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This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of getting to go see Valor, live. Before I start on reviewing the singing, let me say that only once before did I actually drive as far to a singing as I did this one. 300 miles, round trip. The other time was when myself and David went down to Georgia to see a Master's Five reunion concert. (Actually, David drove to that one.)

The singing was at the Pleasant Garden Baptist Church, in Pleasant Garden which is on the edge of Greensboro, N.C. The church was absolutely lovely and everybody was extremely nice and made us feel very welcome. Valor (which is made up of John Laws, Paul David Kennamer and Benjamin Dixon) opened up with an awesome rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." After that, they did one of my favorite songs, "Let Freedom Ring." I was excited already. The pastor got up to welcome everybody but the next track started so he sat down real quick and the guys kept on getting it, doing a classic southern gospel hit, "Satisfied." I was really impressed with the fullness and the harmony.

No offense to Valor, but I'm thinking that they must use stacks. After a quick welcome from the pastor, the guys set me straight quick. They started back up with "Old Ship Of Zion" (acappella) and it was remarkable. I've heard groups with a full band that weren't as full as these three guys. Next was "Lead Me To The Rock," which they performed with a more modern style. After that exciting song was "Over The Moon." Another solid performance on an older song. It started with the scratch of an old Victrola record player. After John did the first verse, they went into a very smooth rendition of this song. Excellent job. Next was "Water Came Walking." These guys just keep on impressing me. I'm still waiting on a song that is just....standard. "God Bless The U.S.A." was next. WOW!!! Everybody was up and standing and there were tears in a lot of eyes. Very stirring. After a short (but excellent) message from the pastor, Valor came back and did Brother. A good smooth, hand clapping song and then they finished their concert with "Then Came The Morning."

I've been to a lot of singings and I have to say that this could possibly be the best one ever. John Laws has one of the strongest and fullest voices I've heard and also has an outstanding range. Paul David Kennamer hit low notes tonight that were incredible. Also his high range was fantastic and he is probably as smooth as any bass in the business. Benjamin Dixon is a superb lead/tenor and impressed me so much. Any of these guys alone could sing with any group in the business but together they have an incredible blend that just compliments each other.

I got to spend some time with Valor after the singing and these guys are great to be around. No attitudes, just all around nice guys. This night couldn't have been any better. If you get a chance to see Valor, don't miss it. These guys are as good as it gets. As fantastic as their CDs are, they are better live. Trust me, you will be hearing big things from these guys in the southern gospel music circles. Valor will be a premier name in gospel music. Check them out at www.valormusic.net

Keep up the good work, guys......................

Gene Shell "nuff said"

Labels: Concert Review