April 17 - 19 found me in Tulsa, Okla., for Frank Arnold's annual SingFest event that featured many of today's top artists. Here are a few brief impressions of those concerts:
1.) The Perrys: For a major portion of their set, it was four vocals and piano only, a fact that was not lost on the Tulsa audience. Nothing fancy, nothing over-the-top. Just good singing the way it used to be. Matthew Holt, no doubt, is one of Southern Gospel music's best young piano players and he possesses what many of the "greats" say is the best asset a piano player can have: the knowledge of when NOT to play. In other words, his playing doesn't overshadow the vocals until it is time for him to be out front.
2.) The Isaacs: It's been quite sometime since I've seen the Isaacs and during that time, they've increased their band by a couple of players, including a drummer. That said, they delivered a tasteful set that blended older and newer material. The following that they've developed as they've branched out was quite evident as they brought out a decently sized audience that was new to the Southern Gospel world. Now, whether those folks patiently waited through the other artists (the Isaacs sang last) or enjoyed what they were hearing for the first time, I don't know. Nonetheless, the Isaacs have helped to open doors to Southern Gospel music that others probably couldn't have.
3.) Jason Crabb: Jason sang last on Saturday and I'll admit I was impressed with how he handled the usually conservative Oklahoma audience. Armed with suit and tie, a full live band and the ability to call the "ideal" set for that particular crowd, Jason had the crowd eating out of his hands. If what I saw Saturday was the "norm" for Jason, then he's going to be a force to be reckoned with. (By the way, if you're one of those people who think soloists are boring, I suggest that you check out Jason's presentation. Granted, having a live band creates an atmosphere that is not normally found with soloists, but even aside from that, I think Jason has more to offer than some people may have given him credit for.)
4.) Aaron Wilburn: Speaking of soloists, SingFest wouldn't be complete without this songwriting comedian. And I dare say he drew his fair share of the audience just as well as any group did that weekend. His few minutes on stage were definitely enjoyed by those who attended - so much so that I personally have to wonder if he should be allotted more stage time. Just as he and the audience really connected, it was time for him to leave. I'm sure Frank has his reasons for doing things the way he does, and that's fine - after all, it's his program. Maybe instead of having Aaron on stage for a few minutes on three nights, maybe have one night where he's got a regular 30 minute time slot and then an appearance on a matinee? Which brings me to...
5.) The Dixie Melody Boys and the Triumphant Quartet: I've put them together as these two groups sang only on the SingFest matinees. Triumphant Quartet turned in their usual stellar performance and these guys left their first visit to Oklahoma with a lot of new fans in their wake. Ed O'Neal's Dixie Melody Boys are singing extremely well right now and with the silver-haired demographics that heard them on Saturday morning, they hit the ball out of the park. Tenor Jonathan Price is very good at his job and it wouldn't surprise me at all if before long this guy is turning listeners' ears by the hundreds.
6.) Gold City, sans Jonathan Wilburn. This was my first time to hear Gold City with their new lead singer, Bruce Taliaferro. Comparing Bruce and Jonathan is not fair to either, especially as their singing styles are different. But let's just say this: Gold City is going to be just fine. Bruce is a communicator, just like his predecessor, and after they've had a little more time to gel, Gold City is going to be one tough quartet - just like they've always been.
(Speaking of Jonathan, I've received a lot of mail asking about his whereabouts. In a nutshell, he's still in Gadsden, Ala., working at one of the largest Ford dealerships in the south, Ronnie Watkins Ford. He's already earned the nickname "The Singing Salesman," and if he can sell cars like he did those "Words of Jesus" prints, Ford will have a banner year! You can write to him at jonathan@ronniewatkinsford.com.)
7.) Karen Peck & New River: Almost eight years after it was first released, "Four Days Late" still brings people to their feet with just the opening notes. 'Course what the group does in the seven or eight songs prior to "Four Days Late" doesn't hurt, either. Personally, I think a lot of people are just now realizing just how good this group is and taking note of their accomplishments. For example, the group's last three radio releases all went to No. 1, not to mention previous No. 1 songs and many, many Top 10s. Karen's a lot like her old boss, Rex Nelon: Be who you are, try to do it well and let the chips fall where they may. Let's just say that Rex would be proud.
8.) Frank Arnold: You really have to look hard to find someone who tries to give an audience a lot for their dollar. He offers top artists, great sound and lighting, strong video work that enables everyone to have a front row seat and a lot more. He's always tried to present Southern Gospel in a first-class manner and as a result, people know that when they're go to a Frank Arnold event, it's not the typical line-up in the high school gym concert. Thanks, Frank, for always wanting to present Southern Gospel at the highest level.
I could write more, but let me summarize this by saying that SingFest 2008 may have been one of the best SingFests I've ever attended in Tulsa. Every artist that appeared were among the best our genre has to offer and for the most part, the crowd eagerly accepted what each one had to offer. But there was one other thing that I'll always remember about this SingFest...
Sitting on the back row in one of the matinees was an older couple. I noticed that the wife either always had her arm around the husband or was holding his hand, and she was continually looking at him in admiration and compassion. At first I thought it was "just sweet," but then I noticed that the husband didn't look well. I overheard the wife telling someone later that he was terminally ill and the doctors had given him literally just days to live.
He wanted to hear the music just one more time.
Puts it all in perspective, doesn't it?
