Happy birthday, Daniel!

Today I want to salute someone I've saluted many times here, but since he's a friend of mine to me more than anything else, I want to celebrate him right here in my very own little corner of the web!

Daniel Mount burst into all of our lives a few short years ago, when the message board fad was still predominant in online southern gospel music discussion.

When that fad began to fade, and the blog trend took it's place, Daniel moved right in and started his very own gospel music news, information, and commentary site, and before too long, it became the most-read such site on the web!

As it deserves to be...Daniel gets all the main news, encourages positive interactive discussion on gospel music topics, and works very hard to make his site as versatile and accommodating as a website can be.

And best of all, Daniel does all this with a love and appreciation of gospel music unsurpassed by any other writer. He also is a young man who loves God very much, and this shows in his writing and his taste in music.

And of all the other bloggers out there spending the majority of their time writing about gospel music, he is probably the most supportive of his fellow writers of any of them.

He reads everyone's thoughts, comments regularly on them, and when he feels one of us has posted a particularly worthy entry, he gladly links his readers to those postings, and thus helps support his compatriots in this endeavor. Some of the most read posts in this little corner, for example, are read because Daniel has unselfishly called attention to them at his site.

And Daniel is also an engaging discussion partner, and loves to discuss and analyze not only the music itself, but the business of it as well.

Recently, Daniel has even become a part of the industry himself, fulfilling a dream of his. Now, if only some major artist will record one of his compositions...

In short, Daniel has become a good friend, runs a great site, has his ducks all in a row with God, and is most supportive of both gospel music artists and those who support them, either by attending concerts, buying recordings, or discussing and writing about them. He has become a blessing to all those who love southern style gospel music.

And today, he turns 24 years young! How does someone so young appreciate a genre of music whose most classic renditions of it are as old or older than he? Listening, study, and love for it...to name three reasons.

And his birthday is easy for me to remember...it is the same day as my younger older brother...who is nearly 40 years older than Daniel, but...

Hsppy birthday, Gary...and happy birthday, Daniel...my very good gospel music-loving friend!:-)

Prayers and thoughts….

Earlier this week(Monday, I believe), Wensdee Enloe, youngest daughter of Phil Enloe(ex-Courier and longtime musical evangelist and now pastor of a Florida church), passed away...she was only 33 years of age.

Most readers of this little corner of the web are aware of my friendship with her uncle, Neil Enloe...and they may or may not be aware of the fact that I finally met Phil last year when he appeared in Fresno to sing at a church not far from where I live. That was a true blessing to me.

Regardless, I feel a very strong bond with the Enloe family as a result, and I was shocked and saddened to learn of that news.

I truly wish I had words of absolute comfort I could say that would help ease the pain and hurt right now, but I simply do not.

All I can offer Phil, Neil, and the rest of the Enloe family is my love, friendship, prayers, and whatever support I'm able to provide.

Wensdee's funeral was yesterday, and I pray it was a blessing and comfort to all involved in whatever way possible.

I know of nothing else about the situation, other than our God is involved, and that being the case, all will be well.

My sentiments are above, and my prayers and support continue.

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!

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!:-)

GWSGFF, Day 2, 4/30/10 Visalia Convemtion Center

On to the second night of this year's GWSGFF...

Before I begin tonight's recap, I MUST point out my favorite moment from last night.

You'd have thought I would have done that last night, since I enjoyed it so much. However, when you have what seems to be fourteenmillionjillion irons in the fire in your life, plus when you're working off memory as I am this year, it's possible that even something as enjoyable to me can slip and fall through the cracks. Maybe it's a premature sign of advancing age.

But last night, during the seven-group medley in the program's second half, the Booth Brothers were on a roll during their song, and as is typical in these kinds of evenrs, Gerald Wolfe came back to the stage, as if he were going to join the Booths in their song...well, he did, but not in the way that anyone could have anticipated. Rather than grab a mic and sing, Gerald grabbed the drumsticks and began accompanying the singing on the drums!

The sight of Wolfe on the drums(he's pretty good on them, BTW)distracted the Booths....to the extent that every time one of them looked back to see Gerald pounding away, they broke out in laughter, and nearly lost their place in the song! Gerald just gave them an "of course I'm playing drums" look, and happily just kept the beat going. I'm sure a lot of convention goers live to see moments like that...I know it made me laugh as well.

OK, now on to tonight....

There was no choir opening each half of the program, as was the case last night. There were just some preliminary activities, then Bakersfield's Revised Standard Version(known as RSV for short)opened the singing. RSV might be a disapointment initially to most quartet fans, since they don't feature a subsonic bass singer rattling the building(as seems to be the vogue these days). What they do feature is good harmony, good arrangements, and a good stage presence...and they are very popular in this part of the country. And their set reflected all that, and they got a predictably good response for their set.

Then came the Liberty Quartet once again, fresh off a killer debut the night before. Perhaps the biggest difference between Liberty and RSV is their fuller sound(Royce Mitchell is among the USA's finest basses), and their slightly greater exposure to bigger venues, which gives them a presence and a poise RSV still lacks a bit. Liberty was in top form again, and they amped up the 95% capacity crowd(my guess)even more. I'm sure glad we have a quartet of Liberty's caliber out here.

It got even better, though. Last year's star group, the Triumphant Quartet, gave us a dazzling set of great quartet singing(there were white hankies ALL OVER the arena when they sang "The Old White Flag"), and again a dazzling instrumental display from Jeff Stice(who gave us the most entertaining version of "Chopsticks" imaginable)AND tenor David Sutton on harmonica in one duet. They are reminiscent of the old Kingsmen(but far better singers)in that they feature something for everybody, and it's no wonder that they cleaned up last year at the Singing News Fan Awards.

The Booth Brothers and Greater Vision effectively rounded out the program's first half. No, Gerald Wolfe did NOT join them on srums or guitar...but the Booths did turn it up just a little bit when they revealed that this would be their final night at the GWSGFF this year(gee, imagine, I have something in common with the Booth Brothers!). The Visalia crowd did not want their set to end, testimony to the Booths' skill and power on stage.

Greater Vision's set was subdued by comparison...and design. And I'm fine with that....who says you HAVE to get the audience on their feet during every song? GV gave us good songs, sung well(it seems Chris Allman has never been away)and it was an appropriate aerobic "cool down" after the previous groups.

And miraculously, the Hoppers didn't appear at all during the entire first half(save for Claude's obligatory "plug time" with Les Beasley)!

The second half was pretty much a quartet-fest. After another obligatory but superb instrumental number of Legacy Five's Tim Parton, his quartet made its' initial festival appearance with an excellent set of good songs. L5's ascension to the top of the genre has been a steady, consistent one, and though they've never been the "hot" quartet at a given moment, they've always been there, doing an escellent job and pleasing their fans.

I neglected to mention the appearance of the Freedom Singers last night, a pair of Romainan refugees who fell in love with SGM and began singing it...they're here to sing and promote a book about their adventures as refugees and story of achieving freedom. Anyway, they did a couple of standard gospel classics(those OLD songs again...people must still be moved by them, ya think?)with Scott Fowler...and I enjoy hearing those old songs sung with a Romanian accent.

The Mark Trammell Quartet made its' GWSGFF debut next...Trammell is now an elder statesman in the industry, and he seems to be quite comfortable in that role. I kidded Mark prior to the program, complementing him on finally bringing a "full" group to our festivities rather than a partial one, and he enjoyed it. As one of the true "quartet men" remaining in the genre, he knows what it takes to make a good quartet...and his group showed us that. It was also refreshing to se Trammell play his bass along with the onstage piano...sometimes it's just better with live instruments(if you can do it).

And the MTQ's new bass, Pat Barker, showed us plenty of his considerable chops. He really is one of the better basses going today. Perhaps his rendition of "How Big Is God" will become a quartet standard the way Big John Hall's did in the 1960s.

My memory is playing trixks on me already this morning(it happens when you don't sleep!)...I'm not sure who was on first, Brian Free and Assurance or the King's Heralds. So I'll just summarize them individually. The King's Heralds did another full set tonight, without their trademark a cappella brilliance(THAT comes Saturday morning!), but featuring good straight SGM quartet power. Again, if rep is not that nig a deal to you, and you like pure, great four-part singing, the King's Heralds just might be your quartet. They're certainly one of mine.

BFA is also a first-timer at the GWSGFF, but judging by the audience reaction to them, it won't be their last, From their opener to their rousing closer "Long As I Got King Jesus", they had the Visalia crowd all the way...they are a goooood quartet. But two things stood out about them in my mind as I watched them...

1. Brian Free has been singing for 29 years, and still sounds EXACTLY the way he did back in 1982, when he joined Gold City. Go figger.

2. Bass singer Jeremy Lile looks and sounds for all the world like Mike Holcomb did when the latter joined the Inspirations as a gangly but enthusiastic 17-year old bass singer back in 1972.

Oh...there IS stability remaining in the world...the proof being that the Hoppers came out to close the night in typical Hopper fashion.

But like the Booth Brothers, it was my last night at this year's GWSGFF...work and real-life considerations forbid me from making the 45-mile drive down south for one more night.

So far, I would say that the new venue has been a success...as has this year's FanFest for the most part.

More thoughts in subsequent installments in this little corner of the web.

If you're going Saturday, why don't you pass on to me what I missed? Not ALL the thoughts here HAVE to come from me!:-)

GWSGFF, Day 1 4/29/10, Visalia Convention Center

Well, a (mostly)packed house enjoyed a fine night of southern-style gospel music on the opening night of the annual Great Western Southern Gospel Fan Festival.

In the recent past, the event was held at Fresno's rather large(18,500 capacity)Save Mart Center. But due to the inherent difficulties in putting on this kind of program in such a large facility, to say nothing of the rising costs involved in doing so, the event's board voted to move it from the SMC down about 45 miles southeast. Although as someone who lives in Fresno(and has an increasingly fragile automobile), the response of the fans and the artists alike(especially co-owners Les Beasley and Claude Hopper, who shared their thoughts with me on the subject)would indicate that the decision to move to the smaller, cozier venue was a good one.

Besides, who can beat free parking?:-)

The stage there is reminiscent of the main stage at Louisville's NQC(the BIG one)in that it's in the round, which artists and fans alike seem to prefer. And there was floor seating as well as conventional arena seats...a very attractive setup for this kind of event.

For me, though, one of the main joys of going to the event is seeing so many friends(fans AND artists alike there). I got a very warm greeting as I arrived from Royce Mitchell, Dan Gilbert, and Keith Waggoner of the Liberty Quartet. It is no accident that their popularity in the gospel music world is skyrocketing, for they're all tremendous Christian gentlemen as well as excellent gospel singers.

I was blessed to see(among others)Central California gospel radio host Ike Eichelberger, photographer, videographer, and gospel music fan extraordinaire(maybe the most dedicated one on the entire West Coast)Ellen Gerig(the pride of Oregon and cousin to Mitchell)and her regular traveling companion Cathie Bourne(thanks Ellen, BTW, for helping me buy that precious LP I bought from Herb Henry!), as well as regular poster Bsnnermkr and her new husband...AND former KMJ GM Al Smith(!)who was in the choir that opened both halves of the program(I didn't even know Al could sing!).

And there were the many artists whom I've been privileged to meet over the years as well.

Unlike in past years, I'll only review the event's first two nights...I can't attend Saturday's finale due to work. But I hope you'll be able to get a picture of the atmosphere of the event based on what you'll read here.

As I said, the event opened with a choir singing an anthem. They were fine, and were well received.

The Liberty Quartet began the evening, and had the crowd eating out of their hands within mnutes. Lead Dan Gilbert was particularly energetic(vocally and physically), and the group continues to improve prodigously and in terms of stage presence every time I see them. It's no longer sufficient to say that they're the West's finest quartet(which they have been for many years now)...they are among the top quartets in the business at present. The U.S. is slowly realizing this as the group continues to travel farther and farther from their Boise home base. And I'm proud to say that you read about them here first!:-)

The California Melody Boys were next(not to be confused with Arkansas' Melody Boys Quartet), and they too continue to improve, primarily sparked by pianist Ken Hurley, who has been a stellar pianist out West for many years. Ken is also a gifted singer and songwriter, and the CMB has two good songwriters in Hurley and John Harness. Their set was strong and accomplished.

Speaking of stellar pianists, Jeff Stice dazzled the audience in the following set. Then came Stice's current group, the Triumphant Quartet(the hit of last year's GWSGFF)...and they picked up this year where they left off last year, with a strong set concluding with a powerful version of their excellent hit, "He Is", the first of the handful of curtain-raisers on opening night.

The crowd cooled off a bit during the set of comedian Dennis Swanberg, then were thrilled again when the Booth Brothers and Greater Vision teamed up on one song before GV had the stage to themselves. The crowd knew all of GV's songs and was singing along, and they seemed to recognize returning tenor Chris Allman, who is back with the group after an absence of several years. Allman was the star of GV's set...he was in fine voice and hadn't seemed to miss a beat during all his time away.

By this time it was apparent that older songs and past hits were a theme of the night...a situation that seems to permeate the genre these days. It's not all bad(especially when the older songs are good), but it does speak to a challenge the genre faces at present.

The Booths came back,and they were their usual smooth, confident, professional selves. And they brought the house down with a great new version of the Mosie Lister standard, "Then I Met The Master" Why so many so-called "entetainment" reporters fail to report on and notice this kind of talent when it appears in the area has been beyond me for a LONG time!

As is their tradition, the Hoppers came out to wrap up the first half. If you've seen the Hoppers once, you've seen them...there was nothing new from this incredibly popular group, just a typical Hoppers set that the Vislaia crowd enjoyed.

After the choir's obligatory song, the Herb Henry Family opened the second half. They are probably one of gospel music's best kept secrets...they are as good as ANY mixed group in the business(yes, I include the Perrys in that). Their repertoire ranges from convention standards to more contemporary sounding material(with some original songs thrown in), and they are reminiscent of the Speer Family musically as well as symbolically(for the West Coast).

And much to my delight, they were followed by the King's Heralds, probably the best quartet SINGERS going. This year they have a regular set, and are no longer standing in the wings of the audience doing a token song. Their stage presence is good, and their harmony is unmatched in the genre. If you're not turned by image or reputation or appearance, and just like singing, the King's Heralds just might be your group.

Gerald Wolfe also came out to do a piano duet with Jeff Stice. Both men have long been celebrated for their piano prowess, and they didn't disapponit this time either.

Then there was a sort of musical "tag team" event...all the artists previously on the program came out to do one song apiece...the biggest hits during the unusual "medley" were the King's Heralds and the Liberty Quartet, whose version of "Glory To God In The Highest" had the ENTIRE CROWD standing and clapping...much as was the case when they did it in Fresno a few months ago. I haven't seen an audience reaction like that in a LONG tim at the GWSGFF...Liberty rocks!:-)

The Hoppers closed the evening(foes snyone besides me get the impression that the Hoppers set up the GWSGFF as though it's a Hoppers' concert with them being the closing act?)...and the audience no doubt went home happy from a great night of fellowship and gospel singing.

And isn't that what ANY gospel music convention ought to be about?

See you again tomorrow night.

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