National Quartet Convention 2009

Lauren Talley, Melissa Flores, Debra Talley at NQC 2009

I’m heading home from the NQC, today. Due to a cram-packed ministry schedule, I was only able to attend two days of the week-long convention held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. As I approached Charleston, WV (about half-way home) the presence of God flooded my Honda Element and spoke to me about what I saw in Louisville. I am sitting in Panera, the first Wi-Fi spot I could find, to quickly give air to what I feel stirring deep in my spirit concerning the Southern Gospel Music world. There is much concern in the industry about the future of Southern Gospel music. The online world is rife with cynics and critics who are masquerading as concerned voices. They spout questions like “Is Southern Gospel a fading genre?” “Will we survive this technological revolution?” “Can we capture the heart of the coming generation?” Many of these voices are blinded by their own agendas, unable to recognize the beautiful transformation that is happening right under their noses.

(Clockwise L to R) Melissa Flores, Carl White, Paul Harkey, Matthew Browder, Tony & Wendy Word

Will the SGM industry survive another generation? After a couple of days in Louisville, I can assuredly say, “You betcha!” What is happening in SGM is not unlike what is happening in every other genre and corner of the music industry… transition. Because we generally keep our heads buried in the sand of our own sandbox, we fail to recognize the trends that are happening all around us. Every genre is struggling to lay hold of the age to come. The fearful carve out their tombstones, looking to leave some sign of legacy while the intrepid take hold of their tools to build for the coming generations.

The Cocoon of Transformation

Southern Gospel is not dying. It is merely in the cocoon of transformation. As I walked the floor of the NQC, I saw as many young artists as I did the seasoned. I saw a collection of multiple generations, all supportive and complementary of one another. I was privileged to witness multiple styles perform on the big stage… from the Reggie Sadler Family, Roarks, Hoppers, Perry’s, among many others. The anointing was present with each group regardless of age or style. One remarkable moment was when the Isaacs (a generational group) completed their set with a traditional hymn. Their closing harmonies electrified the crowd and lifted the atmosphere to a place of heavenly bliss. Where there is anointing there is life.

I had the honor of sitting in booths with many Southern Gospel artists.  I heard how God miraculously inspired them with lyrics and music for their projects.  There were testimonies of miracles and conversions on the road.  As one after the other spoke of their recent kingdom exploits, their eyes twinkled with hope and sometimes glistened with tears of gratitude. 

Perhaps, one of my favorite moments was sitting in Wendy and Tony Word’s booth.  A collection of young artists had congregated to fellowship together.  Among them were James Nale, Matthew & David Browder, and Tony & Wendy Word, later joined by Paul Harkey and Carl White.  Matthew was playing an acoustic guitar and singing a handful of songs the Lord had just given him. We laughed and rejoiced together as though we were in Father’s living room enjoying a moment of Heaven on this side of glory.  Friend, there is life sprouting forth in SGM.  Never mind what the naysayers are spewing… it’s not a matter of opinion. Father anoints what He loves… and He still adores Southern Gospel Music.

Many watch the “fan base” to divine the future of the industry. This is the blind leading the blind. Watch the artists. Talented and anointed young people are being called into this genre, indicating that there is a future in SGM that Father is willing to invest in. The “progressive” sounds of Southern Gospel and Christian Country are part of this generational transition. And believe me, there is room for everybody in God’s great big family. Any opposition to these new sounds is merely the pressure that the caterpillar feels when stretching his wings to rupture the cocoon. If you are wondering, “What is happening to SGM?” Let me offer this for your consideration. The day has dawned of mutual respect and admiration between the generations of artists and fans. Father’s family has come together for a week, to share and offer their portion for the feast. There is a leaf being added to the banqueting table of Father’s musical delights. A legacy is being imparted to the young and places of honor are set for the accomplished. What will SGM sound like in 5, 10 or 20 years? I’m not exactly sure, but I know it will be magnificent as it soars to amazing new heights.

Always a Road: The Anchormen

Cafe’ Rating: coffee with sugar (3.5 out of 5)

Buckle your seatbelt, friend, cause The Anchormen are about to take you for the ride of your life.  Each song on Always a Road is an abstract of different points in the journey of faith.  From the moment of decision to the anticipation of Heaven, Ride delivers twelve songs that capture milestone moments in the life of every believer.  You will find yourself somewhere in this project along with the hope and inspiration to continue on your trek.

The first cut, “Start With Me” is a great opening act.  Written by Marty Funderburk and Adam Paul Williams, Startfeatures all four of the Anchormen and Karl Rice (tenor) on the chorus.  With a progressive Southern Gospel sound uniquely Anchormen, they immediately lift the eyebrow of expectation leaving you anxious for more.  Rarely in the world of Southern Gospel will you see a quartet so deftly feature and honor each member by purposefully selecting music that showcases their respective talents.  This project is rife with potential singles that reveal the vocal prowess’s of Paul Harkey (bass), Karl Rice (tenor), Michael Bartlett (baritone) and Kevin Casstevens (lead). 

Their forthcoming single, “All in a Sunday’s Work” recounts the simple pleasures of the quintessential Sunday.  Michael has no difficulty convincing the listener that Sunday’s are done best by believers! “Rise and shine and go to church, singing old hymns, each and every verse, pot roast dinner ’round the family table, bowing our heads telling God we’re grateful, no way I’m gonna rush, spending time with the ones I love, But I’m gonna live this day for all it’s worth.  It’s all in a Sunday’s work.”

A song called “Never” featuring Karl Rice, has a shot at radio significance.  This lovely arrangement features a subtle but wistful banjo, yum!   Songwriting team Gina Boe, Lisa Qualsett and Kevin Stokes put to lyrics the sentiments of the once-hardened sinner turned believer.  ”From ‘I’ll never’ to ‘I’m sorry’ His grace never so deep, I thought hope was lost for me until the voice of calvary…“ 

A sure-fire radio hit is a Ronny Hinson song called “Everything But Time”.  Bass singer, Paul Harkey leads this show-stopping tune lyrically full of witty “Hinsonisms“.  “So don’t be the one who lived and never made a dent.  God has given you one chance to shine, Don’t ever let your marker be he just came and went, Don’t find out you had everything but time.“ 

Lead man, Keith Casstevens, really shines on “Almost Time to Fly”.  This joyful romp reminds the listener “right before our eyes the sky will burst wide open, as ole Gabriel starts to play our welcome song.  I can’t tell you just the moment this will happen, but I know for sure it won’t be very long.” Another gem, “One Day I Will” written by Donna Beauvais, will likely be sung in churchhouses across America.  This fully orchestrated piece soars in an impeccably timed key change at its climax.  With One Day, the Anchormen take us to heights of worshipful adoration.

Finally, a hidden treasure is cut #11, “Grace is There”.  Among my favorites on this CD, the fully-orchestrated Grace encourages the listenener, “Just before you feel like turning back, you’ll find you’re never alone.  Grace is there, by your side.“   All in all, The Anchormen turn a corner with this CD as they skillfully navigate the changing landscape of SG radio.  I believe other artists will refer to the Anchormen playbook in the future, as they, too, embrace the future of Southern Gospel.

Website: www.theanchormen.com

Always a Road: Songlist

Start With Me
All In A Sunday’s Work
The Sweetest Sound I Know
Never
Everything But Time
Somebody Here
One Day I Will
Almost Time To Fly
The Letter
Better Than Ever
Grace Is There
For The First Time

Remember Me: CD Review

Cafe’ Rating: fresh brewed (3.5 out of 5)

The moment I reviewed “The Funeral of Jesus,” I knew this song was destined to make He’s Alive Radio history.  It has been years since any single song has generated as much buzz in the way of phone calls and emails.  As of this review, it has camped out at #1 on our weekly Southern Gospel chart for four weeks running, and likely won’t be vacating this week.  The only way to explain this kind of outpouring is a little word (used less and less frequently in SG music these days)… anointing. 

I double-dog dare you to listen to this song and not feel something.  When I interviewed Big Mo and asked him about Funeral, he explained that it was recorded in one take, with no post-edits.  It’s as though Heaven smiled on this amazingly written story of what might have happened in the tomb on Resurrection Sunday morning.  The result?  Shazaam! Holy Ghostbumps the likes of Mt. Rushmore!

A tour of the rest of the CD cemented my opinion of our new-found sensation.   The balance of “Remember Me” is also quite unforgettable.  The follow-up to Funeral, “Three Days,” is a beautiful ballad reminding the listener of Christ’s intervention in the human debacle.  “Forever lost for the sin we had done, sentenced to die and justice held the gun… Three days changed it all.”   

 If you feel like rockin’ the jukebox, fire up “Bigger the Battle.”  Although I’m not prone to playing air-guitar, I’m tempted to get a few licks in with Mo as he sings, “One thing comforts me, God made us a promise, We’ll not go down in defeat, the bigger the battle, the sweeter the victory.”

Also worth spinning, DJ’s, is a song called, “The Gate.”  The quintessential story song, Gate tugs heartstrings and delivers a beautiful denouement.  “Remember Me” is a heart-felt prayer that retells the thief’s last cry on the cross.  The listener can easily identify with the sinner’s humble plea for the mercy of a savior.  “I’ll love you forever, like pieces on the ground, scattered all around, Lord please remember me.”

As a DJ, I already have a spot carved out in “the rack” for “Remember Me.”  The listeners have excellent recall for anointed projects, and this one has struck He’s Alive gold!

Listen to my recent interview with Big Mo in the MP3 player on Melissa’s Page.

Remember Me Songlist:

1. Three Days

2. King’s Table

3. Remember Me

4. Bigger the Battle

5. The Gate

6. If He Moved the Mountain

7. Uphill All the Way

8. I’ll Never Forget

9. The Dream

10. The Funeral of Jesus

Contact Big Mo Ministries @ www.bigmoministries.com