Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

NQC RECAP: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

Gaither Vocal Band at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods

Bill Gaither at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods

Next up was Bill Gaither and his Homecoming Friends, filling the LeConte Center with classic songs made popular on the Gaither videos.

C.T. Townsend at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods. C.T. Townsend will also be appearing at Creekside Gospel Music Convention Oct. 28-Nov.1

NQC – the National Quartet Convention – continues until Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. Over 40,000 people are expected to enjoy the concerts and festivities planned.

• Chapel with Jim Brady Trio and the First Baptist Church Indian Trail Choir and message by Dr. Mike Whitson
• Blazing Pianos
• Dr. David Jeremiah
• Matinee Extravaganza
• Evening Concerts featuring: Erwins, Dixie Echoes, Nelons, LeFevre Quartet, Taylors, Mark Trammell Quartet, McKameys, Lynda Randle, Perrys, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Isaacs, Joseph Habedank, Hoppers, Triumphant, Karen Peck & New River and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Bill Gaither and Homecoming Friends at NQC. Photo by Chip Woods

For more information, visit www.NQConline.com.

Jim Brady Trio as seen Through the Lens of Craig Harris

The Jim Brady Trio

The Jim Brady Trio performed at Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in Ashland City, Tenn., on July 6. SGNScoops’ photographer and writer, Craig Harris, attended the concert and captured these images.

More About the Jim Brady Trio from their website:

In the summer of 2014, Jim and Melissa felt the time was right to answer a new call and to embark upon a brand new ministry. Thus came the announcement that Jim would be leaving The Booth Brothers to join his wife in forming The Jim Brady Trio.

Jim and Melissa Brady are living proof that God’s ways are higher than ours, and that He is always

Layke Jones

working for our good and His glory. “God has brought so many opportunities our way as a result of Jim’s time with The Booth Brothers,” Melissa states. “Had Jim chosen to sing with Ronnie and Michael for the rest of his life, I would have supported him 100 percent, but God had other plans.”

Obviously, those plans include lots of great music and a great future for the Jim Brady Trio.

The Jim Brady Trio currently consists of Jim Brady, his wife Melissa and Layke Jones.

Read the full SGNScoops Magazine July 2018 HERE

Jim Brady

Melissa Brady

 

Download the PDF of SGNScoops Magazine HERE

Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Online HERE

Younger Perspective on Layke Jones by Erin Stevens

Younger Perspective on Layke Jones by Erin Stevens

A word from the writer…
Newbie alert: A fresh face has recently hit the Southern Gospel scene. Today, I’d like to personally welcome Layke Jones of The Jim Brady Trio to the Younger Perspective corner. No need to waste time. This is your chance to meet the new dude on the block.

Erin: It has quickly become known about the impressive accolades you have to your credit in all things musical, but where did it begin for a young Layke Jones discovering his voice?
Layke: Music has always played a big role in my life. My family enjoys listening to music and attending the occasional concert that comes into town, but I don’t think any of my family members would consider themselves musically inclined. All that to say, I’m confident that my passion for making music is a God thing.

I cannot think of a time that I haven’t been drawn to quality music. I remember as a young child being attracted to classical music, because I was fascinated by the big, robust sound that the human voice could produce. Growing up, I spent a good deal of time in choirs, band, dance and church worship programs. I believe the time spent in those activities were, without question, beneficial to what I am doing now.

Erin: For those that may not know the backstory, how did you come to fill the third part with Jim and Melissa?
Layke: During my sophomore year of college, I auditioned for Mark Lowry’s position in the Gaither Vocal Band. While I did not get the job, I did form a relationship with Bill Gaither, which has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. In March of last year Bill informed me that Jim and Melissa were in need of a third singer for their trio, and he believed our voices would mesh well. Three months after Bill connected me with the Bradys, I was a part of the group. So, I, along with several others, have Bill Gaither to thank for my employment.

Erin: In your career thus far, what are some “No way, I can’t believe I got to do that” opportunities you’ve already crossed off the list?
Layke: My top three opportunities would be:

1) Being a part of the newest Gaither Homecoming taping. Spending the day in Studio C, with all those talented folks, will be a memory I won’t soon forget.
2) Singing on the Gospel portion of the Dove Awards last fall.
3) Spending the weekend in rural Tennessee, with a handful of artists for the Gaither Artist retreat. It’s a weekend that allows gospel artists to recharge, reflect, and because it’s a Gaither event, make some beautiful music too.

Layke Jones with the Jim Brady Trio

Erin: How are you personally adjusting to life on the road with the Brady Bunch?
Layke: I’ll be honest, adjusting to the road life has not been the easiest for me. That said, I’ve yet to find a job that doesn’t have some sort of minor difficulty.

I try to remind myself that although being home more consistently would be my preference, I get paid to sing and share the gospel every week. That is a huge blessing for any Christian musician, especially at the ripe age of 23. Another blessing is that Jim and Melissa are great to travel with. We have a mutual respect for each other, and we do our best to accommodate each other while on the road, so that makes the traveling much easier.

Layke Jones with Gerald Wolfe

Erin: Congratulations on recently graduating from Anderson University. How would you describe your college years?
Layke: I would describe the years spent at AU as busy at times, and trying, but overall memorable. I was involved in our university chorale, symphonic band, jazz band, private voice lessons, dance classes, and on occasion, I attended my actual liberal arts classes. Aside from the busy workload, I was able to form lasting friendships with both students and professors, and I am forever grateful for what AU offered me during my time there.

Erin: I believe I read recently that you play the trombone. Any chance it will be making a grand appearance in the Southern Gospel world?
Layke: I was almost certain my band-geek days were behind me, but who knows. I definitely have a passion for playing and listening to good instrumental music, so if Jim would want to shoot a trombone feature my way, I wouldn’t turn it down. Read more »

Layke Jones of Jim Brady Trio: Making An Impact

Jim Brady Trio

By Craig Harris

Rejection kept a door closed for Layke Jones. However, it also eventually led to an entryway for the aspiring performer. “My sophomore year of college, when Mark Lowry left, I auditioned for the (Gaither) Vocal Band,” Jones explains. “Being a (former) educator, he (Bill Gaither) said, ‘I can’t in good faith take you out of college.’”

After graduating from Anderson (Ind.) University, Jones landed his current position as a vocalist with the Jim Brady Trio in June. “He’s the reason I have this job,” Jones says of Gaither’s involvement. “He’s backed it hard.

“A guy with a Rolodex his size, I’m not sure why he would give me the time of day. It’s a God thing.”

Read more »

Jim Brady Trio to perform in Hartselle, Alabama

Night of Celebration with The Jim Brady Trio!

National Recording Artist The JIM BRADY TRIO will perform at Tunsel Road Baptist Church, Hartselle, Alabama on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 6:00 PM.
The main thing that Jim and Melissa, also a talented singer-songwriter, want people to know is: “What we do is always and only about the Lord and telling others about Him. When we write and when we sing it is our desire and our goal, first and foremost, to lift Him up in praise.”
This event is love offering only and no ticket will be required to enter the concert!
Also appearing that night will be Regional Recording Artists, The Joyful Hearts from Cullman, Alabama.
For more information please contact David Bates at (256)-221-8781.
We look forward to seeing you that night as we have A Night of Celebration with The Jim Brady Trio.

For more Gospel music news click here.

More About The Jim Brady Trio from their website:

In the summer of 2014, Jim and Melissa felt the time was right to answer a new call and to embark upon a brand new ministry. Thus came the announcement that Jim would be leaving The Booth Brothers to join his wife in forming The Jim Brady Trio.

Jim and Melissa Brady are living proof that God’s ways are higher than ours, and that He is always working for our good and His glory. “God has brought so many opportunities our way as a result of Jim’s time with The Booth Brothers,” Melissa states. “Had Jim chosen to sing with Ronnie and Michael for the rest of his life, I would have supported him 100 percent, but God had other plans.”

Obviously, those plans include lots of great music and a great future for The Jim Brady Trio!

The Jim Brady Trio currently consists of Jim Brady, his wife Melissa and Layke Jones.

NQC Moment: Jim Brady Trio

Jim Brady Trio

The Jim Brady Trio sings its first hit, “Steppin’ Out In Faith.” #NQC2016. Click here to watch the Jim Brady Trio.

For more Gospel music news, click here.

Karen Peck and New River, Jim Brady Trio to appear at Shiloh Hills

Karen Peck and New River

North Metro Gospel Singing’s is bring another great night of Southern Gospel Music August 20 starting at 5:30 pm. The event will be at Shiloh Hills Baptist Church, 75 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw, GA. Featured artist include Karen Peck and New River. They have been nominated four times for a Grammy Award, won the Dove Award for Southern Gospel Group four times and had 15 number one hits. Karen has won eleven favorite soprano awards and Susan and Rickey have also won numerous awards. “Revival” won GMA Dove Award for song of the year and album. Revival also won the 2014 SGN Diamond Award song of the year, Absolutely Gospel’s song of the year and progressive gospel song. Karen Peck starred in the Hollywood movie “Joyful Noise.” She got her big start with The LeFevre’s which later became the Rex Nelon Singers.

Jim Brady Trio

Also on the program is The Jim Brady Trio. Jim started sing at age five with his family and by 16 he was writing songs. Melissa sang with her family, the Shulers before she and Jim met. When they married Jim joined The Shulers and stayed with them until he was invited to be a part of The Booth Brothers. He stayed with them for 12 1/2 years winning more than 100 honors. He won baritone eight years and songwriter three years. He has written several number one songs. Jim owns his own publishing house, Brady House of Music. Jim and Melissa has written more than 200 songs. Recently 22 year old Layke Jones became the third member in the trio. Layke has a vocal major from Anderson University and has been guest vocalist on a Gaither Vocal Band project.

Children Of The Promise

The evening will kick of at 5:30 with Children of the Promise. They are the Shaw family from Cedartown, GA. Mom Nikki traveled with Kyla Rowland and was an original member of Sacred Calling. She speaks at numerous women’s conferences. There are three sons.  Jacob, who is the oldest, sings lead and baritone. He collects John Wayne memorabilia. Eli, the middle one, sings tenor. Recently at Singing in the Sun he was invited on stage by Bryan Free and Gerald Wolfe to sing with their group. Isaac is the youngest and often sings with them, taking on the lead part.

Don’t miss Karen Peck and New River, the Jim Brady Trio and Children of the Promise. It’s going to be an evening of some of the best in Southern Gospel Music. North Metro Gospel Singings brings several concerts each year to the North Metro Atlanta Area. For information on any concerts the contact number is 770-617-0359.

For more Gospel music news click here.

Jim Brady Trio Welcomes Layke Jones

The Jim Brady Trio Welcomes Layke Jones

Hendersonville, TN – On the heels of an unparalleled debut year, Daywind recording artist, the Jim Brady Trio, is pleased to announce the addition of Layke Jones to the award-winning group.

Layke comes to the Jim Brady Trio amid high recommendations from some of the industry’s finest, as well as a sparkling resume of achievements and accolades. A graduate of Anderson University, Layke hails from central Indiana where he’s been heavily involved in professional vocal work. In addition to spending several years as a singer at Cedar Fair’s Kings Island in Mason Ohio, he is also a highly sought after studio vocalist, having recorded vocals for artists such as Sandi Patty and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound.  Recently, he was a guest vocalist on a project with the GRAMMY award winning Gaither Vocal Band, as well as a featured vocalist for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, where he performed alongside noted Christian musicians Jay and Amy Rouse. When not lending his vocals in the studio, the 22-year-old stays busy as a trombonist, a choreographer for a number of local schools in the Indiana/Ohio area, a vocal coach and a worship leader.

“I have been watching Layke Jones develop as an artist for a few years now as a student at Anderson University, and I believe there is something very special about him,” shares Bill Gaither. “His voice and his spirit are equally excellent additions to this fine trio; spearheaded by my good friends Jim and Melissa Brady. The future is bright for the Jim Brady Trio.”

Jim Brady adds, “It’s not every day a voice like this comes along! Layke is an exceptionally talented young man with a deep passion for this music, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of our team!”

The Jim Brady Trio has celebrated a whirlwind of events since their formation in January of 2015; ranging from a acclaimed debut record, A New Chapter, success at Southern Gospel radio and being named the 2015 New Trio of the Year by Singing News Fan Awards, as well as having the 2015 Song of the Year with ‘Steppin’ Out In Faith.’  The trio looks forward to a bright future with Layke, including a new project coming soon.

Legacy Five, Triumphant, Jim Brady Trio take stage at NQC Spring Break

Legacy Five – photo by Craig Harris

The NQC Spring Break is happening this weekend in Louisville, Kentucky, and SGN Scoops’ photojournalist Craig Harris is giving us a front row seat. Featured during this two day event is Greater Vision, Legacy Five, Jim Brady Trio, Triumphant, Booth Brothers, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Hoppers, Jason Crabb, Sneed Family and the Mark Trammell Quartet.

Watch for the May issue of SGN Scoops magazine for more pictures of this exciting event.

Jim Brady – photo by Craig Harris

More news here.

Jason Crabb by Craig Harris

Hoppers by Craig Harris

Mark Trammell Quartet by Craig Harris

Triumphant Quartet by Craig Harris

Melissa Brady needs our prayers

Melissa Brady

SGN Scoops has learned that Melissa Brady’s mother, Susan, passed away today. Melissa is the wife of Jim Brady and the female vocalist with the Jim Brady Trio.

Melissa said today on Instagram and on their website: “It feels strange to say the words….my mom died today. My heart is shattered in a million pieces and the tears continue to flow. But I’m so thankful I know she’s moving into her new mansion, she’s healthy again, and if there’s furniture to rearrange, she’ll keep moving it around ’til we get there too. I love you mom!!!!”

Jim Brady Trio

Jim lost his father and sister within the last year, so this has already been a time of grieving for the couple. Please pray as  Melissa and Jim travel to Ohio to make the funeral arrangements.

SGN Scoops extends their sympathy and prayers to all the family. May you feel peace and comfort today from the God Of All Comfort.