Gary, the Tribute Quartet is having some very nice success. In an industry where new groups start up every other week, what possessed you to start your own group? What are you doing differently from other new groups today?
GC: Well, firstly, we are very thankful for the response we have seen from the fans and promoters toward Tribute Quartet. Secondly, this music is my heart - it has always been and it always will be. So, when my tenure with the Wilburns was completed and being that it was my heart to continue in Southern Gospel Music, there was no question that I start a new group.
As far as what we are doing differently,I don't know that we are doing anything different. We just are who we are and have dedicated our work, time and our focus to this ministry. Then we just let God take care of the rest.
I love your new radio release, "Be Still And Know", but it is not a traditional Southern Gospel song. Everybody and his brother knows that I love the Progessive sound in SGM. What direction are you taking Tribute Quartet when it comes to your sound?
GC: We are definitely Traditional Southern Gospel, that is the heart of each member of the group. As a matter of fact our slogan is "Preserving the Heritage and Promoting the Future of Southern Gospel Music" but, that's not to go without saying that we don't enjoy presenting the songs with variety.
Take a minute and introduce us to the whole group. Where are they from? What part do they sing? What other job do they have with the group?
GC: Dennis Dugger from Bald Knob AR wears many hats, he sings the bass, handles the setting of sound and takes care of the bus maintence.
Josh Singletary is from Raiford Fl, Josh like Dennis has many responsibilities, not only does he sing baritone, play piano, he handles keeping the web site updated,
filling all web and mail orders and lots of every day office work.
Brian Alvey is the newest member, he hails from Jasper IN. Brian sings the Tenor part and plays many instruments which we will be adding to our program at a later time.
Brian has taken over the product table on the road and keeping up with inventory.
Gary Casto, I'm from Pocatalico WVa and sing the Lead part....I do what ever is left over to do. LOL
When Tribute is not on stage singing, what does everybody do with their time?
GC: Well, Dennis goes home to Arkansas to spend his days off with his family.
Josh takes care of office work, does some studio work, runs around town with errands and takes it easy.
Brian goes home to spend time with his family.
I'm very involved in many areas of the industry that keeps me busy along with working closely with our booking Agency the Beckie Simmons Agency.
Who finds the songs that you perform, and who does the arrangements?
GC: We all have a big part in the selection process along with our producer Glen Bates. We depend upon Josh to work closely with the producers on the arrangements.
Though you guys are still a very young group, is there a song that identifies Tribute Quartet? What song seems to minister to your crowds more than any other?
GC: I'm not sure we have found that "signature song" quite yet, there are two songs that really stand out each and every night. First "God Knows" this is a song that lets everyone know no matter what their feeling or going through, God knows and God cares.
The other song is "This I Know", it simply states that Jesus loves me "This I Know", this is something the whole world needs to know. I love to see the excitement in the eyes of the audience when you tell them the Jesus loves each and everyone.
Are there any song writers in the group? Tell us a little about your song writing.
GC: I have written a few songs. I don't consider myself a song writer but, I have written a few. It all started with a fast that I was on and I have been blessed to have songs recorded by other groups as well as this group since then. I also just found out that our new tenor, Brian, has written a few. He sang them to us on the bus the other day and, well, to put it bluntly, they were good!
I know that you guys have already sang in a lot of different places already, but are there any places in particular that you have visions of singing at?
GC: You know what, I don't think we have really thought about it before. Oh, we have thoughts of singing on the Grand Ol' Opry, Carnegie Hall and, let's not forget, NQC. But, I don't know if there is just one place in particular.
What can a Pastor expect to see when Tribute Quartet comes to his church? How can a Pastor or Promoter have Tribute booked in his church or concert?
GC: They should expect to have an enjoyable evening of Southern Gospel music filled with lots of energy, laughter and worship.
Tribute Quartet can be booked exclusively through the Beckie Simmons Agency (BSA) at 615-595-7500 or ww.BSAWorld.com and you can visit them online at http://www.tributequartet.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 07/02/2008
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 1
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Gary and guys - looking forward to seeing you all again in concert sometime soon. You need to come to Springfield MO more often!! Listened to your new release on the sample and you all sound GREAT!!
The Bryants
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