The Red Star Express Band is known for their Gospel and Folk Bluegrass Music
Concerts.
June 3rd (Friday at 8 pm) June 4th (Saturday at 7 pm)
... Red Star Express
YOU CAN MEET THE RED STAR EXPRESS
MUSICIANS
AFTER THE CONCERT IN THE THEATER'S INTIMATE SETTING.
For additional info and group information phone Monica...
414-218-2202
Members of RED STAR
EXPRESS
Mike Mathes - Guitar vocals
Steve
Nothem - Bass fiddle, Guitar
Sally Sikora -
vocals
Galen "Tex" Hunt - Banjo, Dojo, vocals
Eldon Klein - Guitar, Vocals
Sue Woodward - Fiddle,
Vocals
Chris Jost - Guitar
Gerry Jost -
Mandolin, harp, Vocals
DEDICATION: We dedicate this Gospel
Express recording to the Glory of God.
Themes of these
Gospel hymns, anthems and ballads.
Accepting Lord Jesus as Lord and Savior, our sin
sacrifice and belonging to Him.
DRIFTING TOO FAR FROM THE SHORE *ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD *
I SAW THE LIGHT *AMAZING GRACE * DOWN TO THE RIVER TO
PRAY
Depending on and trusting in the Lord Jesus to
see us through life's storms / to mold us and make us more like
Himself - (These songs talk about different,
faithful aspects of the
Lord)
BE THOU MY VISION * HE LEADETH ME * KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE *
SOMEBODY TOUCHED ME * PASS ME NOT GENTLE SAVIOR
Believers looking forward to going home
to a place of peace and love, Heaven, to have eternal life
with Jesus Christ.(God's promises to us, as His children)
.
ANGEL BAND * I'LL FLY AWAY * WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN * LET
US TRAVEL, TRAVEL ON
Music Review of Gospel Express
What a
wonderful collection of folk and classic Southern Bluegrass Gospel ballads
and 2 well-known hymns! All the ballads, anthems and hymns are played with
poignancy, gusto and spirit, in the intricate Bluegrass style that Red Star
Express has surely mastered in their own renditions of these uplifting
songs. These powerful Gospel tunes were originally written and performed by
such talented songwriters/artists Gilmore & Bradbury, John Newton,
Carter Family, Fanny Crosby, Bradbury and Haskall, Hoffman, Louvin Brothers,
Hank Williams, Albert Brumley, and Ada Habershon & Entwisle/Carter
Family. Other songs' on the album come from unknown songwriters who lived in
Appalachia, the birthplace of American Bluegrass music.
Singing and playing from the heart, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, the
members of Red Star Express so fully "express", on several levels, the hope,
love and peace of the Lord Jesus in volumes to the listener through their
music. During my recovery from knee replacement surgery, their Gospel
Express CD was one of my favorite albums that gave me not only a variety of
interesting song compositions, musical bluegrass style interludes between
the verses, and soothing inspiring harmonies and vocals to listen to and
absorb, taking my mind off the pain, but also bolstered my faith and love
for the Lord, filling me with God's peace and encouragement, which in turn
lessened the stress and anxiety of the whole experience as I depended on the
Lord to get me through the challenging hoops of recovery.
It's hard to know where to start, as this album has
everything that I love about Christian Bluegrass: Meaningful lyrical
messages, presented so well by strong, dynamic, spirited, inspired vocals,
and clear, supportive harmonies, terrific arrangements of inspiring,
hopeful Gospel with a variety of moods & tempos, and a well
executed, dynamic presentation of each song's musical
composition!
Lets take a look at the marvelous,
Bluegrass Gospel sound generated by a talented group of instrumentalists,
who are filled with the Spirit, and work as a team to the glory of the
Lord. Red Star Express' own arrangements, done in their own Bluegrass
Gospel style, truly capture the energy, emotion, hope and spirit of each of
the songs presented so well on this album.
Christian
Country and Bluegrass Gospel songs have traditionally been propelled
and supported by guitar or acoustic ensembles, with other
instruments like fiddles and harmonicas added for spice, though the main
stars that shine in Gospel songs are the lyrical messages and the vocals
that are the featured musical elements in this genre. While this is true in
this collection of songs, when the vocals are presenting the lyrical
messages, the instrumental talents and gifts of the members of Red Star
Express are also showcased in the song introductions, the interludes between
verses, and some of the tags of the songs, as well the inter-connected,
solid musical accompaniment that supports the vocals.
It
certainly takes teamwork as all the musical accompaniment must flow as one.
Yet, individual performances are delicately distinct in either the
back-up counter melodies, rhythm stabilizers or as lead melody voices in
the intros, or interludes between verses. Whether one hears a fast-paced,
robust ballad or anthem with a cookin' tempo, or a slower, beautiful
arrangement, with simpler accompaniment of a classic hymn, the sound is
always inspiring and brightens the spirit of the listener.
The playing of 8th and 16th note counter melodies; sometimes
with doted rhythms at a fast, lively pace sounds like it is so easy, though
this bell player with less talent knows better. The Bluegrass sound has
always fascinated me, since I was a child in the pre-dawn era. On the
faster-paced-spirited songs, it is amazing to me on how 7 people can come
together and create such lively inner voices on their instrument of
expertise, precise music that complements not only each other, but supports
and provides the steady tempo for the main melody, carried by either a
lead instrument in the interludes, or the vocalist/vocalists who are
carrying the melody and singing the verses.
Fast-to-medium paced anthems and ballads on this album that fit into this
category: (ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD * KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE *
SOMEBODY TOUCHED ME * PASS ME NOT GENTLE SAVIOR * I SAW THE LIGHT * I'LL
FLY AWAY * WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN * LET US TRAVEL, TRAVEL ON * HE
LEADETH ME).
HE LEADETH ME (Based on Psalm 23:1-3) (Words by Joseph
Gilmore, music by William Bradbury, 1864.)
RED STAR
EXPRESS presents this long popular hymn as a song of hope and thankfulness,
which surely cheers up the listener, who is facing a challenge of
life.
Begins reverently with an a capella rendition of the
refrain;Very legato and beautiful 4 PART Gospel. Banjo jumps in with a
perky introduction, beginning the spirit of joy and thankfulness that flows
with enthusiasm throughout the accompaniment and vocals. Banjo, mandolin and
guitar offer spirited accompaniment, as background musical support for the
joyful female vocals and the equally enthusiastic back up vocals in the
refrain. Banjo and mandolin take turns in the interlude between 2nd and 3rd
verses. Ends with an a capella rendition of the chorus.
PASS ME NOT GENTLE SAVIOR (By Fanny Crosby). Prayer ballad of a
person asking for help from Jesus in overcoming unbelief.
Begins slowly with the intro by an expressive violin in the
first few measures, to introduce this beautiful prayer of petition. Banjo,
harmonica and other voices join in at moderate lively pace, setting the
tempo and melody for the smooth lead vocals, and trio voices backup chorus.
First interlude features the mandolin and harmonica Second Interlude a
lively violin and mandolin play a verse of the melody between 2nd and 3rd
verse. Last interlude features the banjo.
WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN- (Originally written by Ada
Habershon, song was rearranged by A.P. Carter.)
What a great song of hope about seeing loved ones eventually
when we go home to be with the Lord. Ballad tells the story of a family
who bury their mother who died, and how they cheered themselves up,
holding onto the promise of eternal life. As believers in Christ, they
all eventually will wind up in heaven, and sing together again the Gospel
songs that Mother Mabel (Carter's relative) taught
them.
This wildly joyous composition begins with a lively banjo
and mandolin duet melody intro, which takes off in energy and joy in
both the musical accompaniment, and the vocals, as each member of RED
STAR EXPRESS sings a verse, telling the story of sorrow and how the
grieving family sang to be strong, remembering the promises of
God.
Each instrument takes turns playing a solo reprise of the
melody in the interludes between the many verses. The bass fiddle was
very impressive, as I didn't know that this instrument could play that
many notes so fast!!! RED STAR EXPRESS plays this song as their ending
number at all their concerts, to remind all that they are all part of the
Lord's circle.
Though I fell in love with all of the songs presented on this
album;(hook, line and sinker), finding each to be unique and quite
entertaining and moving, the four, fast-paced songs that cheered me up the
most were, SOMEBODY TOUCHED ME, ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD, KEEP ON THE
SUNNY SIDE and I'LL FLY AWAY. These are great examples of comforting and
uplifting Bluegrass, as they are full of jubilation, spirit and hope,
musically precise in their presentation, and have lively Bluegrass
counter-melodies, strongly heard in the interludes between verses,
supporting the solo instruments. Each of these instruments take a turn,
expressing the melody introduction or melody in the intro and musical
interlude between verses.
SOMEBODY TOUCHED ME - (Traditional Bluegrass Gospel). The
words remind us that at many turns in life we are touched by the hand of the
Lord. Lord is with us through all our challenges. We love and shine because
God first loved us. We can look forward to going home to heaven.
This spirited, movin' version gets the ball rolling, with a
peppy banjo intro, soon to be joined by the rousing ensemble of mandolin,
guitar, violin, bass guitar. Mandolin and violin each take a turn, leading
the melody line in the interlude. After covering the two verses of this
song, the composition seamlessly segues into the first verse of the song,
"
THIS LITTLE
LIGHT OF MINE." Banjo takes a turn during the following interlude. Again
they seamlessly segue into the first verse of
DO LORD. Then, there is another musical romp through the
chorus to a grand finish!
I'LL FLY AWAY (1931-Alfred Brumley) - Reminder that our earthly
death leads to "everlasting glory" with Christ. (John 3:16)
Song begins with a burst of energy, starting with the
violin! Violin, mandolin, banjo all entertain the listener, each taking a
turn with the melody in the interludes. Guitar and bass are equally busy
providing strong support! Smoke must come out of the ensemble when this
song is played. 8th and 16th notes are flying in tempo, and all the various
instrumental voices come together in a magnificent way, providing a spirited
accompaniment for equally spirited vocals.
ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD -({Revelations 7:14}, 1878-Elisha
A Hoffman) Our sins are forgiven through the sacrifice of God's only
Son.
This long-time, Bluegrass favorite features spirited and
joyful accompaniment, with an energetic ensemble, especially the
inspiring banjo and mandolin that contribute a smokin' performance in the
interlude! Accompaniment truly expresses the joy and thankfulness of being
saved from sin through Jesus Christ. The vocals match the energy of the
accompaniment - WOW, what a song of inspiration!!
KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE -(1899- Ada Blenkhornm, music by J.
Howard Entwisle, later made popular by A.P.Carter and Family, becoming
their signature song.)
Reminds us not only to keep a positive attitude and outlook;
(keep things on the bright side), but to trust in Jesus our Savior always,
"For He keeps us all in His care, not matter the hardships or trials we face"
in this world.
Song begins with a ball of energetic sound, thanks to the
talents of very busy banjo and mandolin players, and equally inspired guitar
and bass, that together get this performance off to a roaring start!!
Energy never slows down, providing a spirited, heart-lifting accompaniment.
Also enjoyed the energetic harmonica and violin duet in the first interlude,
and their contributions in the 2nd verse.
The more poignant, beautiful songs that require a quieter
ensemble are equally effective and moving.(AMAZING GRACE * ANGEL BAND * BE
THOU MY VISION * DRIFTING TOO FAR FROM THE SHORE)
DRIFTING TOO FAR FROM THE SHORE (1924-Written by Charles Earnest
Moody for his group, Georgia Yellow Hammers.)
Reminds the
listener that through Jesus we can find shelter from all of life's storms and
dangers.
Has a simple yet effective accompaniment in 3/4 meter, as it
is performed as a Southern Gospel, 4 part harmony altar call hymn;
strong, dynamic in sound and moving. Intro is carried by guitar and
mandolin, setting the slower pace and intro of the melody. Song
accompaniment is basically the guitar, that sets the chordal support and
rhythm. The Lead vocals, the supportive harmony from the other 3 singers,
and the Gospel message are the main emphasis throughout the song, written
for outreach efforts to unbelievers and seekers on the wrong
path.
AMAZING GRACE (1779-John Newton) - Sums up doctrine of Divine
grace.
This 3/4 metered version of a classic hymn for the ages,
begins with a lovely, poignant violin solo, that plays through a whole
verse, setting the tone and reverent aura of this hymn. Guitar, mandolin,
banjo, bass join in an ensemble effort for a second verse of the melody,
setting the stage for the wonderful female duet, who sing the first and
fourth verses. Musical accompaniment is flowing and very pretty, giving a
beautiful rendition accompaniment, soothing to the mind and spirit.
First interlude between verses one hears the mandolin as
soloist, followed by the guitar, who plays the third verse. Vocalists sing
the fourth verse, ensemble plays, and then the violin ends the song with a
final run through of the melody.
ANGEL BAND and BE THOU MY VISION are my two favorites out of
this group of songs.
ANGEL BAND-(Luke 16:22), 1860-William Bradbury & Jefferson
Hascall.
This ballad, about a dying woman's anticipation about going home
to be with the Lord, flows peacefully along in 3/4 meter, with lovely
mandolin, violin, guitar and bass fiddle the main ensemble that so nicely
provides musical accompaniment for the heart-felt vocal presentation of the
lyrics, as they capture the peace and joy of crossing over to heaven via
angels. Love the mandolin and guitar introduction, and the little interludes
in between verses. Mandolin is especially touching, delicate and enjoyable
as the intro to the verses.
BE THOU MY VISION -The music in this hymn is the ancient Irish
folk tune,
Slane, a ballad that told of the vialant fight &
victory
by Saint Patrick over the pagans. The text was written in the
6th century by
Dallan
Forgaill, and long had been an established reading in Irish monasteries.
Around the turn of the century, Mary Byrne translated it into English. In
1912, Miss Eleanor Henrietta Hull "versified" the text, creating verses
that are most commonly sung today. In 1927, Welch composer, David Evans,
put Hull's verses with the Slane folk tune, thus creating the powerful
prayer hymn, BE THOU MY VISION.
Begins reverently, with a beautiful melody intro done by a
delicate duet between guitar and mandolin, with banjo in background,
setting the 3/4 meter tempo of the song. Lovely violin and flute duet in
the interlude between the first and second verse, reprising the melody, is
soothing to the spirit. What lovely accompaniment for the powerful, poignant
vocal duet.
Let's talk about the fabulous vocals heard in this collection of
songs!!!
Not only are the song compositions a delight to listen to and
absorb, but also all the vocal presentations of the themes of this Gospel
album are very entertaining and very effective in revitalizing the stressed
and hurting. The inspiring lead vocals and harmonies of the various
choruses/refrains are also most enjoyable, most uplifting and do a great job
presenting the spirit and meaning of the wonderful Gospel messages, written
so long ago that uplifted and encouraged people facing the problems and
tragedies of life.
The members of RED STAR EXPRESS present the vocals, using
traditional harmony styles found in the Appalachian mountains and throughout
the South, where most of these songs originated. All have strong breath
control, great diction, are always on key, and have effective musical
instincts, have understanding on how to use dynamics and other tools of
musicians. Whether singing 4 part, 3 part or 2 part Gospel harmony,
mountain-style duet/ group harmony, solo and backup voices, or a capella,
the emotion and spirit of each song are perfectly presented in a dynamic
fashion, with the result of the meanings of the Gospel themes being brought
to life, front and center. One can tell that they really believe the
messages they are presenting, as they sing from their hearts, full of the
love of the Lord. It is no wonder that their vocals are soothing, uplifting
and encouraging
