A reader writes in to ask:

Do you have any cd recommendations that are relatively easy listening? Acoustic, bluegrass, instrumental, soft-core SG, etc. For a nursing home. 

I mentioned the Isaacs’ almost acapella project and the Collingsworth Family’s upcoming hymns project—which, based on the live performances I heard last weekend of three of their arrangements looks to have at least a fair number of easy-listening moments—but quickly came up empty. So I thought I would pass the question along to you.

Read More

David Ragan has been filling in with the Perrys for the last few weeks, following Joseph Habedank’s departure. The first videos have surfaced:

The same user also posted videos of I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now, Living in Canaan Now, and The Potter Knows the Clay.

Read More

Past the Press Release is an interview series featuring a new member of a professional Southern Gospel group. It’s a chance to look past the standard “excited to be here” press release comment and learn a little more about them. A little over a week ago, the Dixie Melody Boys announced Aaron Dishman as their new baritone/pianist. Let’s get to know him a little better!

Daniel: What prompted your love for Southern Gospel? Did you grow up around it, or is it a more recent discovery?

Aaron: I grew up around Gospel Music. When I was 12 years old my family took a trip Dollywood. A family friend wanted to go in and hear the Kingdom Heirs and I didn’t want to go. All I wanted to do was ride rides and have fun. I’m glad I went in with them. I heard Arthur Rice sing and I have loved Southern Gospel ever since.

Daniel: Have you performed with any groups prior to joining the Dixie Melody Boys?

Aaron: At 18 I played piano for the Disciples Quartet. For over four years I have sang in a group called Freedom Road with my wife Erica.

Daniel: Do you think of yourself as a baritone who can play piano or a pianist who can sing baritone?

Aaron: I guess if I had to classify myself I would say I’m a baritone who also plays piano.

Daniel: I understand you’ve filled in for the Dixie Melody Boys before. How long ago was that, and who was with the group at the time?

Aaron: I went with the Dixie Melody boys for a weekend about 5 years ago and the group consisted of Andrew King, Bryan Walker Dan Keeton and Ed O’Neal. I really enjoyed getting to know the guys. Little did I know that filling in that weekend would lead to a job with the group years later.

Daniel: Whether as a performer or as an audience member, what have been your all-time favorite Southern Gospel moments that you have experienced?

Aaron: My first Gaither Concert in Thompson Boiling Arena in Knoxville, TN and being at NQC the first night Triumphant Quartet sang on main stage.

Daniel: Thank you!

Read More

Song Snapshots is a column featuring the stories behind new and classic Southern Gospel songs.

Like so many of Southern Gospel’s finest songs, “I Have Seen the Lord” was inspired by a sermon. At the time the song was written, co-writer Belinda Smith was attending Grace Church of the Nazarene in Nashville.

“When you work in music all week,” she explains, “it’s kind of fun to slip into the balcony and sit back and listen to what other people do. I’m not going to say I wouldn’t support a church musically, but it’s Nashville. Everyone’s so talented musically! So nobody there knew I was a songwriter.”

One Easter, Pastor Richard Ball kept using the phrase “I have seen the Lord” in his sermon. The phrase stuck with her. One day, in a co-writing session with Sue C. Smith, she mentioned the idea, saying, “We should write this.” They did; Signature Sound Quartet recorded it on their debut recording, Stand By Me.

After the recording came out, she mailed a copy to Pastor Ball. She said, “Hey, I write songs, and you don’t know this, but I thought you would get a kick out of hearing this.”

Videos

Read More