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Comment by Terry Roland on November 15, 2012 at 12:55pm

@Jerry&Thomas, You guys probably know all this, but for the benefit of readers of this thread: Gospel music, especially Southern Gospel, has long been woven in with the artists...Elvis, of course is obvious..as is Little Richard. But, Sam Cooke came directly out of this tradition and always managed to keep the feeling of it..Curtis Mayfield's People Get Ready is another one. Other than that, I think, unless artist or band is packaged as 'gospel' or 'CCM,' it's cool do the same as in the past.  U2 has been a good model for this. Music with a Christian influence doesn't need to be boxed into the gospel genre and gospel artists don't need to be framed as only church players. I agree, Thomas, the Spirit in the music is far too big for any box. As singer-songwriters go in the Americana arena, I'd suggest Carrie Newcomer, who is a Quaker, but allows the songs to speak for themselves. Another obvious one is the Blind Boys of Alabama.  But, there's a difference between cross-over gospel, which is up front, and Christian-influenced acts. In rock, it's less because of the particularly anti-Christian stance that dates back to the 60's. Personally, I believe U2 and Dylan broke down the walls, but really little has been apparent in the subsequent years. Of course, in Americana, it's just become an accepted part of the fabric. As I mentioned Richie Furay does well. Buddy and Julie Miller are also illustrations of influence over a direct message. And also that CD that came out last year...Hymns for the Rest of Us.  Outside of the Christian fold, but a good example of showing the influence of their spirituality are The Flatlanders, all of whom are practicing Buddhists. You'd never know it unless you listen more than once.  Back to Christians, I'd say most eccentrically is Billy Joe Shaver.  And there was Arlo Guthrie's direct Christian-fused, Outlasting the Blues, as he moved through his time as a Franciscan lay-brother.  Well..there's plenty to think about. I could go on....but, I'm afraid I'll lose you! 

Comment by Thomas Swain on November 15, 2012 at 8:41am

Interesting enough, my company is faced with a similar situation as we are planning a release from an iconic southern gospel quintet. The first release from the album, being a crossover tune does allow for untraditional promotions and exposure...the spirit of music is to big to put in a box!

Comment by Jerry T. Yates on November 15, 2012 at 7:50am

Some Christian/Gospel bands do not want to be branded as a Christian/Gospel band. Therefore, when they are trying to book a club/bar, they do not tell the booker that they play Gospel music.  For instance, if they are a Gospel Rock band, they say they are a Rock band. Where are the lines drawn in these situations?

Comment by The Mercy Brothers on November 14, 2012 at 1:35pm

Even though. We are playing a revived up style of Americana with tales of the spirit from both sides! Folks like to call it Gospel. Folks have been enjoying the heck out of the record and live show! AMEN!!

The Mercy Brothers

Comment by Terry Roland on November 14, 2012 at 1:26pm

Yes...Music does a lot toward getting past our cerebral-ness and into our hearts. That's not to say those who do chose to witness are wrong. I've seen Richie Furay naturally weave in expression of his faith into his show.  Johnny Cash did the same.

I'd imagine Al Green does the same, but I haven't seen him live.  But, there's a natural flow rather than a forced statement/declaration.  If it come from a relationship with God and community, there's no need to push....let it flow..IOkay..I know that's a song....Derek and the Dominoes......?

Comment by Jerry T. Yates on November 14, 2012 at 10:46am

I agree 100% with Terry. Put a gospel artist or band in a bar, and turn them loose to play their music, and their shining light will do alot more good than witnessing. That's my opinion, anyway.

Comment by Terry Roland on November 13, 2012 at 8:11pm

@Eagle Rock... Cool!  I'll check out your page. I'd like to hear you.  I believe artists who are Christians should play in bars.  Larry Norman used to talk this.  He said, "You know, all of my unsaved friends go to church to hear music."  Of course, slightly sarcastic as Norman was prone to do.  I would love to see more Christian-influenced and straight-up gospel acts out there especially in Americana friendly venues. And not necessarily to 'witness,' as much to just shine a light.....'this little light of mine,' ya know?

Comment by Eagle Rock Gospel Singers on November 13, 2012 at 12:08pm

Pretty great that this group exists, just happened across it while uploading a gospel song of our band's. If you have a moment, please check it out on our profile page. We're based in Los Angeles, started out singing/playing old spirituals and traditional gospel tunes and now write our own, while still mixing in some Washington Phillips and whatnot. Oh, and we play mainly in clubs and bars, since Jerry brought up that question below. :)

Comment by Jerry T. Yates on November 13, 2012 at 11:48am

The age-old argument about whether or not a Christian/Gospel artist should play in bars, or just play in churches, is still going strong today. Personally, I play in both. Where is a gospel music artist needed more, than in a bar? I  would like to see any other views on this subject.

Comment by Adela & Jude on April 28, 2012 at 8:03pm

Hey Folks - Just joined this group, as I was actually looking for some leads for shows on our next tour in a few cities we've not travelled before.  We are "Adela & Jude" - visit us over at www.adelaandjude.com - we perform originals and old spirituals and such - some tunes we pull out of old hymnals and reset them into our own style.

 

Glad I found this group...

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