According to Daniel Mount, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound have announced the taping of their new DVD, set to accompany their new Dream On album and slated for a Fall 2008 release.

This is one CD/DVD that will be high on my wishlist. I had originally heard that this stuff wouldn’t be released till Fall 2009, but I’m glad to hear otherwise.

It will definitely be interesting to see who they get to play piano for them on the album and video. Even more so on the video, because it will establish whether EHSSQ is still as good on stage as they were when Roy Webb was with them. I’m sure many haven’t gotten the opportunity to catch a concert with them since the split happened (I’m in that number, myself), so this video will be very defining.

Yes, folks, it’s true!

It was announced today that the Gaither Vocal Band and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound are returning to NQC in 2008, filling in the Thursday night slot left vacant by the Singing News Fan Awards, which moved to Saturday night.

Awesome news; it looks like NQC is taking a step in the right direction. Hopefully, they will continue to make improvements of such quality each year.

UPDATE: DBM commented that, in fact, the Thursday night slot is not filled:

Actually, the press release mentions a Thursday showcase and Friday night performances by the two groups. They aren’t filling the gap left by the Fan Awards on Thursday night.

This was my reaction after reading a post on Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s message board from the Head Honcho Himself (Ernie Haase) saying that their next project won’t be released till Fall 2009.

2009?!?!?! I had originally heard Fall 2008 so I’m hoping that it was just a typo on his part. That’s a pretty long time between projects. Ah well. We can only hope…

Be looking for my upcoming review of the DVD Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and the Gaither Vocal Band: Together.

Well, with school starting back up, me becoming a freshman, orientation, shopping and the like have kept me from blogging these past few days, so let me get a rundown of these news items I’ve missed.

1. Burman Porter is leaving Palmetto State? Here’s hoping the rumour is untrue, but back problems can have a hand in taking talent off the road (Gene McDonald, anyone?)

2. Roy Webb’s father passed away a couple of days ago. I actually knew this but didn’t blog it. Nice to see that EHSSQ sent out a newsletter about it. Hmm… maybe this will stop the rumour mill about Webb’s departure… Please keep him and the family in your prayers.

3. The Dixie Echoes’ bus fire. Man, what a shock. Thankfully, the only thing lost was some merchandise…

And of course, we can’t forget to count down to NQC. By my watch, (or, rather, by Chuck Peters’ “Days till NQC” clock), it is 16 days.

According to a recent Daniel Britt interview with Ernie Haase, Ernie said that he’d like to have an SG workout video line.
First an online TV station (which I thoroughly enjoy, by the way) and now this? What a world, what a world….

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s Website

From the Singing News website:

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Launch Media Channel

Southern Gospel Quartet, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound has partnered with a Tampa Fl. based 316Muzik to launch a free membership-based media channel, EHSS TV.

Ernie Haase’s group is the first of its kind to use this newest form of video delivery technology. 316Muzik is an Endavo (http://www.endavomedia.com)/ Powered Community, and provides several media tools to 316Muzik which enable the group to have a stronger presence on the Internet and establish a direct connection with each listener who joins the community. The EHSS TV community can be found at ehss.316muzik.com.

By using the latest video delivery technologies available, EHSS TV shares with the world the personal side of the EHSS ministry, including music videos and backstage and on-stage video footage from tours. Registered members can view high quality videos in full-screen DVD quality right on their desktop, enjoying a TV-like experience, all without streaming.

Casio Jones, the founder of 316 Muzik, noted that by leveraging the power of Endavo EHSS TV can expand its ministry over the Web. 316Muzik also offers the EHSS ministry complete control of online distribution of their exclusive special footage.

“Based on the wonderful review from the EHSS TV members’ forum, this is going to be a big hit for all the fans of the EHSS ministry. 316Muzik could not have developed a better relationship with a finer ministry. Ernie Haase was able to see the vision and potential of what 316Muzik has to offer.” said Casio Jones, founder of 316Muzik.

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It’s been around a while, but it’s a pretty sweet deal, considering that it’s totally free.

Hm… can’t help but think this might be a good idea…

People over on the Singing News forums have suggested the idea that we write to Oprah and ask her to put Ernie Haase & Signature Sound on the show.

People have made a very valid objection, and I admit that I somewhat agree with it; what makes you think that Oprah would devote an entire one-hour show to these guys? We all know Oprah is very liberal and left field, and EHSSQ is obviously conservative. Oprah’s show is also more human interest.

However, she’s had gospel music artists on the show before, some famous, some not so famous. One guy on the board said his wife wants to write in for an SG artist to appear. Bill & Gloria Gaither would be the most logical choice, seeing that they are SG “giants” in this day and time. But EHSSQ did some work with them in South Africa that helped those people greatly, and that alone may be enough to get them on the show. EHSSQ is also getting very high on The Billboard charts now. Their new Get Away Jordan album has almost gone gold.

I think it’s a long shot, but go ahead, write in. You never know what could happen.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s website

Oprah’s website

According to the guy at averyfineline, Ernie Haase has announced that he has opted not to seek a permanent replacement pianist for the group, instead choosing to “build my future on the four faces of the singers like the Oak Ridge Boys and the GVB.”

I actually think he has made a good decision, for the summer at least, to hire Gordon Mote as pianist. Notice, not as a permanent pianist, but just pianist. He claims his decision has nothing to do with Roy Webb coming back, but I still think he has, in a roundabout way, kept his foot in the door in that area. I can see “The Return” sometime after the Summer Tour, if not sooner. It’s quite possible, actually…

Now, as for the Oaks and GVB comparison; huh? I can maybe understand the Oaks thing, since their lineup has been very consistent for a good number of years. But the GVB? That group’s more focused on the faces of Bill Gaither and Guy Penrod, with the other two positions getting changed every 2-3 years.

Ah well, now we can all just sit and watch to see how it all plays out….

I guess I was in a state of denial the other day after hearing the news about Roy Webb’s resignation. It’s still a shock, but I guess with all this “family stuff” goin’ on, I understand. I’m sure this decision was made with alot of prayer and I’m sure God will lead from here out.

But on a happier note…
Gordon Mote has been chosen as their pianist for the remainder of the Summer tour. Awesome fit and I look forward to going to a concert with him playing for them.