Dave's Top Eight

1. Jerry Reed...Revisited by Darrell Toney (reviewed 6/07) (5 Stars)
2. Sounds Like Sunday by Janet Paschal (reviewed 5/07) (5 Stars)
3. True To The Call by Kingdom Heirs (reviewed 3/07) (4 1/2 Stars)
4. Revival by Gold City (reviewed 10/06) (4 1/2 Stars)
5. Get Away Jordan by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (reviewed 2/07) (4 1/2 Stars)
6. Breakin' Chains by Three Bridges (reviewed 5/07) (4 1/2 Stars)
7. Big Sky by The Isaacs (reviewed 4/07)
8. Skywriting by Mercy's Well (reviewed 7/07)

Click title to purchase at CBD.com...click artist name to read Dave's Review. A CD will automatically fall out of the Top Eight after twelve months if no CD surpasses it before then.

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May 26, 2007

Concert Review: Imperials (Cherryville, NC)

I finally got to attend a full length concert by the Imperials this evening. I've seen the current group a couple of times in the past on showcases during NQC, but they only sang three or four songs on those.

Second Baptist Church in Cherryville, NC has a medium sized sanctuary. My guess/estimate is that it would seat around 350 and the crowd filled 70% or so seats.

The concert began with a solo by the Imps current sound man, Noah Michael. (Sorry, I forgot his last name.) After an introduction by the pastor, the Imperials (Jeremie Hudson, Shannon Smith, Jason Morales, and Ian Owens) took the stage to sing "It's A Beautiful Day." Ian then introduced the group members and set up for a series of songs from the Imperials' past..."First Day In Heaven," "He Touched Me," "I'm Forgiven," and "Because He Lives."

(I didn't write down the song titles, so I may be leaving some out. )

By this point in the program, the group had established a good rapport with the fans, encouraging them to participate by clapping when they recognized a song and demonstrating an energetic enthusiasm on stage. After about thirty minutes, the group took a brief break while the pastor received an offering. Noah sang another song as the offering was received that went over well with the crowd. As the plate came by and I put my offering in, I actually noticed at least one $20 bill right in the top of the plate. Maybe there's hope for love offering crowds yet!

The second half of the program featured a mix of songs from the Imperials' self-titled CD, one more classic, and some spoken testimony. Jason Morales sang "Wrap My Arms Around The World" and then talked for a few minutes about World Vision, encouraging the crowd to sponsor a child. Other songs I remember hearing on the second half include "Closer Still," "All That Matters To The Lord," and "Praise The Lord."

After "Praise The Lord," Shannon Smith shared a few minutes of testimony leading into "Arise My Love," the group's final song of the evening. The crowd broke into spontaneous applause upon hearing the first chorus...did it again at the second chorus...and then everyone stood clapping as the final chorus rang out. Afterwards, Jeremie Hudson asked everyone to bow their heads and he invited folks to come forward for salvation or personal prayer. A number of people responded to the invitation, though no public decisions were announced.

I spent some time talking with the group afterwards. They're all very excited about their next CD. In the next few days, they'll be going into the studio with one of the most sought after producers in Southern Gospel and Christian Country to cut the twelve music tracks for their next recording. Vocal tracking sessions will follow in a few weeks. One remake the Imperials plan to record is probably my favorite Christian Rock song of all time. (I have to admit...when I heard this song was to be included, I got a little excited too.)

I don't want to steal any of their thunder, though. I won't reveal the producer or the song selection here. Be watching their website. I'm sure all will be told soon enough.

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posted by David Bruce Murray @ 11:26:00 PM


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