JustMe – Interview
May 9, 2009 Feature
Below are the links to a two-part interview with emcee and producer Justin Long (aka JustMe). His latest single is titled “How I Met Your Mother” and it is currently available as a free download (see link below).
In the interview we talked about his music ministry and life in general. I really appriciated how Justin’s faith has been played out in his music. I believe the hip-hop genre is an under appricated field in Christian music and I appreciate the drive and motivation of people like Justin who use their skills to speak of Jesus in a way that the younger generation can relate to.
The single “How I Met Your Mother” is off of his latest release titled Before the Twilight which can be found on iTunes as well as the Illect Records website. You can also pre-order the physical CD on the Illect site if you prefer a hard copy.
Take some time to download or listen to the interview and get to know the heart of JustMe.
Free Download of “How I Met Your Mother”
Tags: JustMe
Sarah Reeves – Sweet Sweet Sound
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Sarah Reeves
Sweet Sweet Sound
Sparrow Records
Grade – A
Sarah Revees’ story is a fascinating one. Having grown up in a musical family, Sarah was certain that music would be a big part of her life. What may not have been certain was how her deep-seated desire for music would only be surpassed by her desire to glorify God in the process. It was a single turn of events that led her to where she is now, a single youth event that opened her eyes and her heart to a admirable pursuit that she describes well in the title track, “Sweet Sweet Sound.”
I am an instrument
Of the living God
My life a melody to His name
More than the songs I sing
Worship is everything
I live to glorify my King
Another amazing component to this story is how Sarah was brought through the process. According to her biography Sarah caught the attention of Tiffany Lee (Plumb) after opening for her in concert. Meeting Tiffany opened doors in many ways, as Sarah has had the opportunity to write with some of the industries leaders and Sparrow gave her debut project a high priority by securing a team of heavy hitting producers – Ian Eskelin and Matt Bronleewe.
Considering the effect the album has had on myself, the effort and concentration given to this project are appropriate. From the graceful vocals to the heartfelt and vertical lyrics, the project is an excitingly fresh worship project. There is an enthusiasm in Sarah’s voice that really makes the songs snap. Additionally, the production is very complementary to her voice. The upbeat soundtrack gives Sarah’s words a real elevating quality that inspires.
There are a lot of short clips on Youtube.com that give you a better insight into the heart of Sarah and the purpose of her musical offerings. It’s free and it’s a great place to start to get familiarized with Sarah Reeves. Now that the annual Dove Awards have passed for 2009, maybe we can start to speculate on next year’s best new artist of the year award, maybe.
- Ken W.
http://www.myspace.com/sarahreevesmusic
Tags: Sarah Reeves
Press Play – Life Is Beautiful
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Press Play
Life Is Beautiful
Dream Center
Grade – B+
I love this album. It’s not over the top, or even all that unique, but it is a rock-n-roll dance party, similar to Family Force Five. Right from the start I was hooked with the techno beat and the synth backdrop. No one probably knows the reference, but it brought back memories of a secular band called Love and Rockets (they peaked in the late 80’s with their self-titled debut), although the styles do change a lot on the Life Is Beautiful, but the synth based tracks are the most interesting. Typically I would tire of dance music, but each track is fresh and the party really goes on and on. Some of the other notable formats on the album, including a more worship-centered “Fill This Place,” which features Darlene Zschech.
The group, Press Play, is a collaboration of players (six in all) that have all come together for the purpose of supporting the Los Angeles Dream Center. The Dream Center is a non-profit organization that provides aid to local communities in various forms – social, physical, and spiritual needs. The proceeds from the sale of Life Is Beautiful are all going towards the Dream Center (www.dreamcenter.org).
The album sports a mix of pop, rock, rap and urban music and with a variety of players the tracks all have a fresh sound. It is a catchy sound with a lot of uplifting lyrics that are surely an extension of their passion for helping others through the Dream Center.
- Ken W.
Tags: Press Play
Robert Pierre – Identity
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Robert Pierre
Identity
Thinkaboutit Records
Grade – B
“Identity” is the sophomore release from the young Robert Pierre. The new CD had first been released as a giveaway through Family Christian Stores. For a $10 donation to the James Fund, patrons would receive a copy of “Identity.” All together, after three and a half months of the promotion, 100,000 copies were given away, helping to raise over $800,000 for the James Fund. For more information on the James Fund you can check out their website at http://www.jamesfund.org/.
Now, as the album has been officially released to the market nationwide, it does include three new songs. Robert himself, just a high school sophomore, wrote four of the songs on the new album. The high-profile Matt Bronlewee produced “Identity” and there is no missing the quality that he brings to the project. I was impressed with the CD consider the age of the artist. There are times when the music boarders on what I call Disney-pop but for the most part it has a much more mature sound of a seasoned vocalist. The breadth of his abilities as a vocalist is impressive.
The themes and messages of the songs are quite appropriate for his audience. It is very evident in what Robert has to say about the track “Jesus.” Pierre stated, “In a time when so many people are afraid to speak the name of Jesus, I am pumped that I can stand and proclaim it! It’s all about Jesus.”
Check it out at www.robertpierre.com!
Ken W.
Tags: Robert Pierre
Decyfer Down – Crash
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Decyfer Down
Crash
INO Records
Grade – B+
“Crash” is the sophomore release from INO Records hard-rock act Decyfer Down. A lot has happened since their debut. First, as the title indicates, there was a near fatal crash while on tour. Second, the former lead singer, Caleb Oliver, has stepped down for personal reasons. Caleb’s position has been filled by TJ Harris (Fighting Instincts). That’s good news for Decyfer Down, but probably bad news for fans of Fighting Instincts.
All in all, the band has risen up out of the wreckage and has proven with their sophomore release that they are serious about making this work. It is a testament to their commitment to the band and their personal faith in God’s plan. The soundtrack includes a ton of thrashing guitars and the vocals work well with the bands original sound.
I think there is a huge potential for the band to gain some considerable ground in the field as they tour this album. It’s right up there with the latest from bands like Skillet when it comes to style. I also like how some of the tracks speak so pointedly about their faith. Really, the song “Desperate” is exactly how I feel sometimes. Crying out to God for his “grace and mercy” as TJ puts it. Wow, it is so cool how the music really makes you feel the need for God’s grace and mercy! Same thing goes for “Best I Can.” I connected to this album on so many levels and then for it to be so solid musically has just been a huge bonus.
Check out Decyfer Down on their official website at www.DecyferDown.com.
- Ken W.
Tags: Decyfer Down
Third Day – Live Revelations
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews, DVD Reviews
Third Day
Live Revelations: On Stage, Off Stage, Backstage (DVD/CD)
Essential
Grade – A
The first time I put this CD in my car radio I found that the DVD was packaged first with the CD placed behind it. I found this out because the DVD would not play in my cars CD player. I thought, “how unusual.” I think typically in a set like this, the CD has always been the first disc with the DVD or extras tucked further inside the case. Either way, I moved on and started to listen to the CD. The CD on it’s own is just ok, nothing special and very short for a live performance. I was not really impressed and I was left wondering “why bother?”.
Then, one faithful night, on a birthday retreat, a total surprise gift from my lovely bride Ellen, I popped the DVD into the computer to fill some time before we sat down to watch Fireproof. We just about did not get to watch the Fireproof movie, as we were completely drawn into the Third Day DVD. The behind the scenes go so much further than unloading and stage setup or backstage shenanigans that I was expecting. The DVD truly gets at the heart of the band and how the “band” affects their home lives. How perfectly fitting when we were preparing to watch a movie with much of the same themes.
The DVD alone is worth it all and I am incredibly excited to have something so personal from a band that by secular standards is larger-than-life.
- Ken W.
Tags: Third Day
Ben Utecht
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Ben Utecht
Self-titled
Stylos Records
12 tracks @ 51:07
Grade = B
Ben Utecht is a pro football player (Cincinnati Bengals) who started for the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts. His former coach, Tony Dungy, says, “I always thought his real impact would be in Christian music. Ben believes in the gospel message and that comes through when he sings. I believe God is going to use his musical gift ina special way.”
Fans of adult contemporary music, such as Mark Harris, Sandi Patty and Jeremy Camp will enjoy this record. That’s no surprise as those artists have made contributions here. I’m going to safely guess that Adie Camp provides an uncredited reading on “Daniel,” one of the stronger songs on this record.
Produced by Nathan Nockels of Watermark, Utecht has written, or co-written many of the tracks Themes range from praise (“We All Bow Down”) to surrender (“Your’s”) to the prodigal (“Glimpse of Heaven”). All are very good, but more typical than profound.
- Rob S.
Tags: Ben Utecht
Kristian Stanfill – Attention
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Kristian Stanfill
“Attention”
sixsteptsrecords
11 tracks @ 48:09
Grade = A-
Kristian Stanfill is the newest addition to the record label of Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Charlie Hall and Matt Redman. He’s not a newcomer to recording as he can be found on some of the Passion projects.
Stanfill says, “A great worship leader must first be a great follower. In order to lead people in worship, you must first know how to listen to and follow the Holy Spirit.
“When you deal with the sacred, as intimate and corporate worship is, there has to be some ear involved. You have to approach it with a good sense of awe and wonder. As a worship leader, you are carrying a big message. . .and you want to do it right.”
About the title for his debut Stanfill says, “There is a growing obsession in our country with Hollywood, fashion and body image. I wanted to write songs that would take people’s attention off of the stuff of this world and point them back to the cross.”
Stanfill succeeds with this record. “Beautiful Jesus” is the first single. Stanfill has written, or co-written, 10 of the 11 songs on this modern worship record. Most of the songs cite a passage of Scripture as an influence.
Great lyrics but typical for the genre. Given the musical arrangements, some of the songs may catch on in the modern church (“Kingdom,” “Wake Up,” “I Need You”).
- Rob S.
Tags: Kristian Stanfill
The Best of Gospel Superfest
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
“The Best of Gospel Superfest”
Spirit Rising Music
11 tracks @ 55:44
Grade = A
I had not heard of this syndicated TV program prior to reviewing this combo CD/DVD set. I don’t exactly live in an area where gospel music is appreciated. Count me in as one of this show’s biggest fans.
Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr., is the Executive Producer and Founder of Gospel Superfest Television. In 1998, he received a vision from God to produce a TV show that would expand the gospel music TV landscape, uplift and inspire TV audiences and offer opportunities for new and upcoming gospel artists.
I loved the performances from Karen Clark Sheard, Ricky Dillard & New G, and Try Tribett & GA. The acappella version of “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by Shirley Murdock is exceptional. Perhaps there’s enough music for a Christmas version of Gospel Superfest.
- Rob S.
Philmont – Oh Snap
May 9, 2009 CD Reviews
Philmont
Oh Snap EP
Forefront Records
Grade – C+
Originally this project was released digitally; the review below is from the digital release. The physical release of the CD does include a new song called “The Ascension.” The new song is more like a ballad with a laid back acoustical soundtrack. It’s a good closer for the more pop/punk album that precedes it. I still stand by the original grade as the majority of the album is as it was.
—— from the Fall digital release ——-
The band Philmont is a newly signed group to the Forefront label. Their style of pop/punk caught the labels attention from the Cornerstone stage last summer. The band produced the EP in advance of their full-length project due out early 2009.
The EP is too short to make a real evaluation, however, the one track that stood out the most was “The Difference” which I would say is a little less punk and more pop – probably why I liked it more. Another favorite is “Photosynthetic,” a song about the impact of social websites like MySpace and Facebook. People have always judged Christians by their behavior more so than their words and the band points out in this song that what we display on our web pages says more about what’s in our hearts than what we claim to be.
Ken W.
http://www.MySpace.com/PhilmontRock
Tags: Philmont
