The Old Paths Welcome Andrew Utech

Nashville, TN (January 13th, 2023) – After several weeks of auditioning applicants, The Old Paths are pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Utech as the quartet’s new bass vocalist.

Hailing from Scottsboro, Alabama, the 29-year-old has been a fan of Southern Gospel since his grandfather first introduced it to him and his twin brother Alex.  Both brothers have gone on to make their mark within the genre: Alex as part of the Down East Boys, and Andrew has previously been a member of the Dixie Echoes.  The Old Paths are proud to be part of Andrew’s future, sharing, ‘We are so excited to introduce Andrew to our fans and friends! He’s an incredibly talented young man, and he’s going to be a fan favorite for sure!’

The Old Paths would also like to extend a gracious thank you to Keith Inman for stepping up to the position during the audition process.  ‘I had the privilege to witness Andrew Utech’s audition with The Old Paths and wow!’ shares Keith Inman. ‘God has blessed this young man with so much talent. Audiences were thrilled by Andrew’s powerful bass vocal and were endeared to him through his humble spirit. He sang his way right into their hearts. Andrew is a great new addition to The Old Paths!’

Andrew Utech currently resides in Alabama with his wife, Brittany, and 3 young children.

To view The Old Paths upcoming tour schedule, and stay up to date on current events, be sure to visit theoldpathsonline.com and following The Old Paths on social media.

Philip Kolb Resigns From Soul’d Out

Philip Kolb is resigning his position with Soul’d Out.  Philip has shared the following statement:

“As of February 2023 I will be stepping away from my position with Soul’d Out. I have been very blessed with the opportunity of being a part of Soul’d Out for the last few years however, the time has come for a change. I want to thank all the guys I’ve had the privilege of working with in the group. They all taught me so much and I’m forever grateful. I especially want to thank Matt Rankin for believing in me and having me on his team. I am looking forward to seeing where God will lead me in this great world of Christian music. Thank you all for your prayers and support.”

GOLD CITY INTRODUCES NEW SINGLE & ALBUM

Nashville, TN – Riding high on the heels of the success of their recent Top Five radio single, “Gonna Take It And Leave It”, New Haven Records and popular, multi-award winning quartet, Gold City has announced the release of a brand new single to radio. The sophomore single is the title cut from the group’s “Once And For All – The Songs of Doug Riley” recent recording on the New Haven label.  This album features newly named members, Chris Jenkins and Bruce Tallaferro, as well as long-time group member, Danny Riley and bass singer, Chris West. “Once And for All” is such a strong song about the work our Lord and Savior did at Calvary for our salvation,” Danny Riley shares. “It’s very humbling to think that Jesus would die on a cross to save us, but He did. The song is our offering of praise for the finished work of the cross.”

In October, Gold City hosted a live Facebook concert, debuting the new group, and the response has been overwhelming. “This has been an unusual year for Gold City,” Danny Riley explains, “with challenges and transitions, but God is faithful. He has always sent the people we needed at the time we needed them, and we are very blessed because He has done it once again. We are excited about the future of the group, and the new music God is allowing us to produce.”

Gold City is blessed with new personnel, as well as the success of their current recording, which is a tribute to Doug Riley, Danny’s brother, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 2006. “This recording is near and dear to my heart because all the songs were written by my late brother, Doug,” Danny conveys. “Doug’s testimony and heart are written into every song, and the gift of his music is his legacy to our family.”

“The Riley family has been a part of the New Haven family for a long time,” states New Haven President, Ken Harding. “It is truly an honor for us to have the opportunity to release this very special recording. It is a testimony of the impact Doug’s life made on so many people and the impact his life will continue to make for many years to come.”

The recording was truly a labor of love. “This recording honors my brother, my hero and best friend,” Danny Riley shares. “He wrote from his heart and these songs are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them many years ago.”

“Once And For All” is presently available on iTunes, Amazon and all other streaming platforms.

Horizon & Sonlite Records announce collaborative trio Lauren, Amber & Kenna

Arden, North Carolina (December 7, 2022) — In a project rooted in one glorious moment of spontaneous music-making, Horizon & Sonlite Records artists Lauren Talley, known from her time with award-winning gospel group The Talleys and as a powerful soloist; Amber Eppinette Saunders, dynamic vocalist of 11th Hour, one of today’s leading Southern Gospel groups; and Kenna Turner West, a celebrated and award-winning songwriter and vocalist, are now bringing their personal talents and experiences together for a unique collaborative endeavor: Writing, recording and releasing music as a trio simply known as Lauren, Amber & Kenna.

The three — longtime friends and collaborators — were traveling when they shared a video on social media of themselves singing. When Horizon & Sonlite staff saw it, it sparked the idea for the trio.

“Who would have thought a Facebook video of three friends singing together in the car would have ended up here?!” says Lauren. “We’ve all been friends for a long time, we sing, we write, and now we’re putting it all together in a powerful way.”

“I am overjoyed to be working with two of my dearest friends,” says Amber. “We all have lived life full of testings, tragedies, and trials but we now have a testimony of how God has and is bringing us through. That is what this music will showcase, and I can’t wait for you all to hear our hearts through it.”

Kenna adds, “I am so grateful to Crossroads for this opportunity. The three of us have been like family for years, and now to be able to sing together — it’s an absolute joy! We each come at this with unique gifts and unique platforms of ministry, and when it all comes together, what we have collectively is something very special.”

With a vocal blend comparable to great collaborations both within and beyond the world of Gospel music — from the legendary Trio of Emmylou Harris, Dolly Partonand Linda Ronstadt to Sisters and Point of GraceLauren, Amber & Kennahave taken an expansive approach to their work, combining their individual and joint influences and interests to create music that ranges from Gospel to Worship, and CCM to Southern Gospel, yet always retaining both their distinctive individual voices and the common roots they share.

Already, the three have begun recording new music with Roger Talley producing, and their first single, “Ever-Present, Almighty God,” (written by Amber, Kenna and Jason Cox) will be released in early 2023.

“It’s a joy to work with these three talented ladies,” says Roger. “They have an incredible energy and passion in their singing and writing that makes their songs truly come alive. I’m so excited about the music that’s coming soon!”

The Old Paths Announce Departure of Daniel Ashmore

Nashville, TN (December 8th, 2022) – The Old Paths have announced the departure of long-time bass singer, Daniel Ashmore.

Daniel Ashmore originally joined the quartet in 2011, and throughout the years has proven to be an integral part of the group’s well-rounded harmony and a delight to have on the road.  While he still has a deep passion for Southern Gospel and the countless friends he made along the way, Daniel was recently offered a position within his home church and feels as though the Lord has called him to take a step of faith into this new opportunity.  Tim Rackley, Doug Roark and Steve Ladd, the other members of the quartet, are all incredibly supportive of this new venture, and wish Daniel the very best in the days ahead.

The Old Paths will begin accepting applications from qualified bass singers interested in joining the quartet.  Submissions including a resume/bio, picture and vocal demo can be sent to contact@theoldpathsonline.com

To stay up-to-date on current happenings, follow The Old Paths on social media, or visit theoldpathsonline.com.

Armond Morales Passes Away

Posted on the Classic Imperials’ Facebook page:

Today we mourn the loss of our beloved Armond Morales
“He was born on a Thursday, February 25th, 1932 and is walking on the streets of gold into the arms of Jesus on Monday, December 5th, 2022. He gets to hear the words, well done a good and faithful servant!” Says Bonnie, Armond’s wife of 52 years.
Armond owned and managed the Imperials through every transition, from the very beginning. It was only 5 years ago, that Armond retired from management and the road. Even though Armond was no longer part of the public team, he was always available with his wonderful advice and encouragement.
We all knew Armond’s countless accolades but the accolade he was most committed to was his family. Bonnie and Jason, We are here for you. We are loving you and praying for you.
To our dear Armond… Life is such a short -dash- . Today you are standing in the Presence of The King. We will miss you until we join you once again for a great reunion.
The Imperials,
Paul Smith, Rick Evans, Ron Hemby