Comments on: The Collingsworth Family: God is Faithful http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music and culture Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:33:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: elunlipt http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-584660 elunlipt Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:01:27 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-584660 I agreed with you I agreed with you

]]> By: Liz http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-499835 Liz Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:59:39 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-499835 I really enjoyed the review - knowing The Collingsworth family long before they were "The Collingsworth Family," I found your take interesting. I can tell you this: they are not contrived, but genuine Christ-followers who have followed God's leading to the place they are now. I'd love to read a review of the latest recording. Go see 'em live when you get the chance! I really enjoyed the review - knowing The Collingsworth family long before they were “The Collingsworth Family,” I found your take interesting.

I can tell you this: they are not contrived, but genuine Christ-followers who have followed God’s leading to the place they are now.

I’d love to read a review of the latest recording. Go see ‘em live when you get the chance!

]]> By: Frank Lee http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-86086 Frank Lee Tue, 14 Aug 2007 05:53:55 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-86086 While I am a fan of several styles of Christian music (including SG, where among my very favorites are Crossway, Austins Bridge, Three Bridges (w/Mitch Kenitzer, of course), The Isaacs, Gold City, The Crabb Family and The (New) Imperials), still no group or artist has ever grabbed right ahold of my heart like The Collingsworth Family. From the first few moments of a performance, one would have to be void of a pulse to not notice the genuiness and ministry-mindedness of this wonderful family. From Kim's impeccable (yet humble) unique skilled artistry on the piano, to their passion-filled vocal renderings, Jesus Christ just shines through them. One cannot helped but be touched by their love for Christ and their desire to let HIM shine!! Their "wholesome look" only adds to their appeal. I find it very refreshing to be able to see Christ shine through them and not have to redirect my focus because of some gaudy and/or flesh revealing outfit. I must commend them on that point! Their muisic is great, but their testimonies of God's direction, miracles and providence... plus the way the Spirit just shines through them only adds to their appeal and keeps me coming back for more again and again. I've seen them several times and always look forward to the next concert. I would encourage anyone who has not experienced one of their concerts to do so soon. I guarantee you that you'll be touched! Alas, though... I am in agreement with Avery in that... in my opinion, also, there is a bit too much "overproduction" at times on this project, and I also would like to hear more of the vocals shine through, because they DO have the talent and tight harmonies to bring it all 'out front' and make it happen! Also, from a marketing standpoint, I do think it would be better in the future to record seperate instrumental and vocal projects. Of course, that's just my humble opinion on that matter! While I am a fan of several styles of Christian music (including SG, where among my very favorites are Crossway, Austins Bridge, Three Bridges (w/Mitch Kenitzer, of course), The Isaacs, Gold City, The Crabb Family and The (New) Imperials), still no group or artist has ever grabbed right ahold of my heart like The Collingsworth Family. From the first few moments of a performance, one would have to be void of a pulse to not notice the genuiness and ministry-mindedness of this wonderful family. From Kim’s impeccable (yet humble) unique skilled artistry on the piano, to their passion-filled vocal renderings, Jesus Christ just shines through them. One cannot helped but be touched by their love for Christ and their desire to let HIM shine!! Their “wholesome look” only adds to their appeal. I find it very refreshing to be able to see Christ shine through them and not have to redirect my focus because of some gaudy and/or flesh revealing outfit. I must commend them on that point!

Their muisic is great, but their testimonies of God’s direction, miracles and providence… plus the way the Spirit just shines through them only adds to their appeal and keeps me coming back for more again and again.

I’ve seen them several times and always look forward to the next concert. I would encourage anyone who has not experienced one of their concerts to do so soon. I guarantee you that you’ll be touched!

Alas, though… I am in agreement with Avery in that… in my opinion, also, there is a bit too much “overproduction” at times on this project, and I also would like to hear more of the vocals shine through, because they DO have the talent and tight harmonies to bring it all ‘out front’ and make it happen!
Also, from a marketing standpoint, I do think it would be better in the future to record seperate instrumental and vocal projects. Of course, that’s just my humble opinion on that matter!

]]> By: cdguy http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-79961 cdguy Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:59:29 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-79961 Geno - I'm not sure how you know you don't enjoy Daniel's blog, if you don't read it. Call me puzzled! Most of us who read and/or write on these blogs consider ourselves s/g aficianados, or we wouldn't be on here. You probably do, as well. Truth be know, we probably don't any of us know nearly as much as we think we do. We only know what we like, and what we don't like. True, you can't judge a book by it's cover, but first impressions can be lasting impressions. And in some cases, the last impression. So, some of us a narrow minded in one area or another. I'll be the same could be said about you, in one area or another. Just a thought. And, for the record, my parents are HUGE fans of the Collingsworth Family. I put off listening to their cd because of their conservative appearance. But when I finally broke down and broke the shrink-wrap, I was pleasantly surprised. Good stuff! Best I'd ever heard? No, but worth listening to, again. I plan to go see them next time they're in town. Geno -
I’m not sure how you know you don’t enjoy Daniel’s blog, if you don’t read it.

Call me puzzled!

Most of us who read and/or write on these blogs consider ourselves s/g aficianados, or we wouldn’t be on here. You probably do, as well. Truth be know, we probably don’t any of us know nearly as much as we think we do. We only know what we like, and what we don’t like.

True, you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, but first impressions can be lasting impressions. And in some cases, the last impression.

So, some of us a narrow minded in one area or another. I’ll be the same could be said about you, in one area or another. Just a thought.

And, for the record, my parents are HUGE fans of the Collingsworth Family. I put off listening to their cd because of their conservative appearance. But when I finally broke down and broke the shrink-wrap, I was pleasantly surprised. Good stuff! Best I’d ever heard? No, but worth listening to, again. I plan to go see them next time they’re in town.

]]> By: Tyler http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-71122 Tyler Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:24:30 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-71122 I'm still wondering how anyone could dub Daniel Mount as a big Inspirations or McKameys fan. In over a year of knowing him, I don't think I've EVER even heard him mention the McKameys as a favorite of his. Even of the Inspirations he talks very little. He talks the most about the Perrys, EHSS, and the Mark Trammell Trio. Anyone suggesting otherwise really hasn't been paying attention. Either that or has bought the load of balogna Doug serves about him about every week about some thing or another... I’m still wondering how anyone could dub Daniel Mount as a big Inspirations or McKameys fan. In over a year of knowing him, I don’t think I’ve EVER even heard him mention the McKameys as a favorite of his. Even of the Inspirations he talks very little.

He talks the most about the Perrys, EHSS, and the Mark Trammell Trio. Anyone suggesting otherwise really hasn’t been paying attention. Either that or has bought the load of balogna Doug serves about him about every week about some thing or another…

]]> By: Keith http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-70421 Keith Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:39:01 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-70421 Thanks for the review, Doug. I, too, am impressed with the Collingsworth Family. Whatever it is that they are doing (especially when it comes to their marketing and promotion) is working, and working quite well. When you look around at the bad hair, garish clothing, and overall negative image that many SG groups engender, the Collingsworths are a breath of fresh air. As a somewhat cynical connoisseur of Gospel music, I have been deeply moved by their concerts. While this observation may be a bit subjective , this emotional response rarely happens in most stale, schtick-ridden, tenor-screamin', soundtrack-thumpin' SG concerts that I frequent. I also agree with NashvilleMusician (#7): Kim's piano artistry, while impressive on a recording, can only be fully appreciated within a live concert context. Awesome! Doug, keep the reviews coming. You write too few. I enjoy your overviews, whether or not I agree. Thanks for the review, Doug. I, too, am impressed with the Collingsworth Family. Whatever it is that they are doing (especially when it comes to their marketing and promotion) is working, and working quite well. When you look around at the bad hair, garish clothing, and overall negative image that many SG groups engender, the Collingsworths are a breath of fresh air. As a somewhat cynical connoisseur of Gospel music, I have been deeply moved by their concerts. While this observation may be a bit subjective , this emotional response rarely happens in most stale, schtick-ridden, tenor-screamin’, soundtrack-thumpin’ SG concerts that I frequent. I also agree with NashvilleMusician (#7): Kim’s piano artistry, while impressive on a recording, can only be fully appreciated within a live concert context. Awesome!

Doug, keep the reviews coming. You write too few. I enjoy your overviews, whether or not I agree.

]]> By: Daniel J. Mount http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-70127 Daniel J. Mount Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:01:16 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-70127 JP, neither group is in my top 10 favorites. The Inspirations might be in my top 20, somewhere around #18. This is missing the point. Unlike some people, I don't vehemently hate them or post vitriolic reviews, so compared to the general tone of some comments my indifference to the group appears like an enthusiastic endorsement. JP, neither group is in my top 10 favorites. The Inspirations might be in my top 20, somewhere around #18. This is missing the point. Unlike some people, I don’t vehemently hate them or post vitriolic reviews, so compared to the general tone of some comments my indifference to the group appears like an enthusiastic endorsement.

]]> By: Jp http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69799 Jp Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:03:40 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69799 Not being a regular reader of Mr. Mount, I just know he gets gigged on this site for being an Inspirations and McKameys fan - not exactly my choice for musical excellence, but everyone has their own acquired tastes, right? My taste runs more to the Crabb Family, Hope's Call, the Perrys, etc. That being said, I'd also like to point out the qualifier "arguably" in my statement about the Crabb Family - you'll also note the inclusion fo the word "Instrumental" - which means I'd put their band up against Ernie's tracks and stacks any day. Doug, I've since gone out and acquired this Collingsworth CD - and your review is right on! Thanks for widening my window on the SG world! Not being a regular reader of Mr. Mount, I just know he gets gigged on this site for being an Inspirations and McKameys fan - not exactly my choice for musical excellence, but everyone has their own acquired tastes, right? My taste runs more to the Crabb Family, Hope’s Call, the Perrys, etc.
That being said, I’d also like to point out the qualifier “arguably” in my statement about the Crabb Family - you’ll also note the inclusion fo the word “Instrumental” - which means I’d put their band up against Ernie’s tracks and stacks any day.
Doug,
I’ve since gone out and acquired this Collingsworth CD - and your review is right on! Thanks for widening my window on the SG world!

]]> By: Daniel J. Mount http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69468 Daniel J. Mount Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:52:09 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69468 Wow! I post a comment, forget about it for a few days, and when I come back, there are more comments about what I think than about what Doug thinks. Sorry, Doug--didn't mean to do that to you! I like what I like, and that's that, and I do my best to cover both what I like and what I don't like fairly. Allen in #15, you hit the nail on the head. I think the Collingsworths--as well as my other favorites you named (you are a careful observer!) exemplify the best of what family harmonies in Southern Gospel can achieve. Wow! I post a comment, forget about it for a few days, and when I come back, there are more comments about what I think than about what Doug thinks. Sorry, Doug–didn’t mean to do that to you!

I like what I like, and that’s that, and I do my best to cover both what I like and what I don’t like fairly.

Allen in #15, you hit the nail on the head. I think the Collingsworths–as well as my other favorites you named (you are a careful observer!) exemplify the best of what family harmonies in Southern Gospel can achieve.

]]> By: Dug Deeper http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69134 Dug Deeper Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:33:11 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69134 To JP I personally do not own an axe, therefore I have none to grind. I was simply commenting on the Crabbs humble "country bumpkin" beginnings. They were conservative in dress and manor, heck, Cathy Crabb at one time even opened a botique in their home town that catered to conservative and modest attire. A far cry from the new look she sports these days. Also, I never said that the Crabbs weren't talented. As far as them being THE most talented ensemble in Christian music? Where are the Grammy awards? The Dove awards? The Singing News Fan awards? If they were THE greatest, wouldn't they be sweeping all of these awards? To JP

I personally do not own an axe, therefore I have none to grind. I was simply commenting on the Crabbs humble “country bumpkin” beginnings. They were conservative in dress and manor, heck, Cathy Crabb at one time even opened a botique in their home town that catered to conservative and modest attire. A far cry from the new look she sports these days. Also, I never said that the Crabbs weren’t talented. As far as them being THE most talented ensemble in Christian music? Where are the Grammy awards? The Dove awards? The Singing News Fan awards? If they were THE greatest, wouldn’t they be sweeping all of these awards?

]]> By: Allen Dorre http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69083 Allen Dorre Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:47:36 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69083 JP, I may be wrong here, but doesn't Daniel list the Perrys, the Mark Trammell Trio and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound as his favorite groups? If you don't think the Perrys, Mark Trammell, or the entire EHSS gang has musical talent, here's wondering why you even like SG? JP,

I may be wrong here, but doesn’t Daniel list the Perrys, the Mark Trammell Trio and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound as his favorite groups?

If you don’t think the Perrys, Mark Trammell, or the entire EHSS gang has musical talent, here’s wondering why you even like SG?

]]> By: Allen Dorre http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69081 Allen Dorre Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:45:16 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-69081 Well I do. Well I do.

]]> By: Geno http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68747 Geno Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:33:25 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68747 Dug Deeper Mr. Mount presents himself as a Southern Gospel aficianado and even has his own blog dealing with such. To me, he loses a lot of credibility when he won't even listen to a CD because of what someone is wearing. I do not read or enjoy his blog. Dug Deeper

Mr. Mount presents himself as a Southern Gospel aficianado and even has his own blog dealing with such. To me, he loses a lot of credibility when he won’t even listen to a CD because of what someone is wearing. I do not read or enjoy his blog.

]]> By: David Bruce Murray http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68667 David Bruce Murray Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:24:43 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68667 "enviably easy blend that only comes from shared genetics." -------------- I'm rather surprised to see you've endorsed this myth. This very thing was also said about the Martins for years and years, and it's true they were excellent. However, there's few who would argue that they improved when Paul Lancaster replaced Jonathan. So much for the notion of family combos not being surpassed. I'm not knocking the Collingsworth Family's harmony. They're good...some combinations work better than others as you've also said. If I were in their position, I'd be showcasing the entire family too. Audiences will eat that with a spoon. My point is simply that the level of harmony quality displayed on this CD and on the song in particular that you were referencing ISN'T unique to family groups. “enviably easy blend that only comes from shared genetics.”

————–

I’m rather surprised to see you’ve endorsed this myth.

This very thing was also said about the Martins for years and years, and it’s true they were excellent. However, there’s few who would argue that they improved when Paul Lancaster replaced Jonathan.

So much for the notion of family combos not being surpassed.

I’m not knocking the Collingsworth Family’s harmony. They’re good…some combinations work better than others as you’ve also said. If I were in their position, I’d be showcasing the entire family too. Audiences will eat that with a spoon.

My point is simply that the level of harmony quality displayed on this CD and on the song in particular that you were referencing ISN’T unique to family groups.

]]> By: JP http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68653 JP Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:12:13 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68653 Doug, Great review - I guess I'll have to pick this one up - you threw in everything but the kitchen sink, but I'm intrigued enough to shell out actual cash - Geno, I agree with you - but take a look at who Daniel's favorite groups are - musical talent seems to carry the LEAST amount of weight in his choice of favorite groups. Dug, That's a mighty big axe you have to grind against the Crabb Family - how is a fine review of the Collingsworth's CD an excuse to take a dig at what is arguably THE most talented Vocal/Instrumental ensemble in christian music? Tyler, And yet, here you are. Doug,
Great review - I guess I’ll have to pick this one up - you threw in everything but the kitchen sink, but I’m intrigued enough to shell out actual cash -
Geno,
I agree with you - but take a look at who Daniel’s favorite groups are - musical talent seems to carry the LEAST amount of weight in his choice of favorite groups.
Dug,
That’s a mighty big axe you have to grind against the Crabb Family - how is a fine review of the Collingsworth’s CD an excuse to take a dig at what is arguably THE most talented Vocal/Instrumental ensemble in christian music?
Tyler,
And yet, here you are.

]]> By: Tyler http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68485 Tyler Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:25:54 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68485 I agree with RF that most SG female singers dress modestly. However in response to this quote by "Geno": "DJM, What a statement about the reasons you do or don’t purchase a CD!!! I cannot believe that anyone takes you seriously." Ummm.... Maybe you forgot what site you're posting on... I can't believe you take yourself seriously considering who's blog you seem to enjoy reading... I agree with RF that most SG female singers dress modestly. However in response to this quote by “Geno”: “DJM,

What a statement about the reasons you do or don’t purchase a CD!!! I cannot believe that anyone takes you seriously.”

Ummm…. Maybe you forgot what site you’re posting on… I can’t believe you take yourself seriously considering who’s blog you seem to enjoy reading…

]]> By: RF http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68399 RF Wed, 25 Jul 2007 19:01:32 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68399 I would be interested to know what female artists' clothing offends Daniel. From what I've seen, most dress modestly. I would be interested to know what female artists’ clothing offends Daniel. From what I’ve seen, most dress modestly.

]]> By: Elisabeth http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68375 Elisabeth Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:19:15 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68375 Yay, Doug!! You finally got around to the Collingsworths... :) Good review. I love them to death, and I do have to agree with you on much of what you said. Their new CD is awesome (I guess we'll get a review of that in 2009, huh? LOL). And about Kim, some of the above comments hit the nail on the head. Hearing her play on CD is great, but in person, she is incredible!!! I have seen the family 3 times in concert, and all 3 times, my family traveled over 2.5 hrs. It was worth it!! They are kind, gracious people who could teach a lot of Southern Gospel artists a good bit about classiness and style without immodesty! What else can i say? I love the Collingsworths!! Yay, Doug!! You finally got around to the Collingsworths… :) Good review. I love them to death, and I do have to agree with you on much of what you said. Their new CD is awesome (I guess we’ll get a review of that in 2009, huh? LOL). And about Kim, some of the above comments hit the nail on the head. Hearing her play on CD is great, but in person, she is incredible!!! I have seen the family 3 times in concert, and all 3 times, my family traveled over 2.5 hrs. It was worth it!! They are kind, gracious people who could teach a lot of Southern Gospel artists a good bit about classiness and style without immodesty! What else can i say? I love the Collingsworths!!

]]> By: NashvilleMusician http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68329 NashvilleMusician Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:05:48 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68329 I haven't had the pleasure of seeing the Collingsworth Family in person yet but I did get to see Kim perform "How Great Thou Art" at a sogospelnews.com event a few months ago. While I do agree with you, Avery, regarding the issue with BGVs and particularly solo pianists, I have to say that Kim's artistry left me breathless in a way that Anthony Burger never did and that Dino hasn't done since I was about 10. I'd love to hear her do something that's all her - no tracks, just her sheer talent, but then I can say that about most of southern gospel these days. I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the Collingsworth Family in person yet but I did get to see Kim perform “How Great Thou Art” at a sogospelnews.com event a few months ago. While I do agree with you, Avery, regarding the issue with BGVs and particularly solo pianists, I have to say that Kim’s artistry left me breathless in a way that Anthony Burger never did and that Dino hasn’t done since I was about 10. I’d love to hear her do something that’s all her - no tracks, just her sheer talent, but then I can say that about most of southern gospel these days.

]]> By: Dug Deeper http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68326 Dug Deeper Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:02:38 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/07/25/the-collingsworth-family-god-is-faithful/#comment-68326 To Geno and comment #3. Why attack DJM for his personal preference? If he doesn't like to see women in sparkling dresses and half the make-up aisle at Wal*Mart on their faces, and uses that as criteria not to buy a CD, I see no big deal with it. Alot can be said about selling out who you are for fame and fortune. After all, it worked so well for the Crabb Family. To Geno and comment #3. Why attack DJM for his personal preference? If he doesn’t like to see women in sparkling dresses and half the make-up aisle at Wal*Mart on their faces, and uses that as criteria not to buy a CD, I see no big deal with it. Alot can be said about selling out who you are for fame and fortune. After all, it worked so well for the Crabb Family.

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