1. This NQC has brought some surprising lesser-known groups to my attention. DBM has already mentioned them, but the Penny Loafers got a one-song feature early tonight on mainstage, and did some pretty cool stuff in an a capella arrangement of “Goodbye World Goodbye.” I would describe the sound as Take 6 meets barbershop meets Southern Gospel quartet. Color me impressed.

2. Triumphant started off their set with an acoustic feel, opting for piano-only accompaniment on “Somebody Died For Me” and “Don’t Let The Sandals Fool Ya.” My hat is always off to groups that still sound good without tracks. Although a track did kick in later for “He Is,” the good sound continued.

3. Biggest response for any one singer tonight (or possibly the whole week) goes to Trent Adams of the Dixie Echoes. The crowd roared after every verse of his solo feature, “Child Of The King.” His is a voice that is smooth and deep, and he never strays out of his comfort zone. The crowd response would have been the same even if Randy Shelnut hadn’t mentioned beforehand that Adams is only nineteen years old.

Early last week, The Old Paths announced in a newsletter that those attending their concerts this past weekend would be in for a big surprise. As of yesterday, the secret is out: The Old Paths are a quartet once again with the return of bass singer Brandon Barry.

Barry was with the group for several years before leaving in August 2008. The Old Paths temporarily sang with Trent Adams (now of the Dixie Echoes), but eventually opted to travel as a trio. Until now, Barry sang with the Stamps Quartet.

I always thought that Brandon was extremely underrated as a bass vocalist, and that while the group sounded good as a trio, the sound just wasn’t complete without a bass. The beauty of hiring back any singer is that the blend will still be there, even on newer material.

Look for videos of one of Brandon’s first concerts back with the Old Paths in the next few days.

Update: Here’s a video compilation of some songs from one of his first concerts after the return. Thanks, DinanaSN!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ls2pLHQKr0