Bluegrass Gospel favorites, The Churchmen, have released their brand new album, Mercy Road, on Mountain Fever Records. After a hiatus extending to five years the CD is the quartet’s debut for the label.
The first single from the album, Bread and Water, was written by the newest member of the band, Carroll Arnn, and was released to radio on March 5th, receiving much critical praise.
The well-known bluegrass Gospel group was formed in 1989 when they started singing in local churches to a great reception. They were suited perfectly from the beginning for national and international notoriety as their southern Gospel style, four part harmony and bluegrass instrumentation gives them a unique and pleasing sound.
The group features founding member, Keith Clark (lead vocals and acoustic bass), long-time member Gerald Harbour (vocals and mandolin), former SPGMA Male Vocalist of the Year-Traditional David Guthrie (lead and harmony vocals and guitar), Carroll Arnn (banjo, guitar and fiddle) and occasional guest Rick Keene (resonator guitar). Jerry Haga is the soundman.
The Churchmen have been nominated for a Dove Award – for Bluegrass Album of the Year –with their album Journey Home – and with Bedside Prayer, a candidate for Bluegrass Song of the Year.
The Churchmen will celebrate with a CD release party and concert on July 20th at the Spencer-Penn Center, located in Spencer, Virginia, near to the Churchmen’s home base of Collinsville, Virginia.
The event will start at 7:00 p.m. There is no admission cost and refreshments will be provided. The group will perform new songs from the album.
The title track from the new album, Mercy Road, was penned by respected bluegrass fiddler and songwriter, Becky Buller, along with song-writing master Jerry Salley.
Radio programmers can download the album now from Airplay Direct.
