Candi’s Catch-ups: The Williamsons

By Candi Combs

The colorful Virginia mountains in October seem to cry out the glory of God’s creation. Out of a desire to bring folks home, a small Virginia church asked The Williamsons to lead them in an old-fashioned Homecoming. The Williamsons came all the way from Oklahoma to the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains to share their special family style sound of Gospel music.

Donnie Williamson is the group’s leader both on and off the platform, and sings baritone. His lovely and talented wife, Lisa, joins him by carrying the soprano vocals. Karl Rice, who stands beside Darin Hebert singing bass, shares lead and tenor parts alternatively with Lisa.

The program opened with the new single, “I’ve Got to Tell Somebody.” This tune focused the attention of everyone in the room with the clear message that everything sung would be focused on salvation in Jesus. Donnie introduced the next song as a brand new selection, written by Lisa and titled “It Was the Word” from the latest release, Tell Somebody.

After sharing the new music, Lisa demonstrated the group’s versatility when she began singing the classic, “We Shall Behold Him.” Each member of the group took a verse and gave this special song a full range of delivery.

A concert with The Williamsons is truly a family affair. Daughters Olivia, age five, and Sadie, aged nine, also had an opportunity to sing with Mom and Dad. Sadie harmonized with Donnie in a tender arrangement of “Minute by Minute.” These girls have their parents’ ear for tight harmony and no doubt they will be participating in the ministry on a much greater level in the future.

Further demonstrating the mixed talent of the group, Rice was featured on the harmonica with Donnie providing the keyboard accompaniment on the song “Blood Stained Banner.”

“The Gospel still works”, said Donnie. This is such a simple statement to one of today’s truths. Demonstrating the point, the Williamsons sang a Dawn Moss classic, “I Need You More Today.” Moss was in the house and was completely flattered that Donnie included her song in the program.

Hebert was featured on “Way Down Deep in My Soul” with emphasis on ‘deep’! He has no problem laying down the deepest of tones. The floors as well as the pews were picking up the reverberation. From new music to old, and from young to elderly, the Williamsons had now included everyone in the concert. Other engaging tunes included “Searching” and “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.”

Rice shared the testimony of his youth when he surrendered his life to following Jesus. Speaking from the depth of his soul, the altar began to fill with people. Yes, it was an old-fashioned, soul-searching, altar invitation!

And now the Williamsons had shown why the latest chapter of their ministry is called, “Tell Somebody.” In a recent interview, Donnie stated, “I believe this is the most powerful music we have ever recorded. The music is filled with the message of Christ that will uplift those who listen and touch them no matter where they are in life.” On this day in Virginia, they had certainly done that!

For the Williamsons’ tour schedule, visit www.williamsonsmusic.com . All pictures courtesy of Candi Combs.

For more concert reviews and artist features, see the latest SGN Scoops magazine. Visit www.sgnscoops.com