David Bruce Murray
Sep 15, 2009
NQC
NQC 2009: Tuesday
Exhibit Hall: Today I made the “grand tour” of the Exhibit Hall, going down every single aisle…some several times. I talked with MANY people, so I won’t try to list them all. Sherri Vestal of Rejoice! said I’d better remember to list her name, though, so I’m going to put it right here at the top!
Main Stage: Tonight, I didn’t make it in for the opening, but I got there in time to hear the Pfeifers. They played great. I’ve never been a huge fan of their singing.
The Crist Family worked the crowd like they were old pros. Many groups who have only been on the main stage once or twice tend to bunch up.
Jeff & Sheri Easter sang several songs from their most recent CD, including one that features Morgan Easter. Madison Easter also sang a bit on a bluegrass song.
Greater Vision, the Mark Trammell Trio, and the Booth Brothers came on stage together to sing “He’d Still Been God.” Each group then did their set. Greater Vision was in strong form, singing songs like “I Know He Heard My Prayer,” “Little Is Much” and finishing up with a Happy Goodmans song. The Mark Trammell Trio had a solid set up, except for a few phrases on their last song. “Safe On The Glory Side” is clearly too high for their new tenor. He was on the verge of having a Kurt Young moment tonight. The Booth Brothers had a typical great set including “Welcome To The Family” and closing with Greater Vision and the Mark Trammell Trio rejoining them on stage for “Still Feelin’ Fine.”
I went and toured the Exhibit Hall for a while. I got back in time to hear the Hoppers. They did a few songs from their new CD, Unforgettable, and ended with “Jerusalem.”
The Isaacs also have a new CD which Sonya Isaacs called “almost a cappella.” She had on an unusual outfit…black boots, black pants, what looked to be a bright aqua parachute made into a dress, and a wide black belt to tie it all together. The crowd didn’t mind, though. They finished up with an a cappella arrangement with key changes stacked on key changes. Unlike most a cappella groups that go directly to the next key, they slowly slid their notes into place.
The Perrys turned in an excellent set. They’re still doing “The Potter Knows The Clay.” The NQC crowd loves it. They also did a few cuts from their new CD…seems to be a trend!
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have been a lot better in the past than they were tonight. Every song featured the tenor, and after the first two, he was worn out. The bass singer could barely be heard during their entire set. They still have some great pickers, though.
The McKameys have a somewhat smoother sound now that Sheryl Farris is singing with them. “Between 12 and 33″ is a great song. I stayed for most of their set.
General Observations: Whoever is typing the names that are displayed on the front of the balconies can’t spell very well. Tonight, we were treated to the “Issacs” and the “Trammel” Trio as well as several possessives including the Easter’s, the Perry’s, and the Hopper’s.
I didn’t make it to any showcases today. I went to see Star Trek instead.
Tomorrow, I plan to attend Bill Gaither’s Sing-along and the McKameys/Inspirations showcase in the afternoon. Thanks for reading!
