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Pray for Randall Hamm

Randall Hamm

Randall Hamm is a treasured member of the SGNScoops Magazine family, as well as being a radio DJ on WFLQ out of French Lick, Indiana.

Randall was at the NQC this past week and had to leave early as he was feeling unwell. He wrote the following on his Facebook page on Friday afternoon:

Update, I went to ER in Paoli, and found out I was sick young man. Perfed. colon and possible heart issues. Rounds of Antibiotics to treat the infected colon. Echogram done of Heart, and will know more about that tonight. Treatment with antibiotics of Colon and rescan Monday of Colon. Will let you know of Heart Findings tonight.

Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. Thank you so much.

Vonda Armstrong and Randall Hamm

Randall has been admitted to Bloomington Hospital. Be sure to leave your best wishes on his Facebook page and take your prayers to our Heavenly Father for the gentleman who is in pain.

Randall, all of us at SGNScoops are praying for you. Get well soon!

Kingdom Heirs and Tim Menzies reviewed by Randall Hamm

Kingdom Heirs Something Good

Randall Reviews It: Kingdom Heirs and Tim Menzies

By Randall Hamm

We are more than halfway through the year and the new releases just keep on coming. This month, the Kingdom Heirs release a follow up to a highly popular album in their catalog, and singer/songwriter Tim Menzies releases his best album to date. Read on, dear reader, to find out more.

As always, if you enjoy the reviews, pick up this music, or download it, wherever you get good gospel music.

Please send your latest releases for review to Randall Hamm, c/o Q-100 WFLQ-FM, P.O. Box 100, French Lick, Ind., 47432

Randall


Now…Let the reviews begin!

Kingdom Heirs
“Something Good Volume 2”
Producer: Arthur Rice and Kreis French
Label: Sonlite 2019

Songs: “What A Beautiful Day” (Eddie Crook – Aaron Wilburn BMI); “It’s Gonna Be A Good Day” (Bill Gaither – Suzanne Jennings – Jeff Silvey BMI); “That’s How I Know” (Sonya Isaacs Yeary – Rebecca Isaacs Bowman BMI); “The Lovely Name Of Jesus” (Squire Parsons BMI); “The Love Of God” (V.P. “Vep” Ellis SESAC); “Something To Shout About” (Mosie Lister BMI); “Run On” (Traditional  P.D.); Thus Saith The Lord” (Daryl Williams ASCAP); “When We Sing Around The Throne Eternal” (Albert E. Brumley BMI); “Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho” (Traditional P. D.)

The Kingdom Heirs follow up one of their best albums, “The Last Big Thing,” with a nod to their previous project, “Something Good,” released in 2017. “Something Good” was a way of bringing back some great gospel songs of the last few years, some great classics out of the redback hymnal, and some great quartet classics of the past. 

In “Volume 2,” they keep the same winning recipe and once again bring us such great songs as “What A Beautiful Day,” and “The Lovely Name Of Jesus,” among other classics that have stood the test of time. The album also includes great songs that sound much older, as though they could have been written in that era as well. 

The CD kicks off in fine fashion with “What A Beautiful Day,” an Aaron Wilburn classic, written with Eddie Crook and brought to us by the Happy Goodmans. It is known for its steel introduction, which on the original was done by Steve “Rabbit” Easter, who was a part of the Happy Goodman Band, as was Eddie Crook. There was such a message in the song, that it was one of the biggest songs of 1975 and 1976, and is considered a classic today. All of the original elements, including the intro, are still here. This song still resonates today, as we draw day by day closer to the Lord’s return on that “Beautiful Day.” 

My favorite cut on the album is “The Love of God,” by Vep Ellis, harkening back to the Blackwood and Statesmen Quartet days. The Kingdom Heirs could have competed back in the day with their version, complete with just piano, organ, bass and drum. Nothing fancy, just simply singing the song and letting the beauty of their voices shine through. Jerry Martin and Loren Harris shine as the group brings us what quartets sounded like grouped around one microphone. Just so, so good. 

The released single brings us a taste of the Kingsmen, circa 1977. “The Lovely Name Of Jesus” sparkles as Arthur Rice takes the lead. A great nod to Squire as he has now retired from the road, due to health issues. Other classics such as “Run On” and “Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho” shine, and their version of “That’s How I Know,” first brought to us by Tribute Quartet, is a fitting tribute to sounds of days gone by. 

Overall, if you were to recommend an album to spotlight, with sounds of gospel music of days gone by, I would recommend this album and the original “Something Good.” 

Visit the Kingdom Heirs at facebook.com/kingdomheirs and get a copy for yourself and for a friend.

Strongest Songs:  “The Lovely Name of Jesus,” “What A Beautiful Day,” “The Love of God”

Tim Menzies
“His Name Is Jesus”
Producer: Ben Isaacs
Label: New Day 2019

Songs: “His Name Is” (Tim Menzies BMI); “That Little Crowded Room” (Tim Menzies – Casey Beathard BMI); “Don’t Wait” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell BMI);  There’s Something About That Name/Nothing But The Blood” (Bill Gaither – Gloria Gaither – Robert Lowry BM); “Thirty Year Suicide” (Tim Menzies – Jennifer Layne); “Hanging Out With Old Folks” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell BMI); “He Didn’t Come That Night” (Tim Menzies – Belinda Smith); “Six Feet” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell BMI); “I Know That Was You” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell); “I Hope You See Jesus” (Tim Menzies – Sonya Isaacs Yeary – Becky Isaacs Bowman BMI); “Thank God For Cowboys” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell ASCAP); “Kentucky Coal” (Tim Menzies – Monty Criswell – Sidney Cox ASCAP); “Walking In Jerusalem” (Bill Monroe); “Little Is Much” (Kittie L. Suffield P.D.)

“Tim Menzies, Volume 2,” is what I’m unofficially calling this, although the official title is, “His Name Is Jesus.” Tim has been around for a number of years as a songwriter, captivating us with his songs through such artists as Shenandoah, John Conlee, and Mark Chesnutt, among others. He had albums out as well under the name Tim Mensy, scoring a number of top 60 songs on the Country charts in the 1990s. But a few years ago, he turned his writing towards the gospel field.

Menzies’ songs always had a gospel feel and message, but now Tim has turned his music more to the gospel field and positive Christian genre. In 2014, he released his first gospel CD “His Way Of Loving Me.” From that CD, Tim released the single, “I Was There,” and had a minor hit. Mike Bowling of the Bowling family also recorded that on their “Moments Like These” project, having a top five single with it a few years ago. Tim had not heard them perform it, and I was there with Tim at the Food Court at NQC in 2015, when on the pre-show, Mike and the Bowling Family came on and sang “I Was There.” It was one of those special moments; you just had to be there, to see a songwriter see his song come to life. 

This latest CD contains 14 songs and 12 are from the pen of Tim. The first single, “Six feet Under,” has just been released to radio and is a sparkling song of hope, harkening back to Claude Elys’ “Ain’t No Grave.” I’m coming up six feet, ain’t no grave gonna hold me. 

My favorite cut and the one I hope Tim pulls as a single is, “That Little Crowded Room.” A man is close to death and he starts introducing family and friends, although there is only Tim and the gentleman in that “Little Crowded Room.” I hope it is a hit for Tim, but if not, someone will have a gigantic hit with this song of positive faith. 

What can you say, how do you follow up “I Was There?” With “I Know It Was You.” With a feel of “I Was There,” Tim crafts another song that lets us know that he is always there, and nothing takes him by surprise. 

Other great songs such as “Hanging Out With Old Folks,” “Don’t Wait ” and the rest of this project, Tim brings us into his living room and sings just for us. I would not be surprised if this album gets a Grammy nod, like his “His Way Of Loving Me” did a few years back. 

There are a number of hits on this album, and someone will release them, Tim or another soloist or group. This album is a must for anyone who loves to hear their songs raw and from the songwriter’s heart, as he imagined them. 

Also a plus, Tim invites a number of guest artists to appear with him, including The Isaacs, Gaither Vocal Band, Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, and Karen Peck; making this the album must-have of the year. The album is now out and you can get a copy when you visit Tim at facebook.com/TimMenziesOfficial/

June 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Strongest Songs: “I Know It Was You,” ”That Little Crowded Room,” “Six Feet”

By Randall Hamm

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in June 2019

Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Randall Hamm Reviews It: The Inspirations and Justified Quartet

The Inspirations tell stories of God’s presence on Right Where He Is

This month, those inspiring Inspirations are back from the mountains with a new release and an up-and-coming regional group will soon be known nationally with their latest release. Justified Quartet from Akron, Michigan wants you to “Take A Stand” and request it at your local gospel station.

As always, if you enjoy the reviews, pick up this music, or download it, wherever you get good gospel music.

Please send your latest releases for review to Randall Hamm, c/o Q-100 WFLQ-FM, P.O. Box 100, French Lick, Ind., 47432

Randall Hamm


Now…Let the Reviews begin

I

The Inspirations have extended their relationship with Horizon Records

nspirations
“Right Where He Is”
Producer: Jeff Collins
2019 Horizon records

Songs: “He’s Coming Again” (Matthew Browder BMI); “There’ll Never Be A Giant” (Roland Kesterson BMI); “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing” (Squire Parsons BMI); “Wouldn’t Change The End” (Dixie Phillips-Mark Mathes BMI); “She Gets Another Prayer Through Again” (Steve Moss BMI); “His Hand Reached Further Down” (Don Johnson BMI); “Obey The Spirit of The Lord” (Joyce Croft-Colbert Croft BMI); “That’s Right Where He’ll Be” (Rebecca J Peck-Megan Sorelle Mulnix BMI); “The End of Time Is Near” (William Carter BMI); “Judas Kissed The Door” (Sandy Knight BMI)

This is now the second album with Archie Watkins at the helm of ownership of the group. As you know, Martin Cook retired and sold all interest and ownership of the group to Archie, to lead the Inspirations and continue their brand of gospel music. This album brings Roland Kesterson to the front as their new lead singer, as Matt Dibler retired, and Wyatt Austin, former bass with the Chuckwagon Gang, was brought on as utility musician and occasional bass singer. 

This album is a marked improvement, over “The One In the Water,” the blend is tighter and the musical selection is a better choice as well. From top to bottom, this lineup of the Inspirations has struck pay dirt with this project. “He’s Coming Again” leads off the project with the traditional Inspiration sound we’ve all come to know and love, featuring Roland on lead. Eddie Dietz gets the lead on a Squire Parsons tune “Lord I Want To Be A Blessing” and shines as always. One of my favorites that I hope will be pulled as a single, “His Hand Reached Further Down,” features Archie. In his earlier days, he could not have sung this as he sings here. Archie’s voice has aged like a fine wine and with a little age, he sings this to perfection, and I’m thankful he reached further down for me. 

The current single climbing the charts is “That’s Right Where He’ll Be.” From the pen of Rebecca J Peck, no matter where we are that’s “Where He’ll Be.” You’ll instantly recognize the single, as it has one of the catchiest intros on radio today. But my true favorite is a re-recording of “The End Of Time Is Near.” This classic Inspirations’ song, first recorded in 1969, sparkles as two of the current Inspirations were on this particular cut, Archie and Eddie. In 50 years the message of this song is even clearer and truer today. This is worthy as well of being a single.

 Overall, the Inspirations and all those involved have crafted a CD that has not left my player for a while. Great songs, the classic Inspiration sound, and some great studio musicians make for an album that is a pure delight. Visit the Inspirations at https://www.facebook.com/theinspirations/ and get a copy of “Right Where He Is” wherever and however you get good gospel music.

Strongest Songs: “Right Where He’ll Be,” “His Hand Reached Further Down,” “The End of Time Is Near,” “Obey the Spirit Of The Lord”

Justified Quartet

Justified Quartet
“Take A Stand”
Producer: Bob Caldwell
2019 Independent

Songs: “Take A Stand” (Scott Inman-Daryl Williams); “Come, Lord Jesus” (Dianne Wilkinson); “Don’t Be Caught Dead Without Jesus” (Mike Payne-Vic Clay); “We’ve Got Our Ways” (Rebecca Peck-David Jenkins); “It Should Have Rained” (Dianne Wilkinson-Rusty Golden); “We’re In The Same Boat” (Rebecca Peck-Kenna Turner West); “Heaven Is The Place Where Dreams Come True” (Dianne Wilkinson-Janice Crow); “Can’t Wait To Hear The Sound” (Carl Ledford); “It Took A Lamb” (Geron Davis); “I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross” (Marty Funderburk-Buddy Mullins)


For the past six years, this group has been Michigan’s pride and joy. Based out of Akron, Mich., Justified is about to no longer be Michigan’s secret. Lead, Carl Ledford; baritone, Mark Jacoby; tenor, Dave Potts and bass, Tim Caldwell, have crafted a album that is pure joy and straight ahead Southern gospel. The album produced by Bob Caldwell, who you may remember as the bass singer with Won By One, Brian Free and Assurance, and Kingdom Heirs, has brought the best out of Justified. By the way, Tim Caldwell is Bob’s brother. “Take A Stand” leads off this project, and in this day and age we must “Take A Stand.” This is their current single and could be the group’s first national Top 20. 

Justified sings the fire out of “Come Lord Jesus,” the first of three Dianne Wilkinson songs on the album.  “It Should Have Rained,” penned by Dianne, is an absolute gem that deserves a possible single release. Featuring their tenor, this was formerly recorded by the Kingsmen, but changing the lead to tenor, markedly changes the song and makes it more powerful. Closing out the CD is another lead vocal for tenor Dave Potts on “I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross”, a powerful song of where our belief lies. In between “Take A Stand” and “I Still Cling,” is one of the best new projects of the year. You may not have heard of Justified, but in a few more single releases, you will remember their name. Take a stand and get a copy of this CD. Visit Justified at https://www.facebook.com/JustifiedqtMI/ and get a copy of “Take A Stand” wherever and however you get good gospel music.

The Freemans grace the cover of the May 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Strongest Songs: “Take A Stand,” “I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross,” “It Should Have Rained,” “Don’t be Caught Dead”

 Reviews by Randall Hamm

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in May 2019

Read the July SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

We are excited to have Justified Quartet oining us in Ann Arbor next June 4-6 for Gospel Music Weekend Michigan! Make your plans now to join us for a weekend of great gospel music featuring over 30 artists.

For more nformation, send us an email to events@sgnscoops.com #GMWM2020 #AnnArbor #DestinationAnnArbor

Kingsmen and Chandlers reviewed by Randall Hamm

The Kingsmen’s Victory Shout shares encouragement for the journey to Heaven

The Kingsmen and the Chandlers featured in the April 2019 SGNScoops edition of Randall Reviews It, by Randall Hamm

Friends:

April showers bring May flowers and also bring new gospel releases. This month brings only two, but they are dandies. One is a pre-release review of the new Kingsmen CD “Victory Shout,” and the other is a new album, “Seasons,” from an up-and-coming family group, the Chandlers.

Make sure to visit these groups at their Facebook homes and find out more about them. Also get copies of their albums to enjoy for yourself.

As always, if you enjoy the reviews, pick up this music, or download it, wherever you get good gospel music.

Randall Hamm

Please send your latest releases for review to Randall Hamm, c/o Q-100 WFLQ-FM, P.O. Box 100, French Lick, Ind., 47432.

Randall


Now…let the reviews begin!

The Kingsmen’s “Victory Shout” is a powerful anthem

The Kingsmen
“Victory Shout”
2019 Horizon Records

Songs: “Running To Win” (Sandy Knight BMI); “Just Climb” (Karen Gillespie-Adina Bowman-Gene Ezell BMI); “I’ve Ever Been Glad” (Regina Walden BMI); “Victory Shout” (Kenna Turner West – Jason Cox BMI); “Dear John” (Jason Cox – Joseph Habedank – Kenna Turner West BMI); “It Still Changes Me” (Chris Binion – Matthew Lawson BMI); “King Of Kings” (Rebecca J Peck – Dianne Wilkinson BMI); “Prodigal Son” (Larry W Gatlin BMI); “You’ll Move Mountains For Me” (Karen Gillespie – Rachel McCutcheon BMI); “That’s Where You’ll Find Me” (Kenna Turner West – Jason Cox BMI)

It’s been two years since the Kingsmen released “They Don’t Know,” and since then three quarters of the quartet has changed. Josh Horrell who had replaced tenor Chris Jenkins, has now gone and has been replaced once again by Chris Jenkins. Bob Sellers, lead, left to start a solo ministry and is singing select dates with the Old Time Preachers Quartet. Randy Crawford, baritone, resigned due to health reasons. In Bob and Randy’s place, the quartet welcomed new baritone Alan Kendall and lead Chris Bryant.

Songs from established songwriters such as Sandy Knight,  Kenna Turner West and Dianne Wilkinson, and newcomers Karen Gillespie and Rachel McCutcheon, make this Kingsmen album a must listen.

The album opens with a mid tempo Sandy Knight composition “Running To Win,” that will make you want to keep in the race. “Just Climb,” slows down the pace to feature what could be a single down the road. “I’ve Ever Been Glad,” features Kingsmen bass Ray Dean Reese and he sings the fire out of it. “Victory Shout,” is the first single pulled and is off to a fine start.

One of the highlights of the CD is the re-recording of the “Prodigal Son,” that was first recorded in 1980 for their “Chartbreakers” LP. Listening to the new version and the original, Ray has not lost a step or a note. This, I hope, will become a single; it’s so good.

Some strong songs and some strong singing from a new batch of Kingsmen will thrill longtime fans, and make fans of folks who may not have been fans before now. Visit the Kingsmen at facebook.com/kingsmenquartet/ and get a copy of “Victory Shout” when it’s released and request “Victory Shout” at your local Gospel radio station.

This CD is not available yet; it will be released on June 7th and will be well worth the wait.

Strongest Songs: “Victory Shout,” “Prodigal Son,” “Just Climb”

Chandlers, “Seasons”

The Chandlers
“Seasons”
Producer: Shane Roark
Executive Producers: Tim and Lana Chandler
2019 Upper Room Records

Songs: “Anchor Of My Soul” (Jackie Jellison Nichols BMI);  “He Made A Way” (Tim Chandler BMI); “Who Would You Be” (Tiffany Chandler  BMI); “All The Way” (Tim Chandler – Lana Jellison Chandler – Tiffany Chandler BMI); “I Don’t Deserve” (Tim Chandler BMI); “Better” (Tiffany Chandler BMI); “Turn Back To Jesus” (Lana Jellison Chandler BMI); “Go Answer The Door” (Tim Chandler – Lana Jellison Chandler – Tiffany Chandler BMI); “Seasons” (Tim Chandler BMI); “My Savior First of All” (Fanny J. Crosby PD)

Chandlers at the Diamond Awards

The Chandlers are a family group based out of Greenfield, Tennessee. They are: mom, Lana Chandler; dad, Tim Chandler; and their daughters, Lyndsey and  Tiffany Chandler. Many may know Lana as Lana Jellison of the group the Jellisons in the 80’s and 90’s. This group as such has been around a few years, but Tim and Lana have been around since 1992 as Tim and Lana Chandler, their daughters have joined the group in the last few years, and they are now known as the Chandlers.

I first became aware of the Chandlers in the early years of N.Q.C. at Pigeon Forge, seeing them at the showcase. They absolutely blew me away, and that same year they were signed by Chapel Valley, to the Upper Room Record division.

This is another great album the Chandlers have recorded with Chapel Valley. All songs but one are written by the Chandlers.

Great family harmony right off the bat with the first song “Anchor of My Soul,” that tells us that “the one I’m serving, he’s the ‘Anchor of My Soul.’” Tim is featured on “He Made A Way,” a bluesy number of the one who always makes the way.

“Who Would You Be,” asks the question: If I had lived in Christ’s time, who would I be? Lana is featured on “All The Way,” and the sound that the Chandlers are known for, which is “get with it McGruders-style music,” is heard on this song, and that’s quite a compliment.

“Better” is my first choice for a radio single; upbeat and a wah-wah guitar make for a great retro sound. It’s catchy, plus has a great message to boot.

“Turn Back To Jesus,” “Go Answer The Door,” “Seasons,” and an a cappella reading of Fanny Crosby’s “My Savior First of All,” close out the CD. There’s nothing finer than when the Chandlers go a cappella. Their last release featured an a cappella version of “Softly and Tenderly” with a new part, and that made it a fresh, new song that sparkled.

Since the passing of Priscilla and Carroll McGruder, I thought that the style of the McGruders would no longer be around. Boy, was I wrong. The Chandlers have a great anointing to carry on this style, both in their writing and singing.

Make sure, DJs, if you’re looking for someone fresh to add to your playlist, may I recommend the Chandlers. If you as a fan of Southern gospel music are looking for someone new to discover, may I recommend the Chandlers.

Visit the Chandlers at facebook.com/TheChandlersMusic and get a copy of “Seasons” at thechandlersmusic.com/

Strongest Songs: “He Made A Way,” “Who Would You Be,” “Better”

Reviewed by Randall Hamm for April 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

Read the May SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE