The recently updated New Releases page on the Pinecastle Records web site is almost all-Gospel this week, highlighting three new gospel projects from current Pinecastle artists.

The Village Singers, long-time Gospel favorites, have a new CD, He Put The Color In The Rose. Pinecastle indicates that The Village Singers are the best selling artists they have ever had on the label. Anyone who doubts that the album might have a bluegrass feel should know that Sonny Osborne produced it. He may have retired from traveling with The Osborne Brothers, but it’s great to see that he hasn’t completely retired from active participation in the music.

Also new is Traveling Through, from The Churchmen. This CD release marks their 16th year as a band, and their first with new members Charlie Oakley on vocals and guitar and Ricky Keen on resonator guitar.

The last of the new releases is from BlueRidge. Getting Ready is both the band’s debut on Pinecastle after several successful projects for other labels, and their first all-Gospel release. The material includes both new and classic Gospel songs, and Sonya Issacs is featured as a guest vocalist.

Speaking of BlueRidge: their newly-redesigned web site should come on line quite soon, including their first functional online store. Also, be on the lookout for details on a guitar giveaway, co-sponsored by Pinecastle and Saga Music’s Blue Ridge Guitars to coincide with the release of the new CD.

Audio samples for each CD can be found on its corresponding web site.

Thanks to Gerald Harbour of The Churchmen, who wrote in to tell us about the newest member of the band. Charlie Oakley will be joining the band on guitar as well as singing lead and harmony vocals. Here’s the official statement from the band.

The Churchmen are pleased to announce that Charlie Oakley has joined the band and will begin touring with them. Charlie will be recognized by most bluegrass fans in the North Carolina area as he has been no stranger to the stage. [Editor's Note: Charlie has played with Roxboro NC bands The Burress Family and the New Classic Grass, and also with Jay Kaczor & the Bluegrass Connection.] Charlie will be playing guitar along with Ricky Keen on Dobro, Freddy Rakes on banjo, Keith Clark on bass and Gerald Harbour on mandolin.

In addition to the new band member, The Churchmen are also releasing a new CD on Pinecastle Records this March. The CD contains 12 songs, 10 of which are originals composed by Paul Williams, Jay Adams, Danny Bowers and Steven Martin, a former member of the band.

Says Gerald,

We think this will become a favorite among Churchmen fans. It is the best material and arrangements that we’ve ever had. We are anxious to get the project in hand and start performing the new material.

You can catch The Churchmen with their new songs, and new line up, by checking their website for tour info.