Trust Quartet Visits With the Dixie Echoes

Dixie Echoes


 

I've written several times here at Trust-Worthy News about other concerts I attend. I enjoy doing that (both attending AND writing about them) but this past weekend, I had the unique opportunity to attend a concert with the Trust family.

The Dixie Echoes, based in Pensacola, FL, were in Okeechobee at the New Testament Baptist Church on a day when we could just go enjoy the music before heading out to prepare for our concerts. We've had the priviledge of singing at New Testament Baptist before and are working to coordinate a date to be back with them. But on this night, it was about the Dixie Echoes.

We were also thrilled that a good friend of ours, George Shelton, now sings tenor with them. George is a special friend to Trust Quartet and has helped us more than he'll ever know. The last few CDs that Trust has recorded has been recorded at his studio. He (AND his wife Gail) have been so kind and gracious whenever we have the opportunity to visit with them. It was really awesome to be able to attend and support this fine group this past weekend.

Randy Shellnut, Sr. is the lead singer and emcee for the Dixie Echoes. His father, Dale, was a member of the group for years and years. Randy mentioned that he's in his 44th year of full time gospel music.

Randy Shellnut, Jr. sings baritone for the group. If you've heard the Dixie Echoes before and that name doesn't ring a bell, it's probably because most folks just call him 'Scoot'! He does a fantastic job of singing one part while playing a different part on an instrument. He played the bass guitar and from what we understand, plays most any musical instrument. Don't you just enjoy that kind of talent?

The bass singer for the Dixie Echoes is Jordan James. Here's a young man that in my estimation had one of the more difficult jobs of the entire group. Most bass singers have their own special, sensitive mikes to allow their low notes to be heard. Not Jordan! He and Scoot share a mic and he just has to belt it out. I'll share a bit more about that later.

Ben Hart is the last member of the Dixie Echoes to introduce to you. He is their keyboardist; and a fine one at that. He adds a bit of humor to the group and accompanies the quartet with a talent that, to me, is mind-boggling.

The unique thing about the Dixie Echoes is their 'throw-back' style. Back in the early years of Southern Gospel music, many groups would just gather around a microphone or two and sing. They'd be accompanied by a piano and / or a guitar, and on some occasions, a drummer. These guys sing gospel music that way. They just gather around a couple of microphones and sing.

From experience singing on a stage, let me just say, that takes a special sort of ability! They sing a true four-part harmony and sing it well. If you ever have the opportunity to hear the Dixie Echoes, I'd encourage you to do that. And when you do, be sure to stop by their product table, and as you're making your purchase, tell George that the folks at Trust Quartet sent you!