The Crabb Family

One of the most renowned groups in Gospel music, Daywind Records’ artist, the Crabb Family, will let go to pursue their individual ministries on August 1, 2007. They marked their farewell as the Crabb Family with Crabb Family Explosion, a three-night event held in Cleveland, TN, last weekend.

“It was a great celebration in the ministry of the Crabb Family,” said Jason of the Crabb Family Explosion. “It was bittersweet, exciting for what is to come, and sad for what we’re leaving behind.”

With their final studio project, Letting Go, scheduled to release nationwide, September 11, 2007, siblings Jason, Kelly, Adam, Aaron, and Terah will say farewell to 15 years of touring, recording and ministering together.

Produced by siblings, Jason, Adam and Aaron, along with producer Tre’ Corley, Letting Go highlights each member’s individual styles of music. The Crabb Family shares writing credits on ten of the 12 songs on the recording. “This is by far my favorite Crabb Family album because it involved the band and the group,” exclaimed Jason. “We wrote it, we played it, and it is a true representation of the Crabb Family today!”

Sticking to their roots in Southern Gospel music with “Child Of The King,” which will be released to Southern Gospel radio in late summer, there is no doubt that the Crabb Family will truly be missed. The title track on the recording, “Letting Go,” features Jason’s captivating vocals and is a true witness to how these siblings feel about following God’s will in their lives. The Crabb Family band astonishes you with their incredible talent on “Holy Ghost Stomp,” a seven-minute track featuring the best of each band member. This album is sure to please any Crabb Family fan and frustrate new fans at their departure.

John Styll, President of the Gospel Music Association attended the Crabb Family Explosion over the weekend and stated, “We were blown away by the Crabb Family’s first appearance at the GMA Dove Awards in 2003. Since then, they have been pushing genre boundaries and exposing Southern Gospel to new audiences. While we’re sad to see this season as a group come to an end, God clearly has plans for them as individuals and we wish them all the best.”

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution, Word and WEA. In addition to the Crabb Family, Daywind is home to great artists such as Austins Bridge, Brian Free and Assurance, Hope’s Call, and others.

MSB Artist Nominated for three Maja Awards

Andrew Martin

Andrew has be nominated for :
New Artist of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
Southern Gospel Performer of the Year

MSB Agency Artist Andrew Martin has been nominated for three Maja awards, that take place on Sat August 25, 2007 @ Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship Centre, 272 Attwell Drive.

Tickets are available on line at 1-877-700-3130 or www.ticketwindow.ca
For more information
call Maja Awards Office at
905-855-8611

Geoff Moore

Had a great concert on July 8 at Desert Stream in Belleville, Ontario

Bad Day

Just remember this guy, when you think your having a bad day.

Gordon Mote

Gordon Mote can't see into a person's eyes, but that doesn't affect his insight.

Born blind, the Gadsden native shares what he perceives through his music.

"On the other side of time broken things are healed; empty things are filled as we stand in heaven's light," he wrote and sings in one of his newest songs.

"The Other Side of Time" speaks of hope that especially parents of children with disabilities need, he said.

Mote, 36, said the song addresses for the first time feelings about handicaps like his. He said it is bold and encouraging without dismissing the struggles. Mote said he wants his music to "hit home where people are."

Mote will be in concert at Central United Methodist Church on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

A veteran keyboardist and singer, he performs with popular gospel artists like Bill Gaither and Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. Mote also shared concert stages with Lee Greenwood, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and many others.

He also has played on many CDs, gospel and otherwise, as a recording studio session player. His work is on albums by Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flats, Randy Travis and others. Among his many honors was the Academy of Country Music's fourth consecutive nomination this year as Top Piano/Keyboard Player.

Mote said he often hears from people going through heartache. After one recent concert, a woman confided that her brother was having mental problems, he said. Mote said he knew he was delaying a long line of people waiting to speak with him.

"I took time to pray with her ... It's what I'm out here to do," he said.

He said he's learned to give people his full attention, even if it is just for 45 seconds.

Fans 'crazy'

On the lighter side, Mote called gospel music fans crazy, crazier even than ones he's come across in his secular music work.

"A lady came up to me and said, 'Is the music on this CD as loud as it was at the concert tonight?' "

He said he just told her no.

Another fan asked him if the sunglasses he wears are prescription, and still another wanted him to point out section 116, he said.

"I always thought life was funny. I try to remember all this stuff," he said.

Mote said he's learned his sense of humor can help put people at ease. Many are uncomfortable around someone with a disability, he said.

Pianist at 3

Mote is developing his own musical career while continuing relationships with other artists. Southern Gospel News called his debut album "an excellent piece of work and an outstanding introduction to the singing of Gordon Mote."

His gospel album "Don't Miss the Glory," which came out this week, has bluegrass star Allison Krauss singing with him on a song about a praying church janitor. The Issacs and the Gaither Vocal Band also are featured artists.

Mote, who also lived in Talladega, said he was 3 when he surprised his parents by playing a piano like a seasoned musician. He graduated from Emma Sansom High School in Gadsden. He attended Jacksonville State University on a full scholarship and graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with honors. Two days later, he began playing keyboard and singing background for Lee Greenwood.

"I have the greatest life in the whole world," he said.

Geoff Moore