SPOTLIGHT CONCERT REVIEW: ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND, LEGACY FIVE, AND THE BOOTH BROTHERS IN
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CONCERT REVIEW:
ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND
LEGACY FIVE
& THE BOOTH BROTHERS
SHADOW MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CHURCH
EL CAJON, CA
NOVEMBER 8, 2019
On Friday night (November 8th), Shadow Mountain Community Church played host to three of Southern Gospel Music’s most beloved groups: Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Legacy Five, and the Booth Brothers.
This anointed night of worship kicked off with Ernie Haase (accompanied by Josh Townsend of L5 on piano) leading the audience in an opening hymn “Victory In Jesus,” as well as a beautiful prayer. Haase then introduced his lifelong fiend and former quartet mate Scott Fowler and Legacy Five. Legacy Five’s first set opened with the fun, upbeat “Deep In My Heart,” which showcased each member. Fowler then introduced Lee Black, who joined the group in the tenor position six months ago. As I told him in person, I firmly believe that he is one of the best tenors on the road today. His tone and effortless range are impressive. He was featured on the title track on their latest CD “Pure Love,” which tells of the transforming power of Christ’s Love. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you’ve done. His Love is enough. Next, Bryan Walker, the group’s new baritone who also joined six months ago, took the lead on the powerful anthem “I Believe The Book,” which received a great response from the audience. Walker’s smooth baritone has been an incredible addition to the quartet in my opinion. Following this fantastic performance, Josh Townsend shared his testimony and performed the simply incredible “God’s Been Good.” Townsend, only in his early 20's, has been through many trials related to his health. He, by earthly medical standards, should not be here, but God had other plans! Through it all, God has been good to him. Even having heard his story before, this was still a powerful performance and testimony. No matter what your circumstances, if you believe, God is faithful and right by your side. They closed their first set with two more songs from their latest project the great ballad “Only Passing Through,”(featuring bass singer Matt Fouch) and the worshipful “What Kind Of Man,” which is honestly one of the best songs the group has ever recorded. I was completely blown away by both performances. I loved the a Capella reprise of the last chorus of “Only Passing Through.”
Next, Scott Fowler introduced the most awarded trio in Southern Gospel music, The Booth Brothers. This powerhouse trio featuring Michael and Ronnie Booth and Paul Lancaster were in top form vocally and comedically. They opened their set with the beautiful mid-tempo track “That’s Says It All,” which simply says, “Jesus loves me and I guess that says it all.” He loves me and I will not ask for more. I know He cares for me! Next, they picked up the tempo with the Celtic styled “See, What A Morning,” triumphant telling of Christ’s Death and Resurrection. The intricate harmonies and vocal blend on this song were stellar! Next, Ronnie Booth took the lead on the Country classic “Three Wooden Crosses,” which can be found on their latest recording entitled Country Roads. Speaking of Country Roads, baritone Paul Lancaster was featured on that John Denver classic which got a great response from the audience. They closed their first set with the Latin styled favorite “All Over The World,” the tender Michael Booth led ballad “He Heals,” and the powerful classic “Then I Met The Master.” These men continue to impress me not only with their incredible vocals, but also their deep love for the Lord and their desire to spread His Word through their music. Also, Michael Booth was hilarious as usual. His bit about getting older and the comment about getting two great groups to open and close their program were great!
Michael Booth then introduced Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, who took the stage opening with three songs from their Grammy Nominated album Clear Skies. They kicked it off with the fun, uptempo “You’ll Find Him There,” which showcases the group’s stellar harmonies. Baritone Dustin Doyle took the lead on the title track “Clear Skies,” which reminds us that no matter what trials you face, God will bring you through. Clear skies are coming and it won’t be long! Next, the group delivered a beautiful rendition of the Fanny Crosby co-written hymn “Give Me Jesus.” Ernie and the guys also showcased some songs from their brand new Christmas record A Jazzy Little Christmas. This old timey recording takes inspiration from the classic style of the 50’s and was recorded in New York instead of their usual Nashville spot. They then performed a fun Christmas version of the classic “Mister Sandman” re-titled “Mister Santa” and a new love song called “Christmas In Manhattan.” Both were very well received. They closed out their first set with the incredible “Walking Through Fire,” co-written by Devin McGlamery and Lee Black, and the Cathedrals style “Heaven Is.” I was deeply moved by McGlamery’s performance and his preaching before it. God is always beside me through it all!
After a few reprises of the chorus, there was a brief fifteen minute intermission during which I got to catch up with Legacy Five. It was an honor to finally meet Lee Black and Bryan Walker, who are incredibly kind. I also picked up Josh Townsend’s new solo Christmas CD which I will review in the coming days. As it was quite crowded, I was unable to chat with EHSS or the Booth Brothers aside from a quick chat with Paul Harkey of EHSS. It was great to see them again as it has been about four years since I’d last seen them in concert!
Following intermission, EHSS took the stage once more. This time they delivered stellar performances of “Happy People,” the Cathedrals classic “Wedding Music,” and of course “Oh, What A Savior.” Each time I hear Ernie sing this song, it gets better and better!
The Booth Brothers second set featured the beautiful mid-tempo “Grace Divine,” the classic Booth Brothers hit “The Blind Man (He Saw It All),” and powerful anthem “Jesus Saves.” I was blown away by the incredible vocals on the latter.
Legacy Five closed out this incredible night of worship with the classic “I Found Grace,” the patriotic “I’m Proud To Be An American,” and catchy new track “What A Day.”
What can I say! This night was simply incredible! It was great to see these groups in concert again! I cherish the friendships I’ve made with these kind-hearted men of God. It has been a rough few weeks for me with the loss of my beloved dog as well as a hard work schedule. This was a welcome reprieve. Not only did each group sound incredible, they also straight up preached the Word. I loved every second of this concert. I hope to see them all again here in California soon.
