Category Archives: Across the Horizon

2nd Generation (L-R: Elaine Parks Robinson, Rocky Logan, & Brenda Denney)

Sometimes, two siblings start a group that catches the attention of fans around the country. Some groups who’ve accomplished this goal are Crawford Crossing , Statement of Faith, and featured here, 2^nd Generation. 2^nd Generation was founded by former members of a regional group from the Missouri/Arkansas area, the Singing Greens. Back in the 1970s, Brenda Denney & Elaine  Parks  Robinson(2^nd Generation’s co-founders) performed with their parents in a family ministry, performing at various church events & singings. Since they are the second generation of singers in their family, Brenda & Elaine started this group to carry on the banner & sing Southern Gospel music just as they did with their parents. The current group lineup includes Brenda Denney (Lead/Soprano), Elaine  Parks  Robinson(Alto), and Rocky Logan (Lead/Baritone).

Since singing is what the Green sisters have known all their lives, their passion for spreading the Gospel is completely evident through their style of music. 2^nd Generation’s music has been defined as a clean dose of Country mixed with Progressive & traditional Southern Gospel feeling. Their repertoire includes 2 albums produced by Gerald Crabb, Who Wants to Praise the Lord? & I See a City. The former project captured their first charting song, “Trouble Me No More.” Since then, they have managed to capture radio’s attention with chart hits, “I See a City” and “Feel the Joy” and “The Blood Covered It All” and currently, “I’ll Not Fear the Crossing.”

In addition to their warm embrace at radio, 2^nd Generation has also delighted fans in concert. Through the group’s set identification on the radio & in concerts, fans have encouraged the group with several award nominations including Fan Favorite Artist in the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. They also have experience in winning awards including the 2010 Sunrise Award in the Diamond Awards. This award honors one artist/group that has made significant growth in the Southern Gospel industry.

All of these awards & accolades hold significance in comparison to earthly treasures, but 2^nd Generation doesn’t count them in comparison to eternal treasures. Their distinct desire to see lost souls won to Christ & for His name has set them apart from the average Gospel group travelling the circuit today. I hope Southern Gospel hears more from 2^nd Generation as they continue across the horizon to higher heights & greater gains.

Photo Courtesy of the Shadrix Trio

Back in 2002, I saw an advertisement in the Singing News magazine for a group from northwest Georgia called, the Shadrix Trio. My curiosity was piqued from the start. Though the lineup has changed in these eight years, their faithfulness to reaching souls for Christ has never changed. Vocally, the group is comprised of Barry Shadrix, Dedra Henry, and Angela McCaslin. Together, their purpose is to lift up the name of Jesus for the entire world to see.

When the Shadrix Trio takes the stage, people become amazed at their tight harmonies that are similar to the Talley Trio, Whisnants, and Karen Peck & New River. Dedra Henry, the lead vocalist, performs her part with conviction and invitation. The words of the Shadrix Trio’s songs are firmly rooted in the Word of God that sinner and saint alike will take notice. Angela McCaslin’s range is also evident to the listener. On one song, she can sing alto, and harmonize above the lead on the next song. Her range produces a surrounding sound for Dedra’s lead vocals that gives the Shadrix Trio a sound all of their own. Group owner and tenor/lead vocalist, Barry Shadrix, gives an excellent balance to the ladies’ voices. His features on music like “Hallelujah for the Cross” are highly brilliant of talent with potential to be named among the finest male vocalists of the Southern Gospel world. Upon combining these three talents together, the result is a capable trio that can hold its own among the top names in the business.

Though the Shadrix Trio hasn’t always enjoyed the top 10 hits of the Southern Gospel genre, they are quickly making their way to the realm of the highest talents in the industry. Southern Gospel music has embraced the songs “Hallelujah for the Cross”, “That’s How It Happened to Me”, and currently, “Unless We Go.” Over the years, the group has enjoyed more success in their concerts than with radio and charting. To see souls saved for Christ’s kingdom is the sole reason for the group’s existence.

For more information about the Shadrix Trio, visit their website today.

Here is the Shadrix Trio at a recent concert performing their latest radio release, “Unless We Go”, from their latest release, Let the Worshippers Agree. For more great videos from this concert and others like it, visit DinanaSN’s YouTube page today.

Photo Courtesy of Crossroads Music

As a Southern Gospel fans for many years, I have taken notice of different vocalists who captivated an audience in a sense of worship, rather than prestige. One group of vocalists is the Carolina Boys Quartet.  Southern Gospel fans are sure to recall the name of this group because it was originally a group name for Kingsmen members when the Kingsmen name was retired in late 2001. Since the Carolina Boys name became vacant after they changed their name to the Kingsmen, a group of guys from Six Mile, SC, known as the Total Praise Quartet purchased the name from Ray Reese in December 2009.

I remember the first time I saw the Carolina Boys Quartet perform. It was in 2005, at a New Year’s Eve celebration with the Roy Knight Singers and the Talley Trio. The group was actually undergoing a membership change that evening with one member performing the first half of the event and his replacement performing the second half of the event. As I have reviewed several local and regional artists in the past, I have seen many groups carry vocalists limited of vocal poise and prestige. The Total Praise Quartet/Carolina Boys Quartet has never been placed in that category. For their entire existence, the group has never carried an artist who lacked the talent or skill of becoming the next “big” voice in Southern Gospel. Currently, the group is comprised of Phillip Masters (tenor), Chuck Lowe (lead), Joe Trustee (baritone), and Stephen Jewell (bass). Each member carries his strengths to the stage and delivers them equally and with much ease. The Carolina Boys Quartet carries a blend that is difficult for other groups of similar caliber to reach.

Since their signing with Crossroads Music’s Pinnacle Records label, the Carolina Boys have released their first project entitled, “Free.” The quartet has also enjoyed their first charting single, “God Said”, written by Cliff Kirkland. In addition to their first charting single, they were blessed with a performance at the 2010 National Quartet Convention. The group performed one of their concert favorites, “I’m Gonna Move”, much to the delight of fans and artists in attendance.

For more information about the Carolina Boys Quartet, visit their website today.

Listen now as the Carolina Boys Quartet delivers a stellar a cappella performance of Squire Parsons’ classic, “Sweet Beulah Land.”