GROUP SPOTLIGHT: THE KRAMERS (1995- PRESENT)
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
A Family Affair: Spotlight on The Kramers
Kramer is a name that should be familiar to fans of Gospel Music. Rachel West Kramer has had a successful career as a soloist for nearly sixteen years. Along with her husband Scott, she has produced several quality solo recordings including the well received Majestic Glory as well as ministry work for twenty years. In 2014, the family decided to form a trio with the addition of their 19 year old daughter Maria. This dynamic trio is already taking the Southern Gospel Music field by storm. Dedicated to spreading the Gospel and to producing great music, the Kramers are sure to continue to have a blessed career. The group’s exciting career began back in 1995 when Rachel and Scott married. The two came together not only in marriage but in vocal harmony. In addition to singing, Scott and Rachel began hosting outreach cruises aboard the Spirit of Peoria Riverboat called RiverLife in 1996. The couple also founded a non-profit outreach organization called Hands Of Love two years later. Both of these outlets allow the Kramers to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to many people. They later took their music career full time in the year 2000.
Each member of this talented family adds a great dynamic to their ministry. D. Scott Kramer states, “[The] Members are D. Scott Kramer (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rachel West Kramer (vocals), and Maria Kramer (19 year-old daughter – vocals, ukulele, mandolin, piano, guitar). Traveling with The Kramers is their 17 year-old son, Weston. At age two, he was diagnosed as having autism. The Kramer family is grateful for his special life and the unique ways in which the LORD uses Weston in and through their lives and ministry.” This is a testament to the genuine heart for Christ each of them possesses. This family has a heart for service which is the focus of their music. Rachel’s powerful soprano, Maria’s beautiful alto, and Scott’s smooth tenor blend perfectly together to produce incredible harmonies.
These stellar harmonies can be heard on the group’s brand new recording Revive Us Again. This exciting record features eleven classic Southern Gospel standards most of which are proven concert hits. With songs such as “I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary,” “More Than Ever,” and “Look For Me,” this CD is a tribute to some of the group’s major influences and favorites. Rachel West Kramer explains, “We all come from diverse musical backgrounds, but some of our Southern Gospel favorites are Goodman Revival, Gaither Homecoming, Gaither Vocal Band, Woody Wright, The Hoppers, Buddy Greene, The Isaacs, Russ Taff…and many more!” This is evident as most of the songs on this record were written by Bill and Gloria Gaither and performed by the Gaither Vocal Band. Maria Kramer enjoys performing the Gaither classic “I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary.” She exclaims, “It’s a powerful proclamation of what we, as believers, believe and what we will stand on until Jesus returns or takes us home. The song is a testament of what The LORD has done in our lives, how He has changed us completely and made us alive in Him. I can speak on behalf of my parents as well and say that we are all greatly moved when sharing this song.” Produced by D. Scott Kramer, this debut recording also includes several of Nashville’s finest musicians, arrangers, producers and audio engineers. The vocal and musical talent on this record is undeniable and is the first of many.
Kramer adds, “Our prayer for this project is that it would encourage others, draw us all closer to The LORD and be used of Him to bring revival!” Revive Us Again is sure to be a blessing to many people.
In the group’s twenty year career of traveling and singing, they have been able to make some incredible memories. According to the group’s website, “In 2003, Rachel traveled to Washington, DC with the Grace Singers and was privileged to sing “How Great Thou Art” at the National Prayer Breakfast with President George W. and First Lady Bush in attendance.” In addition, the Kramers have performed at the National Quartet Convention as well as other national events. “There are so many [memorable moments], but any time someone accepts Jesus as their personal Savior at a concert, it is the most special and rewarding time on the road,” Kramer says. “Most recently, a nineteen year-old girl who had been abandoned by her parents was at one of our concerts. She had struggled with drugs and alcohol and always felt empty inside. After the Gospel was shared at our concert, she made the decision to put her trust in Jesus Christ and surrender her life to Him. Her smile after the concert was priceless and full of life. We praise God for moments like these.” This is what it’s about! The group is thankful that they are able help many people come to know the love of Christ. Their mission statement is simple: “Working hand in hand with the body of Christ, embracing the world with God’s love and salvation.” Kramer adds, “Our theme verse is Isaiah 26:4, ‘Trust in The LORD, for The LORD, The LORD Himself is the Rock Eternal!” This is clearly evident in their music and performances.
It is now 2016 and this incredible ministry driven family is just getting started! The future is a bright one for the talented trio. They are firm in their beliefs and their mission to bring souls to Christ and are excited for what God has in store for them. “We already have a full schedule with 180 concerts this year and we will also be promoting the new CD. Ultimately, we are praying for revival across the lands!, the group exclaims. The Kramers are the real deal. The Lord has blessed them with incredible voices and the ability to spread His Word through music. Their love for the Lord is greatly evident and is a joy for fans to experience. Be sure to support their incredible ministry and see them in concert soon!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE KRAMERS: http://thekramersmusic.com/