About Beyond The Ashes...
Beyond our plans, beyond our own abilities, beyond our failures, beyond our own God-given talents, above and beyond anything we could ask or even imagine, God has a plan for each of us, to rise above the ashes and to live powerfully for Him.
When three different people come from three completely different parts of the United States and share the same strong desire and sincere call to worship and minister, then those plans, which are beyond our own, begin to come to fruition.
The group is made up of Anthony Facello, Joe Combs, and Casey Rivers.
Anthony Facello, the group's founder and tenor singer, is no stranger to Christian music. The Dove nominated male vocalist has been traveling for 18 years. He has sung and toured with some of Gospel music's most recognized names and even enjoyed being a part of the well-known Gaither tour on several occasions. He is a singer's singer. His incredible tenor voice is revered as one of the best in the industry. This is an opinion, not just shared by fans, but also, by industry peers. Anthony's heart, though, is what really sets him apart. He is deeply committed to his calling. He would rather see someone sincerely touched by the music than be recognized for his gifts. In his free time, which is pretty infrequent, Anthony loves to get in a good work out at the gym, or just sit down and have coffee with friends. Anthony shares, "I started out as a child singing in church and then with my family. Every week I would record Paul Heil's program, The Gospel Greats, and I would listen to those tapes over and over. I always knew that I was supposed to be in full time ministry and God saw fit to open that door in 1993." In addition to being an incredible vocal artist, Anthony also enjoys writing music. He was born in Baltimore, MD and now makes his home in Gallatin, TN.
Joe Combs, baritone for the group, relocated from Florida to Nashville to return to his first love, music. His family has been singing for as long as he can remember. His father sang with the well-known Christian group, Higher Ground. Joe's passions include singing and song writing. His favorite place, besides a ministry platform, is the beach. Obviously, his love for God won out over relaxing on the beach every weekend. Joe has two great high school aged sons who enjoy jumping on the bus to help their dad whenever they can.
Casey Rivers, the newest addition to Beyond The Ashes as lead singer, is an incredible talent. He sings, plays, and writes music. His big break came when he was the 1st runner-up on the National country reality series, Nashville Star. Casey had every opportunity to be a successful solo artist in country music, but he knew that God had not called him in that direction. He abandoned his own dreams to chase after God's. He knows now that those hopes and those dreams shine much brighter than the opportunity to be a star. He is a tremendous man of God who balances a beautiful family and road life so well. His wife, Doni, who is expecting their second child, is completely supportive of the guys and all they do. Casey and Doni hail from the great state of Texas and, now, live in Springhill, TN.
Each young man in the group brings an exuberant love, respect, and admiration for Christian music. Their lives are dedicated to reaching out with a fresh new zeal and passion for those who desire a closer relationship with the Lord. Their musical style and diversity is rooted in Gospel music with tight harmonies and a rich blend. Their talent opens the door for them to convey several styles and genres of music with one common denominator: it is music that speaks to the heart of the listener. It is music for the church.
"Our vision is big," continued Anthony. "We see Beyond the Ashes blending musical styles and offering something for everyone. We want to constantly be evolving and doing new things. You can never limit God. I remember the first time we took the stage as Beyond the Ashes. I could not believe how God orchestrated every aspect of this group. It's kind of funny how some people may think when you become a Christian the road gets easier. It's not true. The devil has thrown so many things in our path, but we've come out even greater men of God because of it. It's the great commission that remains the driving force behind what we are called to do. I love people and I am so excited to be getting out there again to reveal our passion in an even more marvelous way to the people for the cause of Christ."
So many people carry the ashes of their failures in their "spiritual pockets." Beyond The Ashes brings music that empties those pockets and fills them up with God's love. Love is the greatest commandment. It lifts the downtrodden, puts the broken back together, and most especially restores hope. Love is the motivation behind the ministry of this powerful group. Its scope reaches beyond talent, beyond human ambition, and into the heart of everyone who hears them.
