2008 Jubilee at Sea, Part II

In my first Jubilee at Sea report, I told you how good the preaching was. Now it's time to talk about the singing.

One thing's for sure; it didn't matter which spoke of the southern gospel wheel was your favorite, i.e., male quartets, mixed quartets, family groups, country or bluegrass gospel, the Jubilee at Sea had it all.

I got to listen to every single artist, and I must admit, I enjoyed them all. That being said, there were a few standouts.

Triumphant Quartet rocked the boat. I can't say enough about their sound. I am so glad these guys are out of a theatre situation, so the whole world can hear them. They're going to be around for a long time. I must say, I thought their best moment was when I coaxed the Primitive QT and Ben Rochester to join them on stage to accompany them on their new single, "White Flag."



It's an all acoustic, bluegrassy rompin number that's hotter than a three dollar bill. Eric Bennett, bass vocalist for Triumphant, emailed me after the cruise to tell me he wanted me to get that band together again to play this song with them live at the NQC. Watch out Louisville!

Speaking of quartets, Tribute Quartet recorded a live DVD during the cruise. Tribute is doing a lot of things right. They are all excellent singers. Their stage presence is professional, yet genuine at the same time. Gary Casto is one of the best managers in Southern Gospel music today.

Soul'd Out Quartet also did a great job on the cruise. Quartet music is alive and well in 2008!

Mark Trammel Trio is, well...awesome! Goodness gracious, what a sound. They may have the best song selection in the business today. Mark, don't change a single thing.

Jeff and Sheri Easter did their usual fantastic job. This will be the last cruise with Charlotte Penhollow Ritchie. She and Greg are launching out into the world of soloists. If any female can pull it off, Charlotte can.

The Primitive QT and the Rochesters served up the bluegrass on this trip. Both groups asked if I would sit in with them for the week, which I was more than happy to oblige.


The Rochesters

I played dobro for both groups, as well as the piano for the Primitive QT.



Man, I had a ball. Even preacher Joe Arthur picked with us. Mike Riddle got a touch of the flu and had to miss Wednesday night. He was back at it Thursday.



Karen Peck and New River have never sounded better. Every time I heard them sing their new single, "Hey," it stayed with me for the remainder of the evening. That's a catchy song.

On the first night, the Perrys soundtrack machine didn't work. It was so refreshing to hear the Perry's with Matthew Holt at the piano. Great singers, great songs, great piano playing...the way God intended it to be!

The Dills, Galloways, Pfeifers, Whisnants, Faith Trio, Aaron Wilburn all did a fantastic job. What a great week of great singing!

Oh, I almost forgot, Jeff Easter asked if I would get Lester "Roadhog" Butler and his Cadillac Cowboys to do a short radio show during the talent show. So, I got the boys together and they picked, "Little Liza Jane," and we sang, "Always Marry an Ugly Girl," and the sacred song, "Stank Rangers." I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we get asked to be a featured group on the cruise next year. Check out these pictures of me and the Cadillac Cowboys.






Les

Posted by Les Butler at 5:20 PM - Send Comments - Email This Post