The Prodigal Comes Home: My Story of Failure and God's Story of Redemption

On Sunday night at approximately 01:23AM, i finished this book for the fifth time. I just couldn’t shake the thought out of my head that i should write a review of this book, so here goes!

It is easy to have the opinion that a christian artist who falls, hits the rock bottom, does the rehab thing, records a new album and writes a book of the same title, is doing the “expected” thing. There is a difference in this case. The Michael English we see now, anchoring the ensemble cast of the Gaither Vocal Band, is a very different person. Renewed, restored and forgiven are just a few of the words that can spring to mind to describe Michael English.

Being 19, i came to know of Michael English through various homecoming videos and YouTube clips. I was amazed by his vocal ability and the way he injected his unique stamp upon songs. He was “cool”! I hesitate to use such a general and almost slang word to describe such a stellar artist, but it just seems fitting. I was told by friends who were older than me that Michael English was at the top of the Gospel music industry before the scandal broke. he was able to  cross over between Southern Gospel and contemporary Christian Music with seemingly nonchalant ease. To fall as a christian in such a public arena is bad enough. To fall from the height Michael English did, well, to many it would have been the end.  i subsequently learned about the other events in Michael’s life that led him down the path of drugs, rehab and battles to get to where he is today.

Perhaps i didnt understand or fully appreciate the context in which Michael began his musical career and how this impacted upon his life.  His family life was complex and challenging. Pushed to excel at singing at such a young age and having a father who put him down, when he needed support, left a massive negative impression upon a young Michael English. This would fester and pick at Michael and with many other issues, culminating in panic attacks. This led to feelings of insecurity and a no sense of fulfillment. It pushed him to be self-centered and in a sense, arrogant. The amazing thing is that now, after all he has been through, Michael English is a humble and genuine human being. If you thought Michael sung with conviction and soul in the past, now its truly real and just listen to him sing the verse on “I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary” to exemplify my point.

The book walks you through his early life and brings you through till around the release of his latest solo album, “The Prodigal Comes Home”.  It is graphic and raw in places, Michael just tells it like it happened and this, i feel, is what provides the book with such a legitimate authenticity, which transcends the normal autobiographical books available today. Michael does not make excuses for what happened in the past, which i feel is very brave. It would maybe have been easier to say, well i messed up….BUT, it was not really my fault. etc etc. Not here.

All in all, it’s a great read. Truly inspirational and a great, great companion to the equally stellar CD of the same name. The best bit of all for me, is the fact that Michael English is now back with the Gaither Vocal Band. I’m very keen on the new projects coming out in January. What i got to see live in concert was great, if you havent caught the Gaither Vocal Band since their reincarnation, just go. You will not be disappointed.

The book is available from here.

Read more about the book and Michael English here.

This is best video i could find of a live GVB performance of this song to show just how good Michael still is. The camera work is rather shaky, but its the audio we are really after. Watch in HQ for the best effect!

Update: Seeing as its coming up to Christmas, are there any other biographies/autobiographies that i should consider purchasing? Preferably Christian and Southern Gospel ones?

As i had a prior engagement on the Thursday 22nd October the day the Gaither Homecoming Tour rolled into Belfast, i booked tickets for the following concert, on the 24th in the Armadillo in Glasgow Scotland.  Not long after the Gaither Vocal Band had experienced well documented changes, this concert was announced and so i was very, very keen to see what they would deliver.

The artist roster was filled with the likes of Buddy Greene, Janet Paschal, Kevin Williams,  Gordan Moate, Lynda Randle, Gaither Vocal Band and of course Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.

The Concert opened up with Kevin Williams playing, “Uncloudy Day” and getting the crowd focused upon the evenings proceedings. Then Bill came on stage and started singing a few well – known songs and choruses with the crowd. Bill then introduced Janet Paschal.  Janet can stand up there and really sing with such clarity and conviction. She pours out her life through song. I thoroughly enjoyed her set, as did the crowd and Bill Gaither who encouraged an encore of her last song, “God Will Make A Way”. Lynda Randle followed and the crowd warmed to her with her renditions of “God on The Mountain” and a few others. Buddy Greene was a great performer who did a few old hymns, notably “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and shared his amazing harmonica talents with the crowd. It is simply a level above what the YouTube videos show you with his talents. It takes it too be seen live to fully appreciate it. Fabulous stuff.

Gordon Moate was a great entertainer. Whilst i am not a piano player, my father is and he was very much impressed and indeed somewhat blown away with his stunning gifts. It would be easy to divulge into  superlatives at this point so just go and see him live. It is the only thing that makes you realise just how fabulous Gordon is.

Then the moment which for me, had taken a long time coming. Bill introduced Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and before he got his introduction finished people were cheering and clapping.  They opened with “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. Now immediately with Ernie’s heritage with the Cathedrals, it is easy to assume that this version would be a copy. No way! The arrangement is tweaked enough to make you aware that this EHSS’ version yet retains the beautiful a capella integrity which made the song such a hit for the Cathedrals. Tim Duncan also was sliding down to some lovely rich deep tones. They then hit the energy button and performed one of my personal favourites, “Glory To God in The Highest”. The crowd response was so much that they encored it three times before moving on. There also was a cute moment where Ernie Haase had a little child come up on stage who was dancing in the aisle to dance with them on stage. The child played it perfectly and didnt get stage fright. A lovely moment!

Possibly the highlight of the concert came next. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound performed, “Oh What a Saviour”. One of my all time favourite songs and to have it performed live was something else. They used the same procedure as the NQC, started the song off acoustically and then the track punched in and drove the song to its climatic finish. Ernie really nailed this song and hit the high notes perfectly. Definite highlight of the night. From their new Christmas CD we got to listen to “Changed By A Baby Boy” a lively and punctuated song featuring Ryan Seaton. Ryan really has developed and developed as a lead singer with EHSS and this was clear with his confident, classy and composed delivery. They only performed four or five songs in total but for all you UK readers out there, EHSS are coming back on a European Tour which will include the UK. I will have a later post to explain this.

After this the Auditorium went black and deep bass notes tumbled from the speakers and sub – woofer. The Alpha and Omega track started, five blue-black figures started to sing….it was the Gaither Vocal Band. They sang the longest out of all the groups on the first half and they did not disappoint. The range of material covered “He Touched Me, Make It Real, Satisfied, Mary Did You Know, I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary, Journey To The Sky and Lord Feed Your Children”. Seeing Michael English perform was also a particular highlight and it is just emanates from the man that God has moved, worked and restored. His voice is something else, simply of those extremely talented individuals that can really sing. I loved his solo verses on “Lord Feed Your Children, These Are They and I Believe In  A Hill Called Mount Calvary”.  Mark Lowry was hilarious and i was in stitches during “Jesus On The Mainline”. I’ve seen it a lot on YouTube, yet it was just fabulous in reality.

The homecoming section had all the artists gathered round and featured some songs of the “Together” project which was fun to watch and enjoy. Bill called upon Buddy Greene to share some more, Lynda Randle had another few songs, the audience helped out and sang along when required.

It was a brilliant concert a nd the venue was also superb. Sound quality was loud yet not over powering or painful. The bass was warm and balanced, not booming or distracting. Tim Duncan’s low notes really sounded great. For anyone wondering just how good the “new” Gaither Vocal Band are, GO! you will not be disappointed. They cover such a palate of material that their really is something for everyone to enjoy. Sure there is even a dash of opera in the form of, “Nessun Dorma” performed by David Phelps.

I cannot wait until Ernie Haase & Signature Sound are back in the UK. What they performed and sang in Glasgow was not enough for me. I wanted more!! but I will definitely be catching them once, maybe even twice when they are back!!

The following CD Review is of a local artist who resides in my own country of Northern Ireland. Paul Irwin commenced his singing ministry at the tender age of 16,  at a Gospel Mission close to his hometown of Fivemiletown. Since then, Paul has had the opportunity to present the Gospel through song all over Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and in Scotland.  Paul counts this as a tremendous privilege and blessing to be able to share the Gospel through the very accessible medium of song.

Paul’s musical influences are derived mainly from the Southern Gospel and Contemporary genres. His all time favourite vocalist would be Steve Green.  Guy Penrod, David Phelps and Marshall Hall would also be stylistic influences. In terms of groups in Southern Gospel, Paul draws upon material that the Gaither Vocal Band, Greater Vision, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and many others have recorded. When you consider all the different influences and contrasting styles of music that each artist contributes, what Paul then translates into each project is a great mix of material, from “Because He Lives” to more modern day classics such as “Thank You for The Cross”.

“Forgive Me” is Paul Irwin’s fourth album. I feel that with each release the level of quality goes up another notch. This is in terms of the vocals, production and basically everything! The initial projects were of a high standard, but Paul is raising the bar in terms of quality, the quality of the song selection, vocals, tracks and the aesthetic appeal of the CD case and contents. The presentation, CD inlay and the photography are of a standard similar to what the Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound or any other “big-name” group would produce. It is the simple little things like this which often can be overlooked, yet make such a big difference in the final equation.

The song selection has something for everyone. This is not to say that it is a mishmash of genres and stylings, rather it is a carefully pieced together collection of material that anyone can comfortably listen too all the way through. Often i find myself skipping tracks on other projects just to get to the favourites, but not on this project.  One thing  i particularly like about the project as a whole was the use of new tracks. The project does not always have the same track that other artists have used. For example on “He Made A Change” the track used was not the same one that Ernie Haase & Signature Sound used on “Get Away Jordan”. It is different and this really does allow for new interpretations which gives the listener a more original experience. Another big plus for me is the clarity and diction that Paul uses in his vocals. Nothing annoys me more than an artist performing a song where you have to struggle to make out the words. You do not have this problem on a Paul Irwin project. Every word is clear and concise without being too “proper” or compromising the musicality of the song.

Track Listing

1. Favourite Song of All
2. There Is A Fountain
3. He Made A Change
4. He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels
5. Thank You For The Cross
6. Go Ask
7. When He Comes Again
8. Tears Are A Language
9. Jesus What A Friend
10. Forgive Me
11. Favourite Song of All (Reprise)

Standout tracks would have to be “There Is A  Fountain”, “He Made a Change”, “He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels”, “Go Ask” and “Jesus What A Friend”. These are my personal favourites, the entire album is very strong indeed. “Go Ask” is what i would have envisioned the Gaither Vocal Band version had Guy Penrod had the lead for example. it was also nice to hear it being sung, instead of being partly recited like ol’ Bill!! On “He Made A Change” there is a strong progressive feel and an element of  Michael English thrown in for good measure. This works very well and slots into one of my all time favourite cuts of this song.

The album is not, however, a collection of  parodies of other artists. It is original and fresh, injecting new life into older songs, and putting a new perspective on others. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys  Southern Gospel, Gospel or Contemporary Gospel music.

The album is available from www.paulirwinmusic.com.  You can also purchase Paul’s preceeding album, “Castles In The Sand”. The website also has booking details, photos and a biography. You can also listen to some samples of the latest project. Be sure to listen, purchase and let me know what you think. If you have ever wondered what Southern Gospel, Gospel or whatever you wish to label SG, sounded like from a Northern Irish perspective, you will not be disappointed.

]]> http://williansilva8.wordpress.com/2009/08/30/gaither-reunited/ Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:36:02 +0000 Willian http://williansilva8.wordpress.com/2009/08/30/gaither-reunited/

O novo cd da formação 2009, "Reunited"

Já vou logo dizendo. Não confundam isso com o GVB Reunion, dvd gravado no ano passado com quase todos os integrantes que passaram pelo grupo do velho Bill. Esta postagem se refere ao novo cd, gravado pela formação 2009. “Reunited” será um cd composto por regravações clássicas do grupo, além de algumas músicas inéditas, nas vozes de David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Michael English, Mark Lowry e Bill Gaither. Verdadeiramente, uma reunião de cantores excepcionais que marcaram suas em suas respectivas épocas. Mas sem enrolar muito, aqui vai a lista de canções.

01. I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary
02 It is Finished
03. Loving God and Loving Each Others
04. He Touched Me
05. Because He Lives
06. I’m Free
07. I am Loved
08. The King is Coming
09. Sinner Saved by Grace
10. Worthy the Lamb
11. The Church Triumphant
12. These Are They
13. There’s Something About That Name (Versão Ao Vivo)

É importante ressaltar que a algumas semanas atrás, foi gravado também o primeiro dvd dessa formação, em San Antonio, com boa parte dessas músicas. e com participações de The Isaacs e Jason Crabb.

Bom, um cd de regravações de primeira não empolga muito, mas o GVB, na maioria das vezes, tem surpreendido seu público de forma positiva. É bem verdade que não muitas inovações nestes trabalhos, mas os amantes dessas músicas não precisam se preocupar, porque já está sendo gravado um novo cd com músicas inéditas por essa formação que marca a história da música southern gospel.

Para os apressados, “Reunited” já está a venda no site do Gaither, inclusive, agora é possível adquirir o cd via download.  Para acessar a página e ouvir os trechos, CLIQUE AQUI

Richard has been accompanist to The Lindow Singers since 2000. He was born in Stretford, Manchester and educated at King’s School Macclesfield. He is a graduate of Sheffield University where he studied music and he has a postgraduate qualification from Portsmouth Polytechnic.

Richard has studied organ under Michael English, Graham Matthews (previously of Sheffield Cathedral), Simon Lindley (Leeds Parish Church) and Gordon Stewart (previously of Manchester Cathedral). He became an Associate of the Royal College of Organists in 1987. He is currently Assistant Organist at St. Michael’s Church, Macclesfield, regular accompanist to the Lindow Singers (Handforth, Cheshire) and has also accompanied the Pennine Singers (lastly at Worcester Cathedral in May) and the Northern England Chorale on overseas tours.

RICHARD IS MANAGER OF WRIGHT GREAVES MUSIC SHOP IN ALTRINCHAM

CONTACT 0161 929 6949    FOR ALL YOUR MUSIC NEEDS.

Here is a new clip of the GVB singing “I Believe In A Hill Called Mt. Calvary” that has been floating around (hat tip, AS and KB) from a recent concert.  This clip should put any questions about Michael English’s ability to step back into the lead part to rest.  He absolutely nails the second verse of the song.  He doesn’t try and copy Guy Penrod, but takes the verse and puts his own spin on it, while showing some really nice range.  His voice seems to be coming back to him now that he is singing with the GVB regularly.  They’ve really started to gel their sound over the past couple months.  Also notable is that Mark Lowry sings his first verse with a power, style, and confidence I don’t think I’ve ever heard from him.  Wow, indeed.

If you know me, then you know I love southern gospel music.  I’ve followed the Gaither Vocal Band since it was the Bill Gaither Trio.

Recently Bill Gaither announcd that long time lead singer Guy Penron and Baritone Marsh Hall were leaving the group and that Michael English, Mark Lowry & David Phelps were returning to join Wes Hampton and Bill Gaither.  I was and remain so very excited about the new Gaither Vocal Band.  I can’t wait to see what God does through these five men in the months and years to come.

Check out the video highlights from the Orlando Homecoming Concert of the 5 men together on stage for the first time since the announcement was made on January 13th.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. Isaiah 65:17