Reports from attenders of a recent GVB concert suggest that Penrod’s sabbatical will be three months instead of three weeks. They’re saying that Bill Gaither distinctly said “three months” when mentioning Guy’s break, and I don’t think it was a slip up; it makes sense, three months would be a much more effective rest period than only three weeks.

As you probably expect, the rumors have flown all around the Web. Averyfineline.com has a nice little thread going about it, with different theories popping up. The most prominent of these is this: What if this hiatus becomes permanent?

One guy at Averyfineline suggested Scott Allen, saying that he sounds much like a young Michael English. Couldn’t have put it better myself. Scott had been filling in on the lead singer slot with The Imperials ever since Shannon Smith left the group, and he took the full-time position a couple months ago. I hope that lasts for a long time, but I do agree that he would be a great fit should Guy ever leave the GVB.

I will say that if Bill decides to retire, he should snag Gene McDonald to take his place. The man’s range would fit great with the GVB’s arrangements; not only could he sing the “high bass” stuff, but he could also add some powerful, deep bass in it as well. All without the aid from the sound system that everyone likes to accuse Bill of (and apparently, they accuse truthfully).

I guess my “dream lineup” of the GVB would be this:

Tenor: David Phelps – nobody can touch this guy. Period. And with rumblings of him being dropped by Word Records after seven albums, it could happen. Just switch Wes Hampton to lead.

Lead: Guy Penrod, Mike English, or Scott Allen – Guy and Mike are (or have been) absolutely steller vocalists, Scott has already been mentioned.

Baritone: Mark Lowry or Marshall Hall – Both great baritones and vocalists in their own right.

Bass: Gene McDonald – see above.

Daniel Mount is running a survey that compares the radio charts of 1983 and 2003. Head on over if you’re interested in participating.

From a PR I got today:

Gaither Music announced today that Gaither Vocal Band lead singer, Guy Penrod, will be taking a sabbatical from the Homecoming Tour for a few weeks. He has been singing and traveling full-time with the Gaither Vocal Band since 1994 and his faithfulness throughout that time is being honored with some much-deserved rest and personal time. Guy will spend these weeks resting, enjoying his family and recharging physically, emotionally and spiritually.

The Vocal Band will be assisted by distinguished GVB alumni Mark Lowry and David Phelps, as well as young vocal sensation, Jason Crabb, who will alternately cover Guy’s vocal part during the next few weeks. As always, the Gaither organization is committed to creating an unparalleled concert experience for ticket holders and anticipates that these three gifted artists will contribute an extraordinary element to the Homecoming program during Guy’s temporary absence.

“Guy has a tremendous following of friends and fans around the world who care about his well-being,” Bill Gaither expressed, “So the Homecoming family extends our sincere thanks in advance for fans’ support of this decision to give our friend some time off.”

“Guy is more than a big voice on whom the Vocal Band relies heavily,” he added. “He is first a father, husband and friend and honestly, this time of rest was my idea because I love him and I know that our busy lives rarely offer the opportunity to look after our own needs. I look at this sabbatical as a gift that will refresh Guy and help him keep his body and spirit strong for the years to come.”

I wish Guy well during his break, and I’m excited that Mark Lowry and David Phelps will be helping out in his absense. I’m sure that Jason Crabb will give the GVB a unique sound during this time; it’s a shame the tour won’t be near me anytime during this sabbatical, because I’d love to hear it.

Got this press release from Dan Keeton today:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
KEETONS NAME BARITONE SINGER.
RUSH, KENTUCKY – OCT 7TH 2008

After searching for several weeks, The Keetons (Dan Keeton Quartet) have named Jim Sheldon from Danville, KY. as their new baritone singer. Jim is a native of New Orleans, LA. He has performed previously with The Solid Rock Quartet, The Cokers and Calvary’s Hill Quartet.

“After such an extensive search, it’s refreshing to find someone with a heart like Jim. We’ve tried him out on the folks and people have overwhelmingly approved! We are honored to have him with The Keetons.”

Interview Contact:
Dan Keeton
Telephone: 1-(606)-262-4718
dan@dankeeton.com
http://www.keetonsong.com

Dan Keeton
1552 South State Rt 207
Rush, KY. USA 41168
Voice: 1-(606)-262-4718
Fax: (740) 931-2627

I’ll be keeping an ear out to listen to what the new guy sounds like. Dan Keeton’s group hasn’t disappointed me with the stuff I’ve heard so far, and I’m sure Dan has made a great choice for this position.

Rating: 4 stars

Label: Independent
Producer: Matt Rankin
Website: www.souldoutquartet.com

1. He’s Coming Back Soon – The project opens up with a single that has gotten a lot of play on my local SG radio station. The guys show that they can get the four-part harmony done well. I’ll admit, before I knew who the group was, the opening had me thinking it was The Oak Ridge Boys, with it’s country flavor and low bass singer. Great choice for a single and first track of the album.

2. I Have A Story To Tell – Lead singer Matt Rankin is featured on this track. Another song with a modern country flavor, Rankin delivers it well.

3. Ain’t Nobody – The title track follows in the footsteps of songs such as Brian Free & Assurance’s “Long As I Got King Jesus” and “Jesus Will Pick You Up”, fusing SG with black gospel. Lead singer Rankin is featured again, and I noticed on this track that he could easily pass for a tenor singer, sort of like Bill Shivers. This song should be a hit at concerts. I was impressed with Matt Fouch’s bass notes in the final part.

4. Please Remember Me – Baritone singer Tanner Stahl is featured on this ballad in the first verse, then the feature is handed to Matt Rankin. This song is actually a remake of a track on an earlier Soul’d Out album, Telling The Story, and the vocals sound much better this time around. For example, tenor Dusty Barrett’s vocals sound much more powerful than Brent Hopper’s did on the previous version. I noticed that Matt Rankin’s voice has improved with time as well.

5. There’s A Bigger Blessing – A mid-tempo track that features bass singer Matt Fouch. This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite young basses in the industry. He shows his capability on this song to not only carry a solo, but also sing some deep bass in an ensemble setting.

6. Heaven Medley – This track features bits of the songs “When We All Get To Heaven,” “I Feel Like Traveling On,” and “Looking For A City.” Dusty Barrett shows some of his higher tenor range on the latter.

7. There Is A Fountain – Baritone Tanner Stahl is featured on another ballad, this time through all the verses. The quartet sings some of the old hymn by the same name near the end.

8. We Shall Rise – This track is another re-vamping of a song from the group’s Telling The Story album. I share the same opinion of this track as I did of the other re-record: the vocals sound much better on this new version.

9. A Wonderful Savior Tenor Dusty Barrett gets a solo feature all the way through on this old hymn. I’ve been a fan of Dusty since his Crystal River days, and he doesn’t disappoint on this track. Very smooth tenor singing, and one of the finest out there today.

10. Joseph Got His Tomb Back – An upbeat song featuring the lead singer. The bass singer’s feature on the second verse is good as well. Very nice perspective in the lyrics, and one of my favorites of the album.

11. Aint’t Nobody (Reprise) – The album closes with an encore of the title track that doesn’t really impress me.

Final Thoughts: This album shows that this quartet is one that is going to be a force to be reckoned with if they continue in the direction they are going now. They have a fine lineup: tenor Dusty Barrett is one of the best in the business, lead singer Matt Rankin is as good a songwriter as he is a singer, baritone Tanner Stahl is a solid vocalist in his own right, and bass singer Matt Fouch reminds me of a cross between Eric Bennett and Richard Sterban. Pianist Michael Howard, who was hired after this project was released, is a talented player as well.

I have listened to every project this group has put out since 2003, and I can honestly say this is one of their best (if not the best) project they’ve released. Be on the lookout for great things from these guys in years to come.

Next review: Legacy Five – God’s Been Good