Josh Wilson – See You
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews, Feature
Josh Wilson
See You
Sparrow Records
Grade – A
Josh Wilson has been hard at work preparing his third full-length release, entitled “See You”. Following up to hits such as “Savior Please”, “Three Minute Song” and “Before The Morning”, “See You” is loaded with the creativity and wit Josh brought in his two previous offerings. It’s no surprise that Josh is an accomplished guitarist, but throughout the recording portion of the project, he mastered a few other instruments – over twenty to be exact! Some of these include the ukelele, glockenspiel, mandolin, and hammered dulcimer, just to name a few. Aside from learning and playing over 20 new instruments, Josh also recorded the piano, keyboard, acoustic and electric guitars. I had the opportunity to interview Josh and get to know more about him and his new record!
“When I’m writing, I try as much as I can, to draw from experiences that I’ve gone through or my friends have gone through. I just take notes on life and things that happen and try to relay those in music” admits Josh. This technique gives the album a very personal edge, allowing listeners a unique look into Josh’s life.
“Sing It” the opening track sets the stage nicely for the rest of the album with the line, “You placed this song inside my heart, and all I know to do for You is sing it.” For “Behind the Beauty” josh took in the beauty and wonder all around him as inspiration. The song reminds listeners to look “behind the beauty” and find the true meaning for life. “I Refuse”, the first single from the album, has already found its way to the radio. The song was written to encourage listeners to take part in something bigger than themselves, inspired by disasters such as the Haiti earthquake and Nashville flood.
Josh has a real gift when it comes to writing. Throughout the album, he asks some of the harder questions that many of us only think to ourselves. In the title track, “See You”, Josh struggles as he watches friends and family go through some harder things. He boldly asks God, “How am I supposed to see you standing here?” in the midst of tragedy. Ultimately the song reminds listeners that God is always present, even though we don’t always see Him when things get hard. “Fall Apart” is another really profound track on the album. Admitting that it’s easier for us to praise God when life is easy, he discovers that we often find God when our lives fall apart.
Josh showcases his brilliant guitar skills in the instrumental version of the hymn “It Is Well”, aptly placed after the title track. “Always Only You” is a fun, witty song of devotion and love shared between Josh and his wife who were recently married. The album ends with a slower reprise of the opening track “Sing It”, closing everything nicely.
“See You” is an album of discovery. Josh sees the world with wide-eyed wonder and curiosity, and it shows through each track on the record. He really lets listeners in on his hopes and fears throughout the album, and the honest, heartfelt lyrics are truly refreshing. “See You” is an inspiring, encouraging album filled with catchy melodies. It’s a wonderful addition to Josh’s previous albums.
Tom F.
Brandon Heath – Leaving Eden
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Brandon Heath
Leaving Eden
Reunion Records
Grade – A
It doesn’t take much to see that the world has become a dark and broken place. Just pick up a newspaper or tune into the evening news and you’ll soon see the once unspoiled, perfect “Eden” transformed into place riddled with heartache and disaster. Singer-songwriter Brandon Heath, realizing how far the world had fallen, but also reminded of the hope that only comes through Jesus, set to work on his latest album “Leaving Eden”.
The title track takes listeners on a musical journey back to the Garden of Eden, highlighting several disheartening things Heath saw around him. He compares Adam and Eve’s banishment with our own with the line, “It feels like I’m further away with every step I take, and I can’t go back-because I’m leaving Eden.” The song tackles some pretty difficult and even painful topics but ultimately provides hope in our eternal destination-our home in Heaven.
Brandon took a new approach to the album musically, introducing a more pop-oriented style in several tracks. “Your Love”, which has already become a popular radio hit, is a great example of Heath’s musical talent as he experiments with new styles. “The Light In Me”, “Might Just Save Your Life” and “It’s No Good To Be Alone” also showcase the new musical approaches taken in the writing and recording processes.
Heath struggles as he tries to grasp the nature God’s unconditional love and desire to “capture” our hearts in the track “Stolen”. “Now More Than Ever” describes the passionate hunger for “more” of Jesus, he feels and “The One” encourages believers that they, with God’s help, have the power to change the world.
Brandon returns to his traditional, more mellow style in the tracks “Only Water” and “It’s Alright”. “Only Water” is a beautiful ballad, emphasizing the power and importance of water, especially when used by God throughout history. “It’s Alright” is another slower song reassuring listeners of God’s presence and control in their lives. “As Long As I’m Here” ends the album well as Heath imagines what the day will be like, when he finally reaches Heaven-his final destination.
“Leaving Eden” is the perfect third installment in Heath’s already impressive lineup. With some new musical approaches and same beautiful, profound, poetic lyrics listeners have become fond of, “Leaving Eden” paints a hopeful picture that doesn’t disappoint. There’s plenty to offer here for both old and new listeners alike.
- Tom F.
Echoing Angels
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Echoing Angels
Entertainment One
Grade – A
Echoing Angels, a group of five passionate rockers from Atlanta, GA, recently wrapped up a nation-wide promotional tour and are prepared to share their sophomore, self-titled album with the world. “Echoing Angels” is a follow-up to the band’s successful debut album “You Alone”. The record was written through a hard time for several of the band members. Through losing their manager, struggling to find a new booking agency, and a several other discouraging tragedies, their faith was put to the test. There’s plenty of encouragement to be found here and many stories listeners can relate to, especially with the band’s sincere, heartfelt lyrics.
“Say What You Believe” kicks the album off with an upbeat anthem encouraging listeners to take a stand for what they believe in. The band’s southern rock roots definitely come through in this track.
“Taking Back Love” paints a beautiful picture of redemption, the priceless gift we’ve all been given. Forgiveness has been offered to us, all we have to do is accept it. “Fire” speaks of the wondrous feeling of experiencing God’s presence for the first time. “Give You Peace” is a beautiful, slower song written through the heartache of watching a dear friend pass away from a crippling illness. Lead singer Trey Heffinger, wrote of God’s peace he saw descend upon his friend though the difficult time. “Sad Sad Tears”, my personal favorite on the record, is a perfect reminder that God is present, even in the saddest of times. I really loved the lyrics, “we’ll go sailing away on those sad, sad tears you cry”. The lyrics are cleverly crafted and utilize many of God’s different titles we hear throughout the Bible. All in all, it’s a very encouraging, peaceful song to listen to. “Leaving Here” wraps the album up well. The song was written about finding the freedom we feel, when we are finally lined up with God’s will for our lives.
“Echoing Angels” is a well-crafted, sincere release from the guys in the band. The message is undeniable and the catchy tunes make the experience all the more enjoyable. I found myself encouraged and refreshed after listening through the album, and think people who enjoy sincere music they can relate to, will definitely feel the same way.
Tom F.
Wendy Jepsen – Deeper Still
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Wendy Jepsen
Deeper Still
Independent
Grade – B
The latest album from worship artist and songwriter Wendy Jepsen is a solid worship album with an originality that many times can only come from an independent perspective. The songs are deep and edifying and they each carry their own style of worship. The song “On and On” has a nice guitar lead giving it more of a contemporary worship edge, while “I Will Betroth You” and “Beauty For Ashes” are more acoustic and tender.
Overall the album speaks much about the love of God and Wendy’s inspirational songwriting and warm vocals make that point quite well.
Aside from recording and performing Wendy Jepsen is devoted to leading believers to a deeper relationship through prayer with her work with the “Upper Room” ministry. Check out her official website for more information on her music and her ministry. http://wendyjepsen.com
- Ken W.
The Marksmen Quartet
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
The Marksmen Quartet
Blue Ridge Mountain Memories
20 Gospel Favorites
Rural Rhythm
The Marksman Quartet has nearly 30 years of history and they are an acclaimed bluegrass/country quartet. Their mission is to glorify God and from what I can tell from their greatest hits collection they have been doing a good job at conveying that message.
One of their more recent and popular songs is titled “Love Letters In the Sand,” depicting the story of Jesus coming to the aid of the woman who was about to be stoned for adultery. It’s a more acoustic/country song, while the song “The Sun Didn’t Shine,” is more of a classic vocal quartet type song.
Overall the CD is 20 tracks long and there is much to like about the CD. It’s a great reflection of a steady career. You will find a lot of praise and worship to sing along with while reflecting on the wonders of God and the way of salvation.
For more on The Marksmen Quartet check out their official website at http://www.marksmenquartet.com.
Ken W.
Look to the Light: Songs of Faith
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Various Artists
Look to the Light: Songs of Faith
From the pen of Rick Lang
Rural Rhythm
“Look to the Light” is a powerhouse compilation of new materials written by acclaimed songwriter Rick Lang and performed by a handpicked brethren of bluegrass groups. This “tour de force” of the genre’s best makes for a spirited collection of gospel songs. The originality of Rick’s writing further enhances the collection and ultimately, all together, the final product is a exemplary collection of songs with substance and style.
The collection is 14 tracks long and you can find out more about it at http://www.RuralRhythm.com.
Ken
Phil Keaggy Trio
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Phil Keaggy Trio
InterDimensional Traveler
Strobie Records
Grade – A
It’s very hard to critic an instrumental album in the realm of Christian music when much of this is up to wide interpretation. However, knowing the character of the artist is more than enough to know that the music is God inspired. So is the case when it comes to the awe-inspiring guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy.
On this album drummer John Sferra, and keyboardist Jack Giering from the band Glass Harp, which Keaggy is also a part of, join forces with Keaggy. The overall style of the album is a jazz-funk fusion. “InterDimensional Traveler” is a 12 track journey through life and it is somewhat inspired by a near death experience as Keaggy explains in the news release, “Jack literally came back from the dead. He has a perspective on the journey between the dimensions of life and death that I don’t.” Furthermore, they explain the album, as a journey between the heights and depths of joy in life and truly, the album is intriguing, fresh, and fun all at the same time.
Some of my favorite tracks are the Satriani like “New Day,” and the spirited “How’s It Feel.” As a guitar enthusiast I am more apt to recommend the latest from Keaggy and friends. For those with less appreciation of the finer art of guitar playing, you may just want to preview a few songs on iTunes and grab a couple for your rotation of background music.
For more on Phil Keaggy and “InterDimensional Traveler” check out his official website at http://www.philkeaggy.com/.
Ken W.
Jesus Culture – Come Away
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Jesus Culture
Come Away
Kingsway
Grade – B
“Come Away” is a live worship album from the Jesus Culture Encounter Conference in Redding, CA. In my opinion some of the best worship albums have been live albums and this CD is a good example of why. The live recording catches the raw emotions of the music that sometimes shapes the event. For attenders the music stirs up memories of spiritual mountains and it helps to keep you riding that peak.
For those of us who did not attend the music is stirring enough to stand on its own. In some ways, the male worship leader reminds me of Martin Smith from Delirious? and it’s really cool that the album features multiple leads because it helps to bring some diversity to the project. The soundtrack adds some flare to the project and overall the band and worship leaders present a brilliant project. The songs are epic and many of them track over 7min long. My personal favorites are “Let It Rain,” “Rooftops,” and “My Soul Longs For You.” The project also includes a DVD of the concert, but I was not able to preview that piece of the project.
For more information on the Jesus Culture – the music and the movement – check out http://www.jesusculture.com/.
- Ken W
Healing Prayer On Holy Ground
Feb 2, 2011 Book Reviews
Healing Prayer On Holy Ground
Mark W. Sheehan, M.D., with Chris Sheehan
Creation House
Dr. Mark Sheehan is a veteran cardiologist with nearly 30 years of experience in medicine. Dr. Sheehan’s journey as recorded in his book started with an invitation to support a medical based ministry, first financially and then eventually hands-on in the country of Cambodia. Dr. Sheehan co-founded “Jeremiah’s Hope,” a faith based ministry in the country of Cambodia. (http://www.cmmcjh.com)
“Healing Prayer On Holy Ground” is a narrative so to speak of his experience of infusing faith and his profession. Dr. Sheehan uses personal stories of healing to prove his point and he lectures on the necessity of prayer and his focus on humbleness in such a prestigious profession is refreshing. He also speaks with facts and figures on the state of faith in society and he speaks with authority about the God given gift of science, “I believe science is a gift from God” (p. 121).
This book puts a proper perspective on the importance of prayer and trust or dependence on God when it comes to our health (and beyond really). Aside from sharing his experience through this book the Dr. also mentors and trains young doctors on the care of patients.
More information on “Healing Prayer On Holy Ground” can be found at http://www.hpohg.com.
- Ken W.
Common Strings- Somewhere In Glory
Feb 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Common Strings
Somewhere In Glory
Rural Rhythm
Grade – B
Common Strings are Darron & Vanessa Nichols and their latest release, “Somewhere In Glory,” is a respectful look at the history of the Appalachian mountain music. The song selection was deliberate and the songs were recorded with as much historical accuracy as possible to give you a feeling as to how the songs were sung by early settlers in the Appalachian area. Many of the songs were written in the early 1700’s and they speak of a generation that had a strong faith that impacted or inspired their every aspect of their lives.
There are four new songs on the album, which Darron explains in the liner notes as being heavily influenced by the same mountain sound and thusly recorded with the same ambiance as the classics. Of all the classics I love “Preachin’ By the Roadside” and “Nothing But the Blood.” The sound of the banjo and the harmonies really do inspire a feeling of reverence for the Lord. It’s a whole new level of worship music for me.
Common Strings and “Somewhere In Glory” is one of many bluegrass and mountain music groups on the Rural Rhythm label. For more information check out http://www.RuralRhythm.com.
- Ken W.
