I have heard them in person, and they sounded great. I do agree...not everyone needs to try to be professionals and should stay in their local group (that in itself is an awesome ministry)...but the Dills can definitely tote the mail, in my opinion.

Jason,
I know we could not have heard the same group! I have heard them live on several occasions and let me tell you, they are in the relm of any National Group I've heard. Their talent is beyond merit! I am probably one of the most critical people you will ever meet about certain groups needing to stay in their own church to sing but I go out of my way to hear this group every time they are around. They have the diversity of The Martins. They can sing any style of music and are professional enough to adjust that style to meet the preferences of whatever audience they sing too. I heard them the first time in a showcase about four years ago at NQC and was so impressed that I bought their CD just so I could bring it back to my friend James Hales to hear them. I told him then, remember this name, you will be hearing about this group.
I can't even comment on this particular project, because I don't have it, I am only commenting on their LIVE sound and I know what I hear and The Dills are top notch as far as I'm concerned. They are also one of the sweetest bunch of people you will ever want to meet.

I'm going to try and get off of my soap box now.........................................
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Ok Tim, you can pay me now...... <grin> (This part was only a joke. Tim probably doesn't even know who I am.)

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

When you say that a group has weak vocals on stage, sloppy stage presence, pitch problems, and issues modulation into key changes, how can you say you are not trying to be demeaning or downgrading? If that's not the light you are trying to shine, why would you say downgrading and demeaning things? Since you brought up that you are are a vocal coach coach and professional entertainer (like this makes you an authority on the subject), I would like to know your credentials. Where do you entertain professionally. How did you become a vocal coach? Where do you coach vocals?

How many times have you heard The Dills live? When did you hear them? "If" you heard what you say you did, they must have been having a really off night/day or someone must have been sick because as I said, I've heard them on many occasions and they were nothing but professional sounding with NO pitch problems, NO weak vocals for SURE, and NO issues modulating into key changes. When I heard them, I had no idea if they had a quality Cd, a new bus or plenty of money and as far as a cool look goes, I'm from the old school and much prefer the "old school" look so a cool look certainly isn't impressive to me. I went on the merits of what I "heard" and that year, they were the group who was the most impressive to me in the showcases of "unknown" groups. Just as in 1998, "The Crabb Family" was the most impressive to me, in the showcases of unknown groups.

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

I love the Dills and their new CD Uncommon. I have only been fortunate enough to see them perform live twice. But both performances were AWESOME! I couldn't say a bad thing about any of them, their songs, or their performances. I can't wait for them to come back to our Church or close enough so that I can see them again. All of their songs are so uplifting. They do know their place in this business and they will continue to go no where but up.up.up...The Lord is with them when they perform! :o)

See what I mean? SG will take in anyone, because its a "not lets hurt anyone's feelings" kind of music. Maw and Paw and baby can get on stage and be loved. Thats why no one takes sg music seriously. I only pointed out the improvements that could be made. We all know that they are super nice folks... Yes, I have heard them many times... But they are overall, a weak group, talent wise. If they were to come to me and ask me what I thought, which they haven't, I would tell them exactly what I have said here. There is a place for every group... Todd, these guys work great in a church... they bring ministry and great songs to a congregation...but thats their limit. They don't belong on NQC main stage, or on SG radio. They could get along with a van and trailer, and save their money. Like Nick Bruno said in his collumn... deep down inside...most of these groups have stars in their eyes, and I'll add this bit...they hide it with a ministry concept, and don't even realize it. Karen, I'm sorry if I have offended you... I'm only stating the obvious... I'm not the only "Industry Insider" who feels this way about this group, and others. We are over-saturated with these groups popping up all around us. If a group has a professional talent level, and are truly ministry minded, then we have no problem helping them, and giving them the respect that the deserve. Take Hopes Call...they started out on the bottom, but have worked on their talent, and improved in so many areas...now...they are on mainstage, and are a nationally known group who deserves the respect and the attention that they have recieved. I never said that the Dills couldn't reach this point...I just think they need to get some help to reach those goals, before they try and break into a crowded industry. As far as my credentials...I have been singing and traveling inside this industry for quite some time now, and use Jason Cotter as a pen name. Now, don't start the whole hiding behind a fake name stuff...lol...its my choice to do this... Now, to side with the Dills...they are great people with heart for lost people... they are very down to earth, and seem sincere... remember, unfortunatly, this industry is all about fan favs...not about talent level, or professionalism...and this group generates fans...thats great for them, but not so great for the music... but in the end...the talent will speak for itself. As for their cd... Kevin Ward did a great job with the tuning software...and producing their vocals to get a nice tight sound from them... I hope I have explained my opinion without coming across the wrong way...