The Artist: the Paynes (Mike Payne, Loreen Payne, Bill Sizemore, Keith Payne, Mark Payne, Bobby Prater, Greg “Clark” Johnson, Wynne Henry, and Greg Ball)
In the late 1970s, a young songwriter came to the scene writing new ditties such as “God Delivers Again,” “That Same Spirit,” and “If God Be for Us.” Mike Payne and his family traveled the Gospel circuit for the next decade writing, recording, and performing songs much to the delight of fans. Throughout their tenure, the group enjoyed success with songs like “Ready or Not,” “Out of This World,” “The Conversation,” and “Just in Case of Rapture.” At the peak of their popularity in the mid 1980s, the group recorded their best-known lyrics, “I’m a Jesus Fan” and “Angels Step Back,” before slowing down and disbanding by the 80s’ end. Widely known for their diverse studio projects, the Paynes’ live recording, Fire on Stage Live!, ironically stands as the group’s most popular album to date.
The Venue: Dayton Memorial Hall, Dayton, OH
As introduced by the concert host, Norm Livingston, the concert is part of his concert series, Norm’s Old Fashioned Gospel Sing. According to his statements and the fans’ responses, this is not the group’s first appearance at the venue. Attendance for this recording must arrive to nearly 1000 people. And, these folks attending weren’t today’s average concert attendee- seated and waiting quietly for a group to perform. In one instance while the group is taking their place after Mr. Livingston’s introduction, you can easily hear a young woman scream above all of the attendees. In this video of the album, it starts around :45 mark. This packed auditorium seems to be the perfect place to record a live album because of its ability to catch any/all applause as well as the instruments equally.
The Songs: The Race, If God Be for Us, Out of This World, I’ve Got a Right to Pray, Who but God?, Once and for All, Angels Step Back, The Conversation, I’m a Jesus Fan, King of Glory
The songs on the project speak as a “Best Of Mike Payne.” However, lyrically, some songs speak with more simplistic language. This is clearly evident in the project’s biggest song, “I’m a Jesus Fan.” The opening track, “The Race,” speaks of comparisons of a runner trying to reach the goal. Songs like “If God Be for Us” and “I’ve Got a Right to Pray” utilize certain Bible events to bring the truths into stronger focus. However, the overlapping theme of Daniel in the lion’s den in each song’s verses could have been smoothed with using different references or separating the tunes with more than 1 song between them. On a side note, the reference to Madalyn O’Hara in “I’ve Got a Right to Pray” (which was conveniently removed in the Crabb Family’s 1999 cover) gives a hearty chuckle simply because of its exemplifying Southern Gospel’s sometimes feeble stand against political and social regimes through the genre’s lyrics.
Other songs like “Who but God?” and “Angels Step Back” testify of God’s faithfulness. “Angels Step Back” was the only single from the project sky-rocketing to #1 for 4 months in 1986. This tune is easily the strongest song on the album also given the strongest performance. “Out of This World” declares the promises of heaven while “King of Glory” offers an invitation to Christ. Loreen Payne’s lone solo, “Once and for All,” gives glimpses into Christ’s redemption plan. And, no Paynes concert would be complete without “The Conversation,” the tale written of Satan & Death’s ‘conversation’ during Christ’s experience in the tomb.
The Summary:
On Fire on Stage Live!, the Paynes produced quality lyrics and solid music to accompany. The group’s charisma on the platform rendered the title to be appropriate. Given the versatility of their band members (which nearly outnumbered the vocalists!), the group captured every theme imaginable during this time frame without being too awkward to push the Southern Gospel ears away. The creativity here proves that the Paynes weren’t exactly built on their vocals being pushed to the forefront of their singing. Instead, the lyrics were at the heart of the presentation with careful accents from the band. I’d encourage fans to search for a copy of this recording. Though difficult to find, this project is worth the time due to its capturing the essence of live music & vocals all the way.
And, if the audio isn’t enough, here is an excerpt from the concert video the group sold at their record table for 2 years after the recording. A special thanks to Mark Payne for this video of the album’s #1 hit, “Angels Step Back.”
