EHSS FNS Review!

It's been a while since I last posted because I got really busy with school. Well, I finally have time to post the review of the Friday Night Sings series from Ernie Haase and Signature Sound that I promised in my last post! EHSS consists of Ernie Haase on tenor, Devin McGlamery on lead, Dustin Doyle on baritone, and Paul Harkey on bass, Tyler Vestal on piano, Kelly Vaughn on acoustic guitar and Wesley Jones on bass. Michael Rowsey joined them on percussion for the Christmas episodes (the last four). I'm sure some of you already saw this series, but if you didn't, it was a sixteen-episode YouTube livestream series EHSS did last year. I'll recap each episode:

Episode 1: Liberty— The guys opened with "Wake Up," which Ernie co-wrote specifically for this series and I reviewed here. As such, I probably don't need to say much else about it, other than that I think it's really fitting for the series. Next they did the "America Medley," which includes "America the Beautiful," "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," and "God Bless America," and they were joined by Wesley Pritchard and the Fayetteville Community Church Choir. As a Canadian fan (and I was far from the only one that tuned in), I couldn't relate to this one, but the singing was great, of course! Afterward, Ernie led everyone in "God Bless America," only changing the word "bless" to "heal." Naturally, he and Devin did a pitch for a T-shirt with "God Heal America" on it. Then Ernie introduced everyone to his friend Dr. Dave Zanotti, who is a radio host from the sounds of things. Ernie and Dr. Zanotti chatted for a while, and Dr. Zanotti introduced the closing song, "I Pledge My Allegiance." Again, I didn't find this episode too relatable, but I still enjoyed some great music. :)

Episode 2: Happiness— The guys started with "Happy People," which also fit very well! :) It features EHSS' classic fun sound. Leif Shires joined them on the trumpet, which he also did for "Happy Holiday/It's the Holiday Season." Interestingly, this episode aired in September, but I'm totally cool with it! :) After that, Ernie brought Nick Trammell, Mark Trammell's son, onto the show and played a funny video of Ernie's father-in-law, George Younce, singing "The Laughing Song" to a five-year-old Nick! Prior to doing the new hymn "Give Me Jesus," Ernie showed a plaque of the sheet music. Fanny Crosby wrote part of the lyrics and Ernie, Wayne Haun, and Joel Lindsey got to finish it. It's great!! If you want to hear classic EHSS, Christmas music, laughter, and hymns, then this episode is for you!

Episode 3: Fear— The guys opened with "Step Into the Water," a Cathedrals song. For some reason, at first I thought Devin and Dustin swapped harmony parts on this one, but no, they didn't. Then Ernie pointed out that Zak Shumate joined them on Cajon for this episode. After this, he showed everyone pictures a fan painted of the guys! Very cool. :) Next came "I've Been Here Before," which Devin had said in 2012 that he felt like he'd be singing for the next 20-25 years. Well, that didn't pan out because Ernie said Dustin had never done it before this episode, but I was sure glad they brought it back! It's the first EHSS song I remember latching on to. Finally, Ernie brought Bill Gaither himself onto the show to introduce "Because He Lives" before the guys sang their version of it. Jeff Taylor joined them on accordion and Ernie also included videos of some of their fans singing the song! It was a nice touch. Three very encouraging songs, which is appropriate, especially given the episode's title.

Episode 4: Fire— The title alludes to trials of life. EHSS opened with "You'll Find Him There," a fast song featuring Dustin that alludes to 1 Kings 19. Andy Leftwich played fiddle on this song and proceeded to play "Blue Moon of Kentucky," an instrumental and another fast song. :) Ernie then played a voicemail from a fan named Kay from Dallas, Texas, who requested "Redemption Draweth Nigh." Of course, they did that song next! It features Dustin and was actually the song he auditioned with. It's originally a Cathedrals song. After that, Ernie played an ADORABLE video of Tyler's son, Davis Lane Vestal. I love babies so I was glad for that. :) Anyway, then Ernie introduced the fans to Aaron Rich of the SGMA, who is the research library director. Appropriately, they played a VERY old video of George Younce. Aaron also talked about how he wants southern gospel history to be available to the next generation. Awesome! Aaron also shared part of his testimony, after which EHSS closed out with "Walking Through Fire," an original song from Devin that features him and is one of my absolute favourites the guys do. Another great and encouraging song list.

Episode 5: Love— The episode started with Clear Skies, a fast and bouncy song about how there are always better times coming, no matter what you face in life. It features Dustin and reminds me of "Wake Up" stylistically. Leif Shires joined them again. :) Ernie did a plug for a Friday Night Sing blanket and played a clip of George Younce's version of "Love Was In the Room," to which EHSS added their vocals. Next, Ernie chatted with Paul about his family before Paul sang "Long Line of Love." Then Paul's stepdaughter, Cameron Vestal, sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and was accompanied by Tyler on piano. I had no clue she could sing prior to watching this episode but she did SUCH a great job! Then EHSS did "Love Took His Breath Away," another AMAAAAAZING song that talks about the crucifixion, and they were backed up on cello by Sara Sant'Ambrogio... such a nice touch! Bad pun alert... I *loved* this episode! I'm sure you will too.

Episode 6: Inspiration— This episode featured Broadway songs. The title referenced EHSS' recording "The Inspiration of Broadway." EHSS opened with "Get Happy" from The Nine-Fifteen Revue, a fast song about preparing for the Judgement Day. I'm not sure if it's SUPPOSED to be a gospel song or not, but it's about as close as I'd expect a Broadway song to get. Anyway, Ernie then played a voice message from Gary Gerould, radio voice of the Sacramento Kings, who requested this episode. After that, Ernie welcomed J. Mark McVey to the show. Mark had also joined them for the recording. Then they did "Together (Wherever We Go)" from Gypsy. EHSS cut out a bunch of stuff from the original, but it was still fun. :) Then Mark talked about his introduction to EHSS and some new endeavours before treating listeners to his version of "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables, which he has starred in as Jean Valjean a number of times. (Not sure of the exact number, which bothers me because I'm a trivia buff!) Brian Eads accompanied him on piano. Then Devin talked about how his daughter, Karlyn, also enjoys Broadway and starred as Mary Poppins in her middle-school production. She sang "A Spoonful of Sugar" for this FNS episode. She did awesome. :) After that, Ernie did a plug for more FNS merch and mentioned the blankets again. Then Brian did an instrumental version of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Mis. I don't know that song, but the instrumental was really good! EHSS and Mark closed with their version of "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music. Obviously, this is an extremely different arrangement from the original, because there isn't a Mother Abbess in the lot. LOL. But it's great, too. If you love EHSS and Broadway, you do NOT want to miss this episode!

Episode 7: Hymns of Fanny Crosby— Pretty self-explanatory, I guess. I'm glad they did this episode because I love the hymns! Again, this is based on a project; this time it was "The Favorite Hymns of Fanny Crosby." The guys started with "Redeemed," a bluegrass-y arrangement in which Dustin gets to show off a bit! I was SO impressed the first time I got to see them do it live! Then, Jeff Taylor joined them on accordion for "Pass Me Not." Let me be brutally honest here, but I don't understand this hymn. I mean, of COURSE God isn't going to desert us because he promised not to. However, this is a nice arrangement. Then Jeff did an instrumental of "Blessed Assurance," which I wasn't expecting based on the song list because the guys also did a (non-instrumental) version of it on the CD. Jeff's version was nice too. :) Ernie then talked about an album of new Fanny Crosby hymns, which modern writers completed, and EHSS got to be a part of. They didn't do the song they contributed ("Shout Hosanna") on this episode, but it's really good! Anyway, Ernie then discussed a Fanny Crosby documentary. He shared about her life and how she wrote "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" out of losing a baby. After the clip, Tyler's wife, Gerica Davis Vestal, sang the song. She did a fantastic job! Then Gerica shared how she and Tyler lost their first baby to a miscarriage at 10 weeks. Of course, they've since had Davis, who was 8 months old when the episode was recorded. Then the guys did "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," a nice Celtic arrangement. Ernie recited the 2nd and 3rd verses, rather than singing them, which was a fascinating touch. Then he shared about his grandfather, who had learned how to read through the Bible and loved the hymns. Devin closed with a rather modern arrangement of "Draw Me Nearer." I honestly don't think the modern arrangements are necessary, but I do still like this one. At any rate, if you are like me and love the hymns, you'll LOVE this episode!

Episode 8: Heaven— EHSS opened with "Heaven Is," a fast song discussing what heaven is like. Then Ernie played a voicemail from his niece, Millie, announcing that "Wake Up" was to be released as a single! (That's how I was able to review it :) ) They replayed a clip of it here. Devin talked about losing his father a couple years ago, and the guys all shared about Bible verses that encourage them. Then they sang "Longing for Home," which is also pretty self-explanatory. Ernie is featured. Then he introduced "This Could Be the Dawning Of That Day," which they interestingly sang a half-step lower than they did on the album! Ernie then brought Squire Parsons on to sing his song "Sweet Beulah Land." The guys closed with "Sometimes I Wonder," which they recorded a while back but recently recorded this version, a Christmas rewrite in which references to rain, storms, etc. were replaced with snow. Dustin is featured and does a great job! Any Christian can relate to looking forward to heaven, so this is an encouraging episode.

Episode 9: The Desert, Decision & Change— The guys opened with "Three Men on a Mountain," which features Paul. It's about Jesus and the two thieves he was crucified with. An interesting look! Scott Sanders joined them on steel guitar for this song. Ernie showed an adorable clip of a 20-month-old fan saying everybody's names! Then Ernie read a fan letter before asking the guys to share their favourite jokes or road stories, so Ernie got Devin to share a political one. Hmm. Then Ernie brought Scott Fowler onto the show. Scott and Ernie sang together in the Cathedrals and now Scott sings lead with Legacy Five. Speaking of road stories, Scott told a VERY recycled story that concluded in someone telling Ernie not to quit his day job. If you are familiar with EHSS at all, you've undoubtedly heard some version of it. Scott joined EHSS for "He Made a Change," another Cathedrals song, and interestingly, the FNS version sounds more like the L5 version than the EHSS version! Then Ernie and Scott reminisced and did a duet of "Search Me O God." After this, Ernie brought his parents on the show for some more reminiscing. Then Ernie's dad shared his testimony, which inspired "Jesus Changed Everything," and the guys proceeded to sing it. It features Dustin, who does a fantastic job! Crazy road stories aside, I enjoyed this episode.

Episode 10: Songs of the Savior—My personal favourite. EHSS opened with "Sailing with Jesus," a fun mid-tempo song that features Dustin. Sounds like he has fun singing it, too! ;) Devin shared about how his son, Preston, had recently gotten saved. Then the guys sang a new song called "I Know My Savior Cares," which also features Dustin and, again, is self-explanatory. Then they welcomed Tiffany Coburn, Virgil Stratford, Antwaune "Spankie" Davis, and Reggie and Ladye Love Smith to the show for Ernie and Tiffany's fantastic duet of "I've Just Seen Jesus." I have heard a lot of amazing covers of this song, and this one fits right in! Virgil played keys and organ, Spankie played bass, and Reggie and Ladye Love did the backing vocals for this song. Ernie then brought his sister-in-law, Gina, onto the show and read part of a letter from a friend who got saved after hearing Ernie sing "Oh What a Savior." Then Ernie and Gina reminisced some more before Gina introduced "Oh What a Savior," with which the guys closed the episode. I really think you should watch all the episodes, but you REALLY need to watch this one!!!

Episode 11: Friendship— The guys opened with "One of These Mornings," a fun song about meeting Jesus. Sam Levine accompanied them on clarinet and did a great job! Then he did an instrumental of "What a Wonderful World." Again, I am not super familiar with the song, but I did like this version. Ernie then talked about how his niece, Carley, had recently gotten married but had lost her grandfather the same day. Then Ernie introduced and sang a new song, "A Good Friend" about how friendships and memories last forever. Then Ernie invited Wayne Haun to the show to introduce and sing his song "You Are Welcome Here," about how everyone is welcome in the house of God. Then they invited the Booth Brothers (at the time, the lineup was Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth, and Paul Lancaster, but they announced recently that Ronnie would be leaving the road and former Gaither Vocal Band lead singer Buddy Mullins would be taking his place) joined EHSS for "In the Garden" from an album called "Brotherhood" that the groups recorded together and which I will be reviewing soon. :) STUNNING arrangement featuring Ernie. After this, Ernie brought in former EHSS baritone Doug Anderson to sing "Forgiven Again" with EHSS. It's a great song about the prodigal son and how any Christian can relate to that story. Of course, it followed a LOT more reminiscing. :) It was great to hear all the guests Ernie brought along for this episode!

Episode 12: Thankful— This referenced the American thanksgiving (Canadian Thanksgiving is actually in October), but I don't mind because we should be thankful year-round! They opened with "As for Me and My House," an upbeat tune about Joshua 24:15. So much fun! Then Devin was featured on a new song called "I Can," which says that when Satan or anyone else tells us we can't make it, that isn't true. I love it! Ernie played a sweet message from Carla Payne Watters, daughter of Glen Payne. After this, he announced the digital re-release of "Smooth as Silk" by the Cathedrals and invited Wesley Pritchard and Geron Davis to the show to sing a song from it, "When I Thank Him for What He Has Done." Geron is Gerica Vestal's dad. Anyway, Ernie, Wesley, and Geron sound absolutely AMAZING together, and I definitely prefer their version to the original. Wesley talked about the loss of his father after that and encouraged listeners to "be there" for someone. Then the guys finished with "Thankful To You." I'm definitely thankful for EHSS and FNS! Not that I needed any help recognizing it, but you know.

Episode 13: Christmas Wherever You Are— We have, at long last, made it to the Christmas episodes! Like I hinted before, I don't care what time of year it is... Christmas music is awesome! Before I talk about the songs, let me say that the intro clip for the Christmas episodes is REALLY cool! The guys opened this episode with a really neat arrangement of "Winter Wonderland," for which Leif Shires joined them again. Then Ernie did a plug for "A Jazzy Little Christmas," which that song is from. They made it look like a vinyl record, and also made an actual vinyl record of it. Ernie said Devin's son said it was the biggest CD he'd ever seen, but I do remember Ernie saying at the Thursday night of NQC 2019 that the drummer at the time had said that. Hmm. Then Ernie introduced "Mister Santa," a parody of "Mister Sandman." I try to be positive on these reviews, but... really? I might get on the naughty list for saying/writing this, but all these songs about Santa really don't do it for me. I mean, Christmas is not about Santa! Of course the guys recognize that, though. Then Ernie shared about the history of "We Three Kings" before the guys did it. It's an interesting arrangement in 4/4 timing instead of 6/8. I'm not normally a fan of those changes, but it really worked this time! Sam Levine played the pennywhistle for this one. Then Ernie brought Wayne's mother, Shelby Haun, to the show to talk about a song she wrote, "Christmas Is Christmas Wherever You Are," which the guys proceeded to do. Ernie mentioned how the song is even more relevant during the pandemic than it was when she originally wrote it. As they did on the CD recordings of this song, they included voice recordings of people who couldn't be with their families for Christmas, which was a nice touch. I like to think I'm always in the Christmas spirit, but this episode is a great way to get into it if you're not!

Episode 14: Light a Candle—The guys started with "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." As I write this, it definitely does NOT look like Christmas outside, but this arrangement makes up for it! Then Ernie talked about another letter plugging for Hoodtie tie knots, which the guys wore on the "Jazzy Little Christmas" cover photo and for the Christmas episodes. Then Devin introduced a Christmas song he co-wrote called "Love You Remember," and the guys proceeded to do it. It's about how, despite all the Christmas festivities, the relationships are what you remember. Definitely puts the JAZZY in A Jazzy Little Christmas! I guess I can forgive them for the Santa reference on that one (lol). Sam Levine joined them again, but on saxophone this time! Then Ernie talked about EHSS LED candles. After this, the guys did "O Holy Night." This one isn't as jazzy but is a pretty arrangement! Then they did "Snowfall," which is way slower than your average EHSS song but is also pretty. Again, self-explanatory. Then Ernie introduced everybody to his high school choir/music teacher, Kathleen Ewing, and they reminisced before the Castle High School Choir joined the guys for "Light a Candle" (EHSS used the LED candles, naturally)— a fantastic song about the importance of being a light to those around you. Another great Christmas episode! Oh, wait. Stick around to the end of the episode to see a video of Ernie in his first quartet!

Episode 15: Come Make a Place— EHSS started with "Every Light that Shines at Christmas," which is about how everything about Christmas points to Jesus. Andy Leftwich joined them on fiddle again. The LED lights appeared again. :) Ernie talked about the origins of EHSS and how these origins relate to his love for Christmas. (If that doesn't make sense, guess you'll just have to watch the episode!) He also discussed how efforts to take Christ out of Christmas fail and how EHSS got to sing "Jingle Bells/I Like a Sleigh Ride" on Fox News. He played a clip from that performance and then they did the whole song again for the episode. Dustin is featured, and this style fits him REALLY well! Then Ernie shared a Christmas card from a fan who talked about how much she loved the series. Next, the guys did "Christmas in Manhattan," an elevator-music-style song about Manhattan. Neat story: when I watched this episode, my mom heard this song from the other room and said it sounded like feel-good music! She's exactly right. Dustin and his wife, Aubrey, welcomed their fourth child, a daughter, Della Faye, in November, and Ernie announced Della's arrival before Dustin sang "Thank God for Kids." I was definitely hoping Della had arrived in time for this and that Dustin would do that song afterward. BIG SCORE! Oh, I know it mentions Santa, but it's just in passing. Overall I do like this song. Throughout the song, you get to see pictures of the guys' kids. Very cool. After this, the guys did "Come Make a Place," which features Devin (interestingly, the original featured Doug Anderson) and talks about Jesus' birth and how he lives in believers' hearts. The original included a key change from A to C, which they eliminated for this version and my ears kind of missed. But I did still like this version and I love the song anyway. :) They also did a bit of "Away in a Manger" at the end. Also, my realized hopes with Della and "Thank God for Kids" definitely made up for the "missing" key change. Another fantastic Christmas episode!

Episode 16: Peace on Earth— The guys started this final episode with "Glory to God in the Highest," which I'm sure you've heard if you're reading this but I think it's self-explanatory anyway. Then Ernie read "One Solitary Life" by James Allen Francis, a very interesting piece. After this, Devin was featured on "Changed by a Baby Boy," which was also part of the inspiration for "Jesus Changed Everything." Tyler proceeded to display his immense talent through an instrumental of "Carol of the Bells." After this, Paul was featured on "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," which was set to a different tune than I'm used to, but since it's EHSS, how could they go wrong either way, especially given the lyrics? ;) After that, the guys did their version of "What Child Is This?" It's a really nice arrangement! Then, for "Christmas Time Is Here," Ernie showed a rather interesting lyric video including animated artwork someone had made for it. I really love this arrangement (surprise!). Afterward, Ernie recognized those who made the FNS series possible. Since this was the last episode, Ernie had everyone share their Christmas wishes, which I will not spoil. ;) I will say, however, that they bore striking resemblance to the guys' parting wishes on the "Inspiration of Broadway" DVD... Anyway, they finished the episode (and the series) with "Peace on Earth/Silent Night," which was definitely a great way to end.

So there you have it: the Friday Night Sings! I applaud you if you've made it to the end of this very long post, but let me reiterate one more time that if you have not watched the Friday Night Sings yet, you absolutely should!