NFN Music Review – THE ERWINS : Life Story. (StowTown Records)

This is the sibling group’s first full-length release in nearly three years. Produced by Wayne Haun, the album is a celebration of abundant life, featuring nine tracks brimming with joy and rooted in Hope. And, with that thought in mind, joy and hope is certainly at the fore of the opening track, ‘Taste and See.’ Led by a thumping bass drum, the accompaniment features some questionable brass sounds. What I mean is, that the brass is obviously provided by a keyboard, and not a good one at that! It rather spoils an, otherwise, good song. Witnessing for the Lord is the work of The Erwins, and this is celebrated in the ballad ‘None But Jesus.’ As ever, the vocal harmonies are first class. A stand out track for me is ‘Back to the Garden.’ Lead vocals are shared by group members, and there’s some really nice string crescendos during the chorus. ‘Red Words’ appears to be based on John 14, while God is praised for all He has done, on ‘Walking Free.’ Towards the end of the nine tracks, there’s a touching number called ‘I Only Have the Cross to Blame.’ The lead singer declares, “I’ve been rescued; I’ve been set free; There’s a new man where the old man used to be.” It’s a terrific song. Without it being an outstanding album, this release still carries enough quality for it to be welcomed by fans old and new.   7/10.

The Erwins Release ‘Life Story’ Album

GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning StowTown recording artist THE ERWINS return with Life Story, the sibling group’s first full-length release in nearly three years. Produced by Wayne Haun (Celine Dion, Stephen Schwartz, Jason Crabb), the album is a celebration of abundant life, featuring nine tracks brimming with joy and rooted in Hope.

With anticipatory verses giving way to the soaring, inspirational chorus, the project’s latest single, “Back To The Garden,” invites listeners into undivided fellowship with the Lord. Written by Charity Gayle, Ryan Kennedy and Geron Davis, “Back To The Garden” is now available on streaming platforms.

“Anyone who has lived the Christian life long enough has probably gone through periods in their walk when they felt as if God was nowhere nearby,” shares The Erwins’ Kris Erwin. “Overwhelming situations in life can cause us to take our eyes off our Heavenly Father and focus on the distractions of the obstacles in this fallen world. ‘Back To The Garden’ has helped me recognize that as we live this life, God never pulls away from us. We are as close to God as we choose to be, but our desire for Him can never match the depths of His love for us.”

Featuring songwriting contributions from Michael Farren, Jason Crabb, Joel Lindsey and Greater Vision’s Rodney Griffin, among others, Life Story opens with the rhythmic “Taste and See.” Penned by Geron Davis and Kory Van Matre, “Taste and See” underscores the project’s joyful theme while showcasing The Erwins’ infectious sibling harmonies.   https://www.erwinministries.com/

A New Trio Has Been Formed – Peach Goldman

Pictured (L-R): Ernie Haase (StowTown), Wayne Haun (StowTown), Troy Peach, Katy Peach, and Andrew Goldman.

Troy and Katy Peach, along with Andrew Goldman, are thrilled to announce the formation of their new trio, Peach Goldman.

Troy Peach expressed his excitement about the new group, saying “I am incredibly thrilled and blessed to embark on this new musical journey with Peach Goldman, a trio that features my wife, Katy, and my dear friend and former road mate, Andrew Goldman. As we unite our voices and hearts, I am filled with anticipation for what God has in store for us in the future.

“While I’ll continue to serve as the music director at Hillcrest Baptist Church, I am overjoyed at the prospect of sharing the stage once again with Katy and Andrew. The unique blend of our voices, our unwavering faith and the powerful messages we aim to convey through our music make this journey one that we each hold dear to our hearts.

“Though our tour schedule will be limited, the love and support we’ve received from Stowtown Records has given us a remarkable platform to spread God’s word through song. With Peach Goldman, we are ready to touch hearts, uplift spirits and share the Gospel message of hope and salvation. I am immensely thankful for the opportunities ahead and excited about the impact we can make together.”

Producer and StowTown Records label executive, Wayne Haun, shared, “The popular phrase, ‘You can’t make old friends’ perfectly describes my relationship with these three. I’ve known them all for years, and I’ve worked with them countless times in the studio. I immediately knew they would sound great together, but after working with them on this particular project, their blend far exceeded my expectations. This is fresh. This is good!”

For more information on Peach Goldman and to sign up for their e-mail mailing list, go to www.PeachGoldman.com.

Their new radio single, “Grace Will Lead You Home,” is set to release to streaming platforms on December 8, 2023, on StowTown Records and will be distributed worldwide by Sony/Provident. Call your local radio station to request the new single from Peach Goldman.

PromisedLand Quartet Signs with Stow Town Records

StowTown Records is happy to announce the addition of PROMISEDLAND Quartet to our artist roster. Their debut StowTown project, Golden Road, is set to release early this fall.

Since their formation, this talented quartet, which hails from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, has made a tremendous mark on the Southern Gospel Music world. Music lovers nationwide have embraced songs like “Brand New Heart,” “I Love That Music” and “When the Son Arrives,” some of their previous releases that have garnered radio airplay. They have captured the attention of avid fans, as well as Southern Gospel Music’s most elite artists, including multi-award winning singer/songwriter Ernie Haase. “I have known Gene Hamman, the owner and lead vocalist of PromisedLand Quartet, for many years,” Haase, StowTown Records co-founder, states. “We (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound) have worked several concert dates with PromisedLand in their home market in Virginia. Each time I’ve heard them sing, I’ve called Wayne Haun (StowTown co-founder and producer) and said, ‘PromisedLand is one of the best quartets out there.’ StowTown is thrilled to be bringing their music to a broader market, and I can’t wait for folks to hear their upcoming release. Get ready…it’s going to lift listeners right out of their seats!”

Haun, too, quickly captured Haase’s excitement after hearing the group and is glad to have the opportunity to produce their debut recording for StowTown Records. “PromisedLand Quartet is everything you want in a Southern Gospel group,” Haun shares. “They produce solid music with a clear message and a powerhouse delivery, and they have the ability to bring all that from the studio to the stage.”   https://promisedlandquartet.com/

NFN Music Review – GORDON MOTE : Where You Lead Me. (New Haven Records)

‘Where You Lead Me,’ is Godon’s latest effort, marks the fourth release on the New Haven Records label and blends the creative efforts of Mote with multi-award winning producer, Wayne Haun. Together these two producers create a musical masterpiece that conveys the faithfulness of a loving Father. The aptly named ‘The First Song’ is a full blown country song that motors along at speed. Slowing things down, comes ‘Missing Jesus.’ A duet with Travis Cottrell, it’s a sweet number that tells of how we live with a missing piece in our lives, and that hole is filled by the love of Jesus. Gordon tackles numerous changes of tempo on the album. ‘Come Tomorrow’ is a medium paced Lonestar-esque love song, while there’s a gentle feeling to ‘He Forgives and Forgets’. Favourite track? Well, ‘What I Already Know’ which is a sweet song, with a lovely orchestrated backing. Gordon never fails to bring a good collection of songs to the table and these carry on that tradition.   7/10.

NFN Music Review – THE BROWNS : Breakthrough. (Stow Town Records)

Breakthrough is the eighth recording on which The Browns have partnered with multi-award winning producer and arranger, Wayne Haun. With that in mind, you just know that the musical quality will be first class. An, that’s certainly the case on the first song called ‘The Song We Sing.’ Great vocal harmonies and a tight music score. ‘No One Greater’ is a praise number that features some nice violin sounds in the background, while the title track is a slow plodder that I wasn’t so keen on. Vocally, there’s nothing wrong, but the pedestrian pace of the song left me cold. Thankfully, things are different with the classic ‘Try a Little Kindness.’ It’s got a light and joyful feel about it, complete with a simple, singalong chorus. Hain’s orchestral touches on ‘My View from the Valley’ are exquisite, and these sounds are perfect for The Browns’ super vocal delivery. Closing this 7 track release is the big production number ‘The Tomb is Empty Now’ which sings of the glorious resurrection of Christ. It’s another fine piece of work, and a fitting end to the mini-album.   7/10.

Gordon Mote Release ‘Where You Lead Me’ Album

New Haven Records has released the brand new recording from three-time Academy of Country Music Keyboard/Piano Player of the Year, GORDON MOTE. Where You Lead Me features 12 cuts, complimented by the rich, soulful vocals that have made this talented musician so loved by audiences worldwide for three decades.

Blind from birth, the Alabama native began playing piano by the age of three, and throughout his youth continued to perfect his God-given talent. He received a full scholarship to Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL, and after three years at the University, transferred to Nashville’s famed Belmont University. Two days after graduation, he accepted a position with the legendary Lee Greenwood, and before long began to capture the attention of many of the nation’s most popular entertainers.

Where You Lead Me, his latest effort, marks the fourth release on the New Haven Records label and blends the creative efforts of Mote with multi-award winning producer, Wayne Haun. Together these two producers create a musical masterpiece that conveys the faithfulness of a loving Father. The songs featured on Where You Lead Me reflect the gifted singer’s convictions and dedication to serve his Savior with the talents he has been blessed to possess. “We listened and looked at hundreds of songs and spent much time in prayer and reflection to determine what to record and what this project should say,” Mote explains. “I truly believe that God has led and we have followed! Our prayer is that each listener will be blessed and will love every song!”  https://www.gordonmote.com/

StowTown Records Announces the Release of a Brand New Album from THE BROWNS

Breakthrough features the gifted musical family at their very best, with the moving, rich harmonies and first-class arrangements that have made them a favourite among audiences nationwide. Breakthrough is distributed by Provident/Sony.

Breakthrough is the eighth recording on which The Browns have partnered with multi-award winning producer and arranger, Wayne Haun. “I remember seeing The Browns for the first time in Owensboro, Kentucky, at a talent contest,” recalls Wayne. “They were all kids. In fact, Andrew was so small they had to stand him up in a chair to be seen. I knew there was great potential even then. Here we are some 20 years later, and they are all grown up and hitting a home run every night. Their voices are mature and unique. They have created their own sound that is fresh and commercial. I’m just grateful they let me be a part of the journey.”

The Browns have enjoyed a great relationship with Wayne through the years, and with his guidance, their primary focus continues to be on the songs themselves. “We love making music!” exclaims Michaela Brown. “These songs we chose for the Breakthrough album are songs that we not only love to sing, but also relate to on a personal level. We love the messages they convey, the hope they bring and the joy they spread to those who hear them!” https://www.thebrownsmusic.com

March 10th Release Date for Endless Highway’s New Album

For Sonlite Records artist ENDLESS HIGHWAY, “This Is The Moment” is more than just the title of their upcoming album’s opening song. Following the warm reception given to 2021’s Come Home, which kept the quartet on the charts throughout 2021 and 2022 with songs such as “Every Valley Has A Promise” and “About The Business,”This Is The Moment — now available for pre-order, add or save ahead of its March 10 release — promises to carry the Griggs family’s musical ministry to a new level with a full-length set of songs revealing the breadth of their talent and the depth of their faith.

Produced by Wayne Haun, This Is The Moment demands attention from the very first notes, with a bold orchestral introduction that underlines the title track’s triumphant announcement, “This is the moment the Lord has made.” Ally Griggs leads the ensemble through the anthemic opening chorus, and the joyous energy of the song’s invitation (“We’re in His presence, Let’s come together, And lavish Him with praise”) never flags as the celebratory lyric unwinds. And though the arrangements and tempos cover the gamut, the gospel messages Endless Highway delivers are single-minded in their affirmation of God’s love and encouragement to persevere in faith.

https://www.endlesshighway.org

‘Hymns & Worship’ Album from Triumphant Quartet

StowTown Records has released a brand new recording from multi-award winning group TRIUMPHANT QUARTET. Hymns and Worship includes thirteen familiar songs ranging from beloved hymns to current CCM and Praise & Worship songs.

Continuing their path as musical trailblazers, Triumphant Quartet stays true to their traditional roots while also embracing songs and stylings more commonly heard in churches across America and in the CCM space. As with their previous releases, Hymns and Worship seeks to appeal to musical preferences for both their long-time gospel music fans as well as the younger generation more familiar with current popular music. The simplicity of hymns like “My Jesus, I Love Thee” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” brings subtle, personal worship moments to the album. Recent CCM and Praise & Worship covers include Zach Williams’ “Less Like Me,”“The Blessing” (Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe), “Help is on the Way (Maybe Midnight)” by Toby Mac, and the current hit “My Jesus” by Anne Wilson. The brilliant arrangements of each of these songs create a masterpiece of worship where the focus is truly on the One worthy of our praise.

“We love the Church,” founding group member Eric Bennett states. “We believe music plays such a vital part in the worship service. With this recording, our desire was to bring together a collection of songs that are sung each Sunday in churches nationwide.”

Hymns and Worship reunites Triumphant Quartet with veteran multi-award winning producer Wayne Haun, and the result is a masterful collection of songs that captures the spirit of Sunday worship while staying true to the Triumphant Quartet sound fans know and love. “It’s fun working with Triumphant Quartet because they’re always thinking outside the box and progressing,” shares Haun. “There’s really something for everyone on this album: the modern, the traditional, the acoustic, the groove, the contemporary and the stately. And yet somehow it’s the perfect blend of music without sounding forced or arduous.”   https://triumphantquartet.com