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If it's Gary Chapman, it
must be Christmas! Gary and his brother Keith make their annual visit
to the show on December 11th. You can hear the whole interview at our
Audio Archive page. Andrew Peterson and
Steve Taylor dropped by too. |
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One of my favorite blondes!
Bonnie Keen has written her third book, "A Ladder Out of Depression".
She came to see us on Nov 30th. Besides her solo career and her "work" with
The Glory Bugles, Bonnie informed us that the original members of First
Call (Bonnie, Mel Tunney, and Marty McCall) will release a new accapella
project early next year. Good news indeed! |
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OK... I'll admit it... I love
Point of Grace! If you notice a few pictures below, they were just on in
August, but with the release of their new Christmas CD, "Winter Wonderland", we
just had to have them on again. That's quite alright with me!!!! We did miss
Heather Payne tho. She was home in Louisville. Pic l-r: Leigh Cappillino,
Denise Jones, me, Shelley Breen. |
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Jim Cole came by the show on
Oct 30th. He was helping one of the local churches with a program to distribute
coats to homeless and needy of Nashville. He also brought his guitar (which is
ALWAYS a good thing!). Pictured to my left is Kelli Garrett (from the
Granny White Church of Christ). Find Jim at:
www.jimcoleonline.com |
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OK... sing along... "One of these
things is not like the others..." I am standing in the midst of some might
talent here! The Katinas joined us on Oct 23rd with a brand new project,
"Timeless". The project features great CCM classics these brothers
grew up listening to. Their incredible talent is beat only by their love for
family and God. What a great story! l-r-: John, Joe, me, Sam, and Jesse. (James
was home babysitting!) |
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My big complaint about Chris Rice
is that we had to wait 7 1/2 years between visits! It was his debut project, "Deep
Enough To Dream" that brought Chris our way in 1998. Now, five CDs
later, some things just don't change. Chris' latest, "Amusing"
reflects his trademark simple delivery with ocean-deep lyrics. It's easy to see
why Chris' fans love him so much! And yes... Shelley was gone again and I took
the picture! -Oct 16 |
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Some very talented people here! Our
long-time friend Michele Pillar Carlton brought some folks by on Oct 9th. The
subject was a play, "Magdalene" which will be performed in less
than two weeks. Michele and friends are hoping to take Magdalene on the road.
Pictured left to right: the play's author and actress, Allison Metcalf Allen,
me, Michele Pillar Carlton, director Karen Lund, and in front-
incredible songwriter, Chris Eaton. |
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Another first! The myth of Big Daddy
Weave has been exposed!!! We met Mike Weaver of BDW on Oct 2nd. Mike is
now a Nashvillian while the other band members live in Mobile, AL. It is great
to see someone who is able to do what they LOVE to do. God has place these guys
in a very unique place. The encourage in such an unusual way. Look for their new
CD: "What I Was Made For." |
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Andrew Peterson... I have
been waiting to have this young man on the show for quite a while. Mostly fans
of Rich Mullins encouraged me, telling me how much Andrew's music reminds them
of Rich's. Let me assure you that Andrew certainly stands alone. Check out his
new CD, "The Far Country" and visit him at:
www.andrew-peterson.com . By the
way, Shelley was out of town and I took this picture myself!
-Sept 25 |
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This may be some sort of record...
The Glory Bugles dropped by back in February... then again for our 25th
anniversary show in May. Once again they joined us to talk about ANOTHER concert
later this month. The two nights in February both sold out. They are shooting
for THREE big shows this time with a big "Do-Over"! l-r: Wayne Gurley,
Bonnie Keen, me, Nan Gurley, and Steve Pippin.
-Sept 4 |
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It is so good to see old friends!
Except for the 25th anniversary show back in May, Russ Taff hasn't been
on the show in many years. It was great to just laugh and get caught up. You
probably see Russ out with Bill Gaither a great deal these days. He tells me
that he's busier than ever. I greatly love and appreciate this man!
-Aug 28 |
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I can assure you that the first time
Billy Sprague and I met, neither of us had any gray in our hair! This was
Billy second visit this year (see Jan 9th). A few years ago, Billy wrote a book
called, "Letters To a Grieving Heart". He dropped by on August
21st with the brand new companion CD, "Songs To a Grieving Heart". |
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Five years ago, Cherie Paliotta came
to see us as a member of the group Avalon. On Aug 14th, she
returned with a new name and a brand new project. Cherie Adams even
brought her husband with her! Her new CD, "The Sweet Life" is now
available on her web site:
www.cherieadams.com. It was amazing to see the phone calls and emails we got
as listeners responded to her very personal project. |
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The August 7th show was such fun!
The ladies from Point of Grace were on hand. Heather (who lives in
Louisville) was in town, altho she had to leave early to sing in church where
her husband was preaching. They had been recording into the wee hours of that
morning but all made it in on time and wide awake! We even had a rough mix of "Jingle
Bells" from the upcoming Christmas CD. Pictured l-r: Shelley Breen,
Heather Payne, me, Denise Jones, and Leigh Cappillino. |
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Some things pass the test of time.
The music and teachings of Keith Green sure do. Altho it's been 23 years now
since Keith left this world and graduated to his new life, he speaks as loudly
and clearly as ever. On July 24th, we featured Keith's music as well as
telephone conversations with Randy Stonehill and Phil Keaggy. In the studio with
us was Jerry Bryant, the former pastor of Last Days community
(now pastor of the Vineyard Fellowship here in Nashville). |
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Coming up on Labor Day weekend here
in Nashville, an incredible event will be taking place. Music City PraiseFest
will feature a two-night stay at the Opryland Resort and three great concerts.
Some of the participants joined us on July 17th. Ashley Cleveland (who had to
leave early), Kim Hill, and new artist Jamie Jamgochian. |
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Shaun Groves dropped by on
July 10th to play some cuts from his new CD, "White Flag"- two
days before its release! The project is based on the Beatitudes in the book of
Matthew. I appreciate this young man's commitment as a husband, a father, and
particularly as a man of God. |
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What a major thrill to have Chuck
Girard on the show! His participation as a true pioneer in both Jesus Music
and mainstream rock is very evident. In 1964 he had a top-10 hit as lead singer
of the group, "The Hondells". Later, he was one of the founding members
of one of the most recognizable groups to come out of the Jesus Movement, "Love
Song". You can hear the whole interview with Chuck at our Audio Archives.
Chuck is still very active recording and touring. -July
3 |
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Jeff Allen is a very funny
man... he is also very deep. He has written a book, "My Life as a
Bystander" which gives great insight into Jeff's point of view. A funny
book with some very poignant moments. He's a good man who loves God, loves his
family, and loves his country... he also makes me laugh until I choke!
-June 26
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This talented young man is a
2nd generation Contemporary Christian Music artist! Meet Jerry Wise.
Listen to his debut CD (found at
www.jerrywisemusic.com) and you'll see that this man's talent stands on its
own but consider that his Uncle Chris Harris (see two pictures down) produced
this project and another uncle, Mark Heimermann (producer: DC Talk, Jaci
Valesquez, etc) has his own part in Jerry's writings and recordings.
-May 29
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May 4, 1980 The Brian Mason Show
began on WSM-FM as a half-hour program. Who would have guessed that 25 years
later, we'd still be around. May 1, 2005 brought program number 1297 plus all
kinds of friends and well-wishers. Please visit the
25th Anniversary show page to see some of the
videos, pictures and even listen to the whole show.
|
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April 10th was GMA Sunday. We had
hoped to have Kristin Chenoweth (from TV's "West Wing") on the show to
premiere her new CD, "As I Am". She was sick and was not able to
make to Nashville, but her producer and long-time friend Chris Harris was a
suitable substitute. Chris brought with him his son, Brandon. Just over a year
ago, Brandon was on his way home from a trip out of town and was in a horrible
crash. It's a long, yet wonderful story... bottom line is that I am standing
next to a miracle in this picture. l-r: Chris Harris, me, Brandon
Harris.
|
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On February 6th, Phil Keaggy was on
the show (see note below). One of the songs he played from CD was a song called
"Cradle To The Grave" by Neal Morse. After playing the song, we got lots of
phone calls and requests each week following. Phil was kind enough to introduce
me to Neal via email and on April 3rd, Neal and his son, Wil visited the show.
They even did a live version of "Cradle To The Grave". Neal is a great musician!
www.nealmorse.com l-r: Wil Morse,
me, Neal Morse. |
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I've known Jim Cole for a
number of years now. In fact, we used to live in the same neighborhood in east
Nashville along with Bruce Carroll. Jim was on the show March 6th to share his
latest CD, "Learning and Unlearning". Jim's voice has been
mistaken many times for James Taylor. Whenever I play one of Jim's songs, it's
interesting to get calls asking about JT's conversion!
|
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These are very special ladies! I've
loved ZOEgirl since their first project in 2000. On this day, February
27th, they brought in their very latest and fifth CD, "Room To Breathe".
These girls were brought together years ago from all over the country (Chrissy-
New Jersey, Kristin- Missouri, Alisa- California). In an industry that has a
tendency to see artists and groups come and go, I know ZOEgirl will be around
for a long time. l-r: Chrissy Conway, me, Alisa Girard, and
Kristin Swinford. |
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What can I say about The Glory
Bugles? You either love 'em or you REALLY love 'em! They are a twenty-year
overnight success! Appearing on my show for our 20th and 21st anniversary
celebrations the Bugles visited on February 20th to push an upcoming two nights
of concerts (both nights were sold out!). In addition, they FINALLY released a
CD! Find it at www.glorybugles.com.
l-r: Wayne Gurley (Farley T. Byrd III), Bonnie Keen (Beulah Byrd),
me, Nan Gurley (Queenie Delphine), and Steve Pippin (Dr Harley
Never PhD). |
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The Gospel Music Association's
Hall of Fame is all about recognizing and showing appreciation for the
pioneers and trailblazers in the industry. On this particular, Feb 13th, members
of the Hall of Fame committee were on hand to tell us about the upcoming
induction ceremony. Also in the studio was the Newsboy's Peter Furler who
will take part in the ceremony by inducting his father-in-law, Mylon LeFevre.
l-r: Ed Harper, Joy Fletcher, me, Furler, and TV producer
Bob Gordon.
|
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Feb 6th was a great day. New artist
Amy Stroup dropped by to tell us about an upcoming event where she was
performing. Phil Keaggy arrived a bit later. It's been a while since he's
been on the show. He put together several CDs for me of music he has recorded
with other people. He also performed a beautiful version of "Your Love Broke
Thru". (photos by Crystal
Watson) |
 |
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I really don't believe it to be a
coincidence that Buddy Greene's visit a few weeks ago featured a new hymns CD.
Ashley Cleveland brought in her new project of hymns as well. It's GREAT!
Look for "Men and Angels Say" for some of your favorites, and maybe some you've
never heard before, done only as Ashley can do it!
-Jan 30 |
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Buddy Greene is a good man! I
enjoy his warmth, his humor, and his talent. God has richly blessed Buddy in so
many ways. He knows it too. On January 16th, he brought us his latest project, "Hymns
& Prayer Songs". Like all of us I suppose, Buddy listened to the hymns
growing up in church. Today, they are a very meaningful part of his life. You
can get "Hymns & Prayer Songs" at his web site:
www.buddygreene.com |
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It is so good to spend time
with my old friend Billy Sprague! He's an extraordinary singer,
songwriter, author, and just all-around great guy! Let me highly recommend
to you his latest project, "Soundtrack of my Soul".
You can get it and find out more about what Billy is doing these days at:
www.missionmusic.org
-Jan 9 |
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Keeping the traditions! For
the past few years Steve Camp has been the first guest of the year.
Steve recorded his first album (Yes, vinyl!) in 1977. He's been a force in
Christian music and in spreading the Gospel ever since. I greatly
appreciate his insights and perspectives. Visit Steve's website at
www.AudienceOne.org.
-Jan 2
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