KOSCIUSKO, Miss.–With undertones of Armageddon, continuous news reports of disunity and an ambivalent attitude toawrd God, the world can seem like a place devoid of love. But, the confines of the Guitar Academy’s performance stage contained no such grim scenes Saturday night and when Divine Purpose, the winners of the Mississippi Music Showcase, climbed on the stage and began singing, the packed room was alight in the glow of the love of Christ.
“Love Medley”, was meticulously crafted by a group of well-trained musicians from central Mississippi, and contained pieces of well-known hymns, arranged into a delightful pattern that built to a crescendo.
Daniel Powell talks Divine Purpose
“Most of these are musicians in their own churches and their own communities,” said Daniel Powell, of Yazoo City, appointed spokesperson for the group. “They’ve been doing praise and worsjip for years and years.”
He said the band and singers are all trained, most having been college-educated in the art.
“When we get together for practive we really don’t ever practice because we just love each other,” said Powell.
While the singers easily transitioned from soft unison vocals to voluminous and even soaring harmonies, the band provided an understated, but well-honed backing of keyboard bass, strings, organ and piano and mostly muted, arpeggiated guitar accompaniment.
The group originated when one of the music directors, identified by Powell as “Willie Mack”, needed a group top help him finish a Christmas project.
While the group hasn’t toured together in the formate in which they became champions Saturday, Powell said they are open to it and would love to find a way to spend the $1,000 prize to help them network and spread the love of Christ through their musical gifts.
Powell said the name of the group itself dictates that they share.
“That name alone describes who we are as individuals and Christians and servants here on Earth,” he said.
Powell can be contacted through the Facebook page for Real Face Entertainment.
