Gloria

Various

Rocketown Records

“Gloria” represents the community sentiment that the Rocketown label has come to be known for. The artists featured on the album participated in “community writing sessions” at Charlie Peacock's “Art House,” and Wayne Kirkpatrick's “Maple Room” studio.

“Gloria” was produced by Charlie Peacock, and the CD starts off with a duet of Peacock and Ginny Owens titled “Sing Gloria.” Guests featured on the CD included Amy Grant (“God Is with Us”), and Cindy Morgan (“Follow the Star”). Various Rocketown artists like Shaun Groves, Christy Nockels, George Rowe, Christine Dente, Taylor Sorensen, Alathea, and Wayne Kirkpatrick appear on the CD. Rocketown co-founder Michael W. Smith also appears on a duet with Christine Dente on “ Prepare A Place .”

“Gloria” is a great CD and its greatest achievement is the fact that many of the songs are newly written in part by the artist who perform them. Because of this the album does not have that traditional holiday sound. However, there are three traditional songs on the CD; “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” A few of my favorites are the melodic “Love Came Just In Time” (Taylor Sorensen, Alathea), and the first single “God Is with Us” written by Wayne Kirkpatrick and performed by Amy Grant. (Kudos to M.W.S. and Rocketown for giving her the stage she deserves.)

There will be a short “Gloria” tour:
December 3: Lakeland, FL
December 4: Gastonia, NC
December 5: Columbia, SC
December 8: Chagrin Falls, OH
December 9: Mt. Vernon, IL
December 10: Duluth, MN
December 11: Wheaton, IL
December 12: Erie, PA
December 13: Wilmington, DE
December 17: Houston, TX
December 18: West Des Moines, IA
December 19: Bentonville, AR

Finally, the intent of the songwriters and producers was to emphasize the anticipation of waiting for the birth of the Savior Jesus some 2000 years ago, and for His glorious return. “Prepare a Place” the duet with Christine Dente and Michael W. Smith beautifully put this feeling to words and music. “Gloria” is a tasteful work of art that reflects on the true reason to celebrate the Christmas season.

- Ken W.