09-20-07
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The direction of Poet Voices has evolved into a church music focus integrating the group with choral music. Due to this, the unique talents of group member Mark Lanier are being under utilized. Poet Voices has decided to send forth Mark as a soloist doing what he does best. Mark will no longer be touring as a member of Poet Voices effective in January. Mark's down-home country voice and approach to ministry will be the major focus of his recordings and touring. Melinda Hand, scheduling coordinator for Poet Voices, will support Mark in scheduling his solo venture. Mark says, "God (who wrote the book) has turned another page in my life and now I'm at a new chapter. Family is very important to me. This new chapter will allow me to spend more time with my two year old (John Mark), my eight year old (Jacob), and Paula my wife of 18 years while maximizing my calling to its fullest. The time with Poet Voices has been wonderful and unforgettable. The new addition to Poet Voices will help them to achieve their goal. I also excited to continue the relationship with Chris White and Crossroads and a new Crossroads solo project is already in the works and will be produced by Phil."
Poet Voices has reached an agreement with soloist, Mitchel Jon, to fill the third part in their trio. Mitchel, formerly of Three Bridges, will primarily continue to tour as a solo artist recording for Sonlite Records and booked by The Beckie Simmons Agency. Mitchel says, "As I am embracing my new solo ministry I am so thankful for the support I have received from the fans, promoters, and DJ's. You are so very special to me. I would also like to announce the overwhelming blessing I have been given with becoming part of the awesome ministry of Poet Voices! The invitation by Phil Cross and Greg Crowe is very humbling. Phil Cross is a true visionary; implementing positive new ideas for the way Gospel music can and should be represented. I believe God has His hand on all that is taking place at this moment."
Phil Cross and Greg Crowe say, "We're extremely excited to know our friend Mark Lanier is going to be able to concentrate on the type of singing and ministry he is perfectly gifted to do. We are thrilled to be able to continue to be involved with Mark. It's such a blessing to be as excited for each other as we see our borders expanding. We are equally thrilled to add Mitchel to our team. His dreams and visions align perfectly with ours. Most of all his heart and unique talent is obvious to everyone who knows him. We're excited on all levels." Beckie Simmons of BSA adds, "Mitchel Jon: What a talent and what a gift from God! We're so happy that this door has opened for Mitchel Jon to expand his ministry. Not only will he be doing his own solo appearances, but will also be the third vocalist for Poet Voices. This has got to be the best of both worlds! We're thankful to be a part of this team."
09-20-07
SCOOP-Asheville Music Publishing, a division of Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing is pleased to announce the signing of Chris Binion to an exclusive writer contract. Chris Binion has become one of the industry's more sought after writers in the last 5 years with songs recorded by The Kingdom Heirs, The Talley Trio, Karen Peck and New River, Greater Vision, The Whisnants, Down East Boys and many others.
Greg Bentley, director of publishing for Crossroads states, "This is somewhat of a 'welcome back home' signing for us. We signed Chris to an exclusive contract almost 10 years ago after getting his first major single with the song "God Is Faithful" recorded by Karen Peck and New River. Chris followed that hit up with "The Answer is Christ" by The Talley Trio. I have been watching his progress as he has grown as a writer and we are thrilled to have him return to Asheville Music Publishing."
The signing of Chris Binion gives Crossroads owned publishing companies, Asheville Music Publishing and Chris White Music, some of the top writers in the industry. Chris joins Sandy Knight, Daryl Williams, Ray Scarbrough, Jimmy Dooley, Angie Hoskins, Adam Kohout, Stephanie Brown, Shaun Weeks and Angelina McKeithen as exclusive writers for the companies.
09-20-07
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The much anticipated instrumental project from Ernie Couch & Revival, "Elevator Music," featuring saxophonist Boots Randolph has finally been released. In production for the past year, this new CD features abroad spectrum of music all played by members of the group. Included on this project are EC&R classics, along with some traditional melodies, and standards like "How Great Thou Art" and "How Firm The Foundation." Don't let the title fool you, mixed in the song list are some up-tempo songs like "Swing Low," and a tribute to one of Ernie's influences, Floyd Crammer, on "Last Date." Boots Randolph is featured on the songs, "Crying In The Chapel," "Dreamin'," and "I'm Forgiven." These songs represent some of the last studio recordings he ever did. Boots unfortunately passed away this past July, but his talents will not soon be forgotten. "In his 70's he was unbelievable, you can hear it on the project. It was an honor to have spent time with him and work with him on this CD," said Jason Couch. Additional information and some MP3 samples can be found on EC&R's website at: www.erniecouchandrevival.com.
09-16-07
SCOOP- Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Sept. 16, 2007- Sparked by the recent anti-Christian comments made by Kathy Griffin while accepting an Emmy award, a faith-based theatrical group is putting their money where their mouths – and hearts- are. Spending more than a hundred-thousand dollars in a David vs. Goliath effort so that their voices can be heard, the relatively small group of performers at The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has taken out an ad in a nationally circulated news publication (USA TODAY) to run on Monday, Sept. 17, 2007. A petition has been added to the website: www.miracletheater.com, and members of the cast and management have embarked on a media campaign to defend Christianity.
The Miracle Theater’s team is outraged at Hollywood’s lack of respect for Christianity. Acknowledging that every American has a right to worship freely and speak freely, The Miracle Theater general manager Russ Hollingsworth explains: “What is shocking to us is how people tend to respond to comments like this about Jesus Christ. It made my heart sick to see people in the audience at the Emmy’s laughing at Griffin’s remarks. It should not be acceptable to mock anyone’s faith. We have to start changing the hearts and minds of people on this subject!”
The following is an excerpt from the Christian theater’s advocacy message to be printed in USA TODAY: “Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus was mocked and few stood up for him. We, at the Miracle Theater consider it an honor to stand for Jesus today. We may never win a national award. We may never be household names. We may never be seen in Hollywood. Although others may choose to use their national platform to slander our God, we are honored as professional entertainers to stand for Christ.”
