Comments on: Recent changes in sg http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music Mon, 21 May 2012 21:12:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: Thom http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-413 Thom Wed, 11 Oct 2006 18:04:35 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-413 Re: Perry's without Loren Harris. I heard the Perry's at NQC with Joe on Lead and Nick Trammell on baritone and they were tremendous. I believe Joe may have picked up some styling cues from Loren these past few years and the phrasing is basically the same. BUT, personally, I think Joe is heads and shoulders above Loren in stage presence and sincerity. The last few times I saw the Perry's with Loren on Lead he stood and sang like a robot; no facial expression, looking like his face would crack and fall off is he tried to smile. Maybe he was worn out and road weary, but he looked like this on more than 2 or 3 occassions when I saw them. I think one should smile when singing about the joy of the Lord and should "sell the song" with their expressions and eye contact. In other words, sing it like you believe it, not just like you are "doing your job." Not to take anything away from Lorens tone, range, etc, but the stage presence was pitiful. Joe is fun to watch as well as listen to and Nick is a pro just like his Dad. Re: Perry’s without Loren Harris. I heard the Perry’s at NQC with Joe on Lead and Nick Trammell on baritone and they were tremendous. I believe Joe may have picked up some styling cues from Loren these past few years and the phrasing is basically the same. BUT, personally, I think Joe is heads and shoulders above Loren in stage presence and sincerity. The last few times I saw the Perry’s with Loren on Lead he stood and sang like a robot; no facial expression, looking like his face would crack and fall off is he tried to smile. Maybe he was worn out and road weary, but he looked like this on more than 2 or 3 occassions when I saw them. I think one should smile when singing about the joy of the Lord and should “sell the song” with their expressions and eye contact. In other words, sing it like you believe it, not just like you are “doing your job.” Not to take anything away from Lorens tone, range, etc, but the stage presence was pitiful. Joe is fun to watch as well as listen to and Nick is a pro just like his Dad.

]]> By: Cathy A. Dew http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-278 Cathy A. Dew Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:12:03 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-278 Divinity In Motion Dear Avery, Please forgive my poor writing. It's so cut and dry. I will probably spoil this message by writing we are not fans - but friends of gospel musical ministries. The Hoppers have been traveling a million miles, singing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I first saw them on stage at Watermelon Park during the summer of 1974. Unfortunately, the stage was destroyed by flood waters, but the "Spirit Of The Shenandoah" still lives in our hearts and minds. I read on your web site that "The Hoppers have hired a choreographer and theatrical producer. I look forward to seeing "Divinity In Motion" on stage. The title is my own, but I believe their gospel production will make a different in other people's lives. You have mastered the subtle art of hinting, but you did bring up an interest point about "too-perfect sound." I listened to The Hopper's new cd "The Ride" on their web site. It sounds like Kim Hopper's vocal track was cut and pasted to make a perfect vocal track. I don't know too much about audio editing, but the modulation isn't seamless on one of their songs. It zooms off the board! However, I was blessed to see Kim sing the song "Jerusalem" on TV this week. I was amazed at her vocal ability. I'm a believer now! I can see why Kim Hopper was voted favorite female vocalist and favorite Soprano 2006. Her vocal coach probably pushed her to her limits, but what she can't do vocally - God will do. Get ready to see a New Jerusalem coming down. Love, Cathy A. Dew Divinity In Motion

Dear Avery,

Please forgive my poor writing. It’s so cut and dry. I will probably spoil this message by writing we are not fans - but friends of gospel musical ministries.

The Hoppers have been traveling a million miles, singing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I first saw them on stage at Watermelon Park during the summer of 1974. Unfortunately, the stage was destroyed by flood waters, but the “Spirit Of The Shenandoah” still lives in our hearts and minds.

I read on your web site that “The Hoppers have hired a choreographer and theatrical producer. I look forward to seeing “Divinity In Motion” on stage. The title is my own, but I believe their gospel production will make a different
in other people’s lives.

You have mastered the subtle art of hinting, but you did bring up an interest point about “too-perfect sound.”

I listened to The Hopper’s new cd “The Ride” on their web site. It sounds like Kim Hopper’s vocal track was cut and pasted to make a perfect vocal track.

I don’t know too much about audio editing, but the modulation isn’t seamless on one of their songs. It zooms off the board!

However, I was blessed to see Kim
sing the song “Jerusalem” on TV this week. I was amazed at her vocal ability. I’m a believer now!

I can see why Kim Hopper was voted favorite female vocalist and favorite Soprano 2006. Her vocal coach probably pushed her to her limits, but what she can’t do vocally - God will do.
Get ready to see a New Jerusalem coming down.

Love,

Cathy A. Dew

]]> By: Brian http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-229 Brian Fri, 15 Sep 2006 21:15:18 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-229 As I look at SG thru a somewhat trained eye you can't help but wonder? They(the perry's) have known 'little Nick since he was a baby(folks I mean no disrespect here) when Loren Said he was leaving did Libbie and Tracy have to "go looking" for a new lead/baritone? To have someone that has the political clout of "the son of Mark Tramell" on your side/in your corner/Group is just smart politics. (yes, I know we don't have politics in SG. But if we did???? No I did not send them a demo. Not I did not hear from them asking me to sing(no they don't know who I am(yes we have talked but that doesn't make us friends) side note- veryfineline; keep up the good work. Keep folks honest. No I do not always agree with you but I don't see eye to eye to God all the time. He does figure out how to bring me around. As I look at SG thru a somewhat trained eye you can’t help but wonder? They(the perry’s) have known ‘little Nick since he was a baby(folks I mean no disrespect here) when Loren Said he was leaving did Libbie and Tracy have to “go looking” for a new lead/baritone? To have someone that has the political clout of “the son of Mark Tramell” on your side/in your corner/Group is just smart politics. (yes, I know we don’t have politics in SG. But if we did????
No I did not send them a demo. Not I did not hear from them asking me to sing(no they don’t know who I am(yes we have talked but that doesn’t make us friends)

side note- veryfineline; keep up the good work. Keep folks honest. No I do not always agree with you but I don’t see eye to eye to God all the time. He does figure out how to bring me around.

]]> By: afan http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-220 afan Tue, 12 Sep 2006 23:20:38 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-220 Wanted to reply to "Wonderings" comment about Joseph. Wondering said, "Habedank singing the lead (he’s emotional on stage to say the least)..." What you see as emotional, I see as genuine. Joseph is very passionate about his songs and music. To me it is REFRESHING! :-) Alot better than the two extremes of to restrained or a fake forced performance. I've seen to many of those were I am from. Wanted to reply to “Wonderings” comment about Joseph. Wondering said, “Habedank singing the lead (he’s emotional on stage to say the least)…” What you see as emotional, I see as genuine. Joseph is very passionate about his songs and music. To me it is REFRESHING! :-)
Alot better than the two extremes of to restrained or a fake forced performance. I’ve seen to many of those were I am from.

]]> By: Jenny http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-207 Jenny Fri, 08 Sep 2006 19:27:43 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-207 Sir- regarding the Perrys decision to move Joseph to lead, your implications on how Joseph was offered the lead position and his songs written on the last album you are indeed wrong. Sounds like passing gossip to me. No self-respecting professional journalist, especially Christian journalist, should put such gossip to print. Sir- regarding the Perrys decision to move Joseph to lead, your implications on how Joseph was offered the lead position and his songs written on the last album you are indeed wrong. Sounds like passing gossip to me. No self-respecting professional journalist, especially Christian journalist, should put such gossip to print.

]]> By: leslie http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-185 leslie Tue, 05 Sep 2006 00:14:00 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-185 To "wondering"... asked to resign sounds harsh doesn't it? By the way Dee Ann it is JohnSON City To “wondering”… asked to resign sounds harsh doesn’t it? By the way Dee Ann it is JohnSON City

]]> By: Dee Ann Bailey http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-170 Dee Ann Bailey Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:49:39 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-170 To Wondering - several people in Johnston City (on SN board and other chats) have stated that Loren was seeking employment with his church as Minister of Music for weeks before this happen. Sometimes what is 'sudden' to us as fans isn't as sudden as it appears. I don't know if Loren got that position, but the fact that he was seeking it says he did desire to be home, well before any fans were aware of it. There are groups that travel less than the Perrys so at some point he might decide to try that but then again, he may find a niche as MoM that he loves. As for Nick and Joe - Joe is doing a tremendous job at lead and Nick is quickly becoming a fan favorite. I'm sure the Perrys will seem different, at least to most but change can keep things fresh! To Wondering - several people in Johnston City (on SN board and other chats) have stated that Loren was seeking employment with his church as Minister of Music for weeks before this happen.

Sometimes what is ’sudden’ to us as fans isn’t as sudden as it appears. I don’t know if Loren got that position, but the fact that he was seeking it says he did desire to be home, well before any fans were aware of it.

There are groups that travel less than the Perrys so at some point he might decide to try that but then again, he may find a niche as MoM that he loves.

As for Nick and Joe - Joe is doing a tremendous job at lead and Nick is quickly becoming a fan favorite. I’m sure the Perrys will seem different, at least to most but change can keep things fresh!

]]> By: Jim http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-168 Jim Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:42:06 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-168 If you want to hear a "New" take on Hope's Call, give a listen to their a Cappella album "Beyond the Music" it is a musical treat! If you want to hear a “New” take on Hope’s Call, give a listen to their a Cappella album “Beyond the Music” it is a musical treat!

]]> By: Daniel J. Mount http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-164 Daniel J. Mount Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:36:46 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-164 I believe that the Cathedrals back in Bobby Clark's day were the "real thing." They had a smooth blend and great arrangements. I also believe that the Cathedrals in Roy Tremble's day were the "real thing." This lineup introduced some of their most memorable songs--"The Last Sunday" and "Shout Over Heaven" come to mind. I also believe that the Cathedrals with Kirk Talley, Mark Trammell, and Roger Bennett were the "real thing." "Step Into the Water" and "We Shall See Jesus" come to mind. Of course, the Cathedrals with Mark, Danny, and Gerald were the "real thing," too. "That's What Heaven Means to Me," "Champion of Love," and "I've Just Started Living" were all great songs. And as far as the final Cathedrals, who stayed it out with Glen and George to the end--they were as much the "real thing" as any other version. But then, I'm a Cathedrals fan, so I guess you would have expected me to say all that. Also, I believe that the Perrys will not miss a beat. Joseph is a great singer, and that won't change their sound much. Everything I've heard about Nick is positive, and I can't wait to hear what the future brings for the Perrys. I believe that the Cathedrals back in Bobby Clark’s day were the “real thing.” They had a smooth blend and great arrangements.

I also believe that the Cathedrals in Roy Tremble’s day were the “real thing.” This lineup introduced some of their most memorable songs–”The Last Sunday” and “Shout Over Heaven” come to mind.

I also believe that the Cathedrals with Kirk Talley, Mark Trammell, and Roger Bennett were the “real thing.” “Step Into the Water” and “We Shall See Jesus” come to mind.

Of course, the Cathedrals with Mark, Danny, and Gerald were the “real thing,” too. “That’s What Heaven Means to Me,” “Champion of Love,” and “I’ve Just Started Living” were all great songs.

And as far as the final Cathedrals, who stayed it out with Glen and George to the end–they were as much the “real thing” as any other version.

But then, I’m a Cathedrals fan, so I guess you would have expected me to say all that.

Also, I believe that the Perrys will not miss a beat. Joseph is a great singer, and that won’t change their sound much. Everything I’ve heard about Nick is positive, and I can’t wait to hear what the future brings for the Perrys.

]]> By: Faith http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-163 Faith Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:19:12 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-163 You don't think that they wail a bit? Of course, they do seem to have toned it down a bit. You don’t think that they wail a bit? Of course, they do seem to have toned it down a bit.

]]> By: Wondering http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-162 Wondering Thu, 31 Aug 2006 07:47:04 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-162 Enquiring minds want to know. Why did Loren leave then? I believe he was the best male vocalist in the business (no offense to Gerald Wolfe, etc.), a great bass guitarist and a class act every time that I ever saw him. The Perrys had a great sound, and I'm sure they'll continue to have a great sound and probably be even more "entertaining" with Habedank singing the lead (he's emotional on stage to say the least) and with another young guy standing alongside him. I'm not implying that Harris was old, but he just bascially did his things without all of the unnecessary stage antics. Could we see Loren back in the business relatively soon with another group if his reason for leaving actaully wasn't "to spend more time with the family?" I surely hope so. What a great talent he is. The Southern Gospel community lost a good one, and their best group took a big hit. Enquiring minds want to know. Why did Loren leave then? I believe he was the best male vocalist in the business (no offense to Gerald Wolfe, etc.), a great bass guitarist and a class act every time that I ever saw him. The Perrys had a great sound, and I’m sure they’ll continue to have a great sound and probably be even more “entertaining” with Habedank singing the lead (he’s emotional on stage to say the least) and with another young guy standing alongside him. I’m not implying that Harris was old, but he just bascially did his things without all of the unnecessary stage antics. Could we see Loren back in the business relatively soon with another group if his reason for leaving actaully wasn’t “to spend more time with the family?” I surely hope so. What a great talent he is. The Southern Gospel community lost a good one, and their best group took a big hit.

]]> By: anonymous http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-155 anonymous Tue, 29 Aug 2006 18:27:37 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-155 Wailing? You sir do not know what you are talking about. Wailing? You sir do not know what you are talking about.

]]> By: Gerry http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-150 Gerry Tue, 29 Aug 2006 03:49:17 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-150 I remember Hope's Call when they were still in Michigan. Vocal histrionics is a good term to use. They are good singers, but I don't like wailing. I remember Hope’s Call when they were still in Michigan. Vocal histrionics is a good term to use. They are good singers, but I don’t like wailing.

]]> By: Nick http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-148 Nick Tue, 29 Aug 2006 03:43:58 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-148 Well...the only thing I even want to comment on is the "real" Cathedral comment. You can say what ya want, but the Cathedrals were never better than they were when the retired. Ernie Haase sings circles around Danny, and while I do not care much for Scott Fowler, their blend was superb and their harmonies were undeniably great. That is why they were the best in the business. Well…the only thing I even want to comment on is the “real” Cathedral comment. You can say what ya want, but the Cathedrals were never better than they were when the retired. Ernie Haase sings circles around Danny, and while I do not care much for Scott Fowler, their blend was superb and their harmonies were undeniably great. That is why they were the best in the business.

]]> By: Jim http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-146 Jim Tue, 29 Aug 2006 02:42:28 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2006/08/26/recent-changes-in-sg/#comment-146 Looks like Nick Trammell will be the new baritone for the Perrys. As far as Hope's Call goes, it's good to see good things happen to a hard-working, talented group with personal integrity. Whenever I've spoken with them, they've been unfailingly kind, more concerned with reflecting Christ's glory than generating any of their own - a good example in the world that is SG. Congrats to Hope's Call and to Daywond for landing them. Looks like Nick Trammell will be the new baritone for the Perrys.

As far as Hope’s Call goes, it’s good to see good things happen to a hard-working, talented group with personal integrity. Whenever I’ve spoken with them, they’ve been unfailingly kind, more concerned with reflecting Christ’s glory than generating any of their own - a good example in the world that is SG. Congrats to Hope’s Call and to Daywond for landing them.

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