#REVIEW - "AUTOBIOGRAPHY", THE NEW ALBUM BY JOSEPH HABEDANK: FROM DARKNESS TO THE LIGHT OF REDEMPTION

Listen and experience the power of "Autobiography" here

Author Jamie Arpin-Ricci once wrote that “There is more hope in honest brokenness than in the pretense of false wholeness.” I have been trying to come up with the right words to describe "Autobiography", the new album from Joseph Habedank, and these words seem to say exactly what this album is about.

"God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

Grammy nominated and Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Joseph Habedank struggled with a heavy prescription drug addiction for several years after developing an ulcer in his throat while he was the lead vocalist and songwriter for the gospel music group, The Perrys. During his addiction, he met his wife, Lindsay. He hid the drugs from Lindsay and tried to live a life under the disguise of "false wholeness" until 3 weeks before their wedding. Lindsay found out about the drugs and his addiction. They married, but shortly after their honeymoon, he started taking pills again. His addiction worsened as time went on, eventually leading to his being asked to leave the group. After losing the job he loved as a musician and in the middle of a crippling addiction, he didn't know what to do or where to turn. He was lost. He knew he had no choice but to find help. He reached out to a counselor at Porter's Call who told him about MusicCares, a program run by the Grammys to assist those in the music industry who need help. He contacted MusicCares and they paid for his complete rehabilitation. Up until his recovery, Lindsay was told over and over that she should leave him and get out of this situation but she knew she had to stay by his side. She stayed, they worked together through the worst times and now there they are, nearly 11 years later, still together with Joseph celebrating over 10 years of being clean and with a thriving ministry that travels around the country telling of Joseph's redemption through faith and music in hopes of helping others overcome their own situations. 

"Autobiography" is an extremely personal and vulnerable album of truth, faith and the celebration of victory. His story is one of hope, love and overcoming adversity just when you think you can't handle any more. Each song represents a "chapter" in his life, steps forward, resulting in a change that only comes from believing that help comes from above. He is living proof that Jesus can indeed save you from yourself if you surrender the battle to Him. Opening up, putting it all on the table and sharing his experience may help someone who listens to the album begin to open their own heart to accept hope and to build in their faith. Sharing this truth, as painful as it is, can help others begin to heal. 

Thank you Joseph for sharing your own "honest brokenness" through this album and for being the first step that someone who hears it has been wanting to take. There is something about the power of a song and this album proves it. This is one of the best album releases of the year and I hope that the word spreads about the power of this message.

"Autobiography" Track Listing:

1. Prelude

2. "Worthy" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Andrew Bergthold & Tony Wood

3. "Ain’t That The Truth" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Logan Cain, Madison Cain, Ethan Hulse & Nick Schwarz

4. "Jesus Walked In" (featuring Chris Blue) - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood & Nick Schwarz

5. "The Church" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Jason Cox & Sue C. Smith

6. Interlude (Little Me)

7. "Jesus Wasn’t Leaving" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Michael Farren & Tony Wood

8. "Tell The Devil" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Ethan Hulse & Nick Schwarz

9. "Jehovah" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Mitch Wong & Tony Wood

10. "Going With Jesus" (featuring Bernie Herms) - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Bernie Herms & Ethan Hulse

11. "Forgiven" (featuring Houston's First Worship) - Writers: Joseph Habedank & Jeff Bumgardner

12. "The Basement" - Writers: Joseph Habedank, Michael Farren & Tony Wood

For more information about Joseph Habedank, visit josephhabedank.com. Be sure to check his tour dates. The personal experience of his testimony is something I highly recommend.

RECAP: "LEAVING A LEGACY" - 1ST ANNUAL MEMORIAL SINGING FOR JESSICA JOHNSON FEATURING JOSEPH HABEDANK - BURLINGTON, NC

1st Annual Jessica Johnson Memorial Singing - Joseph Habedank & The Director's Trio

Sunday, 4/14/2024

Lakeview Community Church - Burlington, NC

When I saw Burlington, NC listed as a stop on Joseph Habedank's current Spring 2024 Tour, I knew this was a performance I could not miss. Little did I know how true that would be, even more so than I could have imagined. His music always changes me in little ways every time I hear it but this night would turn out to be something different and would change me in more ways than even I thought possible.

My best friend and I got in the car Sunday to make the drive to Burlington, looking forward to just a much needed night of worship, praise. music and time spent with good people. We got to Lakeview Community Church, walked in and took our seats completely unprepared for what was about to happen.

Tonight wasn't just another "show" though. This night was a memorial for a local young woman named Jessica Johnson, a 29 year old woman who obviously made a huge impact on the lives of everyone in the room. The service began with some heartfelt, emotional words from Jessica's dad. He spoke of how much she loved the Lord and how much she loved Joseph's music. Her dad handled entertainment bookings for the church and mentioned how he got an email from Joseph's publicist reaching out about possibly bringing his testimony and music to the church. He of course said yes and booked him. Right around the time Joseph was scheduled to perform last year, Jessica found out she had cancer. The day of the show, Joseph spent time with her, prayed with her and made one of her last days one that left her with a full heart and a smile. Jessica passed shortly after. 

The Director's Trio, a local soulful Southern gospel group, opened the service with some great harmonies. They had us smiling, clappin' and tappin' to some fantastic music. What a great way to kick off a night!

Joseph walked on stage and with Jessica's picture behind him on the screen, opened his set with her favorite song, "Big Enough". This brought tears to many eyes in the room. He talked for a bit about the connection with Jessica and her family. It made me think .. how many artists, especially globally known award winners, take the time to do that? How many artists actually choose to make personal connections like that, at least connections that don't "benefit" them in some way? Not many. This is one of the things that makes Joseph a stand out, his giving heart, his authenticity, and his spirit. He sings his heart and he sings his experience. He's someone who will stand at the merch table long after the show is over, talk to each and every person as long as they want to talk, and take all the pictures they want. He doesn't do the typical "flash and dash". It's not who he is, it's not something he has to do, it's something he wants to do. He is genuinely appreciative of each person in that room and it shows. He performed several of his songs like "Here He Comes", "The Beauty of the Blood", "Jailbreak", "Jericho" (now known as "Cherry Coke" or "Geritol" - you had to be there, trust me. LOL), "Religion Isn't Working" and "None of That Here". He told his emotional testimony of breaking the chains of addiction and turning his life around for the positive and starting his ministry to help others turn their own lives around. He has a new album coming out this Friday, April 19 called "Autobiography", the most personal songs he's ever written that tell his story of rising from the ashes to personal redemption through Christ. He sang 3 of the songs from the album, "The Basement" (this is the song that first grabbed my attention when it was released last year and kept me coming back to hear more), "The Church" (LOVE this one) and "Worthy". The album is available for pre-save now, trust me, go get it! Here's the link - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

The night came to an end with an altar call, benediction and a final song from The Director's Trio and Joseph. Jessica's final wishes weren't for herself, they were for others. She asked her dad to make sure people laughed, that they came to know Jesus and she didn't want to just leave a legacy behind FOR others, but IN others. That hit me right where it should. I don't know Jessica but her words were needed in my own life right now and it only reinforced my own determination to be a light in the dark, to show kindness and love and to help when needed. The church was full of people and music, but the presence felt the most were those of Jessica and the Lord. 

Thank you, Jessica, for leaving that legacy in me and many others in that room. Thank you Joseph and his wife Lindsay, The Director's Trio and Lakeview Community Church for a wonderful evening with an uplifting, positive, lasting message. 

Pre-save "Autobiography" - linktr.ee/josephhabedank

"SAVED BY GRACE" - MUSIC FOR HEARTS THAT NEED HEALING AND FAITH THAT NEEDS RENEWAL

Sometimes in this chaotic changing world there is a lot against us - finances, unemployment, politics, broken relationships, illlness, loneliness, addiction, low self-esteem .. you name it, it's out there. Maybe you just feel like you'll never get the break you deserve or that prayer answered. We all need a reminder that there is something bigger than all of us and a little personal forgiveness. Regardless of how you believe, it never hurts to have faith and believe that there is something better out there for each of us. We need to be reminded of the goodness that surrounds us regardless of how dark it might seem. When something in this world brings us to our lowest and we don't think we can stand back up, the right song can come along with a message that lifts us back up. Don't just let songs like this play in the background, stop and listen to what it's saying. You might just find His grace in the words and peace in the silence between them. We could all use a little more faith.

Tune out the negative around you and tune into some of these positive messages.

"To the Table" and "Rescue Story" - Zach Williams

"That's What Love Is" - David Phelps

"I Love You More" - Jimmy Fortune

"God Can Use a Broken Man" and "Love is Stronger" - Jason Crabb

"Somebody Died for Me" - Triumphant Quartet

"Gratitude" - Brandon Lake

"Who You Are to Me" - Chris Tomlin featuring Lady A

"Changed" - Rascal Flatts

"Hold Me Up" - Gordon Mote

"One Wave at a Time" - Cash Creek

"Wine Into Water" - T. Graham Brown

"24 Hours" and "Shame on Me" - Joseph Habedank

"Love is a Cross" - Chris Golden

"Long Way Home" - Todd Tilghman

"Where I Find God" - Larry Fleet

"We All Carry Something" - Joe Nichols

"The Building" - Emily Ann Roberts

"Broken People Like Me" - The Old Paths

"God Still Has a Plan" and "If That's What It Takes" - The Isaacs

"You've Already Won" - Shane and Shane

"Kind" - Cory Asbury

"That Old King James" - Scotty McCreery

"Talking To Jesus" - Thomas Rhett and Brandon Lake

"Mercy" - Ben Fuller

"Three Nails and a Cross" - George Strait

"Five Dollar Bible" - Tony Jackson

"Anywhere Jesus Is" and "My God" - Scotty Inman

"Man on the Middle Cross" - Rhett Walker

"A Hundred Different Altars" - The Steeles

"God's Been Good to Me" - Josh Kiser

"Jesus is the Door" - Matt Winters

"Unheard" - Brian Free and Assurance

"Good Ol' Dogs and God" - Pryor & Lee

"When I Get There" - Will Bannister

"That's God" - Jodee Messina

"Thank You Lord (For Your Blessings on Me" - Chris Else

"How Great Thou Art" - Clark Hill

"I Can't Even Walk (Without You Holding My Hand)" - Cody Johnson

"Don't Stop Praying" - Matthew West

"Thank You for the Blood" - Charity Gayle

"Real As I Believe" - Ben Waites

"A Little Right Now" - Charles Esten

"Strong" - Anne Wilson

"Lead on Good Shepherd" - Patrick Mayberry

"My Life is Proof" - Stephen McWhirter

"Jesus Is" - Travis Mobley featuring Marty Raybon

"Confidence" - Sanctus Real

THERE'S JUST SOMETHING IN THE WORDS: PART 3

Words matter. It doesn't matter where you hear, see or read them. They affect us in so many different ways. These days with the negative pull of the world around me, I choose to find those words that breathe life into me, not suck it out of me. I find myself pulling further away from mainstream music and finding more music that lifts me up and gives me pause to think.

Anyone that truly knows me, knows that music isn't just what I talk about, it's who I am. I love everything about it but the thing I love the most is the power of a song, it's ability to stop me in my tracks and hear the message and it's ability to change lives. These days, those kind of songs seem to be a bit harder to find but they're out there if you listen beyond what radio is selling. If you search, you'll find them. The words matter. To me, a song isn't just background noise, it's much more than that.

Here are a few of the songs that made me rethink things, find a new perspective and realize my own strengths, weaknesses and my purpose. These had a part in making me who I am in this moment and these newer ones are helping build me into the person I want to be moving forward. Thank you to the artists and writers for putting the words on paper that connect with hearts and will be here making a difference long after they have left the world.

**************

"Remember How To Pray" - Randy Houser

Writers: Randy Houser / Kendell Marvel

"Forgive me, I know I'm not perfect but Heaven knows I know someone who was

And sometimes when everything is workin', I look up and thank Him just because

sometimes I forget and that's okay ... I still remember how to pray."

**************

"Good Ol' Dogs and God" - Pryor & Lee

Writers: Doug Johnson / Trent Fisher / Elvie Shane / Adam Wood

"Good ol' dogs and God won't ever let you down. They listen when you're talkin', just happy you're around. I don't know why they love us, but they do no matter what. Two things you can count on, good ol' dogs and God."

**************

"Sometimes It's the Radio" - Joseph Habedank

Writers: Joseph Habedank / Jimmy Yeary / Tony Wood

"Everybody has a bad day, when they're feeling like no one cares. 

Everybody needs reminding that Someone sees and Someone's there. 

Everybody gets a little down and they need to be picked back up

Sometimes by a preacher man, sometimes it's a real good friend.

But sometimes it's the radio, sometimes it's a song of hope.  It's the right tune at the right time with the right words and the right rhyme with a melody that takes you were you need to be.  Sometimes it's the word that you heard at the church that soothes your soul, but sometimes it's the radio."

**************

"Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" - Kaitlyn Butts

Writers: Laura Rogers / Lydia Rogers

"Tomorrow will be kinder. It's true, I've seen it before. A brighter day is coming my way.

Yes, tomorrow will be kinder."

**************

"Just Ask" - Lance Carpenter

Writers: Lance Carpenter / Liz Hengber / Kelly Collins

"Cause every sinner has a future, every saint has a past.

So, before you go and label me a loser for pouring all my pain into a glass

Don't judge, just ask."

**************

"Keep On" - Emily Ann Roberts

Writers: Emily Ann Roberts / Chase McDaniel / Chris McKenna

"Tears are made to cry, rain was made to fall, mornings turn to night

This big ol' world can make you feel small. Backs aren't made to break, but after years of work they do. You're gonna wanna walk away, but you were made to make it through."

Keep on going, your wheels were made for rolling down the road, keep knowing there's better days ahead. Don't stop trying or quit the hill you're climbing, on the other side that view will steal your breath. 

If your heart's still beating, you ain't got a reason to give up yet."

**************

"Girls" - Rachel Platten

Writers: Rachel Platten / Sean Myer / Ferras Alqaisi / Meghan Kabir

"Girls, you were born to run, to reach the stars and chase the sun.

Girls, you are wild and free, the wind is at your back, the world is at your feet.

Sometimes life can feel unfair, broken hearts you can't repair.

Sometimes you might be scared that no one gets you.

It's not easy being brave when tears are falling down your face. 

but that's how you'll find your strength, so I'll let you."

**************

"Shine On" - Jeff Carson

Writers: Jim Daddario / Tony Marty

"Wherever you go, whatever you do, don't ever forget there's someone who believes in you

When you're lost and weary, follow your heart 'cause you have a gift, you're one of a kind

God put you on this Earth so you could shine. You don't have to be afraid of the dark

Shine on, light up the world with your love, with faith and desire, you can build a fire

Shine on and let your dreams keep burning strong. Oh, shine on."

**************

"Girl's Gotta Know" - Rachel Wammack

Writers: Rachel Wammack / Jim McCormick

"The girl's gotta know - Do you hug your mama? Do you like dogs? Do you love Jesus?

Are you good with a red-wine Friday night laughin' 'til you fall to pieces.

The girl's gotta know - Who you say she is when you talk to your friends

If you feel it when she walks in. You don't have to say it, but it better show

'Causе the girl's gotta know."

**************

"While You Still Can" - Brothers Osborne

Writers: John Osborne / Travis Meadows

" Make amends with that old friend you swore you'd never talk to again, 'cause you miss him. Call up your mom on the telephone talk a whole lot of nothing til the cows come home and listen.  Cross every T, dot most the I's 'cause years grow wings and fly on by and time slips through your fingers just like sand.

'Cause everything you thought would last forever never lasts forever, like you plan. Don't let your now become a never so take life by the hands while you still can.

Get your dad to tell that same old joke and laugh between the jack and Coke and hope one day you'll be half as funny. Count your blessings, thank the stars, 'cause in the end who you are is about the love you give, it sure as hell ain't about the money.

'Cause everything you thought would last forever never lasts forever, like you plan. Don't let your now become a never so take life by the hands while you still can."

#CONCERTREVIEW - LESSONS FROM A BACK ROW PEW: JOSEPH HABEDANK - GOLDSBORO, NC

Artist: Joseph Habedank

Date: 1/7/2024

Venue: Faith Free Will Baptist Church - Goldsboro, NC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Most of the time, you'll hear a song and you'll think "Hmmm, I like that song" and you let it run as background music while you do other things. Then if you're lucky, a song will come along that makes you put whatever you were doing to a stop and you really listen to what it's saying and all you can say is "Wow." I wasn't just lucky, I was blessed because I had 2 of them hit me that way from the same artist -"24 Hours" and "The Basement" by Joseph Habedank. When you're going through something and you're really struggling, it's songs like these that completely change your perspective on things.

I immediately wanted to find out more about this guy - who he was, his story, did he write his own music. I did my research, read old articles, watched some of his interviews and performances on Youtube and talked to some friends who knew him on a more personal level. As someone who is getting her own life back on track and focusing on her faith, I knew Joseph and his music would be an integral part of that process as his music is based on his own faith and he doesn't just write and sing about it to bring in a buck, he lives it "24 Hours" a day. 

Joseph, a 2 time Grammy nominee, 3 time GMA Dove Award winner, 6 time fan voted solo artist of the year and former lead singer-songwriter of the gospel group The Perrys,  developed an ulcer in his throat in 2008 and began using prescription opioids for his pain. This turned into a years long addiction to oxycodone and hydrocodone. In the middle of his struggles, he met his wife and best friend, Lindsay, who loved him and stayed by his side through the battle which he eventually won with the help of Musicares, who paid for and helped place him in a recovery center, and through his trust in God. His story is a life changer, not just for him but for the many out there who have heard his testimony, his music and have come to his shows. I knew I had to go to a show if he ever made it out my way. I got that opportunity last night when his 2024 Winter Tour included a stop at Faith Baptist Church in Goldsboro, NC.

When I arrived at the show, the parking lot was PACKED. I knew this was going to be a special night. I walked into the auditorium and grabbed one of the few available seats and met Lindsay at the merchandise table because I had offered to help sell merchandise after the show. While standing in the lobby waiting on Lindsay, I talked to an older gentleman who asked me if I knew who this Habedank guy was, he'd never heard of him and he hoped he was really a Christian singer because so many that claim to be for the sake of the spotlight turn out to be something different than how they portray themselves. I told him that I was familiar with him and I could promise him that he would leave the show a different person that he was when he walked in the door. He said "I hope you're right because I need a change." 

The show started and you could feel a different energy in the room, a stronger energy than you usually encounter at a church performance, a deeper energy. I knew this was going to be special and I was not wrong. He came on stage and started the set with "Welcome Home" and followed it up with "Religion Isn't Working" which scored a huge round of applause. He talked about his life growing up in church, how much he loved it and debuted a new unreleased song about his home church. It made me think of my church growing up and sitting in those pews. I didn't know it then, but those pews were more than just a place to sit and hear some man talk while your stomach growled but they were life lessons that most don't appreciate until years later.  I know I sure appreciate it now.

He told his story about addiction and how he recently reached 10 years sobriety and since kicking his addiction, his shows are now testimonies set to music, not just another concert. He's wanting to make a difference in lives by talking about the difference in his. That's certainly something this world needs, honesty and vulnerability and the want to help others. He sang one of his newer songs, "The Basement" and you could literally hear people paying attention. Yes, hear them because it was so quiet other than his voice singing about what goes on in that dirty, dingy room of redeeming therapy that no one wants to talk about. He talked about it and people listened. There were many in the room who were either addicts themselves to something or they loved someone who is dealing with the battle and you could see the tears in their eyes as the intently listened to the message. There was a group of women from a local recovery center in the audience who gave him a standing ovation with their most heartfelt applause. It made him emotional. 

Before he got into more music, he brought out Pastor Marc Pritchett from the Northridge Church in Thomaston, GA who also helps run "Destiny Rescue" which is an organization that operates rescue, reintegration and prevention programs in multiple countries to help save child sex trafficking victims. Their story was a realization of just how big this problem is, not just in other countries but here in the United States. If you want to find out more about this amazing group of people and help the cause to save our children, go to www.destinyrescue.org.

Joseph came back out and sang "The Beauty in the Blood", "Never No Never, and wrapped up the night with "Here He Comes."

I went back out to the merch table and that same man from the start of the show walked up to me and thanked me for telling him what I did about Joseph because he almost got up and left before the show even started because he had been turned off by so many other artists. He purchased all 5 CD's. Joseph came out a little while later, stood at the front door of the church, made sure to thank each and every person for coming, he took pictures and just stood and was "one of them" for awhile. Everyone left with a smile on their face and I promise you that just as I told that man, everyone that walked out that door walked out a different person than they were when they walked in. THAT is testimony. THAT is what music with a real message does. It changes people. It changed me.

Thank you Joseph for just being the best kind of human being and for your kindness, for writing and performing music that makes a difference and for a night I'll never forget.

Go to www.josephhabedank.com for more information on Joseph and his music as well as his current touring schedule.
Stream his music on Apple Music and Spotify

Social Media - X (formerly Twitter) / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube

#CONCERTREVIEW - IF PICTURES PAINT A THOUSAND WORDS, JIMMY FORTUNE'S MUSIC PAINTED A MASTERPIECE AT THE LIBERTY SHOWCASE THEATRE

Artist: Jimmy Fortune

Venue: Liberty Showcase Theatre - Liberty, NC

Date: 12/9/2023

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

Photos: Jennifer Smith / Lovinlyrics

I don't even know where to begin with this review because when something is perfect, you just can't do it any more justice than that one very word, but I'm gonna try my best.

The top item on my musical bucket list has always been to have the opportunity to hear Jimmy Fortune perform live and I was "fortunate" enough to be able to check that box off Saturday night when he brought his Christmas show to the Liberty Showcase Theatre in Liberty, NC. Not only was I blessed to be able to attend the show, the planets lined up for me and I was able to spend a few minutes in private with him before the show and to let him know personally how much his songs and gift of songwriting have meant to me, to thank him for years of personal memories and for caring about the message in his music. What a gracious and genuinely kind man he is. I will forever consider him a blessing in my life even if I only met him one time for 5 minutes because his music represents who he is and his music has blessed me and so many others.

A little background on Jimmy's career:

• Jimmy toured, sang and performed a member of the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years, writing their #1 hit song, “Elizabeth”, following that up with 2 more #1 hits, “My Only Love” and “Too Much On My Heart”. Jimmy also wrote the Top 10 song “Forever” and was a co-writer on another Top 10 hit, “More Than a Name on a Wall”. Jimmy is a member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Virginia Musical Hall of Fame.

• When the Statler Brothers retired 23 years ago in 2002, Jimmy went solo and became one of the most loved voices in gospel music. He partnered with the Gaither Music Group and has released many chart busting albums and DVDs. His "God and Country" CD secured a Dove Award win in 2020 for Country/Gospel/Roots Album of the Year.

• 2020 also brought Jimmy the opportunity to form Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs, later to become known as "Brothers of the Heart" releasing  CD and DVD called "Brotherly Love" that debuted #16 on the Billboard All Genre Chart. Their latest project, "Listen To The Music", was recently released and debuted at #32 on the Billboard All Genre chart and #1 on the Christian chart.

The Show:

Jimmy, his fiddle player/vocalist Jenifer Wrinkle, guitarist Stuie French (of The French Family Band) and the bass player whose name I unfortunately missed (but he was outstanding) took the stage which was decked out in all it's beautiful Christmas glory. A night filled with top shelf music, stories, laughter, fellowship and memories with other fans and a thoughtful celebration of the birth of Christ and the Christmas season was just beginning. This year, having been a tough one for Jimmy who recently had a quintuple heart bypass, seems to have brought a new meaning to several of the songs he's sung for years because tonight he sang each one like it was the first time and he sang them with a strong obvious emotion which brought tears to many eyes in the crowd. 

Jimmy started the night with a song that he wrote for everyone his music touches personally and I hope he releases it, "One Song at A Time". The lyrics of this song are so true

"Hello, it's good to see you. 

 You know it's been way too long.

  I've been out here making music

  I see a face in every song

 You're the reason I keep singing

  Love to hear you sing along

  And now I want you to come with me

  In this journey that I'm on.

  So let's sing to all the good times

  Sing to everything that's good in this life

  Change this crazy old world around us

  One song at a time."

He sang songs that made you think of and truly appreciate the reason for the Christmas season with"It's Christmas Time Again", a beautiful rendition of the favorite classic "Silent Night", a new one which I also hope he releases called "The Road to Bethlehem", another beloved classic "Away in a Manger" which was sung beautifully by Jennifer Wrinkle, a fantastic rockin' version of "Daddy Looked a Lot Like Santa" performed with Stuie French, and an emotional newer Christmas classic "Mary Did You Know" that didn't leave too many dry eyes. As someone who has changed my heart and my perspective and started my long overdue journey back to Jesus this year, this will forever stay with me.

He also sang the hits and the crowd was enthusiastic, singing along and you could see expressions of appreciated memories on the faces around me, as well as my own. "Flowers on the Wall" filled my heart with the memory of being a little girl on a road trip with my parents, standing on the hump between the seats, singing with my dad in my off key little girl voice and just having the best time. That will stay with me every day of my life. The room fell silent as he sang of the emotions after the loss of "Elizabeth". You could see people in the room remembering the love of those they also lost. He sang of struggling with the pain of a love gone in a different direction and trying to find the reasons why with "Too Much on My Heart", a situation that most of us have unfortunately experienced. He brought the crowd to it's feet with the classic Michael Martin Murphey song, "Wildfire" about the love between a young woman and the horse she loved that escaped and went missing. This is another song that I can't hear without thinking about singing with my dad. 

He brought the night back to Jesus with my personal favorite, a song inspired by his granddaughter, "I Love You More." This is something I have always said to my mom every night before bed. She tells me she loves me and I always come back with "I love you more." This song also has a deeper meaning than the obvious, the meaning of a love stronger than any love we'll ever have on earth, the love of Jesus and how He loved each of us more as He hung on the cross. He made this one even more special by adding it as an extra last minute song and dedicating it to me because I had simply asked if it was on the setlist. To hear him sing this amazing testimony of love to a room full of silent listeners is something that will always mean the world to me and never leave my heart. 

"I love you more than you’ll ever know

 When you can’t hold on I’ll never let you go

 So let me love you until you love you again

 For everything you may hate yourself for

 I love you more"

He closed out the night 2 songs. He started with "I Believe", a song inspired by the prayers of his mother and how she deeply believed in the love of Christ and that place called Calvary. He talked about how Jesus saved his life this year and talked about how strongly he believes that He is saving each of us every day. He said it perfectly when he said "If you have someone who prays for you, that is the biggest gift." Pray for someone - it doesn't have to be a long prayer, a rehearsed prayer or a perfect prayer, only sincere. The last song was a true song of worship and praise, "Joy to the World". He had everyone on their feet and you could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in the room. I can promise you that not one person in attendance walked out of that theatre the same person as when they entered. Good music has a way of changing you whether you realize it or not. Tonight was a night of change, a night of love and night that won't be forgotten. Thank you to the wonderful staff of the Liberty Theatre for bringing in the best performers.

Thank you Jimmy. 

We love you more.

CREATING A SMART BUZZ ABOUT YOUR MUSIC - INCREASE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA "VALUE"

"Once your products are created, simply write about them, talk about them, and create articles from the content and say “Yes” to interviews. The buzz created will point people back to your site." - Kytka Hilmar-Jezek

Same goes for music. Once you have a new "product", begin a smart and well thought out buzz to get it heard and increase your social media "value".

1.) Tell your fans, promote the heck out of it in new, creative ways, not just "here's my new CD" or "check out my video." 

 Create contests that involve fans. Put them in your videos to promote the music. Here's an idea, choose a few random fans that are regular hardcore promoters of your music, pick up the phone & call them, ask them for ideas, get quotes to use in trade publications. Don't just rely on industry quotes. There is no bigger promoter than your fan base. They'll be honest about your music.

2.) Connect w/ bloggers, journalists, and local media. 

Don't turn down an interview request because you don't think the audience won't be big enough - do you really want to put limits on your publicity and possibilities? Anyone willing to genuinely help you and is interested enough to talk to you about your music is a good thing.

3.) Respond to as many tweets and Facebook comments as you can personally without relying on a social media manager all the time. 

A social media manager can never convey the same emotion as you can when it comes to what you want to say and what's on your mind. If you're proud of your new project, take the time to tell people why it means so much to you. If you have time to read your timeline, you have time to interact on it. When fans and potential fans see that you take the time, they'll take the time in return. Nothing means more to a fan than a personal connection. So, 3 things - FIND the time, MAKE the time, TAKE the time.

4.) Don't oversaturate your or your fans timelines and don't swim all into their DM's with the same spam posts over and over. 

There's nothing more of a turn off than constant spam about a new project or show. When you look at an artist's timeline and it's nothing but the same tweet over and over, it's honestly annoying as hell and the quickest way to get someone to move on. Change it up, post about it a few times during the day but differ the wording, make it less "robotic" and make it more personal. You want to create a buzz, not put people to sleep. Also, if you're going to send someone information about your music, take the time to introduce yourself and thank them for listening, don't just DM a link and "Here's my new single." That is the surest way to get the opposite reaction than the one you hope you'll get.

This is your product, your music, your name, your reputation and fans are the ones who make the difference between your career and your hobby. Be buzz smart.

- Jennifer Smith
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

THE LEGENDARY OAK RIDGE BOYS CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH FAREWELL TOUR PERFORMANCE IN ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC

Artists: The Oak Ridge Boys
Date: 11/30/2023
Venue: Weldon Mills Theatre - Roanoke Rapids, NC
Reviewer / Photographs : Jennifer Smith

After 50 years on the road, the legendary Oak Ridge Boys made a stop at the beautiful Weldon Mills Theatre in Roanoke Rapids, NC on Thursday, November 30 and sang their final musical farewell to a room packed full of love, smiles, laughter, tears, friendship and memories. They said thank you in true ORB style with a magical Christmas show that only reinforced why these men and their band and crew have stood tall above the rest over the years and are loved and appreciated by so many. 

The doors opened early and the room filled quickly while waiting for the show to begin with hugs between old friends and introductions between new friends, stories of personal connections with the Boys and the excited anticipation of what memories the night was to bring. You could feel something different in the air, this wasn't a normal performance for the ORB or for those of us in the crowd. This was something difference, the shining star at the top of the tree, the reminder of what Christmas is about - love, hope, new beginnings and a destination within ourselves. The Oaks have been to many destinations over the years but now they begin their final journey back to their families and homes.

This show kicked off with a couple of Christmas tunes, "Let It Snow" and "Christmas Time's A Comin'" then launched into a handful of the hits people were anxious to hear - "American Made", "Leavin' Louisiana" and everyone's favorite, "Elvira".  Fans were smiling from ear to ear, cheering, and singing their off key hearts out. That's love right there.

Then, the tone changed and the "snow" began to fall and it was time to bring out the Christmas fun with everyone gathered in front of the flickering "warmth" of the on-stage fireplace to sing their favorite Christmas songs. They rang in the segment with beloved Christmas standards including "Jingle Bells" and "Blue Christmas" and also some other greats like "Christmas Carol", "Christmas Cookies" and "What's What I Like About Christmas."

Here comes Santa Claus ... literally. I LOVE this part of the show. A cardboard Santa Claus comes bopping across the stage bringing in laughs because it's so funny to watch. The kids in the audience were laughing but had no idea that in just a few minutes, the big guy himself would be making an appearance. The stage filled with smoke and just like magic, there he was in all of his bearded red glory - Santa. He greeted the crowd, cracked a few jokes and came down to the front of the stage to play some reindeer games with the children and pulling Santa hats from his bag, putting them on each head and the faces of the children lit up and then he took pictures. What a great way to incorporate children into the night. You rarely see that anymore. That just another reason to love the Oak Ridge Boys, they have the biggest hearts.

Next came the "Rocking Stools", where each of the Boys would sit on a stool in front of the "fire" and told their most personal Christmas memories, bringing tears not only to their eyes but to ours as well. I can tell you with complete honesty that mine were flowing pretty freely. Glad I brought Kleenex. You could hear the emotion and the gratitude as each heartfelt story was told. Joe Bonsall talked about his parents and with tears in his eyes and a passionate voice, recited his composition "Daddy's Christmas Eve", Duane Allen reminded us of the blessing of love with his song "Happy Christmas Eve", William Lee Golden sang about the love of children with "Thank God for Kids" and Richard wrapped up the memories with everyone's favorite, "The Christmas Song". The final segment of the evening brought out the true, original meaning of what this season is all about - the first Christmas eve, the birth of a special baby boy and the ultimate love of Jesus who brought joy to the world.

What a wonderful way to close the book on a true "Down Home Christmas".

Thank you to the Oak Ridge Boys - Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban, the Mighty Oaks Band - Rex Wiseman, Scotty Simpson, Austin Curcuruto,  Ronnie Fairchild, and Darin Favorite, their wonderful crew - Darrick Kinslow (Tour Manager), Marko Hunt, David Boots, Chris Boyd, Steven "Coop" Cooper, Mike "Sweet" Campbell and everyone else in the organization for years of the best quality entertainment and for memories that don't fade. Thank you for the privilege of not just being able to call you friends, but family over the past 15 years and during that time for allowing me the access to review your shows and take pictures. 

Thank you to Julie and Allison of Barn Burner Promotions, the best security guys I've ever had the pleasure of working with and the wonderful staff of the Weldon Mills Theatre for such a great experience. Y'all know how to promote and host a show! 

   

The Oaks will be saying thank you for the memories with a few stops into 2024 so be sure to check their website for dates and ticket info and keep up with them on social media.

TOP 23 SONGS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE IN 2023

This year, the world around us may have been out of tune and every note seemed out of place, but music kept us in harmony. Thank you to all of the artists, musicians and songwriters who kept the music playing this year. 

These are the 23 songs that kept me grounded in 2023, my personal, most listened to favorites. You may or may not have heard these songs or even some of the artists. Some songs are newer than others, some may be all over the radio and some may not, but every one of them made a personal impression on me and have I found myself playing them daily, sometimes on repeat and truly taking the time to listen and not just let them play as distractions in the background of every day life. 

Be sure to check out the artist websites, digital music sites and social media pages. Let them know you hear them and that you like what you hear. The gift of encouragement is the best gift you can give to an artist.

Thank you to these artists for consistently giving me a reason to listen and not just hear the music. I appreciate all of you.

1.) "The Basement" - Joseph Habedank

2.) "Good Morning Mercy" - Jason Crabb & Dylan Scott

3.) "Save the Roses" - Lee Brice

4.) "The Painter" - Cody Johnson 

5.) "Rollercoaster (Forever and a Day)" - Brothers Osborne

6.) "Man on the Middle Cross" - Rhett Walker

7.) "Talking To Jesus" - Brandon Lake & Thomas Rhett

8.) "Things I Take for Granted" - Larry Fleet

9.) "Cab in a Solo" - Scotty McCreery

10.) "Five Dollar Bible" - Tony Jackson

11.) "Lift Me Up" - Darius Rucker

12.) "Road Dog" - Skip Ewing

13.) "Less Like Me" - Triumphant Quartet

14.) "All I Need to See" - Mitch Rossell

15.) "Have We Forgotten" - Darryl Worley

16.) "I Would If I Could" (Demo) - Skip Ewing & Dean Dillon

17.) "Nobody's Fault But Mine" - Travis Tritt

18.) "A Little Right Now" - Charles Esten

19.) "Amen" - Alana Springsteen

20.) "Mamaw's House" - Thomas Rhett & Morgan Wallen

21.) "Sunday's Comin'" - Zach Williams & Warren Peay

22.) "Jesus Is The Door" - Matt Winters

23.) "When I Get Where I'm Going" - Clint Brown & Sonya Isaacs

#CONCERTREVIEW: RAY SCOTT AT TUNNEL CREEK VINEYARDS, ROXBORO, NC

Event: Ray Scott

Opening Artist: Matt Boswell

Date: 10/28/2023

Venue: Tunnel Creek Vineyards - Roxboro, NC

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

 I'm a bit behind the proverbial 8 ball on this since the show was on 10/28 but when you work an 8 hour job in addition to music promoting, ya gotta get it in when ya can. 

Now, let's talk Ray Scott. When you think of real country music, you think of storytelling, simplicity, honesty. and authenticity. When you hear Ray Scott, you know you're hearing the real, unapologetic, genuine country deal (ok, and he might also be a little on the tilted side of normal). His music is from his heart, he tells the best stories and he tells them in a personal, relatable way. I mean come on, we've all had blind dates where the pictures weren't exactly the same as what you got in reality, we've all taken one for the team at one point, we've been with "The Ugly One", we're all "Grumpy", we try to take "The High Road", we "Ain't Always Thirsty" when we drink, and we've all prayed "Bear With Me, Lord" at least once in our lives. See, he's relatable.

On October 28, Ray made a trip home to NC. He played at the absolutely gorgeous Tunnel Creek Vineyards in Roxboro, NC. This place was amazing, definitely one of God's best painted canvasses with hills, a lake, trees with the fall colors, rows of grapevines and a beautiful win-e-"ray", um, I mean winery. This night was personal for Ray, it was so much more than just another gig. This night was all about home, family, friends, music and it was full of love. It was such a wonderful thing to be a part of.

Matt Boswell started the night and he was great. He kept it down deep country with songs like "Me and Haggard", "I Want My Rib Back", "Believe" and others. Country music might smell funny right now, but it sure ain't dead as long as these 2 guys are still playing.

Ray was up next and kept things mostly "out of the shallow end", playing mainly songs that mean something to him, songs with more than lyrics that make you laugh way too obnoxiously loud (but he did throw in a few of those). He broke out the really good stuff tonight like "Dirty Shirt", "Hey Fool", "Better as I Go", "Slow Dance", "Those Jeans", "Drinkin' Beer", "Put Another Log on the Fire", "Wheels on the House", "My Kind of Music", "Cover the Earth", "Everybody Ends Up Ugly", "Ripples" and others. We were all singing along, laughing along, crying along and dancing along. Tonight was a really good night, one for the memory books.

If you get a chance to see Ray or Matt, please do it. This calibre of talent and songwriting doesn't just pop up at your local bar too often. As they are independent artists, you may not walk in to a venue knowing who they are, but I can promise you that you'll leave as a fan and you'll want to know and hear more.

Find out more about Ray and check out his tour dates at www.rayscott.com. Follow him on social media and go download/stream his music at digital outlets everywhere, including his upcoming album "Billboards and Brake Lights" which is set for release on Friday, November 10. 

Follow Matt Boswell on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MattBoswellTheHillbillyBluesBand