Noel: A Unique Christmas Experience
Dec 23, 2011 Concert News
I was beyond excited when I heard Josh Wilson would be on tour in my area this holiday season. His music has set the bar high – very high – and I went into the concert with great expectations. Naturally, Josh challenged my preconceptions and provided the audience with a shining performance that was truly second to none.
Josh along with tour partner and long-time friend Wes Pickering (who’s music I highly recommend!) played over 21 instruments and recorded entire songs live with the assistance of a loop pedal. Accordions, harmonicas, mandolins, xylophones and a host of other instruments were played in perfect sync to create live masterpieces. It was fascinating watching Josh and Wes quickly switch from one instrument to another while managing to keep in time with each other and the songs they were performing.
The meaning of Christmas was proudly proclaimed through short videos narrating the nativity story and tying in each song that was performed. Many famous Christmas favorites, a handful of hymns, and several of Josh’s most popular songs were sung, each being tied in somehow to the Christmas story. The duo also captivated the audience with a handful of instrumental tracks, including Josh’s recent hit “Amazing Grace”. “Carol of the Bells” was the evening’s showstopper and honestly one of the outstanding performances I’ve ever seen!
The audience was involved (and recorded) in many songs with handclaps, singing, and even a few whistles. Scripture verses were read together and stories were shared. Josh and Wes are two phenomenal singers, songwriters, and musicians with hearts on fire for God. While they’re show was breathtaking, it was a joy to watch them pour their hearts and souls into what they were singing about. They managed to transform some of the most familiar, well-known holiday songs into profound worshipful moments. I’ve never seen anything as spectacular as what I saw at the concert that night. The concept of recording each song makes for a truly unique and memorable concert experience. To be honest, it didn’t feel like I was at a concert. I felt like I was sitting in a living room with a group of my closest friends celebrating Christmas together. It was a truly wonderful experience I’ll remember forever.
- Tom F.
Bethel Music – “The Loft Sessions”
Dec 23, 2011 CD Reviews
Bethel Music
“The Loft Sessions”
12 tracks @ 51:05
Kingsway
Grade = A-
Recorded live in a refurbished rustic loft, Bethel Music gathered friends and family for several nights of worship that set the stage for this new record.
“Incorporating several different musical styles, we wanted to create a new sound, something that shakes the stereotypes of what people might think Bethel Music is,” says Brian Johnson. “The strength of what we accomplished is in the community of artists that came together.”
“It was like stumbling upon a new way to create or write songs,” says Jeremy Riddle. “I’m used to refining songs before going into the production of a record. The writing, refining process for this album all happened during the production, which is kind of unusual, but it worked beautifully!”
With dashes of banjo, tubular bells and other unexpected instruments, this is overall a rather subdued, contemplative record. I enjoyed “You Have Won Me.”
- Rob S.
The link has downloadable song charts.
www.bethelmusic.com/theloftsessions.
Rend Collective Experiment
Dec 23, 2011 CD Reviews
Rend Collective Experiment
“Homemade Worship By Handmade People”
Kingsway
11 tracks @ 45:35
Grade = A
A excellent release of original praise and worship music that was recorded in Irish church halls and homes in the band’s organic, collective style. What I find refreshing about this group is that they don’t believe in being in the limelight.
The following statement is taken from the credits of the band’s newest release;
“We want ‘celebrity-free’ worship where the focus is on the songs and the connection to God that we can experience through them. That’s why we are simply calling ourselves Rend Collective Experiment, and not giving you our individual names.”
I really like what they’ve done with the standard “Be Thou My Vision,” giving it a modern rendition in “You Are My Vision.” “Keep Me Near” is a sonic treat while “Build Your Kingdom” and the horn-driven “Shining Star” should see use in the church-at-large.
- Rob S.
www.rendcollectiveexperiment.com
Kari Jobe – “Where I Find You”
Dec 23, 2011 CD Reviews
Kari Jobe
“Where I Find You”
Sparrow Records
11 tracks @ 54:54
Grade = A
Is it too early to pick a contender for 2012 Best Album of the Year?
Worship leader and Dove Award Nominee for Best New Artist Kari Jobe releases her second record. The very real lyrics often have a reoccurring theme in that God is around even when “it all just falls apart” (Steady My Heart).
“I think there are times as believers when we feel entitled and that life shouldn’t be hard. We live in this culture of convenience that says we can do everything ourselves and find all the answers on Google,” Jobe says. “But if we can learn to fall more in love with the Lord and trust Him in the middle of every storm, we build our endurance to keep running the race.”
“After singing about the importance of making time for intimate worship on my first album, I wanted to take the next step on Where I Find You,” Kari shares. “These songs come from such a honest place of praising God for what He’s done—and what He’s continuing to do in our lives—because of His grace and goodness.
“Ultimately, it’s about declaring who He is and enjoying the simplicity of knowing the Lord is near,” she continues. “He’s for us, He loves us, and sometimes, we need to just stop, enjoy His presence and take that in.”
Stu G of delirious? plays on several tracks. Props to my favorite production credit for Various Random Additional and Supplemental Sonic Material on the song ”Stars in the Sky.”
Jobe is a part of the Winter Jam Tour. She also partners with the A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to abolishing human trafficking.
“I’ve become really invested in that ministry and strongly believe that we all have to play a role and do our part to fight against the modern form of slavery that affects 27 million people and growing,” Jobe says. “It’s so incredibly dark, and I feel a responsibility to do what I can. Most of these victims are girls like me, and I can’t imagine what life would be like to be stuck in that place.
“Whether I’m participating in an effort like this or leading worship, it’s all about making a difference,” Kari concludes. “That’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing at this specific moment—to see God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children.”
- Rob S.
An Evening with Mark Schultz
Dec 6, 2011 Concert News
Mark Schultz
Emmaus Bible College
It is becoming a Christmas tradition – at least for the past two years now – to take part of a Mark Schultz Christmas concert. This past Sunday, my wife Ellen and I were honored to join a few hundred college students and a handful of faculty/staff at Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa with Mark Schultz and his band. The event was a part of the overall family Christmas celebration at Emmaus.
The concert was held in the majestic marble chapel at Emmaus, which proved to be a wonderful echo chamber that added a lot to the overall sound. So much so that Mark himself stopped to marvel at the sound more than once. Mark even pulled off a few extra songs just so he could hear the audience sing along with him. One of those songs was the hymn “It is Well.”
One thing that I have come to expect from Mark Schultz is a healthy amount of story telling to go along with the songs. I could never tire if listening to the inspiration behind so many of his songs. On this particular night he spoke of a recent trip to Normandy where he was inspired to write an instrumental piece that they performed for us this night. Mark spoke of his new instrumental project, “Renaissance,” and how he was giving the proceeds to organizations for children and widows, much like he did with his “Ride Across America.”
I recently read an article by Rick Cua called “Great Songs Do That” (Christian Musician, Nov/Dec 2011). This article speaks of great songs that are an anointed from God and how they impact people in so many ways that an artist may not even be aware of. Mark spoke too about this same thing as he gave credit to God for dropping certain songs virtually into his lap. Mark also elaborated on a story of how his song “Letters from War” opened many doors for him that he never would have expected. Including leading worship at the Pentagon and attending an Air Force basic training graduation where the whole class was singing along with the video word-for-word.
The evening was very special and one of the best concerts I have attended in a long time. It was amazing how “intimate” Mark could make the evening feel even with a sold-out show in the hundreds. He performed a good mix of his hits like “Letters From War,” “Remember Me,” and “Broken and Beautiful.” Along with a handful of Christmas classics like “Drummer Boy” and “Joy to the World.” Throughout the evening Mark was very fluid and he deviated from the normal set list many times. He even returned for an encore, as the audience was not letting up on cheering after the show. He seemed surprised at the response and it was fun to watch him vamping as someone was sent to locate the band that had already made its way back to the bus or dressing room.
Overall it was a wonderful evening and an amazing concert. Mark is setting out on the “Letters From War” tour starting now in December and going through the next few months. I highly recommend checking out his website for tour dates and more! http://markschultzmusic.com/tour/
- Ken W.
Dinner and a Suit – Since Our Departure
Dec 6, 2011 CD Reviews
Dinner and a Suit
Since Our Departure
Grade – A
Dinner and a Suit is a thoughtful indie band formed by Joey Beretta, Jon Capeci, and Anthony Genca. Since Our Departure, is ten tracks long and is their newest album.
Indie music can sometimes all sound the same. One song can run into the rest with no big tempo changes. On the other hand, indie bands that are different and have a unique sound are absolutely fantastic! Diner and a Suit delights me because they are exactly that, they are ambitious and unique.
Since Our Departure is basically a album about what the band has been through since their start. It deals with emotional needs that humans have. A lot of them deal with the struggles of love, both love among people and God’s love.
Dinner and a Suit is a band full of promise, and a delightful indie sound.
Kristi L.
Manic Drive – Epic
Dec 6, 2011 CD Reviews
Manic Drive
Epic
Grade- A+
Something that is epic is something that is amazing, huge, or incredible. A perfect title to Manic Drive’s fourth CD! They present a fantastic message, displaying that we can have fun and rock out, all the while being beacons for Christ. With each CD they push themselves more, and with each CD they give their fans something fresh and radical.
Together, Canadian natives Shawn Cavallo, Keith Comer, and Michael Cavallo form explosive new sound. This trio blends different styles of music to form a high-energy, fresh, and very compelling sound.
Epic is mainly about getting up and living our faith radically. It reminds us that Christianity shouldn’t be a dull and bland faith. Michael Cavallo says, “This is an unprecedented time in history and we are all tired of the stale and mindless. A genuine experience with God is paramount to walking out this life of faith. So many people feel useless or out of place, but we are here to say that we as a generation can shake the world in amazing ways… even through the smallest actions.”
The song “Halo” is an energetic mix of rock, dance, and a touch of hip hop. “I rock my halo” is the main lyrical line that is repeated for the chorus. It’s about how we shouldn’t hide what God’s done with our life, and our “halos” should be a light in the darkness.
“Save A Life” is a challenging song, it challenges listeners in their faith. Lines such as, “It all just seems to change, when you see it as a life to save”, paint a powerful reminder that Jesus is in the life saving business. If Jesus is in the life saving business, and we are his hands and feet, we should be also.
Way to keep living epically Manic Drive!
Kristi L.
