Here’s a new clip of a lineup featuring Wes Hampton on tenor, Michael English on lead, baritone Mark Lowry, and, of course, “bass” Bill Gaither.

I guess to those unfamiliar with the English days of the GVB, this would actually sound pretty good. And, in truth, it is a somewhat decent performance. But, as Doug Harrison points out, it’s kind of a mess. Doug is certainly not far wrong; he and I both know how the English era sounded, and this is almost a shadow of that group.

I don’t agree with Harrison’s assessment of Wes Hampton’s tenor singing here; with the absence of Terry Franklin (a real shame, IMHO), Hampton was called on to fill in, and he does a good job. He’s really not as bad a tenor as Harrison makes him out to be. Wes doesn’t try to sing out of his range here and he fits the part well.

I guess, to my ears, the saddest part about all this is Michael English’s part. As I stated earlier, I’ve heard the early days of the group, and I was a big fan of the lineups with English. He brought such a great voice to the lineup, not unlike Guy Penrod has done for over a decade. It’s tragic to me to listen to the result of drug abuse and stress so many years later. Drugs and stress can tear a voice up like I don’t know what, and it’s sad to hear such a powerful voice sound so… reduced, if you will.

I noticed that “I Bowed On My Knees” is on the video’s tracklist. I’m pretty sure English gets the feature there. Hopefully, he can still sing that with the pathos that he sang it with here.

Like I stated earlier, it is not a terrible performance. I guess my somewhat “educated” ears just long for something more.

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.

From SGReporter Fan Mail:

GAITHER PLANNING JAKE HESS TRIBUTE CONCERT
When the Homecoming Friends tour comes to Columbus, Georgia.. later this year, Bill Gaither says the group will pay tribute to Jake Hess. In a website article.. Gaither says: “There are a lot of pioneer artists who have made a major impact on all of our lives, and if there was a list of the top 10 most influential pioneers in gospel music, the name Jake Hess would certainly be on it. The impact he made on the music industry – and on so many individual lives – is truly immeasurable. I thought it would be fitting to honor the life of this dear man when we come to Columbus, where he spent the last 15 years of his life and near the place where his body rests.”

Artists appearing October 9th at the Civic Center Arena (Columbus, Georgia) include: The Gaither Vocal Band, Janet Paschal, Taranda Greene, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Ivan Parker, Karen Peck and New River, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Gordon Mote, Kevin Williams, and all of Jake’s kids… Becky Hess, Buck and Chris Hess, Jake Hess Jr. and Judy Martin Hess, plus lots of Jake’s friends. Bill adds: “It is going to be a great night of celebrating Jake’s memory and the second half of the program will include a chance to sing along with some wonderful Jake Hess favorites. I hope to see you there!”

visit: www.gaither.com

Sounds like this will be a night to remember! Be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.

News from sogospelnews.com:

Gaither Misses Canada Concert, Doctor Advised Rest

According to a Gaithernet Health update issued today, Bill Gaither is resting per Doctor’s advice. Gaither has been under careful supervision of his heart doctors the last year and a half. A few months ago he had a stent replacement and is still not feeling 100% better. Under doctor’s advice he is not making the trip to Canada. He has been instructed to stay home and rest until doctors determine the next steps.”I still have a lot of living to do,” Bill says, “and though it is always difficult for me to miss concerts, I know I haven’t been operating at full-strength. I’m also realizing that it is going to take some time for me to get there. So, I’ll spend this summer doing whatever the doctors ask me to do and I have every reason to believe that they will have me running on all cylinders for the Alaskan Cruise and Fall Homecoming Tour. I would appreciate your prayers during the days and weeks to come, both for wisdom and for patience to trust the process.” This weekend’s program will be under the management of Guy Penrod and Kevin Williams.

Hmm.. Sounds like the writing is on the wall for retirement…

I’m not saying that in a mean-spirited way at all, but it is a very real possibility. All I can say is, will the Homecoming continue after he’s retired or passed on? Hmm..