Southern Gospel Music- New Start Quartet

When you mention Southern Gospel music, most people automatically think of the Gaither Homecoming Series. Bill and Gloria Gaither spend their time traveling all over the country with 75 of their closest singing buddies, entertaining young and old alike.

What you may not know is that all across the United States are local Southern Gospel Quartets with the same sweet harmony that you find on the big stage, with a little down-home flavor thrown in for good measure.

One of those groups is New Start. Based out of Little Rock, Arkansas, the current four members have been singing together since 1997, although the group was actually founded in 1994.

Most of the concert dates are booked at Central Arkansas Churches, usually after someone hears them at another location, and calls to book them. However, they've also been invited to sing at several state and local fundraisers, and for the Arkansas State Meeting and the National Messenger Meeting of the American Baptist Association.

New Start's group leader and spokesman is Donnie Dillard. Donnie is one of the founding members of the group, and sings either Bass or Baritone, depending on the range of the song. His counterpart on the two lower vocals is Mike Carpenter, who has been with the group for almost 10 years.

Singing high tenor is Kevin Hayes, who is also a member of another central Arkansas Quartet, The Hayes Brothers. Rounding out the foursome is lead singer Clifton Roberts.
Both Hayes and Roberts were part of the original New Start Quartet. .

Their musical styles include old hymns, sometimes sung acapella in near perfect pitch, while other times accompanied by the melodies of Kelly Brown, pianist and newest member of the group.

Their newer offerings include soulful ballads, such as "He'll Never Let Go of My Hand", which reminds listeners of how God is faithful through the hard times. "Forgetfulness Sea" speaks of confessed transgressions being thrown away, and never thought of again. Then there's the classic "Beulah Land" probably one of the most reverent songs ever written about Heaven and eternal life.

But don't go to a New Start concert expecting to be bombarded with nothing but slow songs. If you do, you'll be pleasantly surprised because the quartet will soon have Southern Gospel fans tapping their feet and clapping along to such favorites as "I'm Feeling Fine", "Boundless Love" and "King Jesus".

Although the groups first recording is sold out and no longer available, they are in the process of getting more of their songs out on CD, as well as developing the groups website. If you live in the Central Arkansas area and are interested in getting a schedule of appearances, or would like to have New Start come and sing at your church or special event, please e-mail them at newstartgospel@aol.com.