I did an extensive interview with Bill Shivers and Craig Singletary of Brian Free and Assurance at the National Quartet Convention last September, however somehow and somewhere, I lost all the notes to that interview.
As fate would have it, this fine group was appearing in town last week, so I was able to get back together with them, and this time they brought Brian along.
Contrary to what might appear on stage with their lighthearted spirit, this is a group of very humble men. Speaking of their lightheartedness, I made mention that they seemed to be much more relaxed on stage and using a little more humor in their program. Bill Shivers proceeded to quote Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine”. Craig said that they are always aware of the situation around them and use humor as a key to drawing people into their message. I have known Bill and Craig for many years, and they have certainly become well adjusted in the new roll as humorists with Brian flowing right along with them. Bill Lawrence seems to be the poor, taken advantage of, old fellow of the group, but you can tell it is all good natured fun, and it certainly does relax the audience to get into the real message that they are presenting. Let me also add at this point that there is no hidden message in their performance, the Gospel message comes through loud and clear.
When I asked who had the greatest influence on their vocal abilities, Bill Shivers said Vince Gill, and Kenny Hinson. Craig Singletary said Jim Hamill, Kenny Hinson, Mike Bowling, and his Dad, Steve Singletary, have all had an influence in his singing, while Brian Free said Leroy Abernathy and Celine Dione have had a major influence on his vocal styling. I always find it interesting to see and listen to how those influences show up in their singing. Everyone wanted to stress that it is NOT the life styles of the secular artists, but the vocal stylings that have influenced them. I think that it is great that they are looking to the broad world of music to extend their vocal abilities.
When I asked who had influenced them in the Gospel Music world. Craig was quick to talk about his time spent with Ed O’Neil of The Dixie Melody Boys, whom he referred to as a “father figure to him. Both Craig and Bill said that the time they spent with Ken Eubanks and Heaven Bound influenced their spiritual lives while on the road in a very positive way.
The advice of both of these guys to future singers is to “always sing from your heart”. That sounds like some really good advice to me.
BF&A prefer the church setting to perform in, feeling that they are not as rushed in their performance and don’t feel any “competitive” spirit, although they are equally as comfortable in the concert setting. Brian said that when you come to see BF&A, be prepared to have church. I was very impressed that they did have time at the end of the concert to have an altar call. Brian says that it is their goal to have an altar call as often as possible.
I did ask them what they did to keep themselves “spiritually” in tune. Brian’s response was that they make sure that they are in their home churches on Wednesday nights, and have just started taking one Sunday a month off to be in their own church services.
One exciting happening for BF&A that is coming soon is a “live” recording in New York City, being booked by both the Christ Tabernacle and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choirs. This is scheduled to happen on June 22 and 23, 2003.
In describing the sound of Brian Free and Assurance, their goal is to continually go forward. Not going back to any sound that they may have had. Brian believes that their sound is mainstream with a Progressive SG flair, and I tend to agree.
If you get a chance to see BF&A in concert, then go, you will not be disappointed. You will hear some mighty high singin’ and some mighty low singin’, and a lot of good harmony in-between.
Author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Written: 02/28/2003
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 14
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Couldn't agree with you more Deon. I saw them the following night and they have high regards for you when I mentioned your name.
Loved the article, Mr. Deon...I'm so glad to see you finally saw the light!
Thanks for a great article on my friends & favorite group in SGM! I loved every bit of it. They are terrific & definitely believe in everything they say. You can tell it when they are off stage as well.
Nice article! I saw these guys this weekend and they were GREAT!! They are one of the best quartets in the business.
I enjoyed this article so much! I have been acquainted with Assurance since 1994, and they have been one of my favorite groups since the first time I heard their anointed singing and presentation of the Gospel. We always appreciate having Assurance in our area (Lancaster, PA) and pray that the Lord will bless their ministry and their families!
These guys are GREAT! I saw them for the first time tonight and they are the REAL DEAL! It's great to see those younguns in the group....just goes to show ya that the future of SGM is in good hands!
It is wonderful to see gentlemen with Christ in their hearts proclaiming the love of GOD through southern gospel music. When the performing is over the proclaiming lasts forever!
You always hate to see someone leave a group, particularly one as great as BF&A. These guys have a special place in my heart, as I have been a Brian Free fan since his days with Gold City. I'm sure this group will flourish with the new members, because knowing them, they sought God's direction in who would replace these guys. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you soon. So does Lzzie, the biggest little fan in Gospel Music. God bless you.
I know there good, but I have a bone to pick with Brian. Is it just me or does he always put himself in the fore front of everthing. For exsample look at there cd covers it's a joke. It's a group of guys to do the Lords work, not a group of guysto be back up singers for Brian. :thumbsdown:
Of course you are entitled to your opinion, James, but Brian is the owner/manager & the group does bear his name, so why not have him outfront. If you listen to this project, however, you will see that the others are not just his backup singers but do a terrific job in the feature position. I better quit before I say too much. :shutup:
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
never judge a cd cover by what the group is all about :cool: brian free is the manager of this group and owner he has the right to do what he wants, these guys are not his back up singers, they are a classy quartet, its whats inside the cd that counts, not the picture on front.
Would love to see an article on the present BFA members. This BFA already is or will soon be the best one yet. Their concerts are definitely Praise and Worship services and I think they're the BEST. :thumbsup:
yeah they are the best. You won't find a better group of guys. The thing i like about them the best is they are so easy to talk to. Escially Bill, Derrick. and Brian. And they know when to be funny and serious. :thumbsup:
These guys are great and amazingly talented. I love to see them because they are so friendly and wonderful people. Martina Shull
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