Final reflections on SSQ
...for now, that is!:-)
Things have calmed down for me since my entry here of a week ago, when I was taken to task by some for my impressions of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, after seeing them on a Bill Gaither television show.
I've not changed my impressions, really...but it's good to know I'm not the only avid gospel music observer that feels as I do about this fine current gospel quartet.
I happened to notice that one of the leading southern gospel bloggers out there caught them at a Gaither Homecoming concert in Florida...and one word he used to describe their performance(particularly their stage routine)was "contrived".
And after a conversation with a gospel singer of note(no pun intended), he related to me that he felt that even though SSQ is composed of fine singers(which I agree with wholeheartedly), they don't sound as good as a group as they could...yet.
I added the "yet"...because SSQ is still a group that has yet to hit its' prime in terms of musical ability...like the rest of us in our lives, they're a work in progress to this point...and any negative impressions anyone has about them need to be tempered with that realization.
But we all look for different things out of our singers...especially gospel music fans.
And if you happen to be the sort of gospel music fan that likes "sizzle" with the steak(past examples would include the Statesmen, the Oak Ridge Boys, and the Thrasher Brothers), SSQ is right up your alley...and you have every reason to enjoy them and be proud to do so!
But if you're a gospel music fan that prefers good songs being presented with as little distraction from the import of the lyrics as possible, SSQ might make YOU feel a bit uneasy at times as well.
Look, their choreography appeals to a lot of people...there's no denying that. But it doesn't appeal to everyone who loves gospel music.
And should it? A better question might be, how CAN it? For there will ALWAYS be those who dislike what you do, for whatever reason they can come up with.
And if you're a group like SSQ that makes a striking impression(one way or the other), then you can see right away that their approach can appear polarizing to some.
Now, please don't misunderstand. I'm NOT being critical of Ernie Haase. I don't know Ernie, but I know people who DO know Ernie...and I'm assured that he is a devoted Christian witness who aims to present the gospel in song, word, and deed.
But sometimes things can happen between here and there...and however laudable and sincere Ernie's convictions may be, sometimes because of the staging, that aspect of Ernie and the guys in SSQ doesn't come across in the way it's intended to.
Is that wrong? It's impossible for me to say. To know that, I'd have to have a WHOLE lot more insight into the hearts of SSQ than I do...and since I'm not God, or one blessed with divine insight, I can't answer that question.
I can only speak for myself, and for me, sometimes the choreography and staging appear to overshadow the material they sing, and how they sing it. And when I sense that, it makes me a bit uncomfortable.
For those of you who don't share my mindset, and get a blessing from the total experience of watching and listening to SSQ, I'm glad you feel as you do. And I'm glad they obviously make the majority of their fans happy.
For part of spreading the gospel through music is spreading joy...and isn't that what loving Jesus is all about?
If you still think I need help in understanding the phenomenon that is SSQ, take it to Someone that can do something about it...for I never turn down help or insight from THAT Source!
Posted on Jan 28, 2007 - 01:35 AM | [0]
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