Concert Reviews
Concert Review: The Calvarymen Quartet
On Friday, I attended a concert at The Gospel Music Barn in Hudsonville, MI. I’d never been to one of their concerts before but this week, they were featuring The Calvarymen from Flint, MI. Although the Calvarymen are based in my home state, I’d never seen them before and this was the closest they’ve been to me all year.
The group consists of Aiden Springsteen, Barry Maust, Steve Ratliff and Darrell Young. They opened their first set with “Immortal Invincible,” followed by “I’m On My Way,” “I’ve Been to the Well” and then they introduced their group. After that they sang, “In His Arms” (one of my favorites), “Road Rage,” “I’ve Never Had Water,” and “What Does the Word Say.”
Barry talked about the importance of trusting Jesus in everything. Then he sang, “Give Me Jesus.” As he sang, I wondered how many people could sing from the heart, “Rob me of my possessions but give me Jesus.” Yet our love for Christ should be that strong that He truly is the only One who matters. They ended the first set with “I Plead the Blood.”
There was a break and then the concert resumed with “Let’s Go To That Land,” “Great Day,” and “In the Garden.” They sang two acapella hymns back to back: “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” and “In the Sweet By and By.”
Like most states, Michigan has been experiencing some hot weather lately so I had to laugh when they went into their medley of “Winter Wonderland/Sleigh Bells/Here Comes Santa Claus/Frosty the Snowman/Let it Snow.” It was a lot of fun though. I personally prefer heat to snow but it was a nice reminder that it won’t be hot always. 
After that, they sang “The Blood on My Hands” and “Heaven’s Joy Awaits.” A few songs before this, I had been wishing I had requested this last song. I love the song and they do such a good job on it so I was thrilled when it started. On the second verse, they sing the shape notes which can’t be easy to do on a song like this. When it ended, they encored it singing the shape notes again as they went out into the audience and started shaking hands with the crowd. When they were done, they were asked to sing one more song in closing and they chose the “Star Spangled Banner.”
My impression of the group was the same as when I heard their latest CD. They are diverse but have a heart to serve the Lord. I also loved the setting at the Gospel Music Barn. If you’re ever in the area, check out their schedule and stop by and experience it.
Concert Review: Primitive Quartet’s Hominy Valley Sing
If you get the Singing News magazine, I’m sure you’ve seen ads for the Primitive Quartet’s Hominy Valley Sing which they do twice a year in Candler, NC. I’ve heard of the event for years but never thought I’d have the opportunity to go. This year, God opened the door for me to be there the opening night and I’m so thankful that I was able to experience it.
As I walked toward the place where the singing was happening, the Good Shepherd Quartet was already singing and, since it took us a little bit to get situated, I didn’t make a list of the songs they sang. People seemed to enjoy them, though, and it was neat to hear a group that I was not previously familiar with.
Next up was the Smoky Mountain Reunion, the members of which are all previous members of the Inspirations: Archie Watkins, Marlin Shubert, Troy Burns, Jack Laws, and Eddie Deitz. With Les Butler joining them on piano, they sang a lot of old Inspirations favorites including “Touring That City,” “Rose Among the Thorns,” “The Wonder of Wonders,” “He’s My Best Friend” (featuring Jack), “He Will Remember Me,” “Roll On Jordan” (which they sang a capella), “Thank You Lord” (one of my favorite songs which Eddie sings), “Never Grow Old” (another a capella song featuring Jack), and “Worthy is the Lamb.”
Following them was the Primitive Quartet and I enjoyed seeing them sing some of their new songs along with some of their old standbys. They sang “Members Only,” “That’s What I Want to Be,” “He Didn’t Stay Dead,” “Grace is There,” “I Wonder What They’re Doing in Heaven,” “I’m Looking Through New Eyes,” “No Longer an Orphan,” “Dear Jesus, I Love You,” “Where the Roses Never Fade,” “Who Rolled the Stone Away,” and “There’s a Record Book” which, right now, is probably one of my favorite songs on their new recording. (We’ll see if that changes by the time I review the CD.)
The Hominy Valley Sing is an outdoor event and, as I listened to the group sing “There’s a Record Book,” I looked up into the beautiful blue sky and pictured the sky parting and Jesus up there with His record book, smiling as He finds my name listed. How I long for that day but I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve Him until that day. “My name will not be lost, misplaced or overlooked. For it’s kept safely in God’s record book.” I needed the reminder that, even if no one on earth knows my name, God knows it. I’m His daughter and, although it’s hard to imagine the love He has for me, He’s proven it to me over and over again. How can I help but love Him in return?
Wednesday was Friends & Family night where various family members of the Primitive Quartet would join them on stage and sing a song. The set ended with Reagan Riddle’s daughter Tracey singing “I’d Rather Have Jesus.” I love it when people sing songs from their heart and Tracey did just that inviting audience participation at the end.
They then took a break before the Good Shepherd Quartet and the Smoky Mountain Reunion each did another set. Matt Dibler and Darren Osborne sang a couple songs with the Smoky Mountain Reunion which was a great surprise. I don’t remember what time it ended but it was such a blessing to be a part of an event which was full of the Lord. From the setting to the songs, everything reflected Him. Even if you’re not a bluegrass fan, I would encourage you to attend this event one day. Their next Hominy Valley Singing will take place on October 9-10 and October 16-17. More information can be found on their website. Click on “Special Events” and scroll down to find a list of the groups who will be there.
Concert Review: Phipps Gospel Sing
Taking notes during the concert
Twelve to thirteen years ago, I used to watch the Phipps Gospel Sing’s weekly TV program. I’d never heard of it before but I started tuning into this hour-long program which featured about four songs by well-known Southern Gospel groups and, in between, would be comments by Andrew Phipps and his wife Shirlean and sometimes a friend of theirs. In a state where Southern Gospel music is hard to come by, this was such a blessing for me, and I grew to appreciate this husband and wife who host this program.
This past Saturday, I had my first opportunity to attend one of their sings and I was very blessed. The concert consisted of Kevin Spencer and Friends, J.B. & Barbara Spencer, The Chuck Wagon Gang, and the Primitive Quartet but what impressed me right off the bat was how quickly Andrew Phipps made God the center of the evening. You may think that’s a given at a gospel concert but often, it seems like the focus at concerts is on the singers instead of the One who has blessed the singers with the talent that we all enjoy.
Andrew asked someone to lead in prayer and then introduced Kevin Spencer.
Kevin Spencer & Friends
I had never had the opportunity to see Kevin in person before so this was a treat for me. He was joined by James & Starla Dean who will be starting their own group in September. They are working on a website but it doesn’t appear to be up yet.
Kevin & Friends started their set by singing “God Bless America Again.” They also sang, “So Much to Thank Him For,” “In the Sweet Bye and Bye,” “The Blood is Still There,” “Let’s Feel That Spirit Again,” “Leaving on my Mind,” and “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now.” I was especially glad they sang “The Blood is Still There” as I remember that song on the radio. I love the quality of Kevin’s voice.
The Spencers
After Kevin’s group sang, his parents J.B. and Barbara joined him on stage to sing some of the old Spencer songs. Andrew introduced them as being genuine which is probably the greatest compliment you could give someone. I found them to be very sweet and was glad to see them again. I did see them years ago on their farewell tour so to be at this reunion was special for me.
The Spencers sang “Coming Soon,” “Let’s Meet by the River” (one of my favorites they sang), “The Model Church,” “Drinking From my Saucer,” and a bluegrass number, “When My Time Comes to Go.”
After their set, Andrew was talking and made the comment: “We’ve been more in love with the culture than we’ve been with the Creator.” More than just acknowledging the accuracy of that statement, I would encourage each of us to see if that is true of us. Nothing should mean more to us than loving with our whole heart the One who loves us more than we could dream! Our culture doesn’t love us but it can control us if we’re not careful.
The Chuck Wagon Gang
Next was The Chuck Wagon Gang featuring Stan Hill, Shaye Smith, Julie Hudson and Dave Emery. Dave was fighting allergies so they kept the bass solos to a minimum. Their song selection consisted of “I’m Getting Ready to Leave This World,” “Echoes from the Burning Bush,” “Church in the Wildwood” (which CWG originally recorded in 1936), “He Wrote My Name,” “Turn Your Radio On,” “Camping in Canaanland,” “O Come Angel Band” (the first time in their history, they didn’t use a guitar but sang a capella), “Heaven’s Jubilee,” “When He Calls Me (I’ll Fly Away),” “I’ll Fly Away,” “I Never Shall Forget the Day,” “Keep Traveling On,” (a song Rebecca Peck wrote), “Beulah Land,” “Heaven’s Really Gonna Shine.”
The Primitive Quartet
Last but certainly not least was The Primitive Quartet who has been singing at this venue since 1978. Norman Wilson was sick so wasn’t there but the guys still did a great job. Their set began with a couple of my favorite songs they sing: Gloryland is Nearing” and “Far Side Banks of Jordan,” a beautiful song that comes close to making me cry. Although a love song, as I listen, I picture Jesus standing by the river and extending His arms to welcome me Home when I finally make that journey. I can’t think of a more beautiful picture.
They also sang “He Didn’t Stay Dead,” “Dear Jesus, I Love You” (one of my favorite songs featuring Mike who has a beautiful voice), “I Wonder What They’re Doing in Heaven Today” (a song they sang a capella). Randy Fox then talked about his Uncle Ken who passed away earlier that afternoon. He gave his uncle’s testimony before singing “Walking in the Highway.” After that, they sang “Goodbye, World, Goodbye,” “Hallelujah He’s Risen,” “Looking Through New Eyes,” and “Didn’t He Shine.”
There was a brief intermission and then all the groups gathered on stage to sing a few more songs.
The next Phipps Gospel Sing will be held April 30 in Muncie, IN and will feature The Perrys and The Smoky Mountain Reunion. If you live in range of Muncie or if you would like to take a weekend vacation, I am sure this will be an incredible, spirit-filled event. More information may be found here.
Concert: Down Home & Called Out
A couple weeks ago, I came across the website of a group called Called Out Quartet. Upon glancing at their schedule, I noticed they were going to be within an hour of me so this past Thursday, I went to see them.
What I didn’t know until I arrived was that there was also a bluegrass group on the program by the name of Down Home. I had seen the group on TV years ago but hadn’t heard of them for a while.
Down Home started the program singing “Morning Light,” “River of Jordan,” “The Spinning Wheel,” “Greener Pastures,” “No Road Back,” “Softly and Tenderly,” and “Going on With Jesus.” They put a beautiful intro on “Softly and Tenderly” as well as a harmonica break in the middle–very nicely done.
Called Out was up next and sang “Way Down in My Soul,” “Wait Upon the Lord,” “Happy Rhythm,” “Thank God I’m Free,” “God Wrote My Name,” and “I’ve Got So Much to Thank Him For.” Then Jess Birdwell and Von Gaines sang the theme song from “All in the Family.” I never watched the program but when I got home, I found the original theme on YouTube so I could compare it. I was amazed at how well Jess did in imitating Ethel Bunker. They ended this segment with “In Just a Little While” and “I Told Everybody.”
After that was a 15-minute break. Then Down Home was back for another 1/2 hour. This set included “He Will SetYour Fields on Fire,” “He’s Holding Me,” “River of Life,” “Good to Me,” “Lead Me to Calvary,” “Grandma’s Prayers,” and “Mountain Railroad.” Doug Marlink played harmonica on this last song and he was outstanding.
Called Out started their final set with the old Happy Goodman song, “Living in Canaan Now,” “Somebody Loves Me,” and “He Chose This Valley for Me,” which was my favorite song of the evening. Called Out has 60-second music clips on their website and, if you’re going through a valley right now, I recommend listening to this song. After that, they went into “What a Day That Will Be.” At this point, Darrell Collier slowed everything down and invited audience participation, encouraging even those who can’t carry a tune to sing anyway. They ended with “Glory Glory Glory Somebody Touched Me,” and “I’m Getting Ready.” It was a blessed evening.
