Brandon Coomer reports that he saw the (re)debut of the Band Of Gold at the Gatlinburg Gathering. Can’t wait to hear more about it later, but the lineup is pianist Josh Simpson, drummer Kevin Albertson, bass guitarist Taylor Barnes, and Daniel Addison on guitars and various other instruments.
Noticed that the guys formerly known as ChoZen have indeed become the new Crystal River. They’ve updated their Myspace accordingly (which seems to be serving as their website for now), and they’ve uploaded clips of their re-recorded versions of the former Crystal River’s songs. I was pleasantly surprised by their rendition of Mercy River; it misses Jeremy Lile’s solid bass, but the chorus reveals that this group has a good blend. I’ll be waiting for this new recording to come out.
I found these three videos just a moment ago of a Cathedrals lineup that is often overlooked when talking about the greatest lineups of the Cats. Naturally, the younger generation often goes for the Danny Funderburk-Glen Payne-Mark Trammell-George Younce-Roger Bennett/Gerald Wolfe lineup or the Ernie Haase-Payne-Scott Fowler-Younce/Bennett lineup.
Yes, those lineups were top-notch, but the lineup of Mack Taunton, Glen Payne, George Amon Webster, and George Younce was one of the best as well. In fact, they recorded what was, in my opinion, one of the best projects The Cathedrals ever did, Music Time
All three videos are shot around 1970, and George Amon Webster doubles as pianist and baritone.
I’ve Been Wrong
I’ll Have A New Life
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
As you all may know, Shannon Smith left The Imperials several weeks ago to become a Minister Of Music. Now, The Imperials announce that Jeremie Hudson is leaving to accept a position in an Alabama church, and also names the people to take Smith and Hudson’s place.
Taking the lead position is Scott Allen, the guy who filled in while The Imperials searched for a new lead. You may remember Scott from his short-lived tenure with Mercy’s Mark, and this guy has a voice that has been just waiting to be heard on a national level. Scott will be a great addition to the group.
Filling the tenor slot is former Brothers Forever tenor Perry Jones. This guy’s sound is one that will blend well with the other Imperials. It is worth noting that Jeremie Hudson, the tenor who is leaving, has the second longest tenure with the group (clarification: as a tenor). He clocks in at nine years, the longest tenure being Jim Murray’s at 20 years.
Best of luck to Smith and Hudson, and I am excited to hear how The Imperials will sound with the new additions.
Yesterday, on the SN forums, it was posted by user accent that bass singer Brandon Berry had left the group. Today, tenor Jeremy Peace confirmed the news:
Consistency plays such a major role in the success of any group, and can be very upsetting to the fans when a member change takes place. Now, I’m not in management position, so I’m not sure what the plans are as far as press releases and such, but I will say that Brandon is a great talent, and has a heart of gold. He was there for me several years back when I was fighting a battle of depression. He was a friend when I needed someone to just listen. He may shoot me for this, but I’m gonna spill the beans for him…. he and his wife, Christine are expecting their second child. They just found out a week ago. Please pray for Brandon and his family as they grow in the Lord, and as a family. As for the Old Paths, our success has been seeing countless people come to know Jesus, and to witness the hurt and rejected come to realize that there is a new chapter for them. For us, it’s not just singing good ‘ole gospel songs from the red-back hymnal to bring a smile to your face. Its a team of evangelists singing and preaching the gospel. Its not just churches and concert halls. Its going out into the world to reach the lost and bring them in.
It is always nice to garner the respect and friendship of those in the southern gospel music industry, but in all reality it could all fade away tomorrow, and for us, we want to count for our Saviour. He is still leading us, and providing for us.
If the Old Paths can be a part of an industry and progress within it, then that will allow us to grow nationally and be a vehicle for our music and message of Christ’s salvation. So don’t get me wrong…being one of the top quartets is great, but not our top priority.
As for any group….things change…it doesn’t mean the end, or a step back. I think you will be very suprised in the near future with our growth as a group, and a ministry.
So sit back and watch….we’re only getting started!
It’s nice to know that the Old Paths are all about the message and not the fame. That’s a great testimony for any group to have. I wish the Old Paths luck in finding a replacement, and I wish Brandon well with this new child he and his wife are expecting.
I will be on a missions trip till next Monday. See you all when I return.
A post this morning by user jchaz on the SN forums said that a friend of his was going to play drums for Gold City’s live band, meaning that they were bringing it back. Fellow blogger Brandon Coomer at Coomer Cove is now saying that Gold City has confirmed this news.
This is very exciting; it will be awesome to see Gold City with a band again! I share the sentiments of others that have said they would like to see Adam Borden return on bass guitar.
Update: I just got the news from a friend that talked to GC that the band will only be used at special events and if the promoter pays the extra money.
A guy with the moniker of insider at averyfineline.com is saying that a local, formerly acappella group from Georgia called ChoZen has been chosen (pun intended) to be the new Crystal River. If this is true, they will definitely have an interesting sound.
As far as insider’s comments on the group going under, I’m of the opinion that after Jeremy Lile left to join Brian Free & Assurance, they lost some of their punch. Yes, they were pretty good as a trio, but the double turnover (Jeremy Lile and baritone Jeff Snyder leaving) was a hard blow, I imagine. Now that they have disbanded, Jeremy is with BFA, tenor Dusty Barrett is with Soul’d Out, and former baritone Jeff Snyder is with Mike & Kelly Bowling. Lead Zack McGill and Chris Whitaker are no longer in groups.
From what I gather from insider’s comments, McGill may have actually sold the name to ChoZen. Whether that is the case or not, I don’t know, but I would be thrilled to see Zack take the lead position of the group and make it a quartet once again. Stay tuned on this story.
… and ushers in a new one. Last night was Jason Waldroup’s last concert with the group after 13 years of singing with them. Here are some highlights:
And, to welcome their new tenor and a bright future for the group, here is Jacob Kitson singing a powerful version of “Little Is Much.”
SN Forums user Smokymtnsanta tells us the official announcement has been made that the Anchormen pianist has joined The Perrys. Press release will be posted when I recieve it.
Update: Here is the PR:
GALLATIN, TN (Press Release) – The Perrys have announced that Bryan Elliott, of the Anchormen (and formerly, the Palmetto State Quartet), will be their new pianist, effective Friday, August 8, when the group appears in Conway, Arkansas.
Tracy Stuffle says, “We’re thrilled to have Bryan on board. We’ve literally watched Bryan grow up in Southern Gospel music, and fans across the country know that he is one of finest pianists on the road today.”
The Anchormen’s Tim Bullins, says, “The Anchormen certainly wish the absolute best for Bryan and his family. This is a great opportunity for him, and I’m very happy for him – and the Perrys! Bryan’s a super pianist and a super young man!”
Bryan is a talented young pianist and I’m sure he’ll fit right in. I’m anxious to hear how he sounds with them!
