StowTown Records releases label debut from Poet Voices

SPECIAL STOWTOWN RECORDS

Nashville, TN – As the summer season gets into full swing, StowTown Records has announced the release of a brand-new recording from beloved quartet, Poet VoicesIt Won’t Be Long marks the debut release from the group on the StowTown label and features the quartet at its finest. 

Throughout the past three decades, Poet Voices, led by renowned singer/songwriter, Phil Cross, has thrilled audiences with hit after hit after hit. The group has earned Singing News Fan AwardsGospel Music Association Dove Award© nominations and honors, as well as multiple number one songs. Over the years, the faces and names who collectively complete the Poet Voices lineup may have changed, but under the leadership of Cross, the group has consistently delivered songs of hope and encouragement, delighting music lovers from all walks of life. The current lineup includes Cross and longtime group member Donny Henderson, along with tenor Jeff Snyder and bass KC Armstrong. Always striving to obtain musical excellence, Cross has never wavered in his commitment to remain true to his traditional roots, never compromising the message of the Gospel.

Produced by celebrated industry veteran, Wayne Haun, pianist and arranger, Trey Ivey, and multi-talented Poet Voices group member, Donny Henderson, this latest recording effort carries on the rich tradition of Poet Voices’ musical excellence. The project includes several previously released Cross-penned hits with fresh arrangements, as well as some brand-new songs, including the title cut written by Cross and Henderson. This upbeat, toe-tapper is already enjoying airplay at radio stations nationwide and is receiving rave reviews as it grabs listeners with its catchy melody and encouraging message. Others that are sure to become fan-favorites include “Jesus Brought Me Out,” “I Remember Lost” and “The Last Amen.” 

Phil shares his excitement about releasing new music on the StowTown label, “I am so thrilled and blessed about the new Poet Voices music. This is our first StowTown project, and it’s absolutely the recording I’ve always dreamed of for Poet Voices. Included are some new songs Donny Henderson and I have written that we can’t wait to share. The project also contains an inspiring new song written by Kirk Talley. Then, a big highlight for me is the awesome, new treatment the incredible producers did on a few Poet Voices songs from the past. I really don’t have the words to express my enthusiasm for this recording! We are certainly praying God encourages and touches hearts with this new music.”

Longtime Poet Voices fans will enjoy walking down memory lane with the remakes of classics like “Jesus Built A Bridge,” “One Holy Lamb” and “I Am Redeemed,” radio hits that helped Poet Voices become a household name. “These are such great songs that have stood the test of time,” states StowTown President and CEO Landon Beene. “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to bring back to life these timeless classics. No doubt, there are individuals who have never had the privilege to hear these songs, so we are excited to be able to present the message of these songs with fresh, reimagined arrangements and introduce the music of Phil Cross and Poet Voices to many new listeners.”

While some gospel music enthusiasts may not yet be familiar with the music of Poet Voices, as the brand-new release title conveys, It Won’t Be Long before they are introduced and become avid fans!

Distributed exclusively by Provident/SonyIt Won’t Be Long is available on all digital platforms worldwide. Listen for new music from Poet Voices on Texas Gospel Canada!

Anthem Edition continues strong after name change

JEFF TURNER

It’s been a while since Anthem Edition switched to their current moniker. In 2022 the group was known as The Old Paths, by 2023 they had become Anthem Edition. We asked Tim Rackley how that was going.

“Well, actually, you guys remember we changed our name last year to Anthem Edition, formerly The Old Pads, and we just have gotten great feedback and response from everyone, accepting the name. Now, we still have a few that still call us Old Paths, which that’s okay,” he said.

Rackley says When you go under something as long as the did, it’s actually a brand, but the group appreciates everyone’s understanding of the name change.

“And we’re still making good quartet music,” he added.

Though the group’s name is new, it has been touring for more than two decades bringing great Gospel music to their audiences. Over the next few weeks the group is touring Alabama, North Carolina and Georgia in the United States.

Listen for Anthem Edition’s latest song, He Bought Me, on Texas Gospel Canada.

Karen Peck and New River’s song delivers a solid message

DAVID INGRAM

Six-time Grammy nominated, nine-time GMA Dove Award winning Karen Peck Gooch says she believes New River’s song “Be Ready” is a song of hope.

“I think with everything that’s happening in the world, we can see that there’s so much division and now more than ever, we need to get the message out of hope and our only hopes through Jesus,” she said.

This is the theme of the group’s new song, Be Ready. Speaking on that theme, Karen said, “If we will make sure that we know Jesus and make sure that everyone’s saved, we just wanna make sure that everyone knows that the word says that the only way we get to heaven is through the blood of Jesus.”

The lyrics are a strong point of the song, but that’s not to diminish the music. The group has evolved throughout the past 30 years together and continues to deliver a progressive Southern Gospel Music sound mixed with traditional styling that has made them a fan favorite.

Listen for Be Ready by Karen Peck and New River throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

Triumphant Quartet Unveils New Project: God Is Listening

JEFF TURNER

The renowned Southern Gospel group, Triumphant Quartet, has released their highly anticipated album, “God Is Listening.” This project promises to touch hearts and souls with its powerful messages and melodious harmonies. One of the standout tracks is the title song, “God Is Listening,” a piece that has a special story behind it, as shared by David Sutton, co-founder and tenor of the quartet.

David recalls the moment he first heard the title track.

“Triumph had been listening to songs. We listened to hundreds of songs when we were getting ready to record a new recording. And I received a text message from Eric Bennett, our bass singer. I was sitting on the bus. He was off the bus. And it just said, ‘Hey, I want you to listen to this song,'” said David.

Intrigued by Eric’s message, David eagerly opened the attached file. “The text said, ‘I think this is the song for you,'” David continued. With anticipation, he hit the play button and began to absorb the beautiful lyrics of “God Is Listening,” crafted by the talented trio Kenna West, Jason Cox, and John Moore.

David believes the timing of discovering this song was just what he needed. “The Lord knows when to send different songs at different seasons in our life,” he reflected. The heartfelt message of “God Is Listening” resonated deeply with the quartet, leading to its inclusion on their latest album.

Now, the final product is out, and David Sutton is featured prominently on this new release. Fans of Triumphant Quartet can expect the same level of excellence and spiritual upliftment that the group is known for.

For those eager to experience the inspiring melodies of “God Is Listening,” tune into Texas Gospel Canada, where the new track is being featured. The journey from a rough demo on a bus to a polished recording showcases the dedication and faith that Triumphant Quartet brings to their music, ensuring that their latest project will be a cherished addition to the world of gospel music.

Love in Bloom: Alex Jordan Proposes to Jayleigh

JEFF TURNER

This past weekend marked a heartwarming milestone for Alex Jordan of The Jordan Family, who proposed to his girlfriend, Jayleigh. Her answer? A joyful “Yes!”

Reflecting on their journey together, Alex shared, “All I can say is God has been so good to Jayleigh and me over this past year. Our relationship and our love for each other have flourished. There’s a significant backstory to our love and how it all came about.”

Their love story is truly special. For years, both Alex and Jayleigh had been praying to find their perfect match, though neither knew who they were praying for. “We were definitely meant for each other,” Alex said. “The backstory behind our love will be a whole other story.”

As they look to the future, the couple is planning an intimate family wedding in September. Alex expressed his excitement, saying, “We’re thrilled to see what God has in store for us.”

Congratulations to Alex and Jayleigh on their beautiful journey together.