2009 in Review: Top 10 Stories: Nominations In 2008, there were a few indisputably big stories, but it was a slight challenge to fill out the whole list of the year’s top stories. This year, there was no shortage of big stories; whittling the list down will be the hard part. Since two stories that will definitely make the top 10 have transpired...

2009 in Review: Top 10 Breakout Albums A number of Southern Gospel journalists have posted their lists of the top 10 albums of 2009. Rather than duplicating their efforts, here are the top 10 breakout albums of the year. These ten aren’t necessarily the ten best projects of the year—though several are certainly in that number—but these...

Britt interviews Seaton Daniel Britt has an incredible exclusive, an interview with recently departed Signature Sound lead singer Ryan Seaton. http://www.musicscribe.com/blog/wordpress/?p=2843 Also (h/t, CH), here is Ryan’s new Facebook page:...

CD/DVD Review: Live at Dollywood (Kingdom Heirs) It has been at least over three years, five CDs, and several #1 hits since the Kingdom Heirs last recorded a live concert video. One could say it was about time. The video opens with a behind-the-scenes montage of preparation for the film, with sound check, makeup, banter between group members, and greetings...

Ryan Seaton leaves Signature Sound Signature Sound just announced that lead singer Ryan Seaton is leaving. He will be replaced by Karen Peck & New River’s Devin McGlamery. Haase’s announcement: Dear Friends, It is with sadness and regret that I announce the departure of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound lead singer, Ryan...

CD Review: I’d Rather Have Jesus (Dixie Echoes) Probably, the best adjective to describe the Dixie Echoes is “consistent.” For ten or fifteen years after lead singer Dale Shelnut’s sudden 1983 death, they experimented with different styles in an attempt to find their niche. Not too long after they added Stewart Varnado as their pianist...

Video of Josh Cobb Here’s another video of Josh Cobb, even more recent than the last two I posted. This is from just a few weeks ago, of him singing a Christmas medley. By the way, “O Holy Night” is keyed in D-flat. He hits several big and full A-flats throughout the song, ending in a high D-flat. On...

12 Days of Christmas: Day 12: Mark and Nick Trammell This post was submitted by Mason M. If I could give a present to anyone in Gospel Music it would be to Mark and Nick Trammel, their families and fans. I would give them a complete project where they sang together. It could either be a Christmas project or a favorites. I would also include a song or two or...

12 Days of Christmas: Day 11: Joseph Habedank This post was submitted by Maryann W. My wish for Joseph Habedank this Christmas would be for he and his fiancé, Lindsay Bowman, to have a long and happy marriage. Joseph has done great things for the Perrys and for Southern Gospel music.  He is really blossoming as both a lead vocalist and as a song...

12 Days of Christmas: Day 10: Gold City This post was submitted by Diana B., before Gold City announced its lineup changes. If I had the power to give anyone any Christmas gift, I would give Gold City a holiday from criticism while they re-group and develop their new lineup.  They have such a wonderful, rich heritage and I’m certain that...