This past Saturday night, I made the hour-long trip to Buena Vista, VA for the last night of the VA Southern Gospel Jubilee, an outdoor three-day event held every July. I had been out of town all week and had just gotten back home that day, but since I’d never seen The Perrys outside of NQC and they don’t come to the area that often, I decided it was too good to pass up.

The concert started at 5:00, with close to an hour of musical groups affiliated with the local church that puts on the event. I took this opportunity to chat with some of the singers, and enjoyed talking with Troy Peach, Joseph Habedank, and Tracy and Libbi Stuffle.

At about 5:30, the first headliner group, Greater Love, took the stage. Subscribers to the Singing News may remember this Orange, VA based group getting a feature article in the May 2010 edition. I couldn’t name any of the songs they did, as this was my first time ever hearing them, but I was told that most of their songs were from their newest release. The group has a good sound and blend. One particular interesting note is that their bass singer, Don Leake, had open-heart surgery months ago, and it had not looked like he would be able to make the event. However, he was in good health, and did very well in the group’s set.

After an offering being taken up, The Perrys launched into their set. They started off with “I Love To Tell Of His Love,” “I Know It Was The Blood,” and “Still Blessed,” one right after the other. Other songs of the night included “Prior To A Prayer,” “This Old Sinner Testifies,” “Did I Mention?” “I Wish I Could Have Been There,” and “If You Knew Him.” Bryan Elliot did a remarkably fast piano solo, and Tracy Stuffle also did his chainsaw impersonation.

This particular lineup has really gelled well. The voices play really well off of each other, and an A Capella encore of “Did I Mention” really highlighted that fact. Tracy Stuffle’s style of MC work connects with the audience really well. He injects a good dose of humor throughout the program, but also builds up to songs very well, as he did with the closer, “If You Knew Him.” That particular song led into an altar call that had many going forward, and was twice encored with just piano.

If you have the chance to see either of these groups, this blogger highly recommends them. Although the sets were not as long as a regular event might be, I was still impressed with both.

Check out this video of the group singing one of their more popular songs at the 2010 Dove Awards. Although it’s an abbreviated version, it’s worth watching because of the totally live track.

Another night of NQC 2009 has come and gone. Some thoughts on tonight:

1. Maybe The Perrys just “make you feel” when they sing, but no one can deny that The Perrys singing “If You Knew Him” was probably the most powerful moment of the night. The place was on its feet at the end of the second verse and it never let up after that.

2. The Isaacs should have done their “almost a cappella” thing a long time ago. The a cappella tune they did tonight brought the house down.

3. More sound issues, unfortunately. Instead of turned off mics, tonight it was mics that popped, sizzled. and screeched all over the place. Can we go a night without issue?

Anything else? Feel free to comment.

As an added bonus, here’s the first song of Gold City’s set last night.

Update: Well, never mind about the video. The user pulled them off of Youtube.

Just one day after the announcement of Nick Trammell’s departure from the group, Libbi Stuffle announced The Perrys’ new baritone vocalist in the latest edition of their newsletter:

As many of you know, Nick Trammell our baritone resigned this past weekend from the group. He has been a part of our group for two and a half years. We love Nick and Jessica and we wish them all the best in their future plans. We have watched Nick grow up from a baby into a fine young man over the years and we love him just like a son. We will miss him, but we know God will bless him for his faithfulness. Please pray for Nick and Jessica that God will lead them in the direction He wants them to go.

Troy Peach will be filling the baritone position. Troy has been with our group for the past year as one of our sound techs and bus drivers. He also filled in for Nick back in December while Nick was off for his wedding and did a great job. Troy is no stranger to singing as you may remember him with Jeff and Sheri Steele and later his own group First Love. We have known Troy for years and have watched him develop into a hard working young man. With the economic situation right now going on in not only gospel music but the whole country, we feel like this is the thing to do, this is not taking away from the fact that Troy is a great singer and we have traveled with him and we know his life. He is so easy to get a long with and that counts for a lot when you travel on a 45 foot bus four days out of the week and sometimes more. Troy has a heart and passion for not only our music, but gospel music as a whole and he wants to do his part to make it all it can be. He is already a part of our “family” so now we have just tied him in even more! Troy is so excited about being able to sing again and we are excited to have him sing with us. Troy’s wife Katy is in full support of Troy and his new position with our group. Katy is enjoying being able to stay home with their 3 year old twin boys Clayton and Shelton while they are little. It has been over- whelming at the emails we have received from people all across the United States who love Troy and have ask us to please give him the position. This shows us that Troy has made a lot of friends during his time in gospel music that love him, his singing and his humble attitude. We feel God placed Troy under our noses for this purpose.

It was guessed on many of the other blogs that this would happen, and it seems that their hunches were correct. Everyone who heard Troy fill in with The Perrys has said that the group sounded great together. I am not too familar with Troy’s vocal work, so I am anticipating hearing him sing on the upcoming Perrys project, Almost Morning.

It would seem the personnel change bug has bitten Southern Gospel Music once again here recently. From The Perrys’ newsletter today:

CHANGES FOR THE PERRYS

Nick Trammell has tenured his resignation to the Perrys. Trammell joined the group as baritone vocalist in August of 2006.

“I would like to thank all of those who have supported and loved me over the past two-and-a-half years,” says Nick. “I don’t feel that I am done in Southern Gospel music, nor in ministry. But for now, I feel God is moving me to a new chapter in my life. I don’t know what is to come but I believe stepping out in faith is what I need to do to be shown what is next.

“I would like to thank Tracy, Libbi and all of those on the Perrys’ bus for giving me a chance and taking me in as family. I wish them God’s best in the future. Please continue to pray for Jessica and I as we seek God’s will for whatever it is that God has in store for us. We love you all.”

“We certainly wish Nick God’s blessings on all of his endeavors,” adds Tracy Stuffle of the Perrys. “God rewards faith, and as such, we know that God can use Nick in ways that will honor Him.

“When personnel changes have come our way in the past, we’ve anxiously awaited to see the person God would put in our path. We hope to be able to announce the name of our new baritone soon.” Troy Peach will be filling in until a decision has been made.”

I must say this is another change I never saw coming. Certainly, Nick Trammell has been a tremendous asset to the group, and he is a fine young vocalist whom I hope to see traveling with a group again soon.

I’m curious to see who The Perrys will hire as their next baritone. The Perrys have never been slouches in who they hire, so it will be interesting to see. Their upcoming project hasn’t had vocals recorded yet, to the best of my knowledge, so the replacement should have no trouble leaving his own mark on it.

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!

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!

Chuck Peters of the Southern Gospel Reporter did an interview with the former Perrys pianist that was featured in today’s newsletter. Check it out here.

Yet another turnover has come to my attention, only this time from a well-established group. Averyfineline says Holt has already left and The Perrys are auditioning new piano players.
While it is nice to know that he left on good terms, this is still a shock. Matthew is one of the most talented players out there, and I sure hope The Perrys can get someone as good a player as he is. It doesn’t look as if a press release will be sent out, so look to blogs for any further developments.
It’s a shame Scott McDowell is in college; it’d be nice to see him with someone again. Although I believe he’s solo now, Channing Eleton, anyone? The possibilities go on…

Update: Libbi Stuffle stopped by the SN forums to say that there is a press release to go out this evening. Nice to know that The Perrys aren’t one of those groups that leave fans scratching their heads when changes happen.

Further Update: Here’s the press release:

PERRYS ANNOUNCE DEPARTURE OF MATTHEW HOLT
Amid speculation, rumors and an internet guessing game.. the Perrys set the record straight Monday night. Piano player, Matthew Holt is leaving the group following appearances this weekend. Some fans questioned why the Perrys hadn’t revealed the news. Our reporter spoke with Tracy Stuffle.. just as the group was returning from a sixteen day tour that took them across twelve states and Canada. Tracy says: “We waited till we got off this trip before we made any official announcement.” When asked to comment about Matthew’s tenure with the Perrys,.. Tracy said: “Life is a series of seasons and this group has been blessed to enjoy Matthew’s talents for a fantastic season. He’s a very fine pianist and an even better young Christian gentleman, husband and father. We know great things are in store for him and we fully support him in his decision.”

Donna Beauvais, a representative of Daywind, the Perrys’ record company.. told us: “Matthew has been such a wonderful part of the Perrys and the Daywind family. I am sure the Lord has great things in store for him as he begins this new chapter in his life. The Perrys’ powerful radio single really says it best about what He can do with all of us as seasons change and lives are redirected, ‘The Potter Knows The Clay.’ ”

Holt,.. who joined the Perrys back in 2004, is leaving to accept the position of assistant director of the Renaissance Music Program at Bethel College. Renaissance, Bethel’s “performance troupe” uses choirs, ensembles and soloists to showcase the talents of Bethel students. Bethel’s website says the group performs a wide range of musical styles.. including: bluegrass to jazz, show tunes to “doo-wop” and the best-loved songs of faith, both traditional and contemporary. The school is located in McKenzie, Tn.. where Matthew and his family reside. Holt is orginally from this part of the state.

visit: www.perrysministries.com

Better late than never, I always say. I’ll admit that I was one of the fans who questioned why the news hadn’t been released sooner, but as I stated earlier, I do appreciate the fact that The Perrys actually made the statement instead of bringing in fill-ins and such and not telling anyone what was going on.

According to Daniel Mount’s blog, there seems to be two changes in group lineups this morning.

First off, Joseph Cox returns as pianist for the Old Paths Quartet. Although not nationally recognized, they’re a great quartet, and this move on Cox’s part will probably strengthen their fanbase. Cox, if you remember, was featured pianist on the cover of The Kingdom Heirs’ latest release, True To The Call.

And also, Troy Peach, formerly of TK & McRae, is now The Perrys’ soundman. I understand that he filled in for a couple months after the other guy left to serve his hitch with Uncle Sam, and from what I hear, Troy does a great job.