Album Notes

The church that Mark McAlister and Kevin Bradford attend in Bakersfield, Ca., celebrated its' 65th anniversary, November 08. Leading up to that occasions, PAVE decided to participate in the celebration by noting the songs that became associated with particular people throughout the church's 65 year history. These were folks that embodied the songs they sang.

Folks like...Winn Condren (1918-1998)who was affectionately known as “Papa Bear.” The reason was germane to his stature. He was a “Giant” man that looked like a big ole Bear. So take this great big man, put a little ukulele in his hand, strike up the band, and Papa Bear would sing “I’d rather be on the inside lookin’ out.” And it would not take long, nor would you ever get completely through the song, that Winn wouldn’t stop with the singing and start chuckling and laughing to the tune. Hard working, easy disposition, stalwart, family loving, and God fearing are just a few words that describe this man.

As well as Bonnie Brown (1924-2003), whose live singing of "Troublesome waters" was something you had to hear to really capture her “full of the Spirit” style of singing. She was plain spoken and honest, and if you didn’t want to know about something don’t ask. For example, her son, Pastor Ray Brown, excitedly asked her what she thought after preaching his first sermon, to which she replied, “Son, people can tolerate just about anything as long as it is short!”

These songs are some great tunes, set against the backdrop of some very special people.