SPOTLIGHT CONCERT REVIEW: LEGACY FIVE & TRIBUTE QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CONCERT REVIEW:
LEGACY FIVE (SCOTT FOWLER, SCOTT HOWARD, MATT FOUCH, JOSH FEEMSTER, AND TREY IVEY)
TRIBUTE QUARTET (GARY CASTO, JOSH SINGLETARY, RILEY HARRISON CLARK, AND ANTHONY DAVIS)
DATE: MAY 7, 2017
LOCATION: EL CAJON WESLEYAN CHURCH, EL CAJON, CA
THOUGHTS:
Despite the rain, fans gathered for an amazing night of worship at El Cajon Wesleyan Church in El Cajon, California. Local concert promoter Ruth Ann DeForrest organized this concert featuring two of Southern Gospel Music’s leading quartets: Legacy Five and Tribute Quartet. Both groups were fresh off of performing at the Great Western Fan Festival in Visalia. Before the concert, artist circle ticket holders were treated to a formal Meet and Great/Q&A session with both groups. Both groups discussed their origins, tour schedules, mission statements, and memorable experiences in the careers. Matt Fouch, bass singer of Legacy Five, pointed me out in the crowd and said “I bet you have a question.” I asked both groups about their most memorable moments. For Scott Fowler, it is about the people they help more than anything else. Fowler told a story about a concert in which a person, who had a family member who was murdered, was blessed by their ministry. It put things into perspective for Fowler and the quartet that it is important to “take this seriously” and “to not be on autopilot.” Gary Casto of Tribute Quartet told a story about an eighty six year old woman giving her life to Jesus at the altar call during one of their concerts. This reminds us that it’s never too late to live for Jesus.
Following the Q&A, we had some time to browse the product tables and talk with the artists during I caught up with Josh Feemster and Matt Fouch of Legacy Five.
At 5:00 pm , Tribute Quartet kicked the night off with the title track from their latest album Here For You. The group’s harmonies were on display with the energetic convention song “Jesus Saves,” the chorus of which was reprised several times. The group then slowed it down with “More Than Able,” featuring Josh Singletary and Anthony Davis. Gary Casto thanked the audience for coming out even in the rain. He joked that they brought the rain to the usually sunny Southern California. Next, Josh Singletary was featured on the upbeat, crowd pleaser “Everybody Come See Jesus,” which had the audience on their feet! Gary Casto was featured on “Meeting In The Middle Of The Air,” which also had the audience clapping and singing along. Casto then introduced Singletary and had him play “Power In The Blood” from his latest solo project, Hymns From Home. Josh Singletary is one of the best piano players in Southern Gospel Music in my opinion and this performance was truly impressive. He received a standing ovation. Casto then introduced bass singer Anthony Davis and featured him on “That’s How I Know,” which showcases his smooth bass voice. Comedy ensued during the performance as Josh Singletary and Riley Harrison Clark raised the microphone stand so that Casto couldn’t reach it. Also, Singletary broke out in a dancing fit during the last chorus which had the audience in stitches.
Riley Harrison Clark took the lead next with the incredible mid-tempo ballad “God Of The Storms.” Clark encouraged the crowd saying that Jesus Christ is our refuge from all danger and harm. “His voice calms the thunder. His whispers bring peace. Troubled waters of danger set a stage for His feet.” Take shelter with the God of the storms. The quartet closed out their first set with “Never Forsaken,” “Grace At Its Best,” and fan favorite “Good News From Jerusalem” all of which were well received.
Legacy Five took the stage and began the first set with “Deep In My Heart,” a energetic rendition of “He Made A Change,” and “What A Lovely Name.” Josh Feemster and Matt Fouch sounded incredible on their respective parts for both of those songs. Scott Fowler was featured on “Still,” the group’s latest single from In The Hands Of A Carpenter. This incredible song gives us comfort that no matter what happens in this world, Jesus loves us still. Fowler introduced pianist Trey Ivey, who recently announced his departure, who played a classic Southern Gospel version of “Goodbye World Goodbye.”Following the performance, Scott Fowler told a story about Trey and how his family realized his gift. Trey then played “Movement #2” a classical sonata. This of course led to some comedy from Scott Howard, who was in top comedic form joking about all things including: conservatory/crematorium, forgetfulness, and growing old. Next, the group performed their hit “I Found Grace,” which was well received. Tenor Josh Feemster was featured and “I Stand Redeemed,” which showcases his amazing range. Each time I have seen Feemster perform, he gets better and better. Fowler talked about the title track of their latest album before Trey Ivey performed the thoughtful song. The group received another standing ovation. Scott then discussed his passion for the American Patriots Bible and the preservation of the truth about this country’s founding. This was followed by an instrumental medley of Patriotic songs. The group closed out their first set with a powerful performance of “Hallelujah Chorus.”
Following a brief intermission, Tribute returned to the stage with two classic Southern Gospel songs: “Unclouded Day,” and “Living In Canaan Now.” Josh Singletary then played another track from his solo project “Everyday With Jesus,” which received another standing ovation. Next, the group performed one of my favorites “I Remember The Day,” which featured some low notes from Anthony Davis and was reprised several times. Riley Harrison Clark was featured on “Mary Did You Know” which is his most requested song. Clark blew the audience away with his incredible and powerful performance which also received a standing ovation. Singletary and Davis were featured again on “Somebody Sing Me That Song,” which Gary said was his favorite track on their new album. Following this smooth performance, Gary Casto spoke words of encouragement to the audience and led us in a sing-along featuring “In The Garden” and “Because He Lives.” The group then closed their final set with a reprise of “Jesus Saves.”
Casto introduced Legacy Five once again who then featured bass Matt Fouch on the thoughtful ballad “Who Knew.” The group’s incredible harmonies were showcased on the classic hymn “Well Done My Child.” They have been working on this song recently and Fowler asked if they could “rehearse” it for us. This rendition had the audience on their feet and clapping along. Josh Feemster and Matt Fouch nailed their respective parts with both hitting unbelievable notes. This song also featured a comedic moment in which Trey Ivey pointed out that someone missed their part which then led to Ivey taking over Fowler’s part which blew the audience away. The chorus was reprised multiple times. Next, the group sang the Cathedral classic “Boundless Love,” and featured baritone Scott Howard on “Lost In God’s Grace.” Howard is one of Gospel Music’s most consistent baritones and his performance here proved it. The quartet closed out the night with a powerful performance of “I Trust The Cross,” which reminds us that Christ is the only one who will never let you down. They also sang another chorus of “He Made A Change.”
During intermission, I had the opportunity to officially meet and take pictures with the men of Tribute Quartet as this was my first time seeing them live in concert. Gary Casto thanked me for my reviews and support which truly means a great deal to me. This group is the real deal on and off stage. Great vocals and great people! I also took pictures with Legacy Five as well who I have seen several times now. I am always impressed with them both in terms of performance and off stage interaction.
Go out and see these great groups when they come to your area!! You will not regret it one bit!!
For more information, visit: www.legacyfive.com and www.tributequartet.com
