To thine own self be true

Indeed, the verdict is in.

My friend Daniel Mount was recently stung by comments made about his blog on the infamous #############.com, and chose to address his feelings about them on his own blog, which he has every right to do. Apparently Doug Harrison(#############)is not enamored with certain style aspects of Daniel's blog, and stated as such. So Daniel asked his own readers(of which I am one)what we thought of his approach to blogging.

Personally, I don't feel there is only one right way to write a blog. There are lots of wrong approaches, I suppose, but the main thing to remember at all times is that whichever way they're done, that way must be true to the individual blogger. Daniel has his own approach which reflects his tastes, his interests, and his own personality. As such, he does a very fine job with his blog, IMO...and what comes across most to me about it is his obvious love of his main subject matter, i.e., gospel music. I respect and appreciate that. I can find a kindred spirit in Daniel in that respect. And Daniel doesn't need to justify himself or his blog to anyone, as far as I'm concerned. He does a fine job.

As does Doug. Unlike Daniel, Doug has never mentioned me or my blog in his blog...and whether he does or not doesn't matter to me. I don't write my articles or my blog to cater to his or anyone else's personal tastes...what I write is an expression of who I am. Nonetheless, I am the first to express appreciation for Doug's work...his blog is provocative, thought provoking, and well-written(if occasionally a bit verbose). It was Doug who started the southern gospel blog revolution, a fact I admit to willingly. I would not have a blog if not for the indirect influence of Doug Harrison. His incisive analysis and commentary is a welcome addition to the world of gospel writing. SOMEBODY has to say things the way Doug does, and he does a fine job of it.

And one thing that is seldom said about Doug(which I will say)is that he, too, is a kindred spirit to me in a sense...he loves gospel music very much as well. His tastes in it may not correspond to mine in the way Daniel's do, but there can be no question that Doug Harrison loves gospel music...why else would he devote so much time and energy into commenting and reporting on it?

So Doug does a good job, too. He has his own approach to blogging as well...just like Daniel, and just like me.

But inasmuch as Daniel's style reflects him, and my style reflects me, so Doug's style reflects his tastes, interests, and personality...and to me, that's what makes a good blog.

Baskin Robbins makes 31 flavors of ice cream for a simple, basic reason...not all people like the same kind of ice cream. And in the blogging world, there's room for Daniel Mount, Doug Harrison, Jim Duggan, David Bruce Murray, and me.

I'm convinced all the people I named do their very best, and are true to ourselves. Really, what more can we do?

So, read us all, or read whichever of us you like most. We don't mind...we're all out here, to peruse and sample at your leisure.

Oh, the verdict? Daniel Mount does a good job. But he's the best Daniel Mount out there...what would you expect?

Daniel, don't sweat what any of us may say about you. You do your best, and you know whether or not you've done well or not. Keep up the good work.

And Doug, you do the same. And I'll try my best to do so as well.

A night with a legend without porfolio

First of all, it's great to be in my new home!

Kudos to Susan Unthank for her patience and assistance in moving my little corner of the web from SGBlogNews.net over to SouthernGospelNews.com...my online home base for three and a half years now!

Anyone into southern style gospel music knows that the number one spot on the web to visit is SouthernGospelNews.com...and I have been very proud to be a member of their staff for just over two years now. I'm privileged to be a part of their team...and to be on the front page of the site for more than just my history articles. Thanks again, Susan!

The Unthank family has been a force behind the scenes now in the gospel music industry for some time now...and appropriately, my first entry here will be about another gospel music force that has blessed gospel music fans and the industry for three decades himself.

Tracy Dartt is a Dove Award winning songwriter, with titles such as "The Last Sunday", "With Him", "Your Blesser Ain't Never Been Blessed", and most recently, "God On The Mountain". He is also a fine singer and the leader of a family trio that is the only full-time gospel group touring that is based in California.

Dartt's major contribution to gospel music are his distinctive and unique songs, which defy conventional gospel music cliches, and state the truth of the gospel message in fresh and unconventional ways. In addition, he refuses to be confined or hemmed in to a particular musical style. He has written songs of a conventional southern gospel nature, of a more modern country sound, of a contemporary pop approach, of a fun, novelty style, and even a polka! It is impossible to predict what the next Tracy Dartt song will sound like musically...the only certainty in his music is that it will convey the gospel message. and it will express properly understood Christian doctrine.

I saw Dartt's trio in a small Fresno church Sunday night, and was thoroughly charmed and entertained, not only by Dartt, his wife(a pretty fair pianist), and their son, Stone Mountain(himself a fair vocalist and sound man), but by BJ Speer, a young man who sings with the Dartts and is also featured on songs of his own.

The Dartts managed to sing their most popular songs and requested ones, and blended in brand new songs with some highly entertainign novelty numbers, such as "I Wonder If David Danced The Polka", a sort of "theater of the mind" song that envisions David performing Psalms in the style of polkas, much like Dartt himself grew up with in his native Minnesota(and I did on the farm in Kerman, CA).

Dartt is a true artist and communicator, not allowing himself to conform to other people's ideas of how he "should" write or sing, but doing so as he chooses, and as the Spirit moves him. A highlight oif the night for me was the hilarious "Let's Form A Committee", a song that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to accomplish anything at all in the context of a church structure. Who says the church is above a poke in the ribs once in a while? Not Tracy Dartt, that's for sure.

I got a chance to talk to Dartt after the concert for a while, and he properly appreciates many of today's finest gospel singers, but is troubled(as I am)by the preponderance of pop influences in the music, out of concern that the basic identity of gospel music is being threatened by the "watering down" of the music, and the reliance upon lyrical cliches.

But like all the true troupers of gospel music over the years, Dartt continues to make the kinds of music he feels he should make, without over-reliance on marketing or current trends. He is an artist who, despite not getting the recognition that perhaps he deserves, is committed to practicing his craft in the way he feels he should, and for him is the right way.

It was a pleasure to be in the company of Tracy Dartt, a gospel music legend in his own way.

Thankful

First of all, I apologize for not posting anything here for the past several days. I have had a case of writer’s block, and been busy with my new part-time job in addition to my regular one, and in addition, I have been keeping a low profile while this blog moves to a new home. OK, those are my excuses, now I’ll get to my thoughts for today!

This particular entry is not gospel music related per se, it’s more personal…so I beg your indulgence for that, and hope you enjoy my message just the same.

This time of year always makes me think of why I(and all of us)should be thankful, and I want to share those feelings with you here.

For many years(1995-2002)I guest-hosted our regular weekday talk show on KMJ on Thanksgiving Day(and ALL holidays), and in fact the last talk show I did there was on Thanksgiving 2002, six months after I suffered a stroke that still affects me to this day. I insisted on doing it that year because I felt I had an important message to share by my being there. I still feel that way.

And that message is, we should ALL be thankful daily, because we are all more blessed than we care to admit. In my case, sure I have daily struggles, and sure I could be making a lot more money, and sure I could have a wife to come home to, and it would be nice to live in something more plush than a converted garage into a studio apartment. And it CERTAINLY be nice to not be plagued by the vitriol and willful ignorance of those who are resentful towards me for whatever non-reason they choose to be, or simply jealous of me because I happen to be something they may want to be but are not…and who continue to speak ill of me whenever they have the opportunity.

But you know what? I am thankful! Why? Because I have a steady, secure job that takes care of my needs, and allows me to indulge my first love of gospel music(by hosting the nation’s longest-ruinning such show). And I have a number of co-workers who bring me joy and pleasure each time I’m there, and various people in business establishments in the Fresno area that enjoy my business, and make it a point to make me feel special each time I come into their place of business.

And despite my continuing health struggles, I have good overall health, that improves each day…and I can do all the things I need to do without too much of a struggle.

And I have a nice car to drive, and a cozy home to drive it to. I have online access(including this blog), and a number of great people I’ve become acquainted with as a result. I have a large LP collection, and a growing CD collection of some of the best music recorded in this world. I have a fine library of Bibles and theological works that bless and challenge me. And I have a working used computer that allows me to write here and for Southern Gospel News(not a bad deal for $50, would you say?).

And I have MANY close friends, and many other fine friends as well, who ALL show me how to live and enjoy life, and whose fellowship I cherish beyond words to express.

Most of all, I have a Lord and Savior who lived and died for me, so that I might have real life, and have it more abundantly(and I have it!).

On my Thanksgiving shows(still talked about today by KMJ listeners), I would emphasize the need to express thanks, especially in a world that likes to complain, and bemoan what it doesn’t have. I would illustrate my point by saying, is it not possible that we can just focus exclusively on our blessings(as I just did above…you all can do it, too!)and shut everything else out for ONE day? Sure we could. And if we can do it for one day, why not two? And if we can do it for two days, why not an entire week? And if we can do it for a whole week, why not a whole month?

You see where I’m going, of course. There is NO good reason why we cannot be thankful for what we have 24/7/365, and beyond. From my reading of Scripture, I think our Creator and God would have it no other way.

On my shows, I would encourage callers to simply share one thing they were thankful for on that Thanksgiving day. One such call that moved me most was a caller who was calling from a car phone. She told me what she was most thankful for right then was for the man in front of her on the road, in his pickup. He was her husband, and she was thankful for what he meant to her…how he loved and provided for her and her children. How many of us in this busy world can isolate that kind of tangible thanks in our lives? That woman’s call will forever be special and instructive to me.

So, for this Thanksgiving, I hope and pray that all of you can shut the world out for just one day, and count your many blessings out loud. And maybe you can make it an extra day…and then, an extra week…and then, for the rest of your lives. We are all so blessed, and we need to show it, and shout it out! Let’s be thankful, OK?

Have a happy, blessed Thanksgiving.

The Cerces in Bakersfield

Firt of all, my apologies for being so slow in posting here…”real” life has been ultra-busy of late, and there have been a lot of things going on…I assure you, though, that this “inquiring mind” is as active as ever!

Plus, I’ve been in a “packing” mode here…because this blog will be moving soon! I’ll keep you all posted with the details as they become available.

Last week, I had the privilege of making the drive down Highway 99 to Bakersfield to see some good friends of mine sing. The Cerces were singing at a very humble church on the eastern edge of Bakersfield, and though it was a small facility, it was a place where one could be intimate with the Lord…and a church that seemed to suit the Cerces just fine.

Groups from two other area churches came as well…so the attendance was quite good, and it was heartening to me personally to know that some of the people there came because they heard about the event on the radio program I co-host every week.

Cliff Cerce is a gospel trouper in every sense of the word…he played piano for years with several groups back east, and has quite a reputation as an engineer and producer. He has “rubbed elbows” with a lot of the most talented gospel singers in the business, and he’s obviously learned a great deal from all of them.

In recent years, he has traveled with his wife and another male singer as the Cerces, and like his heroes(and mine)the Couriers, he has a very evangelistic, people-oriented musical ministry that endeavors to sing songs with strong spiritual content that people can enjoy, and relates to them in a natural, personable, winning attitude from the stage.

As he did on this night. The group has come a long way musically in the few years they’ve been in existence, and on this night, they mixed uptempo favorites that the audience clapped their hands and tapped their feet to, and mixed those with thoughtful, reflective songs that reached the hearts of those in attendance…and no doubt the humble atmosphere of the church helped contribute to tht necessary feeling of initimacy.

The group admittedly lacks the polish of groups like the Couriers and others who are on the full time circuit today, but as I reflected on it that night, since when does the overall effect of music absolutely depend on how polished an artist is anyway?

When Cliff or Anita or lead singer Andy Fauth took a lead on a lyric, they communicated the meaning and sense of it in a meaningful and direct way that got through to us in the audience…it was on key and on pitch, but far more important, it was heartfelt…and it communicated its’ message in a completely effective and unqualified way. It really was a meaningful musical experience, and while the Cerces may never be accused of being musical virtuosos in the way that the Blackwoods or Statesmen(or even the Couriers)were, the results of their efforts could not have been surpassed by anyone else, if the smiles and acknowledgeents of the happy audience afterward were any indication. And after all, isn’t THAT what music is really supposed to do? Especially gospel music!

I had a wonderful time of fellowship with the Cerces afterward…it wa the first time I had met Cliff or Anita, let alone Andy or his wife Sylvia, though I’ve been in contact with them all for some time before that. And the waffles tasted pretty good at 10:30 PM!:-)

The Cerces are wonderful, God-loving people who are absolutely dedicated to sharing music inspired by God with people who care to hear it, and with people who need the lift that only that kind of music can provide them. And I was privileged to be a part of that evening on the eastern edge of Bakersfield with them, in an old country church.

100 and counting

I didn’t notice it when I posted it…but my last entry here was the 100th installment of the “Inquiring Mind”…not that I’m into special occasions or anything like that.



But it is a milestone of sorts, and I have enjoyed posting these for myself…and you.



Some of the things here have been misunderstood, either unintentionally through my failure to communicate my thoughts properly, and some intentionally by those who are predisposed to resent me as a matter of course, and were driven by a motive to discredit me personally in any way possible.



To the former group, I apologize for any misunderstandings, and I’ll try to do better in the future to be a responsible communicator.



To the latter group, you tried…and failed. Go to WalMart and buy yourselves real lives, and find something better to do than resent someone who’s just here trying to do his best, and means no harm when expressing his opinions, which he has the right to do in this space.



You can be assured I’m praying for you all, for reasons that are appropriate for each of you…and I wish you all nice, productive lives. But if any of you ever feel that you must take issue with me, please do it in an appropriate manner, either here or in private correspondence, and not amongst yourselves in forums designed for other purposes.



I listen to all input…and heed that which is profitable for all, as much as I can determine that given my own limitations.



But thanks to all of you who have been here for all or part of this journey into my assuredly “inquiring mind”…feel free to stop by anytime, and interact with me if you feel so led.



It’s great to be here.

Why I’m a NASCAR fan now

I joined a NASCAR fantasy sports league this year.

It’s been a LOT of fun for me…and been a pleasant diversion when I’ve needed one. And Lord only knows that there have been lots of times in the past few months when I’ve needed something to take my eyes off the rest of the world.

And in the process, I’ve been won over…I am now a fan of NASCAR. Why?

Like many, I used to wonder what the appeal of auto racing was…how exciting is watching cars just race each other? You’d think I’d have an idea how physically strenuous driving can be, since I lived for several years in auto-crazy Southern California…but the appreciation for the athletic skills involved in driving a car never transferred over from my own experience to the race track.

Since I have to do my homework on the sport to be a good fantasy player at it, I’ve come to appreciate the considerable skills and attributes involved in being a stock car champion.

Obviously, it takes great coordination and concentration to drive an automobile at high speed, and get as much performance out of it as is possible to get. To hear drivers discuss their cars is an education in how these machines can have almost human attributes. It’s reminiscent to me of how horse racing jockeys peak of their horses as if they were human…these NASCAR drivers really understand their cars, and how they work. It’s NOT just about driving the car…it’s about understanding the machine, and knowing how to get the most performznce from it. In that sense, it’s not unlike any other athlete understanding how to get the most from his body to compete in whatever he/she is doing. The best drivers describe their cars as if they were physical extensions of themselves, which gives me respect for them as almost like artists of their craft.

And it is truly a TEAM sport. It’s not all about the driver…the driver is just one part of the whole mix. There are mechanics, the pit crew, and of course, the crew chief…who is the supervisor of the whole team. And anyone who has ever been involved with racing knows that every member of the team is vital to the whole operation. When you hear drivers being interviewed, you never hear “I” or me” or “I did this or that”…you always hear “we” and “us” and what “we need to do to win”…the drivers know what side their bread is buttered on. That emphasis on teamwork is an important concept in being successful not only in racing, but in life. So in that sense, NASCAR can be instructive to people.

And the drivers themselves are unique human beings with attributes that are similar to ours. Pick any driver you like, and there’s bound to be one who is similar to you in personality and temperament. And if we observe how they relate to the other personalities they encounter, perhaps ther are things we can learn from them as well. When the emphasis is so prominent on teamwork and working together to reach a common goal, we can see how their example can be instructive to us in our lives.

Beyond that, what athletes! Those pit crews are simply remarkable…to be able to do a complete change of four tires, do mechanical adjustments and chassis work, and top of a car with gas and oil…and do all of that within 15 seconds, requires as much athleticism as any huiman activity. Too bad there isn’t Olympic competition in pit work…it would really be something to behold!

And some of the invocation prayers before events are instructive in their own way as well….not that one would go to a race to hear the gospel, but it’s heartening to hear people relate the gospel to the degree that is done at NASCAR events.

And some of the huiman moments are touching indeed. Yesterday was the final race for NASCAR legend Terry Labonte, who decided to make his final race in his native Texas, a fitting way to go out. During the prerace festivities, his daughter gave him the command to “start your engine”. That was really nice to see.

I have been learning about NASCAR the whole year…and my team has done well. I’m not in first, but I’ve been in second place in my league for most of the year. And most important, I’ve had lots of fun doing it…which alone makes it all worthwhile.

But I’ve learned some lessons from my new NASCAR heroes about teamwork, and stress, and life itself. And to them I say thank you, and I’m glad to have become a NASCAR fan.

In the ear of the beholder…

On my way to work this morning, I was listening to the famous Couriers Quartet album “Nothing…but the Gospel Truth”, a classic by any standard of gospel music, and reflected anew on how fresh it must have sounded in its’ day(1963), especially because of their use of a full orchestra on the recording, truly an unusual approach to an album in that day.



While reflecting on that, some thoughts occurred to me, and I thought I’d share them with you today.





Listening to that album now, a lot of its’ distinctiveness is lost in the fact that gospel music has gone through a lot of changes since that album was released. Its’ sounds, though striking for that time, are almost commonplace today…so when I tell people how innovative and different that album was, that impression is lost on my friends whose point of reference is of today, and not 1963.



Those who are younger and haven’t the ability or inclination to take themselves out of their own historical context and transfer it to another time they may or may not be familiar with can’t be faulted for automatically doing so upon prompts from me. That would be unfair.



But to truly appreciate some of gospel music’s most memorable recordings, the ability to look back in that way is useful, if not absolutely necessary, in truly appreciating it for what it is, and what it had to have been for audiences first hearing it. While the rest of gospel quartet music was content to stay with a piano-based sound, with only the occasional use of a rhythm guitar and bass, here came an album that boldly crossed established musical lines.



Anyone who heard “Nothing…but the Gospel Truth” at the time of its’ release who was a fan of gospel quartet music had to be wondering, “What’s with that music?” The use of a full orchestra, combined with fresh, confident vocal arrangements had to be at least a little unsettling for the regular audiences who bought that kind of product.



Especially from the Couriers, whose image was that of a very straightlaced, evangelically oriented musical group. Certainly the “Holy Joes” of gospel music(as some derisively described them) would not release something so “worldly” in sound and appearance. For the record not only had a commercial, almost “pop” sound to it…the jacket was orange with blue letters…and was released(to the horror of some longtime Courier fans)on a label owned by a movie company(Warner Brothers)…had the Couriers “sold out”?



Happily, the album was merely the same timeless message wrapped in a more contemporary package for the day…a daring move for the Couriers, but one valued and appreciated 43 years later by scores of gospel music fans.





The album was not a huge seller in its’ day, but it remains an important historical signpost in the history of gospel music. And the music on it is very good, too!





So, for those interested in important historic achievements, and great gospel music as well, “Nothing…but the Gospel Truth” is worth looking into and listening to. It’s worth the attempt to travel down memory lane!

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