the Lighthouse
vol2#3 Shining Light on Today's Christian Music March 1993
WHAT A YEAR!
From the Editor
A whole year! I really had no idea THE LIGHTHOUSE would ever go this
far. I thank you for your interest, your prayers, and your support.
I believe I have great plans for the next year. I am pursuing the
possibility of becoming a registered tax-exempt organization with the
IRS. Unfortunately, this will take time and there a lot of
registration fees involved. I hope that you will pray for the smooth
handling of these matters as I search for people and businesses
(especially lawyers and accountants) that are willing to help
underwrite the cost involved.
I also really want to improve the print quality of the magazine.
Unfortunately, this would approximately double the cost of printing.
Since I don't want to pass the cost on to you, I am temporarily at an
impasse. I would appreciate your comments on what you would recommend
that I do. So, please drop a line. I'd like to hear from you with
all your comments and especially your criticisms (that's how I can
make it better!).
�J. Warner Soditus
Letters:
Mr. Soditus:
I recently came across 3 older issues of THE LIGHTHOUSE + enjoyed
them.
I have been in prison over 8 years + face more! If you can arrange
(through donors) for me to receive your magazine regularly�I'd greatly
appreciate it.
In one of the magazines you had Julie Miller. Well, back in 1991 I
wrote to Julie + it was the year she had problems with her hand, so
her reply was delayed. I told her about my wife, Marilyn, who has a
killer blood disease called Lupus, plus she has lung cancer. Julie
wrote both me and Marilyn a super note from the heart. The note to
Marilyn truly moved her.
I need your immediate help! In August of 1992, Marilyn was put on
high doses of chemotherapy + has been very sick ever since. In
October, she was given super high doses of Prednisone (a steroid type
drug). Ever since that time, Marilyn has not been herself. With no
warning + with no reason�after 25 years of marriage�she just
completely shut me out + filed for divorce! The drug Prednisone can
cause depression + mood problems + emotional problems that can last
for months. She wrote + told me she no longer loves me + all sorts of
things�that is totally out of character for her. If she had done this
6 months ago�I might believe it's what she wants�But it all started
exactly 2 weeks after she was given the 150 mg Prednisone for 6
straight days! A couple doctors I wrote to do agree�But�Michigan has
a "no fault divorce" and simply can grant the divorce! I need your
prayers for Jesus to stop the divorce + get Marilyn + I back together.
And! I need you to immediately phone Julie Miller + ask her to
personally sit down and phone Marilyn for a Christian woman to woman
chat. Or, I need you to immediately write me with an address where
I'll know Julie will get my letter. I only hope Julie remembers us.
If you call Julie, explain the situation to her. I can't pay you�I
can only tell you that you will someday receive a reward for your
prayers + your help.
Thanks for your help.
Paul Bero
Jackson, Michigan
ED.: I HAVE PASSED THIS INFORMATION ON TO JULIE'S BOOKING AGENCY SO
THAT THEY CAN GET IT TO HER. MY PRAYERS CERTAINLY GO OUT TO YOU IN
THIS MATTER.
Dear Friends,
Hello! I was just browsing the Feb. issue of THE LIGHTHOUSE and noted
that Geoff Moore is to come to your area soon. I have long since been
a fan of Christian music, loyal mostly to Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant,
Petra, and Degarmo & Key. But, a few weeks ago a friend persuaded me
to go to Geoff Moore's concert. Am I ever glad I did!
So much talk in the music industry seems to center around money. I
find it refreshing and exciting to be in the presence of an artist who
seeks, truly seeks, after God's Kingdom, and is not ashamed to show
it.
Another must have is the new tape by Kelli Reisen�this gal has a
powerful set of lungs and a real talent. And I'm not being partial
just because she's a fellow Cincinnatian. I truly believe in
supporting the brother or sister who is doing the Lord's will and
using the talents given them.
And you, Mr. Soditus, keep encouraged! Your doing a great job!
Though it may be easy to get discouraged at tax time, Be of good
faith. You truly have a ministry. The Lord will bless His faithful.
I will do my best to recommend your magazine. Keep up the good work.
I'm waiting expectantly for the next issue.
A friend in Christ
Cynthia Greene
Cincinnati, Ohio
Executive Editor/Publisher: J. Warner Soditus
Copy Editor: Neal Guilmette
Contributing Photographer: Patty Masten
Contributors: Roger Appelinski, Beth Blinn, Bryan W. Brendley, Brad
Mattern, Jean Patty, Keith A. Valentine
Subscription Information:
$1.00 per issue $8.00 per year
The Lighthouse is not for profit and is published monthly
Copyright: the Lighthouse copyright 1993 by Polarized Publications,
all rights reserved
Writers guidelines are available upon request.
The Lighthouse will not be responsible for any products or services
offered in advertisements.
A Year In Review
"I never thought I could do something like this�I got a C in my
first college English class," admits J. Warner Soditus when asked
about THE LIGHTHOUSE. "It was sort of a fluke that it even got
started." But, if you continue talking with Soditus, you'll find out
that it really wasn't a "fluke."
Soditus spent four years in Austin, TX and became very involved in
the Christian music scene. He did everything from stage crew to
Christian radio to helping organize Austin's first annual ChristFest
Christian music festival. "We had the PAUL Q-PEK BAND play as our
headliners [at ChristFest]," remembers Soditus. "That was before he
and Phillips Owens helped form ONE BAD PIG." He continues, "I even
started doing mobile Christian music disc-jockeying and did sound for
some small music events."
Unfortunately for Soditus, that atmosphere changed when he
relocated to State College, PA. "The whole attitude towards Christian
music was different," he explains. "I didn't find Christian music to
be as important to people here, especially in youth programs. I lost
the avenue to use my talents [disc-jockeying] that I had before. It
bummed me out."
While Soditus was struggling with his disappointment, God was
preparing to open other doors. A coworker showed him some desk-top
publishing software, and as Soditus exclaims, "Then it clicked! It
was like God said to me, well, if it bothers you�do something about
it. I realized that I had become like a lot of other people in this
town. I complained, I talked about changing and improving things, but
I hadn't put my walk where my talk was."
This led to the first two issues of THE LIGHTHOUSE magazine with
extremely limited circulation. Soditus explains, "I compiled articles
from my past work and filled the rest with my opinions. I just had
fun learning how to do it. I love to learn." But the fun soon ended
and the work began. "I wanted to show Churches that Christian music
can be an important part of youth ministry. That's why I try to focus
on who the people are doing Christian music and the ministry and
witness that the provide."
Soditus then began to distribute copies through a local Christian
music store that had recently come into the area and he mailed copies
to churches throughout the area. Soditus states, "I didn't get a
single response from the churches. I attached personal letters asking
them to call or write if they were interested�not a single response.
But it was that disappointment that led me to go national. I
certainly prayed a lot before I really committed to that, because that
essentially tied me into this for the long haul. I could have quit,
but I felt God wanted me to continue. It really put my neck on the
line�it was probably my toughest step of faith. It tested my ability
to make enough contacts to schedule enough interviews to fill the
magazine. It's funny how I struggled at first, and now I struggle to
keep the size down. I really fine-comb the articles to cut the
excess."
In talking with Soditus, there is a tension concerning the
immediate future of the project. "I have set high goals. I want to
register as a tax-exempt organization and really improve the print
quality and after that, expand the size. Unfortunately, I don't have
the money to do everything I want to do. I have committed almost all
my personal assets to forming THE LIGHTHOUSE [well over $1500 in 1992]
but I can't do more than that. The print quality is important to me
right now�I think the pictures look pretty lame. They need to be
half-toned." The technical aspects aside, Soditus is encouraged by
the slow but steady growth of subscribers.
"I'm also touching people in ways I never expected. I've gotten
responses from people in prison and, in fact, I'm printing an
interesting letter this month that shows this."
You might wonder why Christian music is so important to Soditus.
He can quote facts to legitimize the importance of Christian music in
youth ministry, but his personal story is much more interesting. "I
grew up in the church and went to church every Sunday, sung in the
choir, and was a member of the youth group. But I went because I 'had
to' and because I had friends there. No one would think that I needed
'reaching,' but I did. Everything was such an empty ritual, until
1985."
That summer, his youth group decided to attend the Creation '85
Christian music festival. Soditus continues, "I only went up to see
my girlfriend. I didn't want to go. I had such a cynical view of
Christian music because I had no idea what it was. My friends told me
that the first band that day would be six ordained Baptist ministers.
That was too much for me. In the depth of my cynicism I uttered the
most ironic thing I've ever said in my life, 'Christian music: I'd
never spend a dime on that crap.' But I went and I remember it so
vividly. The music was loud, there were pyrotechnics, and Mylon
LeFevre walked out in all white with a huge blue-feathered wig and a
flying-V guitar. It shattered my prejudiced image."
"Christian music showed me that faith in God is about a wonderful
personal relationship and not rituals. He wants me to have fun, and I
can enjoy praising Him with modern music rather than nineteenth-
century hymns. It got me on fire for God. If I can share that with
one kid who was like me, cynical and disillusioned with religion, then
I have accomplished something. That's why I do it."
�ROGER APPELINSKI
GEOFF MOORE & THE DISTANCE
Geoff Moore always intended to continue his family's steel business.
It wasn't until after college and working in the family business that
he started to change his mind. "I really had never had any plans to
do anything else [besides the family business]. I graduated from
college and was married and was working in the family business. [I]
had always really loved it, even though it was hard, kind of dirty
work. The steel business is not exactly the cleanest, happy
environment, but, my name was on the sign out front. I really felt a
passion to work in it and that's what God had for me."
Moore's family was very Christ centered, but as he describes, "I
was raised in kind of athletic home, not a very artistic home." But
at Taylor University, he discovered Christian music. This began to
come to his mind as he began to lose interest in the family business.
Geoff remembers, "That really became kind of soul searching, because
that's all I had ever planned on doing. That's when I really began to
find my desire to be involved in some sort of ministry and very
intrigued and interested in Christian music... As I began to explore,
even the artistic part of that whole creative force that God has put
within humanity, it really intrigued me."
"I feel one of the most terrible things in life is to live with
regret," states Moore. "I don't want to live with regret. I want to
be a man that finds what God has for me, no matter how risky it might
be." That meant leaving his family's business and heading for
Nashville�a venture into the unknown. "I didn't have any idea what
was waiting for me in Nashville and any idea if we'd ever make it in
music. It didn't even really occur to me. It was like, well, this is
what I'm supposed to do right now and we'll get there and see what
happens. That's kind of how it was... The important thing is to do
what you think God wants you to do even though you misinterpret it,
the important thing is that that is the number one goal in your life.
I did not have any idea what would happen, and to be honest, I wasn't
all that concerned about it. I just knew that in that step, as best I
could decipher, I was being faithful and, to me, that was the
important thing."
What made this transition more challenging and faith inspired was
that Geoff had very little musical knowledge. He had sung a little
with a band in college, but as he states, "I never played an
instrument. I couldn't read music, still can't. I never had any
voice lessons, no music lessons of any kind. It was really a heart-
felt thing."
Geoff, however, was aware of the power of a musical medium. "I
just knew that it [Christian music] was a strong communicative tool.
I am a firm believer that God knows what's in store and that God is
interested in the happiness of His people. I don't mean that by cars
and boats and working in what seems a glamorous job. I believe that
when we discover what His will for us is, whether that is a vocation
or whatever, that's a place where we can be happy, whether we're
successful in the world's eyes or not, whether we have a lot or not
and that's really been the case for me. I've found real happiness and
peace doing what I felt God wanted me to do, even though I didn't know
anything about it. I really felt like the Lord was taking me into
something where I was terribly dependent on other people's help and He
provided a team of people around me to help educate me, teach me."
Geoff's early musical interests included BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, BOB
SEEGER, and JOHN MELLENCAMP which helped lead him into the rock style
that Geoff Moore and the Distance initially pursued. "The thing, I
think," starts Moore, "that was the residual that held over into my
musical career, since it was such a late blossoming thing, was artists
that sang passionately from their heart. I can remember seeing a few
secular shows and then going to some early Christian concerts and
being amazed at how passion-filled the secular artists were singing
about literally, meaningless issues. Then I would go see some guys
sing about the ultimate answers, that I saw in life, and just not have
any heart to what they seemed to be doing. I think, also, a lot of
the artists that influenced me early were artists that wrote in
reality based, real life situations that looked for the profound in
the simple and looked for the common thread in the human experience.
Those are issues that I felt Christian music, in a lot of ways, had
not been addressing. So, that's part of what I try to incorporate
into my writing."
As most musicians on the road, Moore struggles to remain close to
his family�his wife, Jan, and sons, Joshua (5 years old) and Justin (3
years old). He has structured the Spring tour to consist of four or
five days on the road, allowing two or three days to return home.
Moore shares, "I'm doing what I feel called to do, I enjoy being on
the road, I hate being away from my family, but I'm away for a purpose
and as a result, when I get home, I don't have a job to go to, I can
spend time with them... They know that they have some time with me.
Children need quality time, but, as a marriage does, quantity time is
just as important. I'm really committed to doing that. I think God
is considerably more interested in what kind of father and husband I
am than what kind of artist I am."
Moore's last sentence may not quite be original. A very good
friend and co-writing partner of his, STEPHEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, has made
the same statement. How does Geoff respond? "[Laughter] CHAPMAN
stole it from me. [Laughter] That's because Stephen and I have spent
many, many hours trying to make sense of all that. A lot of times
talking, a lot of times with our families together and a lot of times
on the road."
Another important aspect of this Spring's tour is how the band has
teamed up with Youth For Christ (YFC). "We created a Bible study that
was built around several songs on A FRIEND LIKE U," shares Moore.
"We've had thousands of churches and parachurch organizations and
groups use that study in the weeks previous to the show. It helps
them become acquainted with what a lot of the songs are about. In
many of the cities where YFC has a strong program, they've either
promoted the shows or helped rally the promotion to get people out."
To Geoff, this is an important link, because it helps each group
reach a little further, but also because of their similar nature. He
explains, "They are a grassroots organization in the way that we are.
Now, in the last few months, we've garnered much more attention from
the press and the Grammy nomination [for Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel
Album] and being involved in some popularity, reader polls for
magazines. But, up until the last year, it's really been out there
playing and reaching people, town after town. That's kind of what
Youth For Christ does. They go into communities and they work with
the local church and they work with the unchurched and they try to
permeate the fabric of the town and show that there's more that's not
just religion, but the reality of the relationship. Those are things
that I believe in. So, it was real natural for us to get involved
[with YFC]."
With their last two albums, Moore and his band have begun to add
more pop influences to their gutsy rock sound. "We started a bit of a
change on the record previous to this, PURE AND SIMPLE�to take a step
to broaden our audience by just introducing a few more pop elements to
the [mix]. When I say 'pop influences' I have a very clear picture in
my mind of what that means. It just means songs that still can be
rock oriented, but have very catchy lyrics and [are] more singable�a
lot of major-key kind of things. That's what I wanted to do, in part,
because I enjoy singing that, and also because I wanted to broaden the
audience that we were reaching."
Indeed, their crowd base is expanding, they are garnering radio
hits, their concert attendance is rising, and of course, they have
received a Grammy Award nomination. Moore appreciates the extra
attention, but doesn't feel that it will put extra pressure on the
band.
How does Geoff view his decision to leave the family business and
enter Christian music? "As I look back on it, now, I'm amazed that I
ever did it. It's one of those things where the Lord just was at work
in my life. I was young and He had me in the right place to make
those kind of decisions."
�J. WARNER SODITUS
PHILLIPS, CRAIG & DEAN
The group Phillips, Craig and Dean is Star Song Record's newest big
smash. A trio of singer-songwriters, the group's debut single, "Turn
Up The Radio," hit number one on the Christian Research Report's Adult
Contemporary chart. They followed that up with "Favorite Song of
All," which hit number two. To top it all off, they have also been
nominated for a Dove award. While this seems like an incredible start
for a new group, given the background of the members, it is really no
surprise.
All three were established songwriters in their own right, before
they decided to join forces. Randy Phillips' song "Healer In The
House" was recorded by the CHRIST CHURCH CHOIR on a Grammy-nominated
album. Shawn Craig has had his tunes recorded by such artists as
MICHAEL ENGLISH, the GAITHER VOCAL BAND and THE ARCHERS. Dan Dean has
written songs for such artists as THE CATHEDRALS and JANET PASCHALL.
What brought these three talented men together was an effort on
Phillips' part to gain a record contract. He took a few minutes
recently to talk about the group's beginning, their subsequent
success, and their hopes for the future.
"I took a solo project of mine to Star Song," explains Phillips,
"and they told me, while they like the material and so on, they were
really not interested, at that time, in a male soloist. But if I
could put together something vocally, they would be interested. So I
called Dan Dean and Shawn Craig, two men that I knew, though they did
not know each other. [I] asked them if they would be interested in
forming a group, and they said yes. We met in Dallas, and we recorded
a demo with two songs and sent it to Star Song. And they said 'We
like this and we want you to do a showcase for us,' which is like a
concert, you know, for their executives. We did that, and they signed
us to a three-record deal."
Phillips had known each of the men for a long time. He had gotten
his own start in music at at the young age of 8, when he played drums
and sang in a gospel group. It was during that time that he met Dan
Dean. The two became friends as teenagers.
Shawn Craig and Phillips became aquainted when Craig conducted a
worship and choir clinic at World of Pentecost, the church that
Phillips' father pastors in Austin, Texas.
In fact, all three men are very involved in the ministries of their
own churches. Phillips, who is from a long line of ministers, is an
associate pastor at World of Pentecost. Dean is the associate pastor
and music director of Christ Temple in Irving, Texas, just outside of
Dallas, while Craig is the minister of music at the South County
Christian Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
While their lives have become increasingly busy as their album has
taken off, the three men make sure that their commitments to their
respective churches suffer as little as possible. "We all have
agreements with our pastors that this is a door that the Lord has
opened, and they have just said, 'Go for it, and let's see what
happens,' and that's what we've done. We're very conscious of not
being gone more than two Sundays back to back. We are very conscious
of scheduling our concerts to where most of them are during the week,
because we still put a lot of importance on our churches," Phillips
states.
He explains why they find their continuing strong connection with
their churches so important, "It does three things: one, it gives you
high accountability, which is extremely important for any music�for
anybody out on the road. It gives you a covering of blessing, I
believe, that people are praying for you and holding you up. The
third thing is [that] it gives you a chance to come back and plug in
and get rejuvenated and refreshed, so you can go back out and pour
yourself out again."
The three have sat down and articulated some of the goals that they
have for themselves. "Our long-term goals would be to minister more
effectively in our concerts," admits Philips. "To zero in on where
the needs are of our audience, to take a full band with us, to do a
European tour�we've got lots of them, probably more goals than [we]
have time. The Dove Award was on there. We've been nominated�now
that doesn't mean we've met our goal yet, but we've been nominated."
Phillips describes their style as pop-country, although other
influences can be heard. The three each bring a different flavor to
the music, and the blend is proving to be very popular. "It [the
music] is fresh, I think," says Phillips. "The main thing we want it
to be is annointed with the Holy Spirit. There are a lot of great
songwriters out there, but what we hope is people feel something when
they hear our music."
Not only do the three have different musical styles, but their
personalities are quite diverse also. "I'm kind of high-energy,
aggressive." begins Phillips, "Dan is very low-key, very passive, very
merciful. Shawn's somewhere in the middle of all that. So it's a
good, it's a real good blend."
While the members of the group are in Nashville for the Dove
Awards, they'll be discussing their next project.
"Star Song has exercised their option early," Phillips explains.
"We weren't scheduled to do anything for about eighteen months, and
they have written us and asked that we exercise our options to do our
second one and we are very excited about that."
So the members are in the process of writing the album now, sending
each other their ideas on tape. Co-writing is something that is
somewhat new for Phillips and Dean, although Craig has experience with
writing with others.
"It's been very difficult," admits Phillips. "with co-writing. Dan
and I have always just written on our own, so it's been very difficult
for us, when we get together on one of these long, extended trips.
We're trying hard, it's just something that's not coming very
naturally... Our personalities are so different. I'm like, 'Okay,
let's go to the next song,' and Dan's like, 'Wait, we haven't even
finished that song' and Shawn, he's somewhere in the middle. It's
fun."
Phillips considers all of the recent events to be a growing
experience. He recounts an incident that happened at a concert that
had a profound effect on him, "We were at a concert, and this crippled
boy came up to us, came up to me. And he has a rare bone disease that
actually calcifies his entire body. It is very rare. So, he is
literally turning into one piece of bone. He can't sit up, he can't
walk. And we sing a song called 'In Heaven,' and one of the lines is
'There will be no pain in heaven,' and he came up to me just so
overjoyed, and he said 'My favorite line in the whole thing was 'There
will be no pain in heaven',' and that was very touching."
�BETH BLINN
AVB
Over the past year or so, the popularity of vocal-based music has
grown in the secular music arena. With groups such as BOYZ II MEN and
SHAI hitting the Top Ten with a cappella songs like "End of the Road"
and "If I Ever Fall in Love Again," there is a renewed appreciation
for the ability of the human voice to create music without the help of
instruments.
This is something that fans of the ACAPPELLA VOCAL BAND, or AVB as
they are usually referred to, have been appreciating for a number of
years. Recently, Wes McKinzie, who sings bass with AVB, took some
time out to talk with THE LIGHTHOUSE about the group and what they've
been doing.
WHY DON'T WE START WITH SOME BACKGROUND ON AVB, HOW YOU GUYS MET
AND THE GROUP CAME TOGETHER?
AVB was started in 1986, as a backup group for ACAPPELLA, back when
they just had two members, one of which is our producer now, Keith
Lancaster. Then, in 1988, both groups took off in different
directions. ACAPPELLA split off into four members and started
focusing on [what] they are more or less focusing on now, and we
started to take more of a pop, R&B feel, and target ourselves more
towards youth. Since we changed direction in 1988, we've had three
albums out, the last of which was CELEBRATE AND PARTY, which came out
last summer. We have recently come up with an official mission
statement for the group, which is "AVB is dedicated to stirring young
people to a Godly commitment, through cutting-edge vocal music."
WHO DOES AVB CONSISTS OF?
We have five guys. I sing bass. John Green sings second tenor,
and Brian Randolph's also a second tenor. Then, Max Plaster sings
first tenor and he's been in [the group] the longest, besides me. And
then Brishan Hatcher�he's our baritone.
SO YOU AND MAX WERE IN THE ORIGINAL FORMATION?
Actually, no. The group started in 1986, and the last member from
the original group left to do something else this past summer. I came
on at the time that the group was reformed in 1988, and then Max came
almost a year later.
WHEN YOU FOLKS STARTED PURSUING THE YOUTH MARKET, YOU THEN VOCALLY
CHANGED YOUR STYLE TO BE MORE APPEALING TO THAT MARKET?
Yeah, we started to get into more of the vocal percussion sounds,
and as we progressed to even more of the instrumental sounds that are
still vocally produced, but which sound very instrumental. And so we
use [at a concert] we'll use a lot of background tracks to supplement
what we do. They are all a cappella, but still, it makes for a much
fuller sound, and just keeps things moving.
WHAT'S THE APPEAL OF A CAPPELLA [MUSIC] FOR YOU GUYS?
Well, I guess the background of everyone in the group is the Church
of Christ, which, is more or less known for its a cappella singing,
among other things. And so that's our background. This ministry was
kind of born out of that. So we've just all had a love for a cappella
singing and, at least for us, personally, we don't feel like that
should be an exclusive way to praise God, as the Church of Christ, in
a lot of cases, believes. We've always had a love for a cappella
singing, and our involvement in AVB is kind of born out of that.
WHEN DID YOU DECIDE ON MUSIC AS A CAREER?
I guess the day they called me and said "Hey, would you be
interested in joining this group?" I joined the group right after I
graduated from high school�when I was eighteen. I had been introduced
to ACAPPELLA a couple of years previous, and had gotten really
interested in maybe getting involved in something like that about a
year of two before I graduated. Things just worked out that I was
able to talk with some of the guys who were involved in the process.
I did a lot of time thinking about it and praying about it, and I
decided to go for it. And four and a half years later, it's been a
good decision so far.
DO YOU GUYS DO A LOT OF TOURING?
Yeah, we're on the road about 300 days a year. We do about 150
concerts or so. It's a full-time thing for us. If we're not on the
road, we're usually in the studio working on something or other. So
this is the way that we make our living, and there's very few times in
which we're not involved in this in some way.
COULD YOU DESCRIBE SOME MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES YOU GUYS HAVE HAD,
PERHAPS IN CONCERT SITUATIONS, OR ANYTHING THAT HAS HAD A SPECIAL
MEANING FOR YOU?
Oh, there have been so many experiences. There are kind of two
extremes that really touch me. One is to see little kids, like five,
six, seven years old, who come to the concerts and just have an
incredible time. To see them smiling and dancing around and they're
singing every single word by heart. That's cute to see. But then you
just think about that and, especially with a lot of the stuff that's
out there in secular music today, the poor role models and horrible
songs (lyrically), I guess it really humbles me to know that God is
using our ministry to implant some Christian ideas and Christian words
into their heads and onto their hearts. So that really means a lot to
me. And, I guess, the other extreme is, given the fact that,
musically, we are supposed to appeal more to youth, a lot of parents
come, and also some older people come as well. Whenever I see someone
who's 50+ who's really, really, getting into the concert, that makes
me feel really neat. It shows that the message is the Gospel message,
even though maybe it's being delivered in a different style�it's still
the kind of thing that's going to appeal to everybody. It also shows
that music is universal, and while our style of music appeals mainly
to youth, there are a lot of others out there who are going to enjoy
the music because, well, hopefully they are going to think it's good
music.
IS THERE ANYBODY THAT YOU ASPIRE AFTER, NOT SO MUCH AS TO BE
EXACTLY LIKE THEM, BUT YOU ADMIRE THEIR TALENT?
As far as vocalists go, I know a group that we listen to and really
enjoy is BEBE and CECE WINANS. A group that we like a lot of stuff
that they do, yet we try not to be like them is D.C. TALK. And
there's also some good secular stuff out ther (musically) like JANET
JACKSON. I guess, even with the popularity of say, BOYZ II MEN, with
the way they've brought a cappella to the forefront, we really haven't
tried to do too much like them, because, I guess most of their hits
have been slower songs, and we really don't do too much slow stuff.
WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU ARE GEARED MORE TOWARDS EVANGELISM, OR MORE
TOWARDS ENCOURAGING THE KIDS WHO PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW GOD, OR A
MIXTURE OF BOTH?
I think, probably, at this point, it's more the encouraging
Christians area, mainly because of the kind of schedule we have, and
the bookings we get. We're sure that there's non-Christians, or a
term that I heard recently that I really liked was pre-Christians, at
concerts, at all of our concerts, so we gear the things that we say
and the songs that we sing to where people are going to hear the
Gospel, but also see what a joy it can be, you know, for a Christian
who is maybe having some hard times, or maybe someone who is
searching, who's not a Christian and is searching for some kind of
direction.
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF CONTINUING ON IN THAT SAME VEIN, OR WOULD YOU
LIKE TO CHANGE YOUR FOCUS SOMEWHAT?
This is something that we've really talked about as a group, and it
will probably be really slow in coming, because it's hard to make a
radical shift, but we would like to see ourselves spending more time
with people, and going in to some different areas, doing more stuff
with communities. It's really hard to know exactly how to go about
doing that. Hopefully, something will come up with that, because we
don't want to be--we recognize our role as a group that, through our
message and with the songs that we sing and the message that they
have�we are largely encouraging Christians, but we realize that there
is more to it than that, especially with today's society being what it
is. There's a lot of people out there that need to see that
alternative, and I guess the trick is finding a way to get it out to
them.
THE LAST ALBUM WAS CELEBRATE AND PARTY. ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING
ON ANOTHER ONE?
We've been, I guess, we've recorded some for the next album, but
there's no real projected date for that�it'll be a while. We've been
off for Christmas vacation, recently, so as far as studio work, we
haven't done a whole lot. We've talked about maybe some of the songs
we're interested in, but it's still in the early stages.
�BETH BLINN
MID SOUTH
Country music may be one of the most popular musical styles of music
in America today. Christian country, while still a relatively young
market, has been experiencing great gains in the quality of music and
lyrics. One of the most successful bands is Mid South. This band is
fueled by the fire of God, yet driven by the enjoyment of a fun
concert and the love of great musical and lyrical content. Mid South
is an unusual band in that they have, not one, but two, lead
vocalists�Kent Humphrey and Bobby Bowen. Bowen, who doubles on bass,
grew up in Texarkana, Texas listening to his father's country records.
Kent Humphrey, also the acoustic guitarist, and his brother Darren,
the group's drummer, hail from Kentucky and grew up playing in the
family band. The rocky edge to Mid South is due to the presence of
lead guitarist Joe Cook, who grew up in Arkansas playing in local rock
bands. The principal songwriter for the band is pianist Robby McGee,
who has been playing since age six. McGee is an inspiration to the
band after battling to recover from temporary paralysis caused by a
scuba accident. Mid South is a band that presents a message that
people can relate to -- the lyrics are not mystical nor hidden.
Harmonies, solid musicianship, quality lyrics, and a "new" country
sound seem to ensure that Mid South will be producing for quite some
time.
After listening to their newest album LESSONS OF LIFE, I decided
to get in touch with someone from the band for an interview. The
band's management was (refreshingly!) more than willing to set up an
interview with Kent Humphrey. It went as follows.
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW THE BAND CAME TOGETHER AND HOW THE NAME WENT
FROM MID SOUTH BOYS TO MID SOUTH AND GIVE SOME BACKGROUND?
The name Mid South Boys�that was a regional quartet based out of
Arkansas. Robby McGee who plays keyboards with us joined that group
to play keyboards with them when he was about 17 or 18. Eventually,
the other guys started to just stay home. [They] decided that they
didn't want to travel anymore. As people dropped out, they hired
Bobby, who is one of the lead singers now, and it began to evolve. I
guess we've been doing the Christian country style for about 7 years
now [which] is about when the whole niche of Mid South started to
develop.
WHERE DID YOU START TO MEET EACH OTHER? HOW DID YOU END UP
CONNECTING?
It was different situations. I was traveling with another band
called the DMB BAND. The drummer with us now is my brother and he was
traveling with me in that band. We met up with them a few years ago
when they just started doing the Christian country stuff, the
beginning stages. That's what the DMB BAND was doing, too. We met
back then, and worked together a little bit and just became friends.
When the opportunity came for an opening in the band, they called me
and I was glad to do it. I probably wouldn't have [gone] back on the
road with another band if it hadn't been Mid South�at that time. They
were doing the style that I had always enjoyed and tried to develop in
Christian music. We all live in different parts of the country, but
it just all came together that way.
HOW, NATIONWIDE, IS CHRISTIAN COUNTRY DOING? THERE'S A GROWING
POPULARITY OF COUNTRY MUSIC WITH THE SUPERSTARS�GARTH BROOKS, ETC. I
SEE MORE AND MORE COUNTRY STATIONS ON THE RADIO. WHAT IS CHRISTIAN
COUNTRY'S FUTURE?
It's still a real new music form in Christian music. [It's] just a
few years old, which is real young for a music form. Even the
popularity of it in the Christian circles has been incredible. The
last two or three years, especially, [the popularity has] started to
grow. We started to see a lot of people [and] the industry getting
interested in what's happening, because, it is getting so popular. I
think there's a great future for it, because, there's such a
marketplace as far as the age group that listens to this kind of
music. It reaches the whole gambit from young to old. It just gets
everybody in there. It's just beginning and we'll see a lot more
radio marketplaces open up for it. That'll do nothing but open up
everything else for Christian country. So, I think it's going to be a
big music form.
YOU WERE ON NEW CANAAN, AND NOW A SECULAR LABEL. WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE? HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED ANY CRITICISM? DOES IT MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN TERMS OF THE MESSAGE YOU CAN PUT ON?
I think, the opportunity for being distributed on a secular label
is something that we should be very thankful, because, the reason we
do our music is to be able to reach people for the music and what the
music has to say to people and get their attention�especially non-
Christian people. By being distributed on a secular label you're
getting your message out to those people that normally wouldn't hear.
That album, or that message in the Christian circles is where it
usually goes out. We need to reach the people in the world that
aren't Christians. That's our whole purpose for what we do�to reach
people. It's a big plus for us, because, we're still distributed by
Word [Records] and then Epic [Records] on the secular side. For us,
it's a big plus to take our music, which is Christian country, and
give it to the Christian community as well as reach out to the secular
community with a good positive message about Christian morals and how
to live a Christian life, day by day.
YOUR MESSAGE IS VERY OVERT. IS THAT ONE OF YOUR GOALS?
I think that, definitely, the Gospel message and Gospel theme, we
definitely want to make sure that it's there, but we also want to be,
to have a positive message. We try to just sing songs about day to
day living�what it takes as a Christian and some of the struggles you
go through, some of the mountain tops you go through. We just try to
deal with those situations about how to live your life, here and now
in the problems we face. I think, probably, it's just more of that
type feel. We really go through a lot of songs when we pick songs for
an album. That seems to be the theme that we've come up with�positive
message songs that relate to everyday people that they can base their
lives around on Christian morals.
WHAT ARE YOUR COMMENTS ON THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY?
There definitely have been changes in the Christian music scene in
the last five years. It's really started to grow. One of the plusses
is the quality of the music and the recordings�they're much much
better. They'll stand up to anything secular that's released these
days. The quality has improved. I think that's great for Christian
music. It's kind of growing. As Christian music grows, we're going
to run up against new problems that we've never had to face before as
far as the industry goes. There have been the successful artists that
have crossed over into secular music which is great to get that
message out. To do that, we have [a] good relationship with Word
[Records] and that works real well for us. I guess, as far as the
industry, our part of the industry is so new that it's still in the
developing stages. We're still having to put it all together. It's
like something that we're still putting together and something's
happening every day to make a difference. It's all new as far as not
being able to say, this or that has changed, because, it's all so new.
WHAT ARE YOUR CONCERTS LIKE? WHAT IS THE FORMAT?
We love to have a lot of fun. There's a lot of energy on stage.
We have a ball playing our music. That's the hour and a half that we
enjoy. Being on the road, it's a high energy concert, at the end
we'll bring it down and share some things that God has done for us and
some testimony and give the opportunity for people to respond for God
to meet their needs, to accept the Lord as their Savior. We always
try to give that opportunity. In the situations where that wouldn't
be acceptable in some of the secular situations that we might end up,
we always try to make sure that the message comes across. I think,
last week, we found out that it really does�the music really does
speak for itself. We did a concert [where there] definitely wasn't a
Christian audience, but the response to our music was great. People
came by and spoke to us and said, 'We didn't know you guys were a
Christian band because it wasn't advertised that way. We really
enjoyed what you did.' I think that that is a real plus and a real
encouragement to the people that we want to reach, as well as we want
to reach the Christian community and uplift and encourage them, but
also the people out there that need a lift and need to know that God
cares for them. That was a real encouragement for us to see that the
music is crossing over to every type person.
�BRYAN W. BRENDLEY
Concert Reviews
Halo: Mechanicsburg, PA
A good-sized crowd of people decided to brave temperatures in the
low teens in order to see Halo at Cumberland Valley Education Park in
Mechanicsburg, PA. Concert go'ers were not disappointed, as Halo
turned up the heat inside. Halo energetically blew through "Heaven
Calling" and "Your Decision" before taking time for a pause to
introduce the band. It was interesting that as lead singer and
bassist Scott Springer introduced guitarist Barry Graul and drummer
Mike Graham, he preceded the introduction with "using his talent for
Jesus Christ, here's�..." Throughout the concert, they continued to
show that they were using their talents for the Lord.
They packed their first set with almost non-stop music, keeping
most of the crowd on their feet. Springer made several comments about
the songs and the message included in them, such as "Language
Barrier," "Saved by Grace," and "Your Decision."
Their sound and light system was very compact, and was surprisingly
impressive. It didn't overpower the show, but became a integral part
of the aggressive musical style presented.
After a short intermission, the band came back with another
powerful set of rocking tunes, powerful guitar and drum solos, but
also took time to really talk to the crowd. Springer explained that
God gives each person the power to take a stand and live a pure life
for God, avoiding sex and drugs. He also humbly stated that he
couldn't force anyone to live for Christ�that is a personal decision.
The highlight of the night was after his talk, Scott lead the band
in several soft praise choruses as he lead the crowd in prayer to
consider what God was telling them and what God wanted them to remove
from their life, and, of course, if they hadn't, to receive Christ
into their heart. The band took all those who wanted to talk out of
the arena and prayed and talked with each person individually. Halo
also gave Bibles to those that needed one.
The concert was sponsored by Middlesex United Methodist Church, and
brought a terrific ministry to their area.
�J. WARNER SODITUS
Michael W. Smith & DC Talk: Pittsburgh, PA
On February 6, at the A.J. Palumbo Centre in Pittsburgh, Michael W.
Smith and D.C. Talk had a capacity crowd on its feet and jamming for
more than three hours.
D.C. Talk got the crowd warmed up, playing a lot of songs from
their recent album FREE AT LAST, including "Time Is...," "Jesus is
Still Alright," and "Luv is a Verb."
They made it loud and clear that the reason that they were doing
this was Jesus. For the first time, the group is touring with a live
band, instead of using tracks. While it was apparent that this was
early in the tour, and they are still getting used to the dynamics of
having three musicians on the stage with them, the band was great. As
usual, D.C. Talk brought some dancers that provided a lot of fun.
Michael W. Smith got the party going with "Love Crusade" off of his
GO WEST YOUNG MAN album, and kept the tempo up most of the night,
playing primarily music from his last three albums. With the
exception of "Friends," which he re-did on his most recent record, the
oldest songs were "Secret Ambition" and "Pray for Me," from EYE TO I.
He did slow it down for some songs in the middle, and spent a little
time thanking the fans for pushing his songs onto the top 40 in
secular radio. He also spent some time talking about his motivation
for doing what he does, namely Jesus Christ.
Michael W. was backed by a crack eight-piece band, that included
guitarist Tony Palacios of GUARDIAN and Jimmie Lee Sloas.
�BETH BLINN
MUSIC REVIEWS
65 dBA: THE GREAT AWAKENING (Integrity)
For those of you who don't know what a dB (decibel) is, I'll tell
you (since I'm working on my Doctorate in Acoustics, I should know!).
A dB is the logarithm of a ratio of sound pressure levels (usually to
a standard). dB's are commonly used to compare the loudness of
sounds. For example, a noisy street is usually about 75 dB while a
recording studio might be around 25 dB. A dBA simply means that a
standard "A-type" frequency weighting has been applied to the sound
before the dB level is calculated. Is this making any sense yet? I
thought I would give a little bit of an idea, but, essentially, a dB
tells how loud a sound is.
65 dBA would probably be round the volume of background music or
casual conversation. This new group from England is cranking it up
with THE GREAT AWAKENING, a project I certainly played louder than 65
dBA.
The album starts with a soft, worshipful and dreamy, praise anthem,
"Great Awakening." They don't even finish fading out this song before
the house beat of "We Must Go" kicks in. "Waging War" follows after
the first pause in the recording with a hard rock feel. Up next is
"Work the Worx" and is a grooving tune with a techno feel, heavy on
the keyboards, and a rap bridge. They then slow it down a bit with a
slow R&B'ish ballad, "Can You See the Tears."
The second half of the album starts with "Hope of Heaven," a bass-
driven danceable tune sounding like a cross between DURAN DURAN and
CULTURE CLUB. Next is "Come Soon Lord Jesus," with an up-beat
guitar/synthesizer-driven groove. Then, taking quite a turn for the
softer side, "Behold the Lamb" follows as a tender song of worship.
"I Want to be a Holy Child" comes in gently with a sweet duet and "Are
You Ready" closes out the project with an urgent, guitar-driven, rock
sound.
I would figure this album would minister to Christians more than it
would appeal to the unsaved. "Waging War" and its talk about our
"army" and "sword of the Holy Spirit" probably would scare off most
non-believers. But, assuming that the album was intended more for
Christians, it hits the mark. It offers modern songs of praise, songs
of encouragement, and songs to challenge us to stronger devotion to
Christ.
This album is probably the most diverse collection of songs by one
group I've ever heard. It's interesting that they use five different
lead singers on that album. At first it seems strange to cram so many
musical styles together, but it is interesting, fresh, and enjoyable.
If your tastes span several musical genres, this is probably one that
you'll enjoy.
�J. WARNER SODITUS
Whitecross: HIGH GEAR (StarSong)
We openly admit that we are not "metal heads" in any way, shape, or
form. We also acknowledge that we have missed out on Whitecross for a
long time�and we are changing our position on Christian hard rock
music. If Whitecross never came to State College, we would still be
ignorant about this great band that loves the Lord more than anything
and offers no compromise in their lyrical content. Our normal fare in
the CCM industry consists of PETRA, RICH MULLINS, D.C. TALK, MICHAEL
W. SMITH, AMY GRANT, WHITE HEART, and the like. When the "metal"
groups release new discs, we quickly shy away and don't even listen,
because we won't buy! With the coming of Whitecross, we figured
"well, we'll hear it all night so why not give the album a listen
beforehand." Are we glad that we did!
HIGH GEAR is certainly stuck in at least third or fourth�it never
stops producing! The songs "High Gear" and "Dancing In Heaven" start
the listener off on a voyage that is not easily forgotten. The
powerful beats make one seriously consider dancing before God's throne
in praise! The lyrics on all the songs are Biblically-based and give
a mature listener some good thought-provoking material. Yes, "In
America" does sound a bit like "In The Kingdom" but so what? It adds
to a list of what could be termed "ballad-anthems" that really make
one proud to be in the Kingdom of God! The guitarwork presented by
Rex Carroll has not ceased to amaze us; he is great at what he does
and "Overdrive" is the perfect lead-in to "Without Your Love," a song
about the amassing of diamonds and gold that "At night/all turn so
cold."
Yes, you who like listening to more mellow music might really
benefit from this project. Who knows, you might get ambitious and buy
IN THE KINGDOM (we did!) or HAMMER AND NAIL. The music presented on
the album is lighter than the Sardonyx-genre, but a bit heavier than
PETRA and the old MYLON sounds. Some of the ballads are low-key and
quite beautiful to listen to. The words are all quite clear to
understand and the pumping beats are great music to help one to feel
the power of God.
�BRYAN W. BRENDLEY WITH KYLE B. KOUTERICK
ED. NOTE: THESE GUYS WERE VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE REVIEW GIVEN
LAST MONTH AND WANTED TO OFFER ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE ON THE ALBUM.
S.o.h.l. 4UR Tribe: 2 THA BAZIX (New Breed)
S.O.H.L. ( Straight Out Hard Lyrics) 4UR Tribe's Syke and Sevin
have entered the Christian hip-hop arena with 2THA BAZIX. They also
may have set a record for the most uses of "JC Junkie" on one album.
Their use musical melodies helps draw an immediate comparison to
D.C. TALK. Where D.C. TALK brings their sung choruses to the front,
Syke and Sevin hand several of the choruses to Eden. Her vocals are
excellent and blend in well between the raps, leaving the choruses
more in the background, letting Syke and Sevin pack the punch with the
verses. While they use plenty of beats, breaks, and scratches, they
avoid the overuse of samples.
The raps tend to speed by, but they are quite easy to understand.
"Sohl 4UR Tribe Iz Funky" talks about reading the Bible, Christ's
Salvation and how we need to be devoted to Him. "Funky Hometown
Pinnochio Blues" makes the analogy of Satan as the champion of lies�
Pinnochio. They show how we need to stop ourselves when we become
angry and are tempted to curse to ask "Lord Have Mercy." "Heaven
Sent" reminds us to wait for a mate given by God and avoid unwholesome
relationships. "Let The Love Flow" encourages us to let God's love
flow through us when we are deeply hurting inside. Syke and Sevin
diss "puppet" government officials, urging them to wake up in "Stix
and Stones" and sum up their feelings in the statement "stix and
stones may break my bones, but politicians can never hurt me," and
then diss selfish televangelists in "Nonsense." "Papa Dios" speaks of
the realities of life on the streets and how it would be to die on the
streets without securing a place in heaven. They wrap (or is that
rap) up the project with an up-beat gospel-ish tune about how they use
their rap in ministry to their friends.
Like D.C. TALK, they add several humorous tracks such as
"Introduction," "The Producer Didn't Show," and "Intermission" which
really get old after the third time that you hear them. Stick to the
rap music, and leave the humor to comedians. Also, once you remove
these tracks, the album comes up well under 40 minutes�a little short.
Apart from that, it's a great hip-hop project.
�J. WARNER SODITUS
Ray Boltz: SEASONS OF CHANGE (Word)
Since this album is my first real exposure to Ray Boltz, other than
his popular song "Thank You," I can't very well compare this release
to his past work in either style or content. I can say, however, that
I found the CD as a whole very moving and relevant to this generation.
My personal favorite in the collection is "For Only One," a truly
beautiful song of Christ's love for us individually and His desire to
reach each one of us. Three other songs also deal with the topic of
salvation. "Saving Grace" is a contemporary Christian radio favorite
with a rock feel and a great message about God's loving guidance.
"Not Long Ago" is a gentle call to return to Christ, and "Mercy" is a
smooth, flowing tune in praise and awe of God's grace.
The title cut, "Seasons Change," reflects a theme of hope and a
message of perseverance heard in several other songs as well. Just as
"Seasons Change" encourages us to look forward to better times in
spite of our struggles, "The Last Time I Fall" and "I Think I See
Gold" urge us to see beyond our worldly problems to what lies ahead of
us in Heaven or even what is hidden within the pain. Along the
similar lines, "I Want to See" reminds me of I Corinthians 13:12 and
the coming freedom from what encumbers us here on earth.
As for the remaining songs, the up-beat "What Are We Doing Here"
has powerful, and perhaps unsettling, lyrics that quickly come to the
point of our responsibility to Christ in this earthly life; it is a
sort of social commentary from a Christian perspective. "Heaven is
Counting on You" has a catchy chorus that, likewise, hits hard on
stirring us to action and really living for Him.
I am enjoying this project, and I think others who like a variety
of sounds from the pop/rock to the soft and ballad-like will also
appreciate it. The lyrics are well-written and meaningful, leaving
the listener with a renewed desire to "run the race" so that others
can see Christ in us.
�JEAN PATTY
HEAVENLY BLUES (Refuge)
HEAVENLY BLUES is a sampler of Christian blues music, that does a
pretty good job of doing what I assume it was meant to do�introduce
someone to some of the Christian artists out there that are blues-
influenced.
Blues music is a genre that just recently seems to be gaining
popularity in the contemporary Christian music scene. For anyone with
an interest in this type of music, HEAVENLY BLUES gives a taste of
seven different artists over fourteen tracks. From the southern
rock/blues of David Payton to the more traditional blues of Larry
Howard, to the instrumental offerings of Q-Stone and John Amato, this
album proves that there are as many different faces to blues music as
there are to any other type.
I especially enjoyed Amato's "Amazing Grace," with some awesome
saxophone playing, and "Bluesman" from Q-Stone. Howard has a very
traditional blues voice, more on the rough side, and it suits his
songs well. Payton, formerly of MYLON LEFEVRE AND BROKEN HEART, is
more in the vein of LYNYRD SKYNYRD and other southern groups, and
provides some good listening. The other artists�Toni Rossi, Bryn
Haworth, and Buddy Greene�had strong songs, although I didn't enjoy
them as much as the other musicians.
If you have an interest in blues, this is a good album to use to
explore the possibilities available in Christian music today.
�BETH BLINN
Tribe of Dan: SHOOK UP (Blonde Vinyl)
This incredible new alternative/punk band starts off their album of
with "Shook Up, Shook Up"�the best song on the album. This group is
hard to compare to any other group, since they have such a great
unique sound. "Like You" is next, with an intro reminiscent of AC/DC.
This song talks about a lot of the miracles Jesus performed while here
on earth, and TOD is saying they want to be just like him.
"Missin' You" is a ballad, that really isn't all that pretty. It's
something like what you'd expect from NIRVANA�slow and grungy. A
great punk song is "I Just Want," which is what you'll be banging your
head to next. It states, "I don't want no man-made religion, I don't
like his deals." It's about the mixed up thing man has done while on
earth. Unfortunately, when you're really starting to get into their
heavier side, you get thrown off with a track that really isn't worth
listening to called "Be My Friend." The end of this song is even
stupider than the rest of the song.
Well, overall the albums a great punk/alternative release with the
exception of a few songs. The album is worth giving a spin�so try it.
�BRAD MATTERN
Karyn List: ONLY LOVE (Intersound)
This was probably the toughest review I've ever had to write. Why?
Well, I didn't expect to like this album, and in fact, I didn't like
it until I listened a few times. I am not a fan, at all, of gospel
music, and Karyn draws most of her influence from the gospel area.
But, after a few times through, I found myself humming along.
Since I don't listen to gospel music, I lack much of a base for
comparison. On "He Really Loves Me" and "Real Friend" List begins in
a choir for the choruses which livens the project greatly. "The
Better Part" is a soulful ballad and "I Saw Him on the Mountain" is a
powerful duet. These songs mix up the flow of the project. List was
recently a background singer for Larnelle Harris, so you know she can
sing.
On the album jacket she states, "I recorded this album to be an
encouragement to the believer and a witness to the unbeliever. These
songs present simple truths that impact us right where we live,
reminding us of God's presence and His promise!" For the most part,
I'd agree that this is a witness to the unbeliever, she tries to keep
the message simple. But, there are a few "Christianese" catch-phrases
that probably wouldn't sink in.
If you like the gospel feel, I'll bet you'd like this. Even if you
don't, you might surprise yourself�I did.
�ROGER APPELINSKI
DEMOLITION (R.E.X.)
Are you ready to suffer a bad neck injury? Well you better be�nine
of the heaviest, and best unsigned bands come together on one CD!
You'll be bangin' your head till the day the Lord comes back!
It starts of with Thresher's "My Reality," a METALLICA type tune
that will get the adrenaline pumping through your veins. It has some
great solos; it shows how much this band deserves to be signed.
Mortal Enemy kicks in next, with a deathly tune called "Exodus of
Life," a very brutal song. The lyrics can be found pretty morbid at
times, their lyrics slightly reminiscent of THE RISING'S lyrical
concept of morbid lyrics in Christian music.
Up next is a very cool funk band called Dodavahu�don't ask me what
it means. I don't know who to compare this band to, maybe a little
PRIMUS influence. Consecrator's "Free from Death," pops up in here,
with their usual thrash overtones, and powerful vocal approach.
The very powerful thrash band The Unknown is up next. I could
listen to these guys forever. Their very creative vocal style is
great. Abhor Evil, a crazy funk band that sounds similar to DIG HAY
ZOOSE, enters next. The song "Zong Zong" talks about a guy on the
verge of suicide who solves his problem by finding God.
With three other bands Hot Pink Turtle, Sardonyx, and Immortal,
this album can kick some great tunes; it's the greatest compilation
I've ever heard.
�BRAD MATTERN
