Matthew Holt Leaves The Perrys

Yet another turnover has come to my attention, only this time from a well-established group. Averyfineline says Holt has already left and The Perrys are auditioning new piano players.
While it is nice to know that he left on good terms, this is still a shock. Matthew is one of the most talented players out there, and I sure hope The Perrys can get someone as good a player as he is. It doesn't look as if a press release will be sent out, so look to blogs for any further developments.
It's a shame Scott McDowell is in college; it'd be nice to see him with someone again. Although I believe he's solo now, Channing Eleton, anyone? The possibilities go on...

Update: Libbi Stuffle stopped by the SN forums to say that there is a press release to go out this evening. Nice to know that The Perrys aren't one of those groups that leave fans scratching their heads when changes happen.

Further Update: Here's the press release:

PERRYS ANNOUNCE DEPARTURE OF MATTHEW HOLT
Amid speculation, rumors and an internet guessing game.. the Perrys set the record straight Monday night. Piano player, Matthew Holt is leaving the group following appearances this weekend. Some fans questioned why the Perrys hadn't revealed the news. Our reporter spoke with Tracy Stuffle.. just as the group was returning from a sixteen day tour that took them across twelve states and Canada. Tracy says: "We waited till we got off this trip before we made any official announcement." When asked to comment about Matthew's tenure with the Perrys,.. Tracy said: "Life is a series of seasons and this group has been blessed to enjoy Matthew's talents for a fantastic season. He's a very fine pianist and an even better young Christian gentleman, husband and father. We know great things are in store for him and we fully support him in his decision."

Donna Beauvais, a representative of Daywind, the Perrys' record company.. told us: "Matthew has been such a wonderful part of the Perrys and the Daywind family. I am sure the Lord has great things in store for him as he begins this new chapter in his life. The Perrys' powerful radio single really says it best about what He can do with all of us as seasons change and lives are redirected, 'The Potter Knows The Clay.' "

Holt,.. who joined the Perrys back in 2004, is leaving to accept the position of assistant director of the Renaissance Music Program at Bethel College. Renaissance, Bethel’s “performance troupe” uses choirs, ensembles and soloists to showcase the talents of Bethel students. Bethel's website says the group performs a wide range of musical styles.. including: bluegrass to jazz, show tunes to "doo-wop" and the best-loved songs of faith, both traditional and contemporary. The school is located in McKenzie, Tn.. where Matthew and his family reside. Holt is orginally from this part of the state.

visit: www.perrysministries.com

Better late than never, I always say. I'll admit that I was one of the fans who questioned why the news hadn't been released sooner, but as I stated earlier, I do appreciate the fact that The Perrys actually made the statement instead of bringing in fill-ins and such and not telling anyone what was going on.