May 2001

"From a tiny spark may burst a mighty flame," wrote the renowned Dante. Word Entertainment's newcomer, Ben Glover, is that tiny new spark that bursts one mighty flame! His debut album, 26 Letters, is titled after the catchy track number one on the album.

Ben teamed up with Grammy award winning producer/songwriter/singer, Wayne Kirkpatrick to write this harmonious album. All songs on this album exude Ben's thankfulness to God, as well as tracks based around the theme of His unending grace and mercy. "26 Letters" letters is one of those songs that share in that theme of his gratefulness to God.

To his hero, his earthly father, he dedicates the beautifully written song "The Man I Want To Be." For those struggling with their faith in God, "Too Many Miracles," is the song for you! This catchy piece goes on to express the fact that there is too much proof in this world to deny the existence of God. "All Comes Down," ...Praise be, Ben hit it on the mark! Jesus died on the cross for us, He is so much more than a symbol on a shirt or a picture in a book. Last, but not least, is a the melodic ballad, "Hope Will Be My Song." When listening to that song, one just wants to lift hands to the Heavens and praise the Almighty! Keep that flame burning, Ben Glover!

- Bridget K.

The Katinas
Destiny
Gotee Records

This sophomore release for The Katinas, titled Destiny, offers a wonderfully unique sound to Christian music. Unlike many of the current pop-rock releases hitting the sale racks, this band takes their own road. A comfortable mesh of a sound comparable to that of Winans Phase2 (R&B/Urban) laced with the Backstreet Boys is the best summation to describe Destiny.

Toe-tapping, finger-snapping rhythms flow from this album. R&B styled "Where Did All The Love Go" is a melodic masterpiece. A lyrical work of art is found in the track titled, "Believe." This song tells of the importance to feel His grace and how one will be lead home if they believe! "Thank You" delves into the ever popular ballad style perfected by the modern day "boy bands" like Plus One (Christian) and N'Sync. It is a moving, memorable piece. If this is your genre, definitely worth a listen!

-Bridget K.

The Best of the 2001 Dove Awards
Pamplin Records

Pamplin Records and the Gospel Music Association (GMA) are joining together to produce the release of The Best of 2001 Dove Awards, a compilation of 14 of the 2001Dove Award nominee's.

Included in the collection is New Artists of the Year Plus One with "Written On My Heart." Also four of the five nominees for Female Vocalist of the Year are represented. (Nicole C. Mullen, Rachael Lampa, Nichole Nordeman, and Jaci Velazques). Nicole Mullen walked away from the 2001 Doves with Song of the year and Songwriter of the Year, while Nichole Nordeman was awarded Female Vocalist of the Year. Overall The Best of the Dove awards is a great collection perfect for sharing with friends. Or for introducing others to the greatness of Christian music.

This collaboration does not end here! Pamplin will be releasing several other Dove projects including two CD sets of The Best of the Dove's '70's, '80's '90's Pop and '70's, '80's, '90's Southern Gospel. The sets will highlight thirty years of Christian music at its best.

For a complete listing of 2001 Dove Award winners check out www.doveawards.com.

- Ken W.