GoodStuff PR Co. News Detail
March 71, 2008
The Larry Stephenson Band Releases Stellar New Gospel Album THANKFUL on March 18th
"Stephenson has honed his voice into one of the best bluegrass tenors this side of Bobby Osborne." Keith Lawrence - Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
NASHVILLE, TN -Larry Stephenson's newest project, a sparkling collection of traditional bluegrass gospel songs titled Thankful on Pinecastle Records and releasing March 18th, effortlessly weaves his strong and identifiable bluegrass tenor vocals with a solid mix of songs that all reiterate the message of the album's title. Thankful combines songs of devotion, thankfulness, contemplation and faith with the high lonesome sound that the band has become known for through the years.
The Larry Stephenson Band made their first recording together 19 years ago and set in motion a band that has stood the test of time while creating fresh sounds with new recordings and equally exciting live performances. Sixteen albums and one DVD later, the band has proven through dedication, drive and musical chops, why they are still around and at the top of their game. Bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne, is a longtime Larry fan saying, "Go see him when you can. He always does a good performance that you will enjoy. He has done lots of good things for this great music we call Bluegrass."
Thankful is the LSB's fourth gospel album and marks a distinct shift forward in the band's musical pilgrimage. Larry has found that their fans love both the gospel and bluegrass releases. "Our fans like our gospel music and I truly enjoy performing them," Larry says. "Our most requested song to this day, after almost two decades together, is a gospel song titled "Yes, I See God." This particular song was also featured on a Time Warner Collection.
Bluegrass Now Magazine publisher Wayne Bledsoe says, "Larry's new Thankful CD is the best ever! Kudos on his selection of material as it's very inspiring and the presentation is fabulous. I'm really enjoying the great quartet on "Press On Pilgrim," and the message in "I Need the Prayers," hit home with me. I've played it endlessly since I got it and I'll feature it on one of my radio programs. Just when I think I've heard the best from Larry he blows me away with even better music. I hope the bluegrass community will give this the airplay it deserves, because this is award-winning music!"
The album is full of handpicked songs that focus on an overall theme of gratefulness. "These songs came from everywhere," Larry says. "I co-wrote "Everyday Is Mother's Day" with Tom T. and Dixie Hall and also co-wrote "Open Up The Window (Let The Angels In)" with Jerry Salley," he adds. "Open Up The Window (Let The Angels In)" is a particularly moving song that was inspired after a visit to the Our Lady Of The Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Larry was deeply moved by the experience and was told a story by a staff member about how each child seems to know of the seriousness of their illness and that some have even said they've seen angels, asking the staff to open up the windows and let them in. Several new writers including Tonya Lowman and Berry Clevenger have songs on the collection and The Louvin Brothers penned title track "Thankful" features the close harmony singing reminiscent of the Louvin's close brotherly connection.
The album spotlights guest appearances by acclaimed female vocalist Sonya Isaacs, the first female voice ever to be included on a Larry Stephenson recording. The album also features seven time IBMA Bass Player of the Year Missy Raines, as well as Dustin Benson (lead & harmony vocals, guitar), Shad Cobb (fiddle & harmony fiddle), Warren Goad (bass vocals), Aaron McDaris (lead & harmony vocals, banjo) and Ben Surratt (harmony vocals).
Stephenson has been called "One of the best and most influential of high lead/tenor singers in recent years," by Bluegrass Now Magazine and "One of the finest voices in Bluegrass today" by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.
You can listen to Larry as he debuts Thankful with legendary radio personality Eddie Stubbs on WSM Radio on Tues., March 18th. He'll also appear with host Terry Herd on March 20th on Into the Blue, the largest bluegrass syndicated radio show in the country as well as a studio special with Kyle Cantrell on XM Satellite Radio's Bluegrass Junction on May 9th.
For more information on Thankful or The Larry Stephenson Band, contact GoodStuff PR Co. at 615.525.5303 or via email at info@goodstuffpr.com
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