SPOTLIGHT: CONCERT REVIEW- ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS
CONCERT REVIEW
ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND- HAPPY PEOPLE TOUR
AUGUST 1, 2015 AT LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY CHURCH IN LOMA LINDA, CA
SET LIST:
1st HALF
One of These Mornings w/ Encore
Reason Enough- featuring Devin McGlamery and Dustin Doyle
Walk With Me- featuring Ernie Haase
Glory To God In The Highest
Dustin Intro
Redemption Draweth Nigh- featuring Dustin Doyle
Happy People with several encores
Intro to Soldier/Talks About Zack Griffith
A Solider (Fighting To Go Home)- featuring Paul Harkey and Dustin Doyle
Together Wherever We Go
Ernie Intros Sunrise/ Broadway Project
Sunrise, Sunset
Old Man River- featuring Paul Harkey
Climb Every Mountain
Intermission
2nd Half
Up Above My Head-featuring Devin McGlamery & Wayne Haun
Step Into The Water
Wedding Music
Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord- featuring Devin McGlamery
Get Away Jordan- Encored x3
Sometimes I Wonder/ How Beautiful Heaven Must Be- featuring Dustin Doyle
Oh What A Savior- featuring Ernie Haase
Amen- featuring guest Lillie Knauls
Happy People Encore
THOUGHTS:
A brief disclaimer: Ok, since this is my first concert review for the blog, it is somewhat experimental in the layout etc. I will probably switch it up for future reviews.
THE VENUE:
Loma Linda University Church, which is a Seventh Day Adventist congregation, played host to Grammy Nominated and Dove Award winning quartet Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. The building had ample seating with at least five sections of twenty-six rows on the floor and a balcony section. It had several entrances which may have been confusing for visitors which the Pastor jokingly referenced. However, it was well kept campus and was a great setting for this fantastic concert.
THE SHOW:
After a brief introduction and prayer, Signature Sound hit the stage opening with the Statesmen Quartet classic “One Of These Mornings” which was very well received by the audience. In typical quartet fashion, it was encored at least once! Ernie Haase, tenor & founder of the group, addressed the crowd expressing his excitement for what was sure to be a long and worshipful evening. Next, the group sang their hit song “Reason Enough” which featured both Devin McGlamery (Lead/Baritone) and new vocalist Dustin Doyle (Lead/Baritone). Doyle did a stellar job on the solo that used to be sung by former baritone Doug Anderson, who recently left to pursue a solo ministry. Ernie was then featured on the classic “Walk With Me” which originally appeared on the group’s vintage recording called Influenced released in 2008. Ernie Haase is one of Gospel music’s greatest tenors, in my humble opinion, and he always impresses with his consistency in the quality of his vocal performance. He honestly still maintains the clear resonance and power that he has had since the early days with the legendary Cathedrals. I personally enjoy the live version of this beautiful prayer song especially when they step away from the microphones and belt out the ending a cappella. This song has become a staple of EHSS live performances and the group received a standing ovation and thunderous applause. Next, the group pumped the energy back up for the classic EHSS song “Glory To God In The Highest” which featured standout solos from Devin and the bass man himself Paul Harkey, who have been members of the group since 2009 and 2012 respectively. This song also allowed for the Loma Linda audience to see Dustin Doyle attempt the signature dance steps for the first time. I must say it is always a highlight of welcoming a new face to the group to see them try to do the dance moves. I am happy to report that the 6’ tall Dustin did extremely well with it! After the encore, Ernie took time to introduce each member of the quartet and then brought Dustin Doyle into the spotlight. Of course, in typical Ernie Haase fashion, he teased the 30 year old Kentucky native about his height and slim build. He then featured him on his audition song the Gospel standard “Redemption Draweth Nigh,” which was met with another standing ovation. In his short time with the group, Dustin has already begun to gel with the other guys and their blend is impeccable. Doug Anderson left some big shoes to fill, but I whole heartedly believe that Dustin was the right guy to take his place as evidenced by his performance on this song alone. After this special moment, the group sang their current #1 single “Happy People” which they encored several times. They even got the crowd involved by tossing Frisbees into the audience. This song has been a blessing to many people already including myself. Happy are the people who believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, amen!! Happy People shine!!
Next, Ernie took time to honor David Griffith’s son, Zack as well as the veterans for their service to this great country. The group then sang another highly requested song from the new project called “A Soldier (Fighting to Go Home)” which featured the smooth bass voice of Paul Harkey and a powerful solo from Dustin Doyle. Dustin nailed the last verse which furthered my excitement for the future of this lineup. After this powerful performance which had everyone on their feet once again, the group switched gears from Gospel to show tunes as they, with pianist Wayne Haun adding a fifth part, began singing selections from their other brand new project The Inspiration of Broadway such as “Together Wherever We Go,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “Old Man River.” Each song was well received especially Paul Harkey’s incredible rendition of “Old Man River” from the hit musical Showboat. Harkey, who studied opera in college, had the audience on their feet by the end of the song with his stellar vocal range. Just when you thought they couldn’t top that, they closed out the first half with a stirring performance of the legendary song “Climb Every Mountain” from the Sound of Music. Both Ernie and Wayne nailed their solos and “brought the house down”, so to speak.
During intermission, the entire group went to the courtyard to work the product table and talk with fans for about fifteen minutes. I was able, during this brief time, to purchase the new group photo and have each of the guys sign it, something I’ve become very accustomed to as this was my eighth time attending a EHSS concert. I am always impressed with the kindness and personable nature of the guys. Even at their busiest, they still remember me by name and take time to greet me which puts a smile on my face every time.
Following the intermission, the second half kicked off with a duet of “Up Above My Head” with Devin McGlamery and Wayne Haun which McGlamery recorded on his highly successful solo CD Love Is A Verb. This led into a string of several classic songs from the EHSS repertoire including Cathedrals classics “Step Into The Water,” and “Wedding Music” which were both met with great energy from the audience. Next, Ernie mentioned that the “kids” had been requesting the Statler Brothers classic “Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord” which he then explained as a “Christian rap” song due to the fast tempo. This energetic track was well received and had everyone in good spirits as Devin pulled what I like to call “a Mark Lowry” and danced around during the song. Of course every EHSS concert is not complete until they sing their hit version of “Get Away Jordan” which was encored several times. Each time it was encored, Ernie kicked it up a notch in his energy and vocal performance. I don’t think I’ve heard him sing it better than he did at this concert!! After everyone caught their breath, they slowed it down to feature Dustin Doyle on what became Doug’s signature song “Sometimes I Wonder.” I was not expecting to hear this song, but let me tell you, I was blown away with his performance as it was on par with the previous version. This song has truly been a comfort for me and my family in the last few years as several of our loved ones have gone on to Heaven most recently my grandmother (Dad’s mom). This tender moment brought into perspective the importance of trusting the Lord and showing His love to one another. His spirit was definitely present during this entire night. The group continued this worshipful tone with Ernie’s signature song “Oh, What A Savior” which he always belts out with incredible tone and emotion. This amazing performance was followed by the Gospel standard a frequent closer song “Amen” which featured special guest Lillie Knauls, who came to watch her friends perform. This was such a special moment for the audience as well as the guys. The night then came to a close with a reprise of “Happy People” which still had the audience on their feet.
After the concert, the group once again came to greet fans. I was then able to get pictures with Devin and Ernie as I was unable to get them at intermission. I cannot begin to thank these godly men for their kindness and the impact they have made on my life. After informing Devin of my intent to write about the concert, he allowed me to keep the written set list from the first half in order to help with my review. This was such an incredible moment for me and one I will never forget!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I cannot recommend enough that you all go to an Ernie Haase & Signature Sound concert when they come to your area. You will not be disappointed in the slightest! Every time I see them, they keep getting better and better! Their musical talent and passion for the Gospel is clearly evident from the first song to the last. They also are incredibly kind to their fans and make sure to greet them and personally thank them for supporting their ministry. This lineup is going to do some great things!! While I will miss Doug, I truly believe they couldn’t have found a better replacement than Dustin Doyle, who nailed every solo he had (many of which were previously Doug’s). Also, I must mention the great behind the scenes work by usual bass guitarist David Griffith, who ran sound for this concert.
Go out and see EHSS in concert and make sure to purchase their new projects Happy People and The Inspiration of Broadway as well!! Follow the link for more information: www.erniehaase.com.