averyfineline

Self-described “regular-reader” JL writes to validly question my fast-and-loose use of terminology in the Lyrical Battles post:
I’m just a little curious about your definition of interfaith. It seems, in the context, to be inter-Baptist since you give as an example a General Baptist and Southern Baptist view. […]

Skeptical reader AD wrote offering her “two cents” about lyrics and theology as well:
I have always had a problem with the lyrics of “Searchin’,” most recently recorded, of course, by the Talley Trio. Exactly how much “searchin’” does one have to do to find an omnipotent, omnipresent, almighty God??? […]

Apropos my remarks about the Cathedrals, close-reading regular JG writes to say,
While I agree that the music and harmony of “Life Will Be Sweeter Some Day” is sweet, Trammell’s line [”Because the joys of heaven of I’ll miss”] has always bothered me. I’m Baptist so there’s that […]

Now, to the matter of lyrics and theology and why there aren’t more obvious disputes within inter-faith groups (which I gather most are) about the theological implications of lyrics. In one sense, it is surprising to me that there aren’t more open doctrinal disagreements about lyrics. But […]

When regular correspondent JG pressed me for a list of top 5 groups, the Ruppes ended up on my list without too much hesitation, and I was happy to find JG at least notionally agreeing with me: […]

The best song on the project, though, is probably “Light from Heaven,” stylistically similar to “Angels in the Room” but musically far superior. For one, it’s much more psychologically textured and subtle than “Angels.” And too, “Light from Heaven” is more melodically varied and complex. A repeated section toward the middle […]

While working on a piece for next week about the Ruppes, I suddenly remembered another really fine punned group name that I left out of my earlier post on the matter, one that deserves mention: Lordsong, Kim and Michael Lord’s group. Shame, shame on me.

Take a look at page 25 of the September issue of the Singing News and you’ll see the members of Freedom Voice clowning around in a dewy meadow, which puts me in mind of those “controversial” Ernie Haase and Signature Sound photos (see, that name is clunky), […]

Does anyone else think “Tex” McCune looks like Elvis?
Update: Detail-oriented reader LT writes to remind us that “Tex” McCune (whose given name is Aaron) hails, not from Texas, but from West Virginia, which does indeed strain the sensibility of his current nickname: “When he was with […]

Experienced reader JG writes describing a horrendous episode from his quartet days, a tale that, with a few variations, I’ve heard more than a few times from others before (names have been changed):
I formed and managed a part-time SG group for ten and a half years. During that […]