Comments on: GMA Week: SGMG Showcase

By: Dan Keeton

Dan Keeton — Tue, 08 May 2007 14:04:22 +0000

Thanks Doug,

If I get fired this week. Can I come to you for a job? or at least a loan?

Dan Keeton
Tenor - Dixie Melody Boys

By: dkd

dkd — Wed, 02 May 2007 20:51:59 +0000

Rod: I hear you loud and clear, been there done that! SG has too many “Narcissistic Stars” There are some very fine people in SG, but I’ve known too many of the Ego’s over the years along with their flawed characters. It can really make a person become Jaded.

By: gc

gc — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 21:01:04 +0000

Mark is a creative artist..something SG needs in all it’s styles….

By: Angie M

Angie M — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 20:19:20 +0000

Rod: I don’t believe in shelling out gratuitous compliments. But I have to agree with Te who suggested “Son of a Carpenter.” Mark’s voice might not be the greatest, but some singers can get away with that because they have something else to offer. (This is true in other genres as well. And I’m not referring to the idea that I should overlook musical faults because someone is trying to minister to me.) I like some of the concepts in Mark’s songs–they’re different from a lot of what we hear in sG these days.

By: Rod

Rod — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 18:41:39 +0000

Maybe I need to revisit Mark Bishop again…Maybe.

By: te

te — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 15:31:13 +0000

Rod - Mark may not be able to hit it vocally “out of the park” but he’s a solid hitter and gets on base with most of his music. What he may lack vocally is more than made up for in his writing and delivery. He can sing on my playlist anytime.

ps…”Son of a Carpenter” , check it out…..

By: Rod

Rod — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:53:50 +0000

Te: I don’t usually reply about my feelings on artists but MARK BISHOP a top-notch singer…Are you deaf? I don’t know Mark Bishop personally and I think he would even agree thats he’s not the caliber of singer that can as Bill Gaither says “Hit a homerun” but this proves a point I have seen on many of these comments this site has to offer. SG music will never be a top notch industry until it learns how make top-notch music. This industry unfortunately is based on…You heard the saying, “PREACHING TO THE CHOIR”? Well this is the same concept with music…You’re singing the same tired ole music to the same ole people and getting the same ole results.

Also I know a little about Zane and I can bet he DID do his best with what he had and I’m sure he invited many of the “A-Listers” to the party…My bet is he had a hard time convincing the “A-Listers” how important it was to have a good representation at GMA week…Everyone wants their piece of the pie but no one wants to sacrifice for the good of the cause…Main reason I left SG music. Too many selfish, so called stars with egos and no character. Before you crucify me I know there are some good people in this industry but the percentage is very low. did it, done it, left it.

By: HHE

HHE — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:17:36 +0000

Quote gc: “When I go to a concert and the group has to incite the crowd by a stretched almost true testimony, jumping off stage or losing clothing, it makes me feel that their music is mundane and lackluster.”

That is exactly the point I was trying to get across on an earlier blog regarding Gold City. Jon Jon’s dated and dumb stage antics just destroy the program.

It’s a shame too. Because this line-up of singers are awesome! It’s like Daniel Riley said in his response to my statement, “Jonathon is an idiot!”

By: te

te — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:22:48 +0000

Some excellent points here. I agree with Bob’s assessment in post 29 - Bill Gaither is the center of the SG universe for the rest of the world including the casual listener.

Three Bridges is one of the best new “A level” groups to emerge in the past three years….2 #1 songs and a couple top twenty’s, they deserved to be there - perhaps they just need to use more Ronnie Hinson lyrics

Mark Bishop is one of the top song writers in SG music and a top notch singer - he makes the grade on both accounts. Agreat ambassador of SG music with roots firmly established in the industry.

New talent and supporting new talent… come on now! CCM eats their young, and SG music breeds lack luster talent faster than than you can say “snap”.

As far as the best talent being there this year - are you all forgetting -American Idol is on Tuesday night……..LOL

By: Nina McPeake

Nina McPeake — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:20:29 +0000

Zane, I read your comment about “breaking or introducing” new artists, and I think that’s admirable. But a full hour of new artists? I was there! I was also there in the past when the place was much fuller (by hundreds.) In all honesty, I was just bored Tuesday night. By the time the bigger names came on the stage, I was so restless, I wanted to go to the hotel. The whole night was just “uncomfortable.” I don’t know how to explain that really. Maybe it’s becasue the sound system was screaming at an audience of about 200 and that can make one feel unsure about responding or dare I say…it was the ememy’s way quenching the spirit. I don’t know. Yes, a lot of the songs were really bad, yet some were really good and I just couldn’t get into it as hard as I tried! Several years ago I went to one of theses concerts held in a cafe. The place was packed, yet intimate. Janet Paschal, Hoppers, Larnelle Harris, The Steeles and a few otherts were there. The evening ended with Vestal Goodman singing and the presdient of the GMA was at the piano, off the cuff. That was a GREAT concert. Maybe it should go back there. I don’t claim to be a concert promoter, but I can say I sure enjoyed that night better than Tuesday. However, the evening ended well for me. On my way out, a sweet lady gave me a free copy of the new Janet Paschal CD. Well, it wasn’t the full CD, but it now has me wanting to purchase it when it comes out in June. SGMG, Zane, and whoever else was involved, we appreciate what you do for the fans and newer artists, but you’ll have to admit,this was really a poor presentation.

By: Felicia

Felicia — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:20:29 +0000

I was at the showcase and I’ve got to tell you, Avery was being very kind! As much as I have enjoyed attending this concert through the years, I left (early) thinking “If you don’t have the resources or interest (or money, even) to put on a great show, why bother? Let’s just all stay home.” No one’s career was furthered by Tuesday night’s fiasco.

Also, I support Compassion. I sponsor two children monthly and I believe in their organization. But that is NOT why I go to concerts. I go because I want to hear music and it’s very upsetting to want to hear music and be subjected to such incessant proselytizing. Set up a booth in the lobby - put your logo on the screens - hand out literature to attendeees…Fine. Just stop taking time away from the music.

By: gc

gc — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:59:04 +0000

In my mind, the groups nominated would be on the showcase. I know that did not happen nor were some invited. Ryan needs to understand that Christ is not being taken from this site.This site is encouraging and debating if we are doing our best for Christ in SG music. When I go to a concert and the group has to incite the crowd by a stretched almost true testimony, jumping off stage or losing clothing, it makes me feel that their music is mundane and lackluster.
Present creative original songs and arrangements, have a message in the song that relates to the people you sing to and enjoy it. The next time I hear a group plead and beg for you to buy product, I am going to listen to 48 hours straight of the wohops live from frog leg creek arkansas…

By: Tom

Tom — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:30:10 +0000

Avery’s most recent (though a year old) traffic update is here (unless I missed one) in case Ryan or anyone else is interested.

How about a traffic update Avery?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 01:16:54 +0000

I’ve gotta believe this is a big ol’ kick in the pants to the SG industry. This blog will no doubt change the industry. How many people read this thing 200-300? Or am I being generous? As I see it, we should make Doug the SG Tsar. This way we could take all reference to Christ out of our programs, never try to show compassion to our fellow man and let the industry die out when all the A-list artists have retired.
How many GMA events has Doug organized? Obviously he has done a better job of getting groups to agree to come and perform.
Unless you are Bill Gaither or Signature Sound, you are not going to get sponsorships to run the event. So Doug you don’t get an expense account to run or promote the event either.
Lets weigh the options - spend time at home with family or pay $500 to sing. Zane is lucky he was able to get some of these up-and-coming groups.
It would be nice if every artist was perfect every night, but even the best have off nights. I’m sure with a big event like this there was some nervousness with these future A-list artists. I don’t judge a group until I have seen them do their whole concert.
By the way, who are the A-list artists? Are the Kingsmen, Dixie Melody Boys, Florida Boys, Inspirations still consider A-list artists or is it just the Crabb Family, Greater Vision, Legacy Five. With so many different styles in SG its hard to know who an A-list artist is. What appeals to you may not appeal to me.

By: Rick Hendrix

Rick Hendrix — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:08:32 +0000

Ernie Haase was not overlooked at GMA Dove Awards this year- His project was not eligible in this voting year. The # 1 CD/DVD is eligible for this upcoming year 2008. We are looking for a really big year ahead for EHSSQ. Thanks for mentioning them.
Rick Hendrix