In Concert with The Perrys

My wife Emily is not the biggest fan of southern gospel music, but if you were to ask her what southern gospel group she enjoys listening to the answer would be the Perrys. I would have to agree with her they are some of the finest singers on the road today. Since the early 90’s I have enjoyed listening to their music, but I don’t think they have sounded any better than they do today.

Thursday Night Emily and I went to see them at a church close to home. The concert started at 7:00 and local group called Encounter opened up for them. They did a fine job doing a couple of original tunes (I think) then a couple Talley Trio songs and a Hoppers and Martins tune. About 7:30, the Perrys took the stage. With recent departure of Matthew Holt, Troy Peach filled in on the piano. He did a nice job and seemed to fit right in. Tracy mentioned they were going to be announcing the new piano player in a couple of days.

The song list for the evening included “The Potter Knows the Clay”, “Look No Further”, “Holy Shore”, “He Will Hide Me”, “Calvary Answers for Me” among many others.
There seemed to be some sound issues the first half but seemed to be corrected by the end of the evening. It didn’t distract from the ministry that took place. The congregation really responded to them. One of the highlights of the evening was when Tracy called Troy’s wife Katy up to sing “Who Am I Medley” Troy and Joseph joined her as it led into “He Came To Me” then “Oh What A Savior” Let me just tell you, the women can sing! It was a wonderful moment in the concert.

Tracy, Libbi, Nick, and Joseph are all great singers. I hope this lineup can stay together for a while. Not only do they have a great sound, they have good stage chemistry as well. I look forward to see what God has in store in the coming years for the Perrys.

Update: Perrys just annouced today (9/1/08) their new pianist.

Here is the press release.

GALLATIN, TN (Press Release) - The Perrys have announced that Bryan Elliott, of the Anchormen (and formerly, the Palmetto State Quartet), will be their new pianist, effective Friday, August 8, when the group appears in Conway, Arkansas.

Tracy Stuffle says, "We're thrilled to have Bryan on board. We've literally watched Bryan grow up in Southern Gospel music, and fans across the country know that he is one of finest pianists on the road today."

The Anchormen's Tim Bullins, says, "The Anchormen certainly wish the absolute best for Bryan and his family. This is a great opportunity for him, and I'm very
happy for him - and the Perrys! Bryan's a super pianist and a super young man!"