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01 Sep 2004
Unnoticed, Underappreciated
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 Can I be honest for a moment? I sometimes get tired of seeing the same faces over and over again. I get tired of the gushing that some people receive, just because their name represents something that people have grown to love. You know what I really get tired of? The fact that so many of our up and coming individuals in Southern Gospel aren't getting the praise they deserve. So many are out forging the road ahead without a simple “thank you” from those they are traveling with. This is our gift to you. This is our gift to those that we feel are unnoticed, underappreciated, and just plain ignored most of the time. We've all heard the names Kim Hopper, Jason Crabb, and Lauren Talley: amazing talents that deserve their mention time and time again. Heck, we've even seen the likes of Kanah Dunaway, Joseph Habedank, and Christian Davis start to receive the acclaim that is due them. However, SoGospelNews.com would like to honor 10 individuals (well 11 really) who are truly making their mark today, without the help of huge group names or industry accolades. Rather, these individuals are making their mark because of their sheer, raw talent. Below is a list of those who some of the staff at SoGospelNews feels is the future of Southern Gospel. They are what the industry is moving towards. 10.
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2. 1. Perhaps you're saying to yourself, what about “so and so”? How could my favorite person be left off? The fact is that Southern Gospel is so full of amazing talent, that not everyone could be included. However, this is just a small list of those that we believe are the future of the industry. These are the names you will be hearing about 10 years down the road. Reader Comments |
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Unnoticed, Underappreciated
 Written: 09/01/2004  Author: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Category:
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Brian Elliot – Elliot joined the Anchormen not long ago as their pianist. Not only is Elliott a major force to be reckoned with on the piano, but is also traveling around the country at the meager age of 17. Brian puts on an amazing show with his energetic playing. Did I mention that he's studied under Anthony Burger? Yeah, that should mean something . 
Matt McFarland – McFarland recently joined the up and coming group CrossWay last summer, taking the place of long-time member Casey Cappleman. McFarland not only filled the big shoes of the favorite tenor, but also placed CrossWay on the map with their latest release, This I Know . He single handedly gave something to the group they were missing: an instantly recognizable voice. More will be heard from this phenomenal tenor in the years to come. 
Amber Franks – LordSong wouldn't be what they were without the uber-talented vocalist Amber Franks. Amber joined not long after the group started, and she instantly became the glue that held the group together. Her subtle soprano blends almost as natural as a sister would with Kim Lord, and she can change texture to her voice in an instant, filling in the alto when Kim takes the high lead. Overall, Amber has one of the voices that every group needs: one that holds a group together. 
Jeremy Brown – Brown is an amazing guitar player. If you've never seen the Jody Brown Indian Family perform, you are missing out on a truly amazing experience. The entire band flows well in and out of their mix of bluegrass, country, and folk music. However, it is Jeremy's picking and acoustic playing skills that truly draws the listener in. It's amazing you haven't heard from him more, because he is truly one of Southern Gospel's finest guitar players. 
Ian Owens – Owens really started to make a name for himself while singing with Branson favorite's Cumberland Quartet . However, Owens shocked the industry when he went with the back-on-the-rise Imperials . The other “imps” casually make fun of the fact that such a big bass voice can come out of such a small body. However, once you hear the kind of voice that does come out of Ian, one can only tell that he is possibly the finest bass singer in the industry today. 
Justin Ellis – Ever heard of a little group called the Perrys? Sure you have. Now have you ever seen Justin Ellis take charge of a program by playing songs on short notice that the group doesn't do on a regular basis? This guy is amazing. He picks up where Tracy Stuffle is heading and doesn't look back. He's got an amazing ear for beautiful melodies and is chock full of talent. It's sad that the industry only recognizes a handful of pianists. While they are great, one can't be but a tad disappointed that so many fine players, especially Ellis, are sadly overlooked. 
Randy “Scoot” Shelnut, Jr . – The Dixie Echoes wouldn't be what they are right now without the smooth baritone of Scoot Shelnut. His blend is amazing and rivals that of any top baritone today. Need an example? How about listening to him perform “The Lighthouse” without any kind of notice. But this isn't only about his vocal ability. Shelnut is also a very strong bass player, as well as a pianist and songwriter. It's amazing that the industry doesn't look to him more. 
Mitchel John Kanitzer – When I first heard Three Bridges perform in concert, my first reaction was “WOW!” However, upon deeper listens, I was drawn into the subtle intricacies that Kanitzer displays in his vocal ability. He has a sound that is a cross between Motown and today's country. He can sing a ballad with the rest of them, but nobody quite delivers a song like this guy. There are a thousand good singers today, but very few captivate the listener as easily as Mitchel John Kanitzer. 
Eddie & Jessica Harrison – I couldn't rank one without including the other. Eddie and Jessica contain a rare gift in today's Southern Gospel. They utilize the sounds of today's pop music into their vocal delivery without forsaking the tradition of Southern Gospel. This was a tradition that the likes of Joyce Martin and Michael English have been able to do for years. Eddie & Jessica travel every weekend as 2/3 of Hope's Call , ministering not only in churches, but in youth camps around the country. They've got a heart for ministry and a talent that extends way beyond their years. 
Stephanie Brown – Words can not express all the talent that is bundled up in this 17 year old girl. Brown has been singing with her family, Jody Brown Indian Family , for many years, yet just recently came into her own as a vocalist, as well as an established songwriter (penning most of the group's biggest hits). Her vocal delivery is a little bit of country, a whole lot of bluegrass, and enough modern flavor to keep things interesting. Stephanie Brown will not only go down as one of Southern Gospel's finest alto voices, but one of the industry's most talented songwriters.
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