its' core....and we should all cherish and be thankful for the Jerry Saylors of this world. There are a lot of them, and one might even be singing in your town.

So choose your heroes carefully...and celebrate them while they're still with us. Sometimes we don't learn about them until it's almost too late...as I nearly did with Jerry Saylor...a man who truly "gives the world a smile" each day!

A solution to a potential international crisis(tongue in cheek)

The disclaimer in the title is for any humor-challenged readers who may think the following post is serious, or that I really believe it should be implemented. Try to go along with me here, folks.

If any of you have been following the World Cup soccer tournament down in South Africa and the plight of the U.S. team, you're aware that possibly one goal they scored early in the tournament was taken away from them due to an incredibly bad call from an official. Today, at the 19:00 mark of the first half of their game with Algeria, another goal was taken away from the U.S., the reason for it in this case being that in the opinion of yet another official from Belgium, the U.S. was offside when the goal was scored.

Now I didn't see the play, but those who were watching the game on television were virtually certain that the U.S. was NOT offside, and that out soccer warriors were "ripped off" again.

So, is there some sort of conspiracy working against the U.S. in this tournament?

I don't tend to believe in conspiracy theories...it's easier for me to accept the idea that an official simply made a mistake than it is to imagine some deep, dark plot to keep a spirited U.S. soccer team from continuing on in what is arguably the most watched sporting event in the world.

But if there IS some resentment against the United States, perhaps the U.S. can circumvent any further officiating controversies by simply giving the sport IT created and loves so much a new name. After all, the non-North American world calls the sport being played in the World Cup "football", and the U.S. game of that name hardly resembles soccer.

Maybe world "football" fans just want the U.S. to "get with the program", and stop calling their game "football", when the rest of the world knows what real football is, and the U.S. game ain't it.

Or, on the other hand, it could just be that European officiating could be the worst in the world...what say you?

Again, just kidding, folks...

Dave, Duane, and Neil-6/18/10, New Covenant Church, Fresno, CA

Before I begin this look at the 6/18 concert at Fresno's New Covenant Church, one small note.

When I was sorting through the myriad thoughts I had about the event, I came out of that process with many more thoughts that I could comfortably express in one posting...therefore, I will center here on the concert itself, and save the additional observations for a follow-up post.

This particular event was a part of Wilbur Daniels' monthly Friday Night Sings in Fresno, an event that is a fixture in the area, and as such is always well attended, perhaps a statement to those who constantly proclaim that southern-style gospel music is dying in terms of popularity. Actually, it is the most popular type of gospel music in this area, and long has been, thanks in no small part to people like Daniels, a longtime veteran of gospel singing in this area.

This month's event was a little out of the norm for the Friday Night Sings, which usually feature a top local or regional artist to head the bill with Daniels' Chordsmen Quartet, long a local favorite. This month's event DID have a top regional group on the program, Santa Cruz's Chosen Vision trio, along with the Chordsmen and local soloist Kearey Lynn Hoppock(known simply as Kearey Lynn), but to add some excitement and interest this month, the internationally famous former Couriers, now singing as Dave, Duane, and Neil, were added to the program some time back, making it of major interest to all Western gospel music fans.

The church was packed to the gills...latecomers may have needed a shoehorn to enter the church and enjoy the proceedings.

And enjoy they did. Chosen Vision, a trio influenced heavily by the Couriers, had a very smooth and well-received set of good songs, good arrangements, and great vocal harmony. Fans in Fresno have been familiar with them for many years, and they did their typical low-key but extremely effective set of music.

The Chordsmen have many fans as well in the Fresno area, and Daniels was in good vocal form, and pianist/vocalist Ken Hurley didn't disappoint in the least, providing solid piano accompaniment as well as a dazzling solo on a patriotic number. Hurley is one of the best kept secrets in gospel music, who would certainly be considered among the genre's top pianists if he had a higher profile.

And Kearey Lynn sang a couple of duets with Daniels and the new Chordsmen tenor singer. She has outstanding vocal equipment who can become quite a name on a regional level at least with a little more seasoning.

But the vast majority of the audience(including your humble blogger)came to see Dave, Duane, and Neil...and they(we)were rewarded with an excellent night of top-notch gospel singing. DD&N have sung together for nearly 30 years of the 55-year history of the Couriers, and there is no substitute for that kind of personal chemistry and professional experience. As they have for the past month or so since the release of a brand new CD("Changing World...Unchanging Christ...Changeless Sound"), they featured several songs from that CD, including the brand new Neil Enloe-penned favorites, "Euroclydon", and "The Next Time I Get Married"(which was especially well-received by the non-PC Fresno crowd).

They also mixed in favorites like "One Nation Over God", "I'm The Lamb", "You Won't Scare God Away", and of course, their all-time standard, "Statue Of Liberty". DD&N had the audience in the palms of their hands all evening, no doubt due in large part to their longtime musical excellence, but also due to the authentic Christian witness which frankly leaps out of them. It's been said of the three that when you hear them sing, it's not so much what you hear, but what you feel...and no doubt the many in attendance felt the touch of God in what they sang ans how they conducted themselves throughout the evening.

For strange as it sounds to say, Dave, Duane, and Neil have that sprcial quality about them, that "it" factor, that distinguishes them from their peers and imitators. Whatever they do, people want to hear it, and feel it. And because the three are completely focused on their task and calling, they deliver "it" more often than not. And the net effect of that is real, convicting gospel music at its' very best...and we all saw it in abundance Friday night in Fresno...again.

Many may wonder how Dave Kyllonen, Duane Nicholson, and Neil Enloe can continue to deliver compelling gospel music night after night, for over five decades. And much like the Christian life itself, it's all based on commitment, dedication, and ability surrendered to God for its' intended purpose. Dave, Duane, and Neil have always been both outstanding musical ministers and outstanding gospel music entertainers...and the proof is in the fact that even though the three men are well into their 70s agewise, they still have "it" whenever they need to.

Characteristically, though, they would never accept the credit for that...instead, they would give it to the God they so faithfully serve...and so will I here.

A couple of other items here...as good as I felt DD&N were, I missed seeing Neil Enloe accompany them on any songs from the piano...not that I had any quibble with the program selection...I just enjoy hearing Neil play. And for the first time in my recent memory, Dave, Duane, and Neil did not begin their program with "I Sing The Mighty Power Of God". Minor stuff, to be sure, but I didn't know where else to say it in this review...so...here it is.

So for once, the monthly Fresno Friday Night Sing featured a gospel music "legend"...and everyone else on the program benefitted from the energy that that artist provided. And although they probably don't intend on making a habit of featuring a big-name artist once in a while, the result of this particular evening was such that they probably wouldn't rule out doing it again.

And I and the rest of the audience wouldn't mind a bit...as long as that big-name artist provides what Dave, Duane, and Neil provided that Friday night in Fresno..

Word gets around

Well, my latest interactive exercise here turned out to be just that, although not exactly in the way I intended it would.

Lest anyone forget, it was in this humble little corner of the web that I posted a quote from JD Sumner's autobiography about songwriters and songwriting. I hoped it would generate discussion here because JD was always someone who shot straight from the hip, and didn't usually mince words when doing so.

In fact, that was one of Sumner's most endearing personal qualities...at least to me. While others in the gospel music business would tend to tiptoe around issues verbally in an attempt to appear tactful or sensitive, JD would just usually say what not only he but others were thinking about a given subject. Now this might not always have appeared as the most kind thing to do, but apparently Sumner was secure enough in himself and what he was saying to take the risk in wounding some toes momentarily to do greater good for all concerned.

It's called "being real", and it's something that's all too rare in this extremely "politically correct" age. But it's at least arguable that by so being, JD was actually being more loving in the Christlike sense than many of his critics....and JD DID have his critics...not that he didn't earn them, for even he conceded in his book that his own example and behavior was not always above reproach.

But whose is. really? Let's see some hands from some of you out there who have earned the right to be a BIT judgmental based on the kind of life you've led.

I thought so....

Anyway, back to my post. I wanted the comments I posted to start a discussion over here among you about JD's point...and a couple of you started it...but one of those, my good friend and aspiring songwriter Daniel Mount, felt that his comments were too long for the confines of this little corner of the web, so he took it to his own blog space, where he developed his thoughts at length there.

Now I am not aware of any space limitations here that would prevent someone from typing a treatise if need be if they needed that much space to express themselves...but Daniel felt he did, so he took it to his own very fine and popular blog and posted his thoughts there. Of course, this started a whole chain of reactions and counter-reactions...the discussion I hoped to have here moved over there!

But that's perfectly OK...because if discussions I start are going to move anywhere else, they might as well go to the positive and constructive atmosphere that Daniel provides in HIS much bigger corner of the web as opposed to most anywhere else. So Daniel kept my flame alive...once again!

And since Daniel's blog is now deservedly the most read gospel music related blog on the web these days, it was only a matter of time that other bloggers of note, such as Nate Stainbrook, Doug Harrison, and David Bruce Murray would weigh in themselves. You're welcome, guys, glad to help increase your traffic, too.

At least Daniel and David acknowledged where it all started...not that I posted anything to attract attention to this little corner of the web, but it's nice to be noticed once in a while. Thanks to you guys...it just shows why I like to visit your corners of the web often as well.

Regardless of where discussions end up, it's always nice to get people talking. It sure beats the alternatives that too many people these days are taking.

But just for the record, all of you reading this can always stop by here anytime you want to contribute input, or to make suggestions for other things to talk about....after all, it's lonely doing all this by yourself.

I'll continue to do my best to be a safe home to express thoughts, and share yourselves. It's NOT all about me in this life...even if it might be my little corner of the web.

Post review thoughts

Once again, one simple(however hasty and mistake-ridden)review again is insufficient to fully make my point about a special group of people to me...and many others.

I knew that after writing about the latest(and probably ultimate...literally)album by Dave, Duane, and Neil...a.k.a. the "original" Couriers, I would need to add a postscript to fully summarize the point I tried to make in my original review.

So here it is...and I hope it won't contain as many faux pas as the original review did. And no, Daniel, I'm not trying to beat you to the punch on anything this time.

I don't want to get into any kinds of comparisons between the fellas and any other group or project. Besides being unfair and ill-advised, I want to avoid the scrutiny my good friend Daniel Mount was subjected to when he made a recent comparison between Lari Goss and past great classical music masters.

For even though it's apparent that the old Couriers are my all-time favorite gospel group, I can't(read won't)make the case that they are the most effective gospel group of all time. They're not. Nor did they ever try to be.

The most refreshing thing about the old Couriers(and this new album reflects this point beautifully)is that whether they were emerging out of college as a musically ragged but unquestionably dedicated and sincere gospel quartet, to when they opted to put an orchestra on one of their early albums and thus expand the parameters of both their sound and their audience reach, to when they cut back to a trio and went against the then current gospel music trend to a bigger, more trendy sound and approach, to still later when they set themselves apart from the southern gospel "scene" and became best-selling gospel artists on the strength of their original material and emphasis on a then-new ministry based approach to their calling, and finally to when they retired, came back together, added new people, then retired again, then passed on their "torch" to a new generation, then re-assembled due to God-engineered circumstances, they did what THEY felt led to do at all times. Seemingly oblivious to fads and trends, they went on their own path, blazed their own trails, and at all times, were themselves. The original Couriers showed us all that God could use us all if we were only willing to obey God's call on our lives and trust Him with the results.

Did the Couriers sell more records than any other gospel group? Not by a long shot! Did they make good records? Well, their collective work is still discussed and available today for anyone who wants to sample it. Did the Couriers touch the hearts and lives of gospel music fans? Well, it's a fact that of all the SG History 101 articles written for Southern Gospel News since 2002, whether written by me or by John Crenshaw, the original one I did about the Couriers in 2004 remains to this day the single most commented-upon history article yet written for SGN. That did NOT happen because I wrote such a great article...in fact, I had to nearly beg for permission to write a much better revision five years later! No, that phenomenon occurred because the Couriers have such loyal and devoted fans...fans you don't get unless you reach past their ears all the way into their hearts.

And how, pray tell, did the original Couriers manage to touch so many lives and hearts with their music? Well, to borrow a phrase from Bill Gaither, sometimes it's about more than the music. The Couriers reach you because not only do they make good, uplifting music, but their commitment to their calling is such that they embody the message of their songs. Thus, you come away with the "joy of knowing Jesus"(one of Neil Enloe's most enduring compositions)in your heart and mind, and you, too, become a Couriers' fan.

And are the original Couriers influential? Well, don't just ask me...ask people on today's gospel music scene like Mark Trammell...ANY of the Booth Brothers...Dean Hopper...Duane Allen...Clayton Inman...any member of the Liberty Quartet...etc....etc...etc...and so on. They'll ALL tell you they loved, admired, and modeled themselves to one degree or another on the Couriers.

One more point. When Dave, Duane, and Neil recorded "One Nation Over God" in 2004(to signify their return to active touring), they used Lari Goss to help make that album special. And indeed, the patented Goss touch made that album special and memorable. Probably the best version they ever recorded of "Statue Of Liberty" was featured on that album. And currently, the celebrated(and rightly so)Booth Brothers have released a new album just recently with the services of Goss, and it is being received with rave reviews(as it ought to be). But is it really a better album than "Changing World...Unchanging Christ...Changeless Sound"?

I would say "no"...and by so saying, I'm not arguing that the reverse is the case...I'm merely contending that both albums are special in their own way. The Booths take their excellent musicianship, their great harmony, their dynamic energy, and their commitment to their calling and craft, and made an album that represents them at their best at this very moment of time(and which, incidentally, contains a fine Neil Enloe-penned song, "Absolute Grace"). And similarly, Dave, Duane, and Neil take their considerable experience, their own well-crafted harmony, and the always strong songwriting and arranging of Enloe, and made a brand new recording that presents them at their best at this very moment of time as well...and most important, presents them as they are, for better or worse, RIGHT NOW. I expect both groups to touch many lives and hearts with these fine recordings.

One thing's for sure...DD&N touched my mind and heart...again...with this new album. And since they've had a habit of so doing, both as artists, and as people, for many years now...can I be blamed for being so enthusiastic about them and their work?

OK, folks, proofread away!

Another interactive exercise…JD on songwriting…agree or disagree?

I think it's time to give you all a chance to weigh in here at this little corner of the web again.

I'll present a paragraph from JD Sumner's autobiography, "The Life And Times Of JD Sumner", the 1994 revision of his original autobiography, "Gospel Music Is My Life". JD is certainly an authority on gospel music, having been one of its' greatest artists and personalities.

The famous bass singer also wrote more than 700 songs, so one would imagine he knows a little about the craft of songwriting.

The following is an excerpt from his book...your assignment(should you choose to accept it)is to post here whether you agree with his thoughts or not, and state why.

Here's JD:

"...It is my belief that a songwriter has only so many songs in him, and when he writes them, his songwriting days are basically over. That was true of Albert E. Brumley, who probably wrote more popular songs that were recorded than any other person in our business. He wrote, "Turn Your Radio On", "I'll Fly Away", "I'll Meet You In The Morning, "If We Never Meet Again"-just hundreds and hundreds of great songs, but in his last years he never wrote anything worth a dime. Bill Gaither has already quit writing. He wrote some great songs. I'm not saying he has used up his talent, but everything he had in him apparently has come out. Dottie Rambo was the same way. So was Big Chief(Wetherington). And I am certainly paddling that same canoe. Because I can't write songs to measure up to what I wrote in the old days, I just refuse to write and make a fool of myself. Songwriters burn themselves out."

Keep the following in mind...JD wrote the above in 1994. But given all that, how do you all feel about what JD said? Do you agree? Disagree? Have an observation of your own? Talk to me...it would be interesting to hear from you all on this.

Changing World…Unchanging Christ…Changeless Sound-Dave, Duane, and Neil

This is the first album review I've posted here in some time.

Longtime readers of this little corner of the Web will not be surprised at the occasion which prompted this review, however.

And that is the first new release by Dave, Duane, and Neil(a.k.a. the "original" Couriers)in nearly six years, or when they rejoined forces after 24 years to tour once more by popular demand on a part-time basis.

And although tenor Duane Nicholson, lead/pianist/composer/arranger Neil Enloe, and baritone/bass/MC/manager Dave Kyllonen are now in their 70s, they still feel the same calling they did back in the late 1950s, when they)along with Don Baldwin and Eddie Reece)left Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri to start a professional gospel singing career as the Couriers Quartet.

Along the way, they made many excellent albums, toured the continent of North America(and eventually the world), and developed an international reputation not only as excellent singers, but also as the group that was most responsible for the gradual transition from mere entertainment based musical presentation to a ministry-focused approach in the gospel music industry.

Although the Couriers(like most all groups that have been together for numerous decades)have had members come and go, the three most identified with the Couriers' name have always been Dave, Duane, and Neil(hereafter designated in this review by their first names). It's no wonder, then, that as they enter the final portion of their lives, they opted to reunite and hit the road now and again to continue their yet unfinished calling.

And in this release, they offer a fairly complete and real audio portrait of where they are now as people, as singers, and musicians. For, having the distinct honor of becoming good friends with each member of the group, I can personally attest that what you hear and see when you are fortunate enough to see and hear them yourselves, is the REAL thing...there is no pretense nor pretending in these men. They believe what they sing, and live it, too.

And the enthusiastic reception they got when they reappeared at the National Quartet Convention after a 30-year absence and the warm response they continue to receive as they tour today is proof positive that far from "museum pieces", they remain vital and relevant musical ministers of the gospel.

This album is entitled "Changing World...Unchanging Christ...Changeless Sound", and it is an accurate title to represent them...though it is a bit wordy, and will no doubt be a mouthful for disc jockeys announcing their songs on the radio. Still, let's sample the 12 cuts, and see whether the album lives up to its' title.

It begins with a pleasant song of celebration, "It's Such A Good Feelin'", penned by one of Dave's sons-in-law, Mike Hammer. It is a bouncy number that features each man, and sums up the real reason why fellowship among Christians is so important.

Then Neil comes on to introduce the first of four songs he wrote on the album, and it is a dignified praise anthem. "I Stand Before Your Majesty" describes four physical positions believers will assume when finally coming face to face with God. They will stand, bow, kneel, and finally fall on their faces at the majesty and sheer presence of God. Like all of the renowned Hall of Famer's compositions, it is at once lyrically expressive and musically sophisticated. If the intent is to get the listener into a worshipful mood early on upon listening, this song surely meets its goal.

"Happiness Is Following Jesus" follows Neil's initial song, and it is a nice singable transition piece.

I admit when I noticed the title of the next song, "He'll Be There", I was expecting a remake of Neil's 1967 composition on their second album as a trio(one of my favorite early Courier trio songs). It is not, but by no means is it an inferior song. Written by another of Dave's sons-in-law, Greg Hollis, it is a reassuring song of comfort that is sung well by the guys.

Another new song written by Neil, "Euroclydon", is featured prominently in the group's current personal appearances and tells the story of the destructive wind that shipwrecked the Apostle Paul in the 27th chapter of Acts. It is a good song with a distinctive musical ending and a message that God sustains us in our storms, as He did Paul.

But Neil is not the only talented songwriter in the Enloe family. The other is former Courier(and longest-standing baritone in Courier history)Phil Enloe, himself a most gifted singer, graphic artist, and composer of songs. This album marks the first recording of "I Am The Word" by the original trio, though. The identical arrangement to the original is used effectively here, though, with Neil's lead vocal replacing Phil's is a powerful song, and I'm glad they chose to include it in this album.

"Still Good News Today" is Neil's third song, and lyrically features his native wit and way with words. It reassures us that amidst the increasing amount of bad news around us, the Bible still provides us with "good news" today.

The next song is maybe the best received in concert of all the songs on the album. I happened to see DD&N introduce this song of Neil's some three years ago. It's been streamlined a bit(nice job on those lyrics, Neil), but it still is a delightful and decidedly NON-PC expression of the hope that "Next Time I Get Married(I Want To Be The Bride)". I must say here that Neil is in excellent voice throughout the album, and has lost very little of the considerable singing ability he has demonstrated over the past 53 years with the group.

53 years!? Wow...that's a long time(sorry, Neil...back to the review, now...)!

Duane introduces the last of Neil's five songs, another elegant and musically accomplished song of consolation and comfort, "When It Hurts So Bad". Of anyone in the group who can sing it with the requisite feeling it deserves, Duane is the one. His vocal troubles in the late 1970s and early 1980s are well-documented in the group's autobiography "Our Final Quarter"(a MUST read for gospel music fans), and those were very traumatic years for him. And Neil is an unusually eloquent and expressive person verbally. Many times in my writings for AGM, he has offered comments to my observations that express precisely my own thoughts in his way. So Neil does here in this very comforting song....I'm willing to bet that he expresses your thoughts as well when life hurts...this is a powerful song that defines exactly what music ministry can be, and is.

Dave gets into the writing act in the next song..."Jochabed" is a retelling of the Biblical account of how the baby Moses was saved by putting him in a makeshift boat, with the moral going to mothers(and all parents, really)to protect their children from the wiles of the devil...and is an enjoyable ditty. While no one will accuse Dave of being the equal of Neil as a songwriter(this is only his second song!), this number helps to complete the purpose of this album. Good job, Dave...Duane, where's your song now? It's your turn, buddy!:-)

A most accomplished writer wrote the next song. Marie Armenia(along with her husband, Phil)is a longtime associate and dear friend of the Couriers, and is an excellent poet who has written many good songs the group has recorded over the years. "Christ In Me" is another such song, a most comforting and encouraging song.

Dave introduces the album's final number, a quartet classic dating back to 1960. Jimmy Taylor's "Dear Jesus, Abide With Me" was recorded in 1963 by the Couriers Quartet, and again on the trio's first album in 1967. It is done here with Neil providing the sole musical accompaniment on the piano.

Indeed, "it's such a good feelin'" to hear a new release from Dave, Duane, and Neil...and this is a good album. As I said, this is not a nostalgia or museum piece, but a good, relevant album that shows that the "original" Couriers remain a force in gospel music. Their "final quarter" shows them going about their Father's unfinshed business...and I admit to a bit of prejudice here, but I am glad to see them still active...they've still "got it".

So yes, I'd say the album most definitely lives up to its' title!

BTW, the day after this review(June 5, 2010)will mark Neil Enloe's 72nd birthday...happy birthday to a dear friend and a gospel legend, still going strong!:-)

G-o-o-d v-i-e-w-i-n-g t-h-i-s w-e-e-k-e-n-d

Anyone who has ever read this little corner of the web for any significant amount of time since I launched it just over four years ago MUST be aware that I like to use this space to occasionally toot the horns of some of my friends for doing what they do to make this world a special place.

And I'm going to do it again here...now, this tribute is long overdue...I meant to write it some time back. But hey, better late than never, right?

I don't know how many of you watch ESPN...but for the past half dozen years or so, they and their parent network, ABC, have treated national audiences to one of the most encouraging and quietly entertaining annual events in the land.

And starting tomorrow morning about 7ish, the annual Scripps-Howard Spelling Bee will once again commence.

And for the sixth year, one of my very best friends and colleagues, Paul Loeffler, will provide "expert" analysis for it.

How does one become an "expert" in the art of the spelling bee, you ask?

In Paul's case, in 1990, as a student in school in his native Los Banos, he managed to make the national finals in the event. He finished 13th overall, and years later, when the event was picked up for telecast by ESPN/ABC, they needed a former participant who happened to also be able to do TV work, and since Paul by then had become a sports anchor for the Fresno CBS affilliate, he more than qualified for the task.

Since then, Paul has gone on to be the primary voice for Fresno State sports events for my station, KMJ...the radio home in this area of the Bulldogs since 1969.

Paul was the man behind the mic when the 2008 Fresno State baseball team won the College World Series, and his book about the event, "From Underdogs to Wonderdogs" is the definitive account of that team's marvelous story. Like me, Paul enjoys telling the stories of people who achieve notable tasks...and his story virtually puts you in the Bulldogs' dugout all season long, as that team rose from mediocrity during that season all the way to the very top of the heap.

Paul also has produced a TV and radio series honoring the heroes of wars gone by...and telling more stories of more people that have sacrificed their lives to make our lives better.

Entitled "Hometown Heroes(because it primarily focuses on local such folk)", the series is Paul's labor of love. It is his way of taking a divine calling(yes, Paul is a Christian, and a very devoted one), and putting the results out there, for all to see and hear.

Paul keeps getting invited back to do the Spelling Bee every year with such ESPN stalwarts as Robin Roberts and Erin Andrews, because he understands how important it is to be able to use and communicate our language effectively, and he can also put his past achievements in that vein out there for all to see and hear, in hopes that it may entertain and inspire others to do likewise.

And after all, isn't that kind fo thing what we're ALL supposed to do with our talents?

So if you're tired of watching the tales of people like the Kardashians, and tired of watching the constant knockdown drag-out political fighting on TV, and you're tired of seeing how bad our economy has become, watch this weekend's Spelling Bee on ESPN/ABC. You'll watch the youth of America and the world show some REAL skill and achievement, and you'll hear a good friend of mine and brother in Christ who knows how to tell a good story do just that, and maybe you can learn how to spell words better yourself!

Hey, it can't hurt! But Paul will be doing God's work on a national stage, and he deserves your time and attention. Check him out.

Peeking out…

Yeah, it's been a while...too long, in fact!

I know I've used this one before, but life has been so busy, with so much going on, that I've not been able to find a moment to sit down and share things with you all.

Well, why don't you, John? you might ask...and I did just that in part in private correspondence with my good friend Daniel Mount. And some more of you know very well what's been going on, and thank you for being so patient with my lack of posting here. When the time is right, I'll share ALL of this with ALL of you. For now, I can say I'm very excited about the future...it'll mean a big, positive change in my life!

Just so you all won't feel cheated, I'll share with you a line I saw last week that gave me a good laugh.

This is courtesy of professional wrestler Ken Anderson, who's worked under the name Mr. Kennedy in the past, and now calls himself Mr. Anderson.

He wears a T-shirt to the ring that says in front, "Pro wrestling is real."

And on the back it says, "...people are fake!"

I liked it, anyway!:-)

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