Undaunted

Well, if I ever wonder how to get comments on this blog, I shouldn't anymore.

All I have to do is write about a gospel group like Signature Sound...regardless of what I say, or how I say it, I'm SURE to get a response!

That's not just my experience...almost everywhere I see SSQ discussed, reactions range all over the board, depending on what is said.

My last entry here was one based on my impressions after seeing them last night on TV. I thought it was worth writing on, because I couldn't quite figure out initially why their set made me feel so uncomfortable, especially since their singing was pretty good.

So I opted to try to explain myself, in part by referencing what some of their detractors say about them, and attempting to explain why they get such criticism, fair or not.

I was NOT surprised to learn that the majority of the posted comments(my most commented-on post yet!)disagreed with my impressions...SSQ's got lots of fans, and they earned them! And those fans are loyal and quick to come to the group's defense when it appears they're being criticized.

I was surprised by the most angry response, for I thought the person posting it knew me better than it appears she did!

So, just to address her main points of criticism....

1. I was deliberate in posting my criticism, because I was trying my best to be fair to SSQ...NOT because I was looking for an excuse to "slam" them. In the past, on other subjects, I was even more even-handed, and got raked over the coals for some of my observations, to the point where the place I referred to banned me from their site(even though I violated NONE of their rules!)! Long ago, I learned that if people want to be mad at you, they'll find a way to do so...no matter WHAT you say or do! It comes with the territory when you voice an opinion. I seem to have that knack for arousing those kinds of reactions.

2. I took great pains to say repeatedly that, IMO, SSQ ia a fine quartet, and NOT what many of their detractors say they are! They're NOT wild or disrespectful or trying to "cross over" into CCM! Their style is exaactly that of a modern gospel quartet...they don't do anything musically that groups like Gold City or Legacy Five don't do. They just make some people nervous because of their hairstyles and stage movements...and there is plenty of precedence in gospel music for groups that look and act a little different! And they reach the people they want to...and for that, I can only tip my hat to them.

3. A lot of people enjoy reading my thoughts...so I'm going to keep posting them. I'll be around for a while!

4. I have been a huge gospel quartet fan since the age of 9, which would be 39 years now. (You do the math and figure out how old I am!) I think that helps give me a unique historical perspective on gospel music...especially since I have a large collection of recordings of it.

5. Most of my posts are not critical at all, but positive evaluations of people who I think deserve mention...and the majority of my entries here will continue to be that way!

6. Finally, I never claimed in my previous entry to know the minds and hearts of the members of SSQ...nor suggested in any way that they are "faking" what they do...and no careful analysis of my words can demonstrate such an accusation.

I'm just an "inquiring mind" that loves gospel music, and loves to discuss it with people.

And as far as my credentials, well...I'm the world's leading expert on my own opinion!(ght Bruce Williams)

So there.

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