Comments on: DVD Review: “Get Away Jordan” (Signature Sound)

By: Terry

Terry — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 22:02:20 +0000

I listened to the Kingsmen and Satesmen and Blackwood Brothers as a child. Most readers of this blog probably don’t know these groups, but I have to say that Ernie’s group, on this DVD in particular, had me in tears throughout the perforamce because they’ve “rebirthed” southern gospel as I remember it years ago. Someone with a diferent background or experience might see this as cheap showmanship to get an audience and increase revenue, but for me, it’s as good as a slice of Mom’s apple pie and a long walk with my departed grandparents. Thanks Ernie and Signature Sound!!!!

By: www.southerngospelblog.com » DVD review: “NQC 2006″ (Various Artists)

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 10:27:59 +0000

[...] As I mentioned in my last DVD review, I like to start a DVD by watching the extras. In this case, the extras were the highlight. They included features from various showcases, including the bass showcase. The only complete song included here was a bass quartet consisting of Gene McDonald on tenor, Eric Bennett on lead, Jeff Chapman on baritone, and Mike Holcomb on bass singing “Boundless Love.” A few lines are sung by various combinations before they end up with this one. Eric Bennett is actually a very solid lead, with a moderately high range. He must have one of the widest usable ranges in Southern Gospel music today. The main part of the DVD starts with Brian Free and Assurance performing “The Coming of the King,” a single from their most recent project, It’s So God. The song definitely goes over well live, but perhaps the main long-term value of the performance is that since Ricky Free has announced his imminent departure from the group, this could well be his final video appearance with the group. [...]

By: Daniel J. Mount

Daniel J. Mount — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:05:16 +0000

I liked it.

I just forgot to reply. Thanks, Ron, for commenting and bringing this back to the top of the “recent comments” sidebar.

By: Ron Fleshman

Ron Fleshman — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 07:46:34 +0000

EHSSQ, despite their detractors, are a fine southern gospel group. Everyone picks up on the dancing (if you want to call it that) and the showmanship, but the truth is, the guys can sing. Add to the truth that just about everyone knows them including (as I posted over on averyfineline.com) the bartender at the Moose Lodge and the twenty-something lady with tattoos.

As a young boy in the fifties, I was amazed at the number of unchurched people who knew the Statesmen by name and their songs. My father, who was an amateur gospel singer in a group, used to tell me that the Statesmen bridged all genres while speading the gospel to a larger audience. I think we have the same thing with EHSSQ. No, they don’t look like a traditional group and heaven knows they don’t act like one, but listen…the music is traditional and good family entertainment. And they are plenty good at what they do.

Thokugh Daniel didn’t say whether he liked it or not, i’ll bet he did. Like most folks, he knows this group is doing things that most groups are not–reaching out to a different audience. Heaven forbid we ever do that as Christans.

By: Jugglernaut

Jugglernaut — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:46:58 +0000

This tells me what happens on the video, but not what you really thought of it. I’d like to hear that, too. (My own review is on my blog if you’re interested.) Personally, I sincerely dislike the patriotic songs. It bothers me to see church and state so closely blended. But I love the Ball Brothers and their amazing teeth, and I could watch/listen to Doug Anderson all day long.

By: Quartet Fan

Quartet Fan — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:02:10 +0000

When you say “few others”, who exactly do you mean? I can name AT LEAST 7 current groups.