Exclusive Interview with the Perrys

Highly awarded during their 41-year fascinating career, the Perrys are set to release their StowTown Records debut "Into His Presence."  Currently, the Perrys' roster currently includes Libbi Perry Stuffle-the unforgettable alto who carries on the family legacy, along with her husband and beloved bass singer Tracy Stuffle, their son Jared (JK) Stuffle representing a new generation on bass vocals, lead singer David Ragan, and baritone Bryan Walker. We are honored here to present our Hallels' exclusive interview with them:

Hallels: Many of our readers and our staff here at Hallels have prayed for all of you during the time of Tracy's stroke.  How is he doing now?

Tracy is doing very well! Yes, he still has a long way to go, but he's getting stronger and he's able to travel with the group each week. Most concerts, he's also able to come in and sing a few songs with the group as well... which is something people really enjoy. So many folks have been faithful to pray for us during this past year, so they really have appreciated getting a chance to see some fruit for their labor. We would definitely ask everyone to please keep praying for Tracy and all of the Perrys as he continues to get stronger and recover from a difficult year.
 
Hallels: Congratulations on the forthcoming release of your new CD "Into His Presence."  How involved was Tracy with this new project?

Tracy was very involved. He was at every meeting and offered valuable input. One day in particular we were discussing if the song, "Just Stand Still" should be replaced with something up-tempo. Tracy IMMEDIATELY rejected. As a matter of fact, he was so stern in his belief that we all laughed. I'm glad he did. That ended up being one of the better cuts on this project. He even chose a new song for himself as a solo. Wait till you hear it. We've called it "the sound of a miracle."
 
Hallels: "Into His Presence" also sees the involvement of two new vocalists David Ragan and Jared Stuffle, can you tell our readers more about David and Jared?

(David) I am extremely honored to just be a part of the Perrys. I have always admired this group musically as well as the stand they take as individuals. Since coming here last summer I have been excitedly anticipating being able to record with the group. This is a very special album to me personally for that reason alone, but also for the opportunity to work with some incredible people in the process. The recording procedure is long and complex, but it yields a product that is so meaningful for the group to be able to share with the people who will hear it. So much goes into the album that by the time it releases you just can't wait for people to hear the end result! I am honored beyond words to simply be involved with this project. 

This past year has been wonderful for me. I have been welcomed with open arms by not only the Perrys' friends and fans but also by the group itself. There is always a lot of uncertainty with any kind of change or transition, and it was no different for me this past year, but it is amazing to look back and trace the hand of God working in each situation that has led me to where I am today. The best way I can describe how I feel is to simply say, "Lord, I'm thankful."
 
Hallels: How have your recent experiences (namely Tracy's illness and the changes in the group members) shaped the way you approach this new record?  Have these experiences affected the way you choose your songs or the way you sing?

(David)  I think these experiences have definitely affected the songs that were chosen on this album. You pick songs often based on your state of mind or standing in life at the time, and this year recoding has been no exception. This year has also affected our perspective as a group when we take the stage to sing. Our focus is different, and we're all more motivated to get to people's hearts with the message of our music. I think we all see our message as more vital and urgent than ever before due to the events of this past year. 

But at the same time, it has strengthened our trust in God's sovereign hand and His plan for our lives. When you go through anything difficult and come out on the other side your perspective is going to change. In our case, we are more resolved to remind people that God has not changed and that He is always good and always faithful. He will never leave or forsake any of us, even when things are difficult or don't turn out the way we think they should. 

 (Wayne Haun, producer) I agree with David. But I'd also like to add that the Perrys wanted this album to have variety in its topics. I was so proud when Tracy chose the song, "Three Men on a Mountain" as his feature. He could have chosen a song about long suffering or the valley. Instead, he chose to sing about the cross of Christ and His ultimate sacrifice. When it's all said and done, that's still the message they want the listener to hear...Jesus saves! You will hear songs about the dark valleys and struggles that they/we face. But you will also find songs about victory, prayer, thanksgiving, and complete trust in a savior who cares. 
 
Hallels: And how have your recent experiences affected your faith in Christ and your perspective of suffering?

Once again, I think the recent experiences of the group have strengthened our faith in Christ. As far as suffering, I think we're reminded that no matter what happens in our lives, God has a plan and purpose for it all. No, suffering is not fun, but our faith in God is not dependent on whether our lives are enjoyable or not. We have faith in the character of God...who He IS. Once we are settled on the fact that God is absolutely good, we can handle what He does in our lives with a different perspective. If He is always good then we can be sure what he DOES is in our best interests and for His glory.
 
Hallels: If you were to choose two songs that you are the most proud of from the new album, which would they be?  And why?

(David) Two songs I guess I'm most proud of would be "Lord I'm Thankful" and "When He Comes Walking on the Water," which are two of my features. This album is very different stylistically from anything I've ever been a part of, so in some ways I'm having to redefine my identity as a singer and these two songs do that in my mind. "When He Comes Walking" is an upbeat Wayne Haun/Jeff Bumgardner tune that was a stretch for me, but I'm very happy with how it turned out. On an album that doesn't have as many up-tempo songs on it I'm happy to be able to sing one!

"Lord I'm Thankful" is my favorite songs on the entire album. As soon as I heard the demo for this song (back when we were picking material for the recording,) I knew I wanted to sing it. This song is a reflection of my heart personally as well as the heart of the group after a trying year. It's also a challenge to people to have a heart of gratefulness for God's providence and leading in all our lives. I really believe in this song and I think that it will bless anyone who will listen to it. Besides, it's the song I get stuck in my head the most out of the eleven so hopefully that's a good sign!
 
Hallels: If our readers would like to purchase the new album and or find out more about you, where can they go?

It will be available in your local Christian bookstore from our distribution company, Provident Distribution and all digital outlets. The album will also be available on our website at www.perrysministries.com, our record company website, www.stowtownrecords.com, and of course at the product table wherever we sing! Our website is also the best place to learn more about the Perrys' ministry.

Tags : Exclusive Interview The Perrys the perrys into his presence