NewsOK

Contemporary Christian recording artist Michael Tait said his stint fronting his own band helped prepare him for his role as the new lead singer of the Newsboys.

"That solo time actually prepared me in ways, because it was the catalyst between dc Talk and the Newsboys,” Tait said during a recent telephone interview.

Oklahoma fans of Tait and the Newsboys will soon have a chance to see him perform with his new bandmates.  >>more<<

Christian foreign exchange student dazzles with her violin

mlive.com

“I’ve had a strong feeling that without God and the spiritual feeling, this music can’t be this great,” Helen said. “And for myself, I wanted to be a strong Christian.”

She believes all music was created by God and without the soul and spirit of God music can’t be the same.

“When I play the violin there is such a strong feeling that the music is flowing through me and that feeling is so great,” she said.  >>more<<

Naga Christian artist Alobo talks music

The Morung Express


Alobo is an up-and-coming new Christian artist of Nagaland. Featuring a fine blend of all musical genres, he is set to release his album, Road of thousand dreams. Lhovito Tuccu is the producer of the album. Road of thousand dreams is a testimonial album as it consist of songs which speak of the artist’s life stories and are inspired from an event or incident from his life. The album has both English and Sumi dialect songs and it beautifully covers almost all genre of slow music while the musical instrument mostly dominating all the tracks is the piano, which is “a deep contrast to other local albums which are mostly guitar dominated.” The album consists of an eclectic mix of jazz, slow rock, classic pop, salsa and bollywood, acoustic, orchestration and folk rock. Road of thousand dreams will be released on February 27 at Hope Centre of Excellence by Kughato Chishi, Director, Music Task Force, government of Nagaland.   >>more<<

Casting Crowns: Five-Time Group of the Year Receives Three Nods

Breathe Cast

The reigning five-time Dove Award Group of the Year, Casting Crowns, receives additional recognition from the Gospel Music Association. The top-selling act in Christian music since 2007, Casting Crowns racks up three nominations for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards. With these nominations, Casting Crowns is again recognized for being at the forefront of Christian music, with top nods in the Artist of the Year and Group of the Year categories.The reigning five-time Dove Award Group of the Year, Casting Crowns, receives additional recognition from the Gospel Music Association. The top-selling act in Christian music since 2007, Casting Crowns racks up three nominations for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards. With these nominations, Casting Crowns is again recognized for being at the forefront of Christian music, with top nods in the Artist of the Year and Group of the Year categories. >>click for more<<

Ending is Beginning

Laura Bagby

The award-winning Canadian band known for its great vocal harmonies from lead singers Marc Martel and Jason Germain brings us another stellar 12-song set (plus bonus track) with their tightly woven rock release Ending is Beginning.

This album exemplifies extensive creative range. For example, “Bleed for This Love” is guitar-heavy, whereas haunting vocal harmonies accompany “Cathedral Made of People.” We hear lots of lyrical and instrumental variety from the Maroon 5 sound-alike “My Last Amen” to the sci-fi-laced “Something Heavenly,” and from the Southern Rock vibe of “Come Back Home” to the Johnny Cash tribute “The Problem.” This album exemplifies extensive creative range.

Despite its excellent musicianship, the album unravels a bit as the album unfolds. It bodes strong on standouts like “Bleed for This Love,” “Here I Am,” “Cathedral Made of People, “My Last Amen,” and “Hope is Rising," which make up the first five songs on the album. After that, it loses some steam. Fortunately, the lack of energy in the latter half is saved by poetic vocals, particularly on “The Beggar Who Gives Alms.”

Overall, the baker's dozen is still quite enjoyable. If you enjoyed this album, you will also want to pick up Downhere's Christmas album, How Many Kings, which is set to release in September.

1. Bleed For This Love
   
2. Here I Am
   
3. Cathedral Made Of People
   
4. My Last Amen
   
5. Hope Is Rising
   
6. Something Heavenly
   
7. Coming Back Home
   
8. All At War
   
9. Don't Miss Now
10. Live For You
11. The Problem
12. The Beggar Who Gives Alms
13. How Many Kings (Bonus Track)

Rating: 4 pie slices out of 5

Released: September 23, 2008

For More Information: www.downhere.com, www.myspace.com/downhere, www.centricitymusic.com

Label: Centricity Records

Distributed By: Word

Hello Love

Andrea Hedlund

Tomlin delivers another solid worship album with his fifth studio release, proving that he still has the ability to churn out beloved anthems with hits like “Jesus Messiah,” “I Will Rise,” and “Exalted (Yahweh).” These songs will likely become favorites on your worship playlist and a staple during praise and worship at many contemporary churches.

The message of God’s unfailing love permeates, particularly in the title track “Love.” In this song, we are reminded that there is always a promise: God’s unending love. Every song praises God even when life’s troubles and sorrow appear to displace joy. Lyrics in “I Will Rise” reiterate how love is the answer and God’s love never fails, even when everything and everyone else does.

The use of strings in “I Will Rise” and the remake of the traditional hymn “All the Way the Savior Leads Me” is a nice, soothing touch and quite beautiful to hear.

Tomlin’s fans will enjoy this latest release, as his voice and heart-felt lyrics are incredibly likeable, as usual. Hello Love is a collection of tunes that highlight what Tomlin does best – encourage and uplift believers in their daily walk with Christ.

1. Sing, Sing, Sing
2. Jesus Messiah
3. You Lifted Me Out
4. God Of This City
5. I Will Rise
6. Love (with Watoto Children's Choir)
7. Praise The Father, Praise The Son
8. God Almighty
9. My Deliverer
10. With Me
11. Exalted (Yahweh)
12. All The Way My Savior Leads Me

Rating: 4 pie slices out of 5

Release Date: 09/02/2008

Distributed By: Chordant (EMI)

For more information: www.christomlin.com

The Best is Yet to Come

Laura Bagby

Hailing from Michigan, independent poetic songwriter, Rob Vischer, demonstrates artistic talent and a keen understanding of the human spirit with its joys and struggles in his crossover sophomore pop/rock album, The Best Is Yet to Come.

Wavering between innocent, romantic ballads and driving, moody melodies, this deeply personal 15-song collection is a treasure of interesting and thought-provoking tunes from a master wordsmith. Vischer’s nostalgic, sometimes folksy sound will make you smile one minute and will leave you in contemplative reflection the next.

Favorite tracks include “Shreds,” an in-your-face rap ballad that speaks to a desire for honesty; the cheery title track “The Best Is Yet To Come;” the bittersweet “Castles In The Sky,” which considers the ramifications of wrong priorities; Vischer’s most openly Christian song, “Red,” which presents a poignant look at God and patriotism; and “My Valentine,” a gently lilting and lighthearted tale of love.

Watch this talented young artist who writes his own lyrics and melodies soar to greater musical heights down the road. He’s got all the makings of a solid recording artist with creatively crafted songs that speak of a wisdom beyond his years.

1. Unpredictable
2. Shreds
3. The Best Is Yet To Come
4. Beautiful Mourning
5. Grandpa’s Lake
6. Just Like The Meteors
7. Castles in The Sky
8. Red
9. Fool’s Gold & Fossil
10. The Other Side Of The World
11. My Valentine
12. How Much I Love You
13. Beautiful To Me
14. Day In The Rain
15. Passing The Time

Rating: 3.5 pie slices out of 5

Released: May 1, 2009

For more information: www.robvischer.com