The Brad White Syndrome
There is a Southern Gospel phenomenon that I like to call the “Brad White Syndrome.”
Just for background, Brad White was the pianist for the James Blackwood Quartet for several years. Now that James’ son Jimmy has brought the Blackwood Brothers name back, Brad is their pianist.
Now it so happens that Brad is one of the best pianists in Southern Gospel. I’ve heard Roger Bennett and Andrew Ishee in person, and they are two of the best, but Brad White’s fills and runs are equally unbelievable. He is, to speak plainly, one of the best pianists on the road in Southern Gospel today.
A while back, the Blackwood Brothers had a lineup change that left them with a vacant baritone slot. As numerous pianists have been before and since, pianist Brad White was drafted to be the quartet’s full-time baritone. He currently plays piano on only about one-third of the quartet’s songs any given night.
Now Brad is a good baritone; don’t get me wrong. But I have observed him closely while performing–both while he sings baritone and from the front row in person. While he is (just) singing baritone, there is just a look in his eyes that shows, as often as not, that his mind is at least partially elsewhere. But put him behind the piano and he just lights up, throwing everything he has into it.
Brad may be the best example of this syndrome, but he’s not the only one that comes to mind. Another good example is Joseph Habedank. He was a good baritone for the Perrys, but he seems to really have come to life since taking over the lead singer position.
Can you think of any other nominees, people who come to mind who have served in more than one position but just seem to “belong” where they are now?
I was speaking of it highly...
Comment by Dan Paashaus (February 13, 2007, 8:06 pm)
We will have the Blackwoods September 29 in New York at the Kingston Ulster Perdorming Arts Center. We heard the Blackwoods with Brad last Fall in a beautiful setting up here in Vermont….Brad was great both on stage without and later with piano; As a Gospel singer, I see him as a versatile performer, not good one way or better another. I hope he stays doing both roles and I will tell him come September!
Dan Paashaus
Comment by Dan Paashaus (April 19, 2007, 4:04 pm)
I purchased the concert of the Blackwood Brothers in Cape Coral and Brad White sings second half of the concert playing piano. Well, I believe he did very well and, in fact, sounded better - my brother Budd sings and plays and I guess I am partial to this method - you know, Neil Enloe, Hovie Lister, even Billy Joel, etc.
Comment by Bill J. (March 26, 2008, 1:50 pm)
This is the most absurd thing I have ever heard.
I have seen Brad White numerous times…and the fact is that the stage becomes noticably “gloomier” when he is not standing. When standing next to the guys, he is the picture of contagious energy. When he moves to the piano, the focus of the show goes with him there because he is the most charismatic of the group. I prefer it when he is “inspiring” the other guys.
The only look in his eyes is “mischief.” And perhaps that is what I miss when he moves to the piano.
You’ve obviously not seen the group many times.