The Faith Centered Music Association honored its own Friday night as the 2001 Pearl Awards were handed out in a celebration of excellence, inspiration, beauty and gratitude.
"To be able to make music that touches peoples' lives and hearts is a dream come true," said George Dyer, echoing the sentiments of other award-winners and performers at the gala event, held at Cottonwood Auditorium. Dyer made three trips to the podium, collecting awards as Male Artist of the Year, New Vocalist and for Sacred Recording.
Kurt Bestor received two Pearls for his "Lamb of God Soundtrack and Passion of the Lamb Cantata" (one for Soundtrack Album and one for the "Overture") and as well as an award for his expertise as an arranger and orchestrator.
Colors, the pop-flavored trio composed of USU students Ryan Merrill, Brian Tibbets and Russell Dixon, was named Group of the Year and Performing Artists of the Year, and was honored for its "Outside The Lines" album. "We hope people have fun with our music," said Merrill, "that we can influence them with good, clean music."
Sam Cardon carried away two awards: one for his "Digability" album and the other as Instrumentalist of the year.
For the rest, the Pearls showcased the diversity and depth of the LDS music scene. From Kenneth Cope, honored for an album that "expresses hymns in a new way" of prayerful expression; to Tammy S. Robinson, praised for her elegant, uplifting vocals; to the lively, emotional work of singer/songwriter Julie de Azevedo; to the exquisite interpretation of violinist Jenny Oaks Baker; the spotlight focused on a wide representation of musical genres and styles.
In addition to the presentation of awards, the show featured performances by Peter Breinholt, Jenny Frogley, Maren Ord, Kurt Bestor, Tammy Robinson, Sam Cardon, Julie Davis Allen and Colors.
Janice Kapp Perry received the Lifetime Achievement Award, honored for a body of work that includes more than 800 songs and 40 recorded albums. "I never expected to be in this position," she said. "I guess it helps to live a long time. I hope I'll be allowed to write a few more."
"What this does," added Michael Dowdle, honored for a song on his "Soulmate" album, "is bring the music community together. It creates and strengthens the bonds."
"There's a lot of variety, a lot of new blood," said Jeff Simpson, a founder of FCMA. "Our organization is growing and people are taking note." The awards are voted on by members of the FCMA.
The evening's presentation of the Pearl Awards was taped for presentation of KJZZ-TV on Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.
A complete listing of the 2001 Pearl Award winners includes:
ARTISTS
Lifetime Achievement: Janice Kapp Perry
Male Recording Artist: George Dyer
Female Recording Artist: Cherie Call
Instrumental Recording Artist: Sam Cardon
Group Recording Artists: Colors
New Artist: George Dyer
Performing Artist: Colors
Songwriter: Tyler Castleton
ALBUMS
Sacred: "A Prayer Unto Thee," Kenneth Cope
Inspirational: "The Color of Hope," Tammy S. Robinson
Contemporary: "Outside the Lines," Colors
Sacred/Inspirational Instrumental: "Where Love Is," Jenny Oaks Baker
Contemporary Instrumental: "Digability," Sam Cardon
Theme or Concept: "Forward With Faith," Various Artists; Peter Breinholt, Jon Schmidt, producers
Musical Presentation or Soundtrack: "The Lamb Of God Soundtrack and Passion of the Lamb Cantata," Kurt Bestor
Compilation: "His Love," Shadow Mountain
SONGS
Sacred: "All Creatures of Our God and King," George Dyer
Inspirational: "The Olive Tree," Jenny Jordan Frogley
Contemporary: "Wings," Julie de Azevedo
Sacred/Inspirational Instrumental: "Overture to Lamb of God," Kurt Bestor
Contemporary Instrumental: "And The Moon," Michael Dowdle
Holiday: "We Three Kings," Enoch Train
EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION
Producer: John Hancock
Orchestrator/Arranger: Kurt Bestor
Studio Musician: Rich Dixon
Engineer: Barry Gibbons
INDUSTRY AWARDS
Album Design: "Heart Made of Wind," Steven Hansen and Tyler Gourley
Retail Manager: Lonnie Lockhart, Cardston Books, Cardston, Canada
Radio Show: John Hair, KOSY 106.5
Record Label: Highway Records.
E-mail: carma@desnews.com