In February of 1997, Closer competed in and won the 1997 Good Life Promotions Group Talent Search Competition in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, earning them a berth in the 1997 National Quartet Convention Group Talent Search to be held at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky on September 13. Competing against 14 other groups from a five state radius, Closer went through two rounds and was eventually honored with the title, "Best Group." Serving on the panel of judges was Harold Gilley, former bass singer for the legendary Palmetto State Quartet, as well as Bonnie White, artist manager for Rivergate Talent Agency of Nashville, Tennessee.
Closer's crowning acheivement to date has been their 5th place showing at the 1997 National Quartet Convention's Group Talent Search in Louisville, Kentucky. On September 13, Closer competed against 63 through groups from as far as California to Canada to Florida and was eventually honored as the 5th best new group in the nation.
Brad, Patrick, and Mark have had extensive time on the road, singing and ministering. With about 12 years between them traveling with Missouri Baptist College's contemporary ensemble, Spirit Wing, Closerknows what life on the road is about. Brad has even spent a summer on the road with world renowned, Truth, traveling and singing from Seattle to Washington, D.C.
In May of 1998, Tim Arnold, a student at Missouri Baptist College joined the group to sing bass after Bryan Andrews left to pursue other interests. Tim's extensive musical and spiritual background made this sometimes hard transition very smooth.
Closer completed their debut album in May of 1998 at the Missouri Baptist College Studios with some of the top musicians in St. Louis. The independent album, entitled "To Jesus," has a tentative release date of October 1, 1998 and includes 8 favorites, including, "Personal Savior" and "Amazing Grace," as well as 2 soon-to-be classics written by the group, "Closer to Jesus" and "Knowing You." Tim joins Brad, Mark, and Patrick on two tunes, "Pressin' On" and "Personal Savior." This recording will be available at area St. Louis Christian Bookstores, as well as at Closer concerts.
In August of 1998, Closer hired Holly Imler, a student at Missouri Baptist College, to handle all booking, concert promotion, and road managing. Holly has had a plethora of experience in public relations as a former assitant to the administrative manager and currently, the administrative assistant in the Admissions Department of Missouri Baptist College.
A driving force behind Closer's imminent success would come from their strong musical family backgrounds. Brad has been singing in front of audiences since he was seven years old, and his first performance was with his family. His gives credit to his parents for helping develop his love for music. Mark also had his family's support and encouragement over the years, "Both of my parents sing. And my mom really encouraged him to pursue music and supported me with prayers." And finally, Patrick says,"My family played a big role in my love for music."
Closer is first and foremost a Southern gospel music quartet. Their musical style retains the pioneering quartet style singing, along with the progressiveness that Southern Gospel music has experienced since its inception. Their sound combines traditional southern gospel, country, bluegrass, blues, and black gospel together into one "melting pot." Musically, Closer "closely" associates with groups like the Gaither Vocal Band and the Martins in the gospel music arena, and Diamond Rio in the country music field. Their tight harmonies and soaring vocals distinguish them from many groups. They sing many of the old classics like "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy," "Beulah Land," and "Satisfied," as well as new favorites like "I'm Free" and "Beyond the Open Door."
In a concert setting, Closer feels the need to sincerely minister through song and testimony. Their aim is to uplift and encourage the spirit of the believer to the throne of God and soften and connect with the heart of the unbeliever. They present an exciting concert, filled with great singing, personal testimony, humor, and evangelism. They hope and pray to leave each audience with personal and corporate revival.
Accolades
-won the 1997 Good Life Promotions Group Competition at Holiday Inn Convention Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, February 1997
-opened for the Crabb Family and Palmetto State Quartet, February 1997
-unveiled the group's website at www.angelfire.com/mo/closermusic, July 1997
-opened for Greater Vision and Palmetto State Quartet, August 1997
-cut first recording, a three song demo, August 1997
-placed 5th at National Quartet Convention's Group Talent Search in Louisville, Kentucky, September 1997
-opened for Phil Cross and the Poet Voices, October 1997
-opened for Kingsmen, November 1997
-opened for Truth, November 1997
-completed recording of debut, independent album, "To Jesus," May 1998
-opened for Terry and Barbi Franklin, May 1998
-opened for Margaret Becker, August 1998
-hired an independent booking agent/road manager to facilitate Closer's concert demand, August 1998
