Jared Anderson- Where Faith Comes From Review

Artist: Jared Anderson
Title: Where Faith Comes From
Website: http://www.myspace.com/jaredandersonmusic
Style: Pop/ Worship
Label: Integrity Music
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

This new release from Jared is the follow up to his 2006 debut Where To Begin. Jared has served full-time on the worship team at the New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado for several years. The mega church has been in the news recently for negative things like a church scandal and a tragic shooting at the church.

 

Set against that backdrop the songs found on Where Faith Comes From are written for those times in your faith life when your not sure why something is happening or what to do about it. Jared says that, "It's like your driving down the road in the fog, and you can't see the line. To have faith is to continue driving."

 

You'll find upbeat sing along songs like, "Promise" that deal with submitting totally to the Lord's will and seeking His truth everyday, and "All I Want" a song worshiping the Lord and trusting Him in a world that's gone crazy.

 

You'll also find more melodic songs like "Glorified" that's all about worshiping a God who deserves our best, and "Hiding Place" that deals with the comfort that comes from knowing the Lord and the safety that comes with it.

 

This release is well done, the music whether piano or guitar lead, is tight and the messages make you both think about and offer hope for those times when it might seem like all hope is lost.

 

Jared already has several songs like, "Rescue", "Amazed", and "Hear Us From Heaven." that can be heard being sung on Sunday in many churches. I'm sure that several new songs from Where Faith Comes From will be added to that list soon.

 

 

After Edmund- Hello Review

Artist: After Edmund
Title: Hello
Website: http://www.afteredmund.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/afteredmund
Style: Modern Pop/Rock
Label: Slanted Records
Rating: 8.1 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Hello is the debut release from this Georgia band made up of 5 guys, all in their mid-20's.  The band's lineup is, Mitch Parks (lead vocals/guitars), Matt McFadden (bass guitar), Ben Hosey (guitars), Yates (keyboard instruments), and Adam Stanley (drums).

 

The band's name, After Edmund, comes from the Edmund character found in C.S. Lewis' best-selling book series The Chronicles of Narnia.

 

Several of the band's members have been classically trained along with being multi-instrumental.  "When we talk about several of us being classically trained, it is not meant to sound like showing off," explains drummer Adam Stanley. "Hopefully people won't listen and say 'they sound like music majors,' but our goal through that kind of practice and study is the ability to make better music where we know what we're doing in the studio rather than just stabbing around in the dark. If our backgrounds are not facilitating better art, it's pretty worthless other than just for amusement's sake."

 

The songs found on Hello range from driving rock numbers that feature big guitar parts and pounding drums to more melodic in tone. The one constant that runs through all of the songs is the talent that each band member posses. The songs are, tight, well done and offer strong arrangements.

 

They deal with issues like surrendering your fears to God, God's desire for all of us to know Him, to not place value on earthly treasures that are only temporary, God's power in the stormy times to pull us through them, and even though we might drift away from God, He's always there with us waiting to welcome us back.

 

When asked about the ministry part of their music band drummer Adam Stanley said, "A lot of our ministry is off stage since we enjoy talking to people and hearing what's on their mind," Stanley sums up. "...we are happy to share how faithful God's been to us. Being a musician, life is really uncertain, but we've never missed a meal! We'll be happy to share that, plus a lot of people are looking for someone outside their families to help them feel validated. Just being a listening ear does wonders for their self-esteems, which is an important part in finding the Truth. Sure we're all sinners; but on the flipside, we're beautiful in God's eyes and people have to realize how much He loves them."

 

After Edmund is made up of a group of very talented guys on a record label that gives them the freedom to experiment and make their music shine. The result of that is the well-crafted release, Hello.

 

Jamie Jamgochian- Above The Noise Review

Artist: Jamie Jamgochian
Title: Above The Noise
Style: Pop/ Worship
Website: http://www.jaimejam.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jaimejamgochian
Rating: 9 out of 10
Label: Centricity Records
By C.W. Ross

 

Jamie's new album Above the Noise is much different sounding then her last release, Reason to Live. This one has much more of a pop feel to it, while still keeping her worship song lyrics.

 

On this release Jamie wanted to put together a collection of songs that would help the listener to strip away and remove all of the unimportant distractions that a lot of us often let into our lives that interfere with worship. Jamie says,  "I want people to sense the true passion for worship."

 

During the period of time that this release was being recorded Jamie was dealing with the loneliness that comes from being out touring plus she was also dealing with a virus that she had contracted while on a mission's trip outside of the U.S., some days she felt so drained that she wondered if she would even have the strength to record her vocals.

 

Dealing with all of that this release is filled with music that will at times have you dancing singing joyful praises while at other times have you on your knees crying.

 

Above the Noise has about 50% more pop sounding upbeat songs while the other 50% are more melodic and traditional. I liked both styles but I really noticed just what a great voice Jamie has on the more melodic songs like, "I Stand in Awe," and "The Life I Live," with their simple arrangements that really let Jamie's vocals soar.

 

The passion that comes through in her songs is undeniable. She's just not singing , these are emotions that are pouring out of her heart.

 

This is what I call a whole family type album. The more upbeat pop numbers will please the younger kid's ear while the more melodic songs will have a familiar sound that the more mature ear will appreciate.

 

Do yourself a favor and don't miss out on the worship experience that's found on Jamie Jamgochian's new release, Above The Noise.

 

Jeff Johnson- Glorious Day Review

Artist: Jeff Johnson
Title: Glorious Day
Website: http://www.jeffjohnsonband.org
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jeffjohnsonmusic
Style: Worship
Rating:  8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Jeff Johnson used to work at a corporate job until he decided that he wanted something different, so in 2003 he started Jeff Johnson Ministries. He also made an appearance on the hit show American Idol in 2005.

 

Glorious Day is Jeff's third release, (Enter In: EP 2005, Shaken 2003). On this release Jeff uses rousing worship music to drive home the point of God's love and grace. He also encourages the need for a deeper faith and walk with God.

 

Jeff says that, "My deepest desire is that these songs would resound the immaculate beauty of our God-- exalting Him, and Him alone."

 

The release starts off with the driving big guitar lead song, "God Over Us," a praise and worship song about God's glory. From there the CD continue on with several more up-tempo songs until track-6 the classic church hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross."

 

Jeff performs this song along with fellow artist Shane Barnard. Ironically when I looked over the release's song list this was probably the one that I was looking forward to hearing the most.

 

I like to hear how artist interpret classic hymns and what new twist they'll add to them. Unfortunately this is the only song on the CD that I really didn't like.

 

The song has a constant percussion almost pounding sound that resonates in the background for the entire song that gave it an industrial sound that for me just didn't work.

 

Other then that I really enjoyed the CD and the powerful lyrics that are found in the songs.

 

Glorious Day is a nice collection of 10 songs that feature a mixture of contemporary worship and light rock along with a few touches of a country flavor that are highlighted with some nice arrangements.

 

Lanae' Hale- EP Review

 

Artist: Lanae' Hale
Title: Lanae' Hale EP
Website: http://www.lanaehale.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lanaehale
Style: Singer Songwriter
Label: Centricity Records
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

This is the self-titled debut for this 24-year old singer-songwriter from CoCo River Florida now based out of Nashville.

 

This EP features 6 tracks. It starts off with the popish sounding track "Spring Again," a song that deals with life as passing seasons. It then moves quickly into track-2 "Alive Again," that's all about God's grace.

 

On track-3 "Love is Worth the Fight," Lanae' takes a trip to the jazz influenced side of music. Track-4 "Stay" is about hope. Track-5 "Start Over," deals with trying to fit into what the world wants you to be so much that you lose your faith. It all ends with the melodic song "Quiet Place."

 

Lanae' has vocals like that of fine crystal with a wide vocal range. Her vocal's bring each word to life and drives home the song lyric's point.

 

Lanae' uses struggles that she's dealt with in her own life and overcome in her music.

 

Lanae' has overcome being a cutter. She says, " I tried desperately for three years to fix my broken heart by cutting, but only found myself with deeper scars. If not for the grace of God I may not have made it through." She adds that, "more than anything else, I would love to help young girls through my music and my own testimony, so they can see the hope and forgiveness for mistakes. There is a chance fir healing, and that is through the grace of Jesus Christ. I am a living testimony of that!"

 

Lanae' has talent, compassion and a message that need to be heard what more could you ask for from an artist? Do yourself a favor and get onboard the Lanae' Hale musical train.

 

Time Life Songs 4 Ever Collection - Review

Artist: Time Life Songs 4 Ever Collection
Title: Love
Website: http://www.timelife.com
Telephone Orders: 1-800-488-4669
Style: Pop/Rock
Rating: 9.4 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

For those of you new to the site I've been reviewing the Time Life's Songs 4 Ever 10 CD set. Although the collection is a boxed set of 10 that covers Christian music from the last two decades I've decided to review each CD found in the set individually.

 

There's just too much good music to lump all into one review.

 

So far I've reviewed the Shout and Worship CD's from the set.  Since it's February and this month includes Valentines Day what a perfect time to review the Love CD from the set.

 

Before I put this CD in my player or even looked at the list of songs on it I thought that it would be filled with sappy love songs nothing could be further from the truth. Instead it's filled with powerful often-upbeat songs that deal with both human and God's love.

 

Each song is a hit that I'm sure you've heard playing from your radio speakers.

 

The list of artist that have songs on this CD is, Toby Mac, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, The Afters, Newsboys, Third Day, Joy Williams, Jars of Clay, Israel and New Breed, Bebo Norman, Passion Worship Band, Stacie Orrico, Brian Littrell, and Mark Harris.

 

As I listened to each song I kept waiting to hear that one song that was just added to fill up space but it never happened. This release is filled with 15 songs that all hit the mark.

 

This CD will have you singing along with it while bringing a smile to your face. I keep saying it, but it's true, you need to add this 10-CD set to your music library. Time Life's Songs 4 Ever series is a must buy!

 

Jon Augustine- Carry Me Home Review

 

Artist: Jon Augustine
Title: Carry Me Home
Website: http://www.jonaugustine.com
Style: Gospel Blues
Label: Confession Records
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Some older readers might remember Jon from his 1991 5-episode run on the TV talent show Star Search. Jon made it to the semi-finals and received accolades like, "one of the best discoveries of the year."

 

Then in 2004 he Won Ryan Seacrest's "Be A Star" Contest on L.A. Radio Station STAR 98.7 winning prizes like $10,000 in cash, a Volkswagen Beetle, and a demo produced by Hollywood Records.

 

Fast-forward to June 2007, Jon won the grand prize at the Ignition Showcase in Northern California.  The competition featured singers, songwriters, bands, hip-hop artists and various independent Christian artists from Central and Northern California.  As a result of winning Jon will be featured on a compilation style release along with several other grand prizewinners.

 

Jon is working on a new album due to come out sometime in late 2008 until then you can enjoy Jon's solo debut release Carry Me Home which was released in 2006. What you'll find on it is a blend of more traditional gospel songs along with some blues-pop rockers.

 

Jon collaborates with Northern California Christian blues veteran Will Derryberry who recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered the CD at his studio located in California.

 

Carry Me Home kicks-off with the piano rich traditional song, "What Is Fellowship" with Jon's soulful vocals taking full reign over the song.

 

My favorite songs found on this release tended to be the more upbeat ones that had my toes tapping and had the feel of an upbeat church service.

 

I also really enjoyed title track, "Carry Me Home." I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure that I've heard this song playing on my radio tuned to a Christian station several times. This soulful number talks about finding strength in sorrow and joy in the pain and concludes with a nice vocal harmony.

 

I really liked what I heard on Carry Me Home and look forward to hearing what musical golden nuggets his next release will offer up.

 

 

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir- I'll Say Yes Review

Artist: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Title: I'll Say Yes
Website: http://www.brooklyntabernacle.org
Purchase Online: http://www.integritydirect.com
Style: Gospel Choir
Label: Provident-Integrity Distribution
Rating: 9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

I'll Say Yes is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's 26th album in a recording history that stretches back to 1981, with the choir itself being formed in the early 1970's. Over that time they've won 6-Grammy Awards, 7-Dove Awards, and sold over 4-million albums, not to mention gaining the reputation as one of the best choirs in the world.

 

They've also performed at noted venues like, Carnegie Hall, Radio Center Music Hall and a sold out Madison Square Garden.

 

What even makes all of those accomplishments even more spectacular is the fact that many of the choir's 300 members have never had any type of formal vocal training and choir founder and director Carol Cymbala cannot read or write music.

 

I'll Say Yes features 13-tracks of stellar music and last for just over 71 minutes. It all starts off with a rousing rendition of the song, "Holy is the Lord."

 

Besides the traditional gospel choir sound you'll also find the soulful song, "I Never Lost My Praise," along with a Latin flavored number entitled,
"We Fill the Sanctuary."

 

It's all about the vocals on this release. Nothing sounds better then a choir with all of its different vocal ranges all working together in perfect harmony.

 

Almost as big of a story as the choir's music is the members that make up the choir. Pulling on different ethnic and economic backgrounds the choir is made up of everyone from lawyers, and nurses to street people and former crack addicts.

 

When ask about their music choir founder and director Carol Cymbala said, "I just want to see people drawn to Jesus Christ." she continued, "I want the music to be the arrow that points them to Him."

 

Senior Church Pastor and husband of Carol adds, "The choir represents all different walks of life and every kind of sin. You name it and we have someone who has been saved out of it, standing right next to another one who has grown up in the church." he continues, "None of us would have met if it weren't for the Christ." he then added, "Our backgrounds are just too diverse. But all of us have one thing on common: we all have been lifted up and saved. So the choir sings-not about a theological position- but about what has happened to them. It's not a theory; it's a reality."

 

Whether you just enjoy hearing good choir music or your looking to experience it for the first time you can't go wrong with The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's music.

 

Number One Gun- The North Pole Project Review

Artist: Number One Gun
Title: The North Pole Project
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/numberonegun
Style: Christian Rock/ EMO
Label: Tooth & Nail Records
Rating: 7.8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

The title for this release, The North Pole Project, fits well. Gone are the other members of the band and left is frontman/vocalist Jeff Schneeweis.  Last Spring Jeff spent three months in his hometown of Chico, CA. working on this release. Jeff said that, "I just wrote and recorded as I went, playing every instrument."

 

This was to be the third full-length release from the band. Although this release will fly under the Number One Gun band flag it's more of a solo effort from Jeff.

 

The ten songs found on The North Pole Project for the most part are rock/emo in style with guitar hooks driving the songs along with a few melodic ballads added into the mix.

 

The lyrics aren't overtly Christian and tend to deal more with the themes of hope and overcoming life's problems. Jeff says, "I want to write songs that can give people hope..."

 

Jeff has already put together a touring band that includes, Justin Richards, and Jonathan Russo.

 

You can tell that Jeff has spent a lot of time and put a lot of effort into the making of this release. Just know going in that this isn't the usual Number One Gun lineup.

 

Dean Strickland- Hitchhiking Guitarman Review

Artist: Dean Strickland
Title: Hitchhiking Guitarman
Website: http://www.deanstrickland.com
Style: Country
Label: Never Die Records
Rating: 8.75 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Dean Strickland's first full length CD, Hitchhiking Guitarman is a collection of thirteen original songs that Dean has written from his experiences while hitchhiking from show to show in Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee and California for over the past two years.

 

Over these 13 songs you'll get to know Dean pretty well. He sings about his life in the songs, of which, a big part of revolves around his faith.

 

Songs like, "I Believe the Lord Has Put Me Here to Sing to You" with lyrics that talk about an angel coming down  from heaven to Dean's mom to let her know that she'd be having a boy and to name him Dean. Along with that he was given the gift from God to sing to the people.

 

You'll also find cowboys sitting around the open fire resting from a long day playing the guitar and singing feel on several of the songs. I think that Dean is a man who would have fit right in if he'd been born and lived in an earlier time period when the west was still wild.

 

On the song, "Why Did Classic Country Music Have to Die?" Dean laments for the older times before Country music got intertwined with Pop and Rock music styles to make it more acceptable for mainstream radio stations to play.

 

Dean's music is clean, honest, crisp, heartfelt and pure country. Nothing fancy or over worked just a man and his guitar making music for the world to hear.

 

I really enjoyed my time spent listening to Dean's original style of Country music that's found on Hitchhiking Guitarman.

Time Life's Songs 4 Ever Collection - Worship Review

Artist: Time Life's Songs 4 Ever Collection
Title: Worship
Website: http://www.timelife.com
Style: Praise & Worship
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Time Life's Songs 4 Ever is a 10 CD set but I've decided to review each CD found in the set individually. Last time we reviewed the CD Shout from the boxed set.

 

While Shout was more about loud and rocking music for the young or young at heart Worship is more for reflective type worship.

 

The fifteen songs that are found on Worship are ones that you 'd hear being sung during a Sunday morning or evening church service.

 

The songs fall more into the melodic and rich range with strings, organs and flutes found in them. The songs also feature rich vocal harmonies and choir like parts.

 

Worship features artist, Chris Tomlin, New Life Worship, Passion Worship Band, Hillsong, Delirious?, Robin Mark, Marty Nystorm, Don Moen, Twila Paris, Integrity Worship, Newsong, Graham Kendrick, and Kathryn Scott .

 

This release is one that you put in your stereo, get down on your knees, and spend time in worship.

 

Songs 4 Ever Collection- Shout Review

Artist: Time Life Songs 4 Ever Collection
Title: Shout
Website: http://www.timelife.com
Telephone: 1-800-488-4669
Style Pop/Rock/Praise& Worship
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

While the Time Life Songs 4 Ever series comes as a 10-CD boxed set to review it all as one I don't think would be fair so I'm going to review each CD individually.

 

Songs 4 Ever covers Christian music from the last two decades and besides the10 CDs, also includes a lyric's booklet, and comes in its own collector's box.

 

Shout is the first CD in the Time Life series Songs 4 Ever collection that we'll be reviewing.

 

Here are the 15 tracks that you'll find on Shout, the rocking "Big House"- Audio Adrenaline, the pop romance song "Baby Baby- Amy Grant, pop praise song "Testify to Love"- Avalon, a live version of the praise and worship song "Come Now Is the Time to Worship"- Brian Doerksen, the hit "Who Am I"-Casting Crowns, the piano ballad "Word of God Speak- MercyMe, the 1992 classic "Friends"- Michael W. Smith, a nice sing along version of "Here I Am to Worship" - Sonicflood, the hit praise and worship song "Shout to the Lord" - Darlene Zschech, the poignant song of a father dealing with his daughter growing up "Butterfly Kisses"- Bob Carlisle,  the choir song "Why We Sing"- Kirk Franklin and the Family, a nice version of the 1994 Twila Paris classic "God in Control, the take a strong stand for your faith song "For Future Generations" - 4Him,  the song about pure honest worship "The Heart of Worship"- Matt Redman and last but certainly not least is the 1988 classic "Awesome God"- Rich Mullins. (For those of you not old enough to remember Rich Mullins do yourself a favor and learn more about him. His life was tragically cut short when he died in an automobile accident in September of 1997.  Many of today's Christian artist give credit to Rich for influencing their music and more important their spirit for serving others. Here's a site to visit to learn more about Rich- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Mullins ).

 

Time Life has really put together an unbelievable set of songs on Shout. The 15 tracks feature both Christian artist of the past along with current ones to offer up 68 minutes of really good music.

 

Besides Shout here is the list of other CD's found in this collection that will be reviewing in the upcoming weeks, Worship, Love, Alive,Forever, Imagine, Heaven, Believe, Power Ballads, and Hope.

 

Look for our review for the Worship CD from the Time Life Songs 4 Ever series coming soon.

 

Whether your a long time listener of Christian Music, who wants to build on their collection, or a new listener who wants to have an instant library of Christian Music the Time Life Songs 4 Ever series is a must buy!

Kevin Max- The Blood Review

Artist: Kevin Max
Title: The Blood
Website: http://www.kevinmaxmusic.com/
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/kevinmaxtheblood
Style: Gospel
Label: Infinity Music Distribution
Rating: 9.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

On The Blood, Kevin's third solo release, he takes a break from rock to journey into his passion for soulful Gospel music that itself serves as the roots for much of today's rock music.

 

Kevin says that, "...It has taken me almost two decades to come full circle and realize how Gospel music has inspired me and influenced my decisions in music. The Blood is not a classic hymns cover project or a white/homogenized version of black gospel or soul music. It's a sensitive and stylized adaptation of the music that was at the root of rock, blues and popular culture. The Blood is about the story of Redemption and Grace, found only in the blood of Jesus Christ."

 

Kevin has also enlisted the help of many fellow artists on this release. The guest vocalist include, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Chris Sligh (American Idol finalist), Joanne Cash, Ashley Cleveland, Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) and a dcTalk reunion featuring Max and former band members TobyMac and Michael Tait.

 

Kevin also got help on the musician side from, William Owsley (guitars, bass, engineering, all production) Bobby Huff (drums), Wookie (drums),  John Fields (sitar, absynth, jukebox hero bass), Phil Madeira- B3, organ, national guitar), Vince Gill (guitars), John Painter (horns, hiphop bass) Ashley Cleveland, Judson Spence, Kim (keys- BGV's).
 
The Blood starts and ends with old-time gospel music. The first track is, "The Old Rugged Cross" the song is set against the sound of an old record player with its static noises. The last track, "One Way- One Blood" featuring Joanne Cash also ends with those same sounds. On both of these tracks Kevin's deep booming voice has a very Johnny Cash like sound to them.

 

There are so many good points found on this release that it would take too long to mention them all but here are a few of the highlights:

 

Track-2 "The Cross" featuring the dcTalk guys starts slow and then really rocks it out. I enjoyed the sitar parts found on it.

 

Track-3 "Run on for a Longtime" featuring American Idol finalist Chris Sligh. This song has a real soulful rock feel to it with the horn parts. You might have heard this one already since it's the first radio single off of The Blood.

 

Track-4 "Trouble of the World"- any song with the Hammond B-3 in it can't go wrong.

 

Track-5 "I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole" features some good swamp blues music.

 

Track-6 "Up Above My Head I Hear Music" This is a upbeat country western top tapper featuring Amy Grant and Vince Gill.

 

Track-7 "They Won't Go When I Go" is a soulful piano ballad that deals with the tribulation.

 

Track-8 "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power" another soulful gospel song with the B-3.

 

Track-9 "People Get Ready" The 1965 single by The Impressions and written by Curtis Mayfield has to be one of the most covered songs around. It has been covered by everyone from Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, U2, Aretha Franklin, and Phil Collins to John Denver, Taylor Hicks, and Alicia Keys to name just a few.  This version features Erica Campbell from Mary Mary. I liked this cover that stayed pretty true to the original song. I also enjoyed the guitar solo's found on it.

 

When asked about the songs found on The Blood Kevin says, "One of the reasons the songs on The Blood are so important is because they represent the answer, the medicine for the ailments. I love the significance of Christ's blood as something that empowers us- it can literally change us. I know I am changed, and God has given me another chance to live a life that is full and without fear."

 

I really liked this release and it's ability to take black gospel and blend it with other styles to achieve its traditional Gospel yet fresh sound.

 

While the official release date for The Blood isn't until December 26th you can preorder it now at Kevin's web sites.

 

Fort Pastor- Beautiful Imperfection Review

Artist: Fort Pastor
Title: Beautiful Imperfection
Website: http://www.fortpastor.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fortpastor
Style: Pop/ Acoustic Roots Rock
Label: KOCH/ Kosmos Records
Lineup: Brant Christopher Menswar (lead vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica), Jeffrey Todd Keel (resonator guitar, vocals), Jono Callow (didgeridoo, bass, vocals, percussion)
Rating: 9.3 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Let's start off with an explanation for the band's name Fort Pastor.  "The name comes from a zombie movie; it comes from a movie called, "Dawn of the Dead," band member Menswar explains. "In that movie, Fort Pastor is the military fort that is the safe haven that everyone in town is trying to get to, to keep away from the zombies. And for us, it was more of a political statement, dating back to the '60s when zombie movies kind of first were in their heyday. At that time, the film was much more of a political statement about society and our consumerism and our need to consume everything around us -- where we slavishly become zombies to it."

 

The band members all currently reside in Orlando, FL., but originally Brant Christopher Menswar comes from Manchester, NH, Jeffrey Todd Keel is from Dalhart, TX, and Jono Callow hails from Melbourne Australia.

 

Beautiful Imperfection is their debut release on KOCH/Kosmos Records although the band has one other independent release, Alive Inside that was released in 2006.

 

Beautiful Imperfection is a collection of 13 songs that blend pop and acoustic rock roots music with a touch of a world sound provided by the extensive use of the didgeridoo found in it. After hearing the didgeridoo playing on this release it has now replaced the bagpipe as my favorite non-traditional instrument.

 

The band credits groups like The Dave Matthews Band and The John Butler Trio for influencing their sound. They also give some credit to artist like Billy Joel, Elton John, and James Taylor.

 

I really enjoyed the time spent listening to this release. The issue-oriented songs are well crafted and have a different sound then most of the other music out there now.  The songs feature nice smooth vocals along with a variety of rhythmic percussion parts. The didgeridoo parts where mesmerizing and really brought the songs to life.

 

One song that I'm sure you'll recognize on the CD is the band's interesting cover of the Seal song, "Crazy." The song has a nice tempo and flow to it.

 

The band also has a not so normal spiritual side. Here's what band member Brant Christopher Menswar had to say,  "We feel a lot of times that people look at us as being a little bit crazy," Menswar admits, "being that we're Christians, but we don't play a lot of churches. We kind of go to the places where we feel people need to hear what we're singing about and sometimes that's bars, sometimes it's prisons and wherever our message needs to be heard. So we're kind of a non-traditional band of Christians." "We'd much prefer to sing to people that haven't heard it, than preach to the choir."

 

Beautiful Imperfection will touch you both with its music and song subjects. Add this one to your must buy music list.

 

The band has a just don't talk about instead but put your words into action type of attitude. In 2007 they started a non-profit organization called Social Justice Army. The mission of the group is to inspire, rally and organize others to serve one another by providing opportunities to serve as a group within their local communities, thereby building hopes, conviction and courage in themselves and those they serve.

 

Members of the organization commit to serving their local community one hour a month. Their slogan is, "Changing the world an one hour at a time." For more information on the group and how you can get involved in it visit there website at: http://www.socialjusticearmy.org .

 

Indie Vision Music- Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2 Review

 

Artist: Indie Vision Music
Title: Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2
Website: http://www.indievisiomusic.com
Style: Compilation (Pop/Punk/Rock/Hardcore)
Label: Indie Vision Music
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
By Senior Writer C.W. Ross

 

Hearts Bleed Passion Vol. 2 is the second in the series that feature unsigned bands. The music found on it ranges from hardcore and metal to punk, alternative and rock in style.

 

With its 20 tracks you're sure to find something that you'll like on this release. The price is also right at only $4.00 at Indie Vision Music's online store. I like these compilation style releases as they offer many different bands a chance to get heard and the listener a chance to hear some good bands that they might not get the chance to hear any other way.

 

Here's the CD's track listing:

1. Olivia "Feelings", 2. Sophia "Mocking Birds After The Picture Show", 3. Take It Back "Lights In This Town", 4. Avery Pkwy "Sleep Now" 5. Someday "The Sink Is Here Cause I Got Problems",6. Thyne Scabbard "Call of God",7. Kings to You "Strike Back",8. All But Screaming "Wide Eyed", 9. Quick and the Dead "Nothing Changes",10. Spacepilot "Without Stitch",11. Abandon Kansas "Minutes", 12. Stand The Gaff "Frankly My Dear", 13. One Star Story "Near To Far", 14. Death Is Not Welcome Here "Facing Today", 15. Newvale "Summer's Gone", 16. Fixed Til Tuesday "Heaven Knocking, Hell Rising", 17. The Distance Between "Building Bridges", 18. The Relay "Back Seat Driver Sara", 19. Ashcroft "Behind the Bruised" and 20. The Trade "White Noise."

 

Out of the 20 tracks I really liked 12 of them, which is a pretty good ratio. 77 minutes worth of music for a couple of bucks sounds like a real good deal to me!

 

Diamond Rio- The Star Still Shines Review

Artist: Diamond Rio
Title: The Star Still Shines
Website: http://www.diamondrio.com
Style: Christmas Music
Label: Word Records
Band Lineup: Marty Roe (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Gene Johnson (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar, tenor vocals), Jimmy Olander (electric guitar, banjo) Brian Prout (drums), Dan Truman (keyboards),  Dana Williams (bass guitar, baritone vocals)
Rating: 7.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

The band Diamond Rio has long been one of country music's most successful groups. In their over two decades in the music business they've won numerous awards, have had nine No. 1 hits, placed 15 singles in the Top Five, been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, and have sold more than 10 million records and received the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award in recognition of their many charitable endeavors, including their longtime relationship as National Spokespersons for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

 

With all of those achievements it's hard to believe that the group has never put out a holiday release. The band says that they've always wanted to do a Christmas album and with their recent signing to the Word Record's label the time and situation was right.

 

The result is The Star Still Shines, a collection of Christmas classics along with the original title track, "The Star Still Shines".

 

When I first got this release I expected to hear Christmas songs set to a heavy country music style. While songs like, "Winter Wonderland", "Sleigh Ride", and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" have a country vibe the only 'hill music country' track is the country/ bluegrass song, "Christmas Times A Comin'." This songs a real toe taper that will quickly have you singing along. That being said a good portion of the album has more of a contemporary /pop sound to it.

 

The Star Still Shines though is filled with the band's signature vocal harmonies that could stand their ground against anyone in a singing contest. You'll also find those harmonies showcased in their purest form in the a capella songs, "O Come O Come Emmanuel", and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" found on The Star Still Shines.

 

The release's original track, "The Star Still Shines" has the potential to become a Christmas classic. When asked about the song band member Marty Roe said,  "It's a great song and it has a great message to it," he continued, "It's about the Christmas story, the birth of Christ. I love the sentiment that the star is still shining. He is still here with us and that good news is still here today. I think we came out with something really, really special."

 

If your looking for a new album to add to your Christmas play list then Diamond Rio's, The Star Still Shines would make a nice choice. The music is done in such a way that I think it will appeal to many different family generations as you set around enjoying the holidays together.

 

chasetheglow- chasetheglow EP Review

Artist:chasetheglow
Title chasetheglow EP
Website: http://www.myspace.com/chasetheglow
Style: Alternative Rock
Musical Influences: Switchfoot, Paramore, Disciple, Flyleaf, Anberlin, The Rocket Summer, Bleach , Family Force 5.
Lineup: Sara Pecchia (lead vocals), Jordan Crenshaw (guitar, background vocals), Aaron Carlson (bass), Eric Steward (drums)
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

 

Chasetheglow was formed recently in the spring of 2007. While the band itself is new its individual members aren't having previous music experience being in other bands.

 

For example, I first hear lead singer Sara Pecchia's vocals a few years back when she was in the band Identity. Back then I was amazed by her vocal talents being that she was still only a teenager, so when she recently contacted me about a new band she was involved with I couldn't wait to hear their music.

 

I wasn't disappointed Sara always had the vocal talent but now she also has the extra wisdom that comes from life experiences that adds that extra bit of passion to her vocals.

 

Sara's lead vocals blend well with the rest of the band. The rhythmic guitar playing of Jordan Crenshaw keeps the songs flowing nicely while the drum beats provided by Eric Steward punch up the songs. Aaron Carlson's bass parts jump back and forth from being in the spotlight grabbing your attention and then melding back into the song like a chameleon.

 

The band's music is mostly up-tempo with catchy rhythms and driving beats although they aren't afraid to also add in some tempo changes, slowing things down for a few moments before driving the song's tempo back up again.

 

The song lyrics are filled with spiritual messages, but not in an overt way where every other word is God or Jesus. The band's spiritual message is more subtle leaning more on life lessons and finding hope to get their message out.

 

This style of song writing should offer the band great opportunities to reach out to people looking for faith not in a traditional church way. The band's song lyrics should also offer up opportunities to cross over to the secular music market should they choose to do so.

 

This self-titled EP from chasetheglow offers up a nice taste of their music and hopefully a full -length release from the band will be coming down the road, until then this EP should keep you happy.