Pearl Awards reflect musical diversity

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