PROVO — Arizona-based pianist William Joseph is new to the local music scene, but he's already made a huge impact. He took home six Pearl Awards Tuesday night at the Faith-Centered Music Association's annual celebration of excellence in the Madsen Recital Hall at Brigham Young University.
Jessie Clark Funk, Cherie Call and Michael Dowdle also made multiple trips to the podium, but the evening also showcased the breadth and diversity found in the industry, as other winners ranged from Nashville stars to gospel singers to contemporary artists to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Many of them shared the sentiments expressed by Joseph, who said, "It's extremely refreshing to be around other artists with similar goals and beliefs. I'm thrilled to be here."
"I love the Pearl Awards," said Funk. "They are a good and needed thing as we lift each other, encourage each other and strive for excellence."
Country singer Billy Dean — who was on hand to perform with Thurl Bailey and Marvin Goldstein from their nominated "Friends & Brothers" album — said he was impressed by the evening. "I'm so taken back by the caliber of talent. It was a wonderful musical program, a great all-round evening. It's good to see music coming back as a way of serving people, being used as it is meant to be used — to heal and uplift."
Other performers on the program included Todd McCabe and April Moriarty, Jessie and Jim Funk, William Joseph, Octapella and Julie de Azevedo. Local actor/comedian Dave Nibley was the emcee.
Two special awards were given out: Ron Simpson, professor of music and director of the Tantara Record Label at BYU, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and singer/songwriter Kevin Peay received the Rich Gibbons Humanitarian Award for his service to community and to children, in particular.
Here are the recipients of the 2006 Pearl Awards:
Sacred Recording: "More Holiness Give Me," BYU Men's Chorus; arranged by Ron Staheli
Inspirational Recording: "Emma," sung by Mindy Gledhill, written by Jason Deere
Contemporary Recording: "Holding On," written and sung by Cherie Call
Sacred/Classical Instrumental Recording: "Love One Another," arranged and performed by Michael Dowdle
Inspirational/Contemporary Instrumental Recording: "Within," written and performed by William Joseph
Holiday Recording: ". . . In Her Heart," performed by Jessie Clark Funk and Dave Tinney, written by Dave Tinney
Sacred Album: "Love Is Spoken Here," artist, Mormon Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square; producers, Mack Wilberg, Bruce Leek, Fred Vogler
Inspirational Album: "Better Than I," artist, Jessie Clark Funk; producer, Greg Hansen
Contemporary Album: "Beneath These Stars," artist, Cherie Call; producers, Scott Wiley, Tyler Castleton, Cherie Call
Sacred/Classical Instrumental Album: "Twenty-Five Beloved Primary Songs," artist and producer, Michael Dowdle
Inspirational/Contemporary Instrumental Album: "Within;" artist, William Joseph; producer, David Foster
Themed or Concept Album: "Joseph: A Nashville Tribute to the Prophet;" various artists; producers, Jason Deere and Dan Truman
Presentation or Soundtrack Album: "Journey Toward Zion," artist, Jenny Phillips; producers Jenny Phillips, Tyler Castleton
Holiday Album: "Sing Choirs of Angels," artist, Mormon Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square; producers, Mack Wilberg, Craig Jessop, Bruce Leek, Fred Vogler
Compilation Album: "Face to Face;" artist, Kenneth Cope; record label, Lumen Records
Male Recording Artist: George Dyer
Female Recording Artist: Jessie Clark Funk
Instrumental Recording Artist: William Joseph
Group Recording Artist: Gladys Knight & the Saints Unified Voices
New Recording Artist: William Joseph
Performing Artist: William Joseph
Songwriter: Jason Deere
Arranger: Chris Boardman, David Foster, William Joseph, Jochem van der Saag
Producer: Tyler Castleton
Studio Musician: Rob Honey
Studio Vocalist: Tanya Barkdull
Studio Engineer: Steve Lerud
Best Album Design: Ken Wzorek, "Joseph: A Nashville Tribute to the Prophet"
Radio Show: Steven Kapp Perry.
Retail Manager: Kay Curtiss, Kensington, Wash.
Record Label: Inspirational Music Showcase/Sounds of Zion
E-mail: carma@desnews.com