Check out this video of The Kingsmen singing one of their best-known songs, “Beautiful Home,” at the recent Bill Bailey’s Winter Gospel Sing in Palmetto, FL. I’d encourage you to go watch it in high quality for best picture and sound.

I remember back when Reed first joined The Kingsmen, many wondered if he would fit the “Kingsmen tenor” style. If you haven’t heard how fantastic he sounded on their latest recording, When God Ran, then this video will settle any doubts. I heard the group do this live at last NQC, but it was near the end of the week, the guys were probably tired, and it didn’t sound so good. This one is the best I’ve heard. Harold’s range has extended since joining The Kingsmen; he hits a B-natural, which Daniel Mount says is a half-step above Ernie Phillips’ famed sky-high ending on “Love Lifted Me”.

Members of the Perrys and the Dixie Echoes (Tracy Stuffle and Pat Barker help Ray Dean Reese out on the bass) join on the encore, making for a powerful ending.

On a side note, notice the young piano player with The Kingsmen. His name is Cody McVeigh (I hope I didn’t butcher that spelling!), he is 17 years old, and as far as I know has been filling in with the group for about three weeks. I watched the other clips of the same night to see how Cody sounded, and what little I heard tells me he’s very talented for his age. Keep an eye open; we may hopefully see an announcement soon!

According to Daniel Mount’s blog, the guy who’s been filling in for the Echoes on tenor has officially joined.

Good move. I’ve heard he fits in quite well, and I can’t wait to catch a concert of the guys soon.

Looks like it’s official. According to Keith Plott, comment #22 on Averyfineline’s blog post about it, Pepper’s officially off the road. He is going to college, and I wish him the best. May he either find his way back into BFA or another gospel group, because he’s an absolutely great pianist.

Hmm… maybe Roy Webb could fill in the vacant spot, or, should Mercy’s Mark disband (Heaven forbid!), Garry Jones could? Think of how far his musical genius and production skills would take Brian Free & Assurance!

On another note, Dallas Rogers has left the Dixie Echoes. God help them as they find a replacement…

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.