DVD REVIEW: HAPPY PEOPLE- ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS

DVD REVIEW:

HAPPY PEOPLE

ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Executive Producer: Ernie Haase

Produced by Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun

Director: Doug Stuckey

REVIEW COPY PROVIDED

Song List:

• One Of These Mornings

• Joshua Led God's Children

• Angels Everywhere

• Changed By A Baby Boy

• Jesus Changed Everything

• A Place In The Choir (featuring The Browns)

• It's Good To See The Sun

• Love Walked In

• Happy People

• All That I Need (featuring TaRanda Greene)

• Let Your Love Light Shine

• A Soldier (Fighting To Go Home)

• From My Rags To His Riches (featuring Devin McGlamery)

• The Seeker (featuring Doug Anderson)

• Stars Would Fall (featuring Wayne Haun)

• Thank You For Saving Me

• I Do Believe

• Happy People (Reprise)

THOUGHTS:

Recorded live in Wabash, Indiana along with the Inspiration of Broadway concert video, this high energy show reminds audiences of the unique and inventive style of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. This video has everything I have come to expect from an EHSS production! The classic rapport between the members was hightened in my eyes now knowing that Doug Anderson will soon be leaving the group.

Incredible vocals, great muscians, and professional production quality are all an essential part of an EHSS video and this project was not lacking in any if these areas. The show opens up with the fun uptempo quartet classic "One Of The Mornings" and "Joshua Led God's Children" each with several encores. Light choreography made a reapperance on the former which was a call back to earlier days. The classic EHSS humor is still present as well! When Errnie was introducing the next song, he forgot that he had written it with Diane Wilkinson, but rather credited Wayne Haun as the co-writer. Both Wayne and Devin corrected him with Devin teasing him about his age. The quartet then slowed it down and sang the beautifully crafted "Angels Everywhere" with such heart and emotion. The group kept the tenderness going with Haase sharing and sweet letter written by his father Ray in which he states the Ernie changed his life. They then sang Ray's favorite song "Changed By A Baby Boy" which always gets the crowd on their feet. Devin McGlamery has truly solidified his place in this group and shines on this fun song. Next the quartet once again slows it down with the powerful and emotion filled "Jesus Changed Everything." Ernie Haase's performance is truly reminscent of his time with the great Cathedral Quartet. Following this incredible performance, Haase introduced fellow StowTown Records artist The Browns, who came to the stage and sung "A Place In The Choir." This group gave a fantastic performance showcasing not only their tight family harmonies, but their amazing violin playing. EHSS returned to the stage and discussed their world travels as an introduction to "It's Good To See The Sun." Wayne Haun joined the group playing the accordion in what was made to look like a cafe setting. Doug takes the lead next on the country flavored "Loved Walked In" which is then followed by the title cut "Happy People." The latter was encored several times during which the group tossed smilie faced beach balls into the audience. Next, Ernie introduced another StowTown artist the talented TaRanda Greene, who sang her hit "All I Need." Greene truly continues the legacy of great female voices such as Vestal Goodman. EHSS returns to the stage with easy going "Let Your Love Light Shine." Ernie Haase then introduces the band and takes a minute to recognize David Griffith, bass player and charter member. He honors Griffith's son and other armed service members and then surprises him with his son coming out to the stage. Following this heartfelt moment, Paul Harkey takes the lead on the powerful ballad "A Soldier Fighting To Go Home." Harkey's performance brought the crowd to their feet. Next, Ernie asked Devin, Doug, and Wayne to sing songs from their respective solo projects. All were well received. The concert closed with two of the most incredible performances from EHSS that I have ever seen/heard! What else can I say about "Thank You For Saving Me"?! It is a masterpiece! It is a song of pure worship and praise to the Christ! This song will be for Devin McGlamery what "We Shall See Jesus" was for the legendary Glen Payne! After a tender encore, Doug took the lead on the Gaither classic "I Do Believe" and absolutley blew me away with his vocals and emotional performance.

Final Thoughts:

This is a must buy without a doubt!!! This is a truly special project and though at the time it may not have been decided, a great send off for Doug Anderson!! 5 stars.