“The Comedy Bus” Series
Jan 10, 2009 DVD Reviews
“The Comedy Bus” series is a new line of comedy DVD’s from INO Records featuring some of todays hotest Christian comedians. While the comedy is top rate the production of the series so far is low-budget. At times I found it difficult to hear what they were saying as if they were not wired for the recording. Hopefully as the series evolves it will improve in production values.
The concept does not end at this point either as the Comedy Bus Tour is now booking dates and looking to come to a city near you! Check out their official website at TheComedyBus.com.
Missed Opportunities – An Interview with Jason Gray
Jan 9, 2009 Feature
This interview, like so many others, has turned out to be a meeting of missed-opportunities. After so many years one would think I would be more prepared for such encounters, but as it turns out, I historically have greater after-thought interview questions than those that occur during the actual interview. In the case of Jason Gray, it was a deeper searching of his website that brought on these linger doubts of my interviewing skills.
The official website, jasongraymusic.com includes a plethora of personal information revealing a very transparent Jason Gray. It was here that I learned more about who Jason is – as an artist and as a husband. I was exceedingly impressed with the openness and the personal nature of Jason’s blog postings. I also found some of it to be quite hysterical. The level of personal content says a lot about him as a person and it translates into what I saw as a very honest and caring individual who as he states, is most interested in matters of the “heart” when it comes to being a musician.
What I did find out from the interview was that there is new music on the horizon. According to Jason, the latest CD, “Acoustic Storytime (live songs and stories),” is a filler CD between studio recordings. Jason’s last CD, “All the Lovely Losers,” was released in 2004 and since then Jason has been, among other things, battling writers block. Being a singer/songwriter this block had a huge impact on him personally. Jason was happy however to report that he has broken through the block and the plan is to being recording new material in the spring.
While the last CD was about weakness and brokenness, Jason states that the new CD will be about confession and renewal. On the current, “filler,” project Jason speaks about the new album a piece. Jason also gives a sample of what’s to come with a couple of new tracks as well. The greater benefit of the acoustic CD however is the personal stories that Jason shares from the stage.
There may be another opportunity to speak with Jason and I hope that opportunity comes in another form than an interview. There are some occasions (and artist) where a formal interview is sufficient, but I believe there is more to Jason than just cursory information about CD releases and label business.
- Ken W.
Pure – by Rebecca St. James
Jan 9, 2009 Book Reviews
Pure
By Rebecca St. James
Faithwords
The latest book from author/recording artist Rebecca St. James is a personal devotion book for women. Injected within the devotionals are stories from Rebecca’s life that make the lessons more practical and personal. The layout of the book is a 90-day format and although I did not read the book in its entirety I did find that what I did read was well written. The most valuable part of the book is how Rebecca opens up and shares her experiences with the readers. Rebecca St. James had a very accelerated career and it is heartening to see how she has handled this so well and how she has maintained her character and witness in the midst of it all. I think the lifestyle she has lived adds credibility to this book. For more on “Pure” and Rebecca St. James check out http://www.rsjames.com.
- Ken W.
The Fine Line (Part 1)
Jan 9, 2009 Book Reviews
The Fine Line
by Kary Oberbrunner
Zondervan
With great anticipation I started reading The Fine Line by author Kary Oberbrunner. The topic of Christ and culture is at the forefront of my spiritual life and I was hoping to gain some insight on the matter from this book. So far I have not been disappointed. The opening chapters immediately challenge what we think of the relationship between Christ and culture. Just one chapter into the book my whole concept of Christianity and culture was blasted out of the water and I was set on a new paradigm of thinking. In some ways we tend to over think the whole process and Oberbrunner points that out quite clearly in his opening statements.
As I read through the book I plan to share my thoughts on what I am learning. For starters, I have learned that more than anything (cool cloths, the right cell phone, or number of Facebook/MySpace friends), loving people is ultimately more relevant to Christian living – it is a simple and practical thought, but I do not believe we always get it.
As I am somewhat of a slow reader I highly suggest you do not wait for me to finish this multi-part series to check out the book. I have recommended Kary’s books before and I have already found “The Fine Line” to be well written and easy to follow while at the same time mentally thought-provoking enough to give it a good recommendation. It is particularly practical for youth workers and parents who are trying hard to work with the concept of being a Christian in a culture that appears in many ways to have no room for Christ.
- Ken W.
Sandra McCracken – Red Balloon
Jan 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Sandra McCracken
Red Balloon
Towhee
Grade – B
I immediately connected with the newest release from singer/songwriter Sandra McCracken because of similar life course events – parenting. While I am not a mother and cannot share that singular experience I can relate to Sandra when she contemplated finding time for her music with her new responsibilities. To her credit, Sandra drew musical inspiration from her new responsibilities and she burned the midnight oil putting it down in this new recording – “Red Balloons.” The songs and style are light and airy. The CD packaging was very creative as they split the 10 tracks onto two CD’s (Side one//Side Two) like days of vinyl, however the lack of lyrics was most noticeable. I found the relaxed nature of the CD to be appropriately calming and pleasant. While I would have benefited greatly from lyrics it easy to make out what Sandra is singing and her website does includes some more in-depth information including blog entries and YouTube videos – sandramccracken.com.
- Ken W.
Avion Blackman – Sweet Life
Jan 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Avion Blackman
Sweet Life
Lion of Zion Entertainment
Grade – A
“Sweet Life” is Avion Blackman’s second release on the Lion of Zion Entertainment label. The label is an offshoot of the band Christafari that has been a leader in the Gospel-Reggae genre. The title track is a sweeping progression of R & B, Caribbean, and Reggae. On the title song Avion also has a very distinct similarity to R & B artist Sade – as is pointed out on Blackman’s website. Aside from the title track the remainder of the CD is wholly original. I was deeply touched by the Gospel message of songs like “Yeshua,” “It is for Freedom,” and “Day and Night.” Overall the CD as a whole is remarkably profound. While I like the upbeat nature of the soundtrack the lyrics dig deeper – particularly is the case of “Do You Ever.” You can find the lyrics to this heartbreaking story on Avion’s official website – avionblackman.com. On the website you will also find more information on Avion Blackman and her latest release “Sweet Life” and her additional collaborations with Chistafari.
- Ken W.
Andrew Peterson – Resurrection Letters Vol. 2
Jan 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Andrew Peterson
Resurrection Letters Vol. 2
Centricity Music
Grade – B
The latest album, “Resurrection Letters Vol. 2,” from singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson is a turn for the better for the genre. Peterson finds himself in an ideal position to truly create artistic music for purposes far greater than sales and marketing. His new relationship with the independent label Centricity provides this newfound opportunity and with their resources and Peterson’s storytelling experiences the new album exceeds expectations. The basis of the album is the resurrection told through song. Some of them are liturgical while others are more personal (“The Good Confession”).
It some respects (musically), I am reminded of Paul Simon and his particular style of music. While the tone of the CD is subtle and acoustic, there is a wide variety of musical instrumentation creatively weaved together to make an interesting and at times eclectic soundtrack. For more information check out Andrew’s official website at http://andrew-peterson.com.
- Ken W.
Kevin Max – Crashing Gates
Jan 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Kevin Max
“Crashing Gates”
dPulse Recordings
7 tracks @ 30:49
Grade = B
The latest solo effort from the former member of dcTalk is only available through iTunes.
Max says, “This is where THE IMPOSTER left off. I view this EP as a more focused collection of songs about the Apocalypse.”
“Rock and roll has always been the most interesting music to me, because it is simple and yet undeniably emotional at the same time,” summarizes Max. “I am excited to see how this project connects.”
I didn’t find this record as adventuresome as some of Kevin’s previous work. “Traveler” and “Baby I’m You Man” are pretty pedestrian.
I did like the stripped down “The Saint of Lonely Hearts.”
www.kevinmax.com
- Rob S.
Fiction Family
Jan 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Fiction Family
Self-titled
ATO/Credential
12 tracks @ 39:46
Grade = B-
Jon Foreman is a busy guy. After releasing four critically acclaimed solo EPs, he’s teamed up with Sean Watkins of nickel Creek for this side project.
The seemingly unlikely duo met a few years ago at a show featuring Wilco, R.E.M., Nickel Creek and Switchfoot. Over time, they began writing songs together, which quickly turned into a full-length album consisting of 12 original tracks written, arranged and recorded by Watkins and Foreman at their homes in San Diego. Since they are both vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, they often take turns singing lead vocals, and they both play several instruments on each song including guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion, baritone ukulele, piano, organ, mandolin, steel guitar, 12-string guitar and more. Nickel Creek fiddle player Sara Watkins is featured on a few songs as well.
“It’s almost the ideal artistic setup,” Foreman explains, “because you don’t really care about timing or any commercial aspect. We figured it’d probably never come out and we’d probably never finish it. But, hey, we’ve got these songs, so we’re just gonna work on them when we feel like it.”
The pace of work was deliberately slow, sandwiched in between touring and recording schedules for their respective groups. Watkins says, It’d be like a week here and a week there when we were both in town at the same time. Or we’d do something separately and leave it for the other one to work on.”
Musically, this is a fun and interesting record to listen to. Other than the headache inducing noise-jam of “Please Don’t Call It Love,” “When She’s Near” reminded me of “Rubber Soul” era Beatles while “Out of Order” and “We Ride” take a “Sgt. Pepper” route.
Influences from Nickel Creek and especially Foreman’s solo work are present throughout.
The record falls short lyrically. “Live your life, each and every day. . .let the sun shine through” (“Throw It Away”) isn’t exactly the most original thought.
The strongest track is “Closer Than You Think,” with its allusion to heaven on earth. Otherwise, most of the songs are about relationships won and lost.
www.fictionfamily.com
- Rob S.
Jeff Capps – Shine
Jan 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Jeff Capps
“Shine”
Independent
4 tracks @ 15:32
Grade = A-
Very nice worship and praise music along the lines of Chris Tomlin, with an original interpretation of “Only the Blood.”
On his MySpace, he says his greatest desire is that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. There’s much more from this worship leader through his MySpace.
www.JeffCapps.com
- Rob S.
