THE CATHEDRALS LIVE IN CHICAGO

The Cathedrals began as a trio comprised of Glen Payne, Bobby Clark, and Danny Koker in 1963.  Evangelist Rex Humbard hired them on to accompany him at his services at The Cathedral of Tomorrow in Ohio.  In 1964 bass singer George Younce joined what became The Cathedral Quartet.  In 1969 they broke off on their own.  They appeared on the Gospel Singing Jubilee tv show and at Bill Gaither’s Praise Gathering in Indianapolis, TN.  This gave the quartet more exposure and put them in demand.  The quartet was a favourite on the Gaither Homecoming videos in the 1990’s.  In 2012 StowTown Records released the cd THE CATHEDRALS LIVE IN CHICAGO.   It was recorded live at Moody Memorial Church in Chicago on March 16, 1996.  The group’s roster at the time was the same from 1991 until their farewell in 1999. 

The Cathedrals are introduced by Moody Radio personality Chris Fabry.  ‘O Come Along’ penned by Dianne Wilkinson, is the first song performed.  It is a happy song that features pianist Roger Bennett tickling the ivories: “Oh, come along with me and go to that land/Where milk and honey flow so free/God has prepared that city with His own hand/And there’s a mansion waiting me/We’ll spend the endless ages praising His Name/As we sing redemption’s song/Oh, we’ll be leaving just any day/Suddenly called away/Don’t stay behind, oh, come along.”  ‘Step into the Water’ penned by former group member Kirk Talley, is one of the most popular Cathedrals songs of all time.  Some may not like its militant lyrics: “It’s time we the people stand up for what is right/It’s time we squared our shoulders back and raised our swords to fight/For the Bible is my weapon and the Spirit is my shield/The Church needs more of its members to be workers in the field.”

George Younce affectionately jokes about lead singer Glen Payne being an ‘old man.’  Payne had been in full time music ministry for 52 years at the time!  ‘Your Blesser ain’t never Been Blessed’ has a cool, relaxed sound to it: “When the saints begin to gather just to sing about the Savior/It’s a blessed time for me/You really know you’re livin’, it’s the closest thing to heaven/Hear that old-time harmony/When the singers get inspired and the tenor sings up higher/And the bass goes lower than the rest/If you haven’t ever listened to an old-time singing/Then your blesser ain’t never been blessed.”  Adger M. Pace and JT Cook wrote ‘The Heavenly Parade’, a song dating back to 1937.  Here we have a fast paced acapella version of it.  Lyrically, it offers spiritual motivation for those who are weary: “Our traveling days will soon be over here/And we shall cross the rolling tide/For we are down here for just a little while/Our home is on the other side/Ambassadors true for Jesus our Redeemer/And it’s a love crusade/For right against wrong/But soon we’ll join the throng in Heaven when the saints parade.”

Stuart Hamblen wrote the lively song ‘This Ole House’ in 1954.  It reminds us that this physical life we live is only temporary and greater things are to come: “Ain’t gonna need this house no longer/Ain’t gonna need this house no more/Ain’t got time to fix the shingles/Ain’t got time to fix the floor/Ain’t got time to oil the hinges/Nor to mend the window pane/Ain’t gonna need this house no longer/I’m getting ready to meet the saints.”  The Cathedrals even break into ‘When the Saints Go Marching In.’  ‘Life Will Be Sweeter Some Day’ was penned by Luther G. Presley.  It is a slower paced number featuring talented harmonica player Buddy Greene.  The song shares the hopes so many Christians have for eternity: “Don’t you know I’m gonna sing, sing/With the angels above?/I’m gonna talk, talk/To the ones that I love/I’m gonna tell Him/About my troubles/After awhile, after awhile.”

Marvin P. Dalton wrote ‘Oh, What a Savior’ in 1948.  This powerful ballad spotlights tenor Ernie Haase: “Once I was straying in sin’s dark valley/No hope within could I see/Oh, but they searched through heaven/And they found a Savior/To save a poor lost soul like me/O what a Savior, O hallelujah!/His heart was broken on Calvary/His hands were nail scarred/His side was riven/He gave His life-blood for even me.”  ‘Jesus Saves’ features baritone Scott Fowler.  The song admits that not everyone is excited about the Gospel message: “But the world still tells us daily that God is not alive/And salvation’s plan is just a fairy tale/But their lies don’t change the truth that Jesus died for you/And the Word says His returning could happen any day.”  ‘I Thirst’ by Beverly Lowry is a reverent song that reflects on Christ’s time on the cross: “He said ‘I thirst’/Yet He made the rivers/He said ‘I thirst’/Yet He made the sea/’I thirst’ said the King of the ages/In His great thirst/He brought water to me.” 

‘Because He Lives’ written by Bill and Gloria Gaither is a wonderful song of hope we sang during my grandfather’s  burial: “God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus/He came to love, heal, and forgive/He bled and died to buy my pardon/An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives/Because He lives I can face tomorrow/Because He lives, all fear is gone/Because I know He holds the future/And life is worth the living/Just because He lives.”

At this point in the concert, pianist Roger Bennett gives a testimony.  In August of 1995 he was diagnosed with leukemia.  He felt as if life had stopped.  He began praying that God would heal him so he’d have a great testimony.  God showed him though to praise Him even while he was sick and going through chemo.  The Bible says God is with us as we go through the valley of the shadow of death.  At the time of this 1996 concert Roger’s leukemia was in remission, but he had made peace  with the fact that it could come back.  The Cathedrals proceed to sing a song Roger and his wife Debbie wrote (‘Don’t Be Afraid’) a year and a half before they found out Roger had cancer.  Here are some of the words: “The disciples were tossed on a cold, raging sea/But Jesus was sleeping so peacefully/They cried, ‘Master, don’t you care that we die?’/He spoke three soft words, ‘Peace, be still’/It was the storm that had to die.”  Appropriately the last song performed is an acapella version of William Cowper’s ‘There is a Fountain.’

I’m rating THE CATHEDRALS LIVE IN CHICAGO 90%.  They are one of the best quartets of all time and really put on a good show balanced with humour and sincerity.  It’s hard to believe three of the five group members on this recording are deceased (Payne, Younce, and Bennett).  What a legacy they left though!  Visit: www.southerngospelblog.com, www.erniehaase.com, and www.legacyfive.com.

 

SOME PEOPLE CHANGE

Michael English was born on April 12, 1962 in Kenansville, North Carolina.  Over the years he has been a member of The Singing Samaritans, The Singing Americans, The Goodmans, and The Gospel Couriers.  He is currently a member of The Gaither Vocal Band.  His debut solo disc which was self-titled won two Dove Awards for him in 1992 for Male Vocalist and New Artist of the Year.  In 1994 he confessed to having an affair with Marabeth Jordan of First Call, a group that was touring with him.  She suffered a miscarriage.  English divorced and tried his hand in mainstream music.  He recorded the duet ‘Healing’ with Wynonna Judd.  Later, his cover of John Berry’s 1994 hit ‘Your Love Amazes Me’ did well.  Eventually English would return to Christian music. He also remarried.  SOME PEOPLE CHANGE (2012, Curb Records) is his eighth solo album.

The album begins with an upbeat country number ‘I Ain’t Givin’ Up on Jesus’.  CCM vet Chris McHugh plays drums, and banjo and fiddle are also  used.  This song makes it clear where Michael places his faith: “Hard times can make a grown man cry/Some folks wanna cuss their Maker/I say just give Him time/I ain’t givin’ up on Jesus/He ain’t never give up on me/Ain’t nothin’ gonna come between us/I ain’t givin’ up on Jesus.”  ‘Come to the River’ features Michael’s vocal hero and former Imperial, Russ Taff.  This song has an old time gospel feel.  It is an invitation to be spiritually rejuvenated: “You weary soldier with battered shield/Come bathe your wounds and you will be healed/Your heart renewed and your hope restored/Just go under the water and thirst no more/Come wash in the river/Come drink your fill/Let healing waters/Bear away your guilt/Lay down your burdens/On that beautiful shore/Come wash in the river/Come be reborn.”  ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus’ was penned in 1939 by Rhea Miller and George Shea.  Michael delivers a moving version of it here, with Charlie Judge on strings.  The song describes our Saviour as a priceless treasure: “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold/I’d rather have Him than have riches untold/I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands/I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand/Than to be the king of a vast domain/And be held in sin’s dread sway/I’d rather have Jesus than anything/This world affords today.”

Neil Thrasher, Jason Sellers, and Michael Dulaney wrote the mid-tempo country song ‘Some People Change’.  What a wonderful title track!  It is a story song about the evils of racism and alcoholism.  It encourages relatives of those trapped in sin not to give up on their loved ones: “Thank God for those who made it/Let them be the Light/Here’s to the strong; thanks to the brave/Don’t give up hope, some people change/Against all odds, against the grain/Love finds a way, some people change.”  ‘I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)’ features super talented vocalist Crystal Lewis.  It is a groovy song with horns and saxophones.  It is about the power of romantic love: “When the river was deep, I didn’t falter/When the mountain was high, I still believed/When the valley was low, it didn’t stop me, no/I knew you were waiting/I knew you were waiting for me/With an endless desire/I kept on searching/Sure in time our eyes would meet.”

‘On That Great Day’ is a mellow track featuring The Martins.  It looks forward with anticipation to the glorious future awaiting us as believers: “We’ll meet at the river/We’ll be delivered of every chain/Down into the water/Children, mothers, and fathers in His sweet Name/To drown all our sins/And come up again forever changed/Never to return/To the people we were before that great day/We will patiently wait ‘til we see His face.”  A creative remake of Michael’s signature song from 1991 ‘In Christ Alone’ follows.  Ilya Toshinskiy plays acoustic guitar, Kenny Greenberg and Sean Neff play electric, and harp is also used.  The lyrics point to Jesus as the only reason to boast: “In Christ alone/I place my trust/And find my glory/In the power of the cross/In every victory/Let it be said of me/My source of strength/My source of hope/Is Christ alone.”

A new imagining of the old gospel classic ‘I Wouldn’t take nothing for my Journey’ (1964) for a younger audience, is up next.  Harmonica, fiddle, and dobro are used, while Gaither Vocal Band members Mark Lowry, David Phelps, and Wes Hampton lend vocals.  This is a song of gratitude: “There’s nothing in the world that’ll ever take the place of God’s love/Silver and gold could never buy a mighty touch from above/When my soul needs healing and I begin to feeling His power/I can say ‘Thank the Lord, I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.```  Jennie Lee Riddle and Michael Farren wrote `Waking Up the Dawn` which finds Michael in CCM territory.  It is a song of celebration: ``With the yearning for our King to come/Every tribe and tongue with a voice of one/Hear the melodies of hearts in love/Arise and shine one and all/We’re waking up the dawn/Soon the sun will never set again/All our sorrows will finally end/With the waking of the dawn (2X).”  ‘Stubborn (Psalm 15)’ is a mighty fine CCM ballad that finds Michael struggling with the devil: “There’s a molecule of faith in this room/What they used to call a mustard seed/There’s a molecule of faith in this room/And a book that says that’s all I’ll ever need/I don’t know where it is, but I hope I find it soon/’Cause nothing else will ever set me free/There’s a molecule of faith in this room/And even though it’s much too small to see/If I have the courage to believe/I’ll find the One who left it here for me.”  As a special bonus cut, Michael covers ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ (1949) by Hank Williams.  It is a sad tune: “Did you ever see a robin weep/When leaves begin to die?/That means he’s lost the will to live/I’m so lonesome I could cry/The silence of a falling star/Lights up a purple sky/And as I wonder where you are/I’m so lonesome I could cry.”

SOME PEOPLE CHANGE finds Michael’s voice in fine form.  It is an album of great maturity and depth.  Fans of Guy Penrod, Russ Taff, and Clay Crosse will enjoy it.  Michael is one of my all time favourite male vocalists.  You can catch him live at Church on the Queensway this New Year’s Eve.  I’m rating SOME PEOPLE CHANGE 90%.  It was mainly produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts.  Visit www.michaelenglishmusic.com for more info.

 

WHAT KIND OF CHURCH

Psalm 104:33 reads: “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;/I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”  In 2000 The Watchmen released the album WHAT KIND OF CHURCH recorded at Sound on Sound Recording Studio in Kitchener, Ontario.  At this time the group members were: Doug Jones (lead), Tim Harden (tenor), Dave Yake (bass), Dave Jantzi (baritone), and Brian Winger (pianist).

The album begins with ‘We Represent the King’ which has a cheerful sound and an evangelistic message: “Hear ye, hear ye, people of all nations/We have all been called to spread the Word/To tell the whole world of His mercy and His love/So they might come to know the Master that we serve/Oh, we represent the King, He’s the reason that we sing/The life we live is dedicated to His majesty/From His mighty throne He rules by grace alone/We’re here to praise His Name in everything/We represent the King.”  ‘Arise My Love’ is an inspiring ballad about the resurrection of Christ: “Sin, where are your shackles?/Death, where is your sting?/Hell has been defeated/The grave could not hold the King/Arise my love, arise my love/The grave no longer has a hold on you/No more death’s sting, no more suffering/Arise, arise, arise.”

‘I Will Build My Church’ penned by Tim Harden, has as its subject matter the Bride of Christ: “A shining light for you and a beacon clear/Over the years O Lord, you’ve seen our joy, our tears/Come fill our hearts anew with holy awe/As we exalt and lift Jesus high, Your people draw/And He said, ‘I will build My church, I will make it strong/I will manifest My glory as you worship and share My story/Yes, I will build My church.”   ‘What Kind of Church’, the title track, is an upbeat, introspective Southern Gospel number: “How many times have I said I loved Jesus but turned a deaf ear to a need?/How many times have I said I’m a Christian but never one soul did I lead?/How many luxuries have I passed by to have more to give to the Lord?/Jesus I promise as long as I live from now on, I’m gonna do more/I wonder what kind of church would my church be if every member was just like me?/How many souls would be saved today/If it all depended on what I say?” 

The familiar gospel song ‘In the Presence of Jehovah’ is next.  It is about finding one’s refuge and sense of belonging in Father God: “Through His love the Lord provided a place for us to rest/A place to find the answers in the hour of distress/Now there’s never any reason/For you to give up in despair/Just slip away and breathe His Name/He will surely meet you there/In the presence of Jehovah/God Almighty, Prince of Peace/Troubles vanish, hearts are mended/In the presence of the King.”  ‘Once in Every Life’ written by Brian Winger, is a song that lovingly calls out to those who are spiritually lost: “Once in every life we must realize that there’s a choice for all eternity/O come to Him today/Please don’t delay/This chance may never come again my friend/Won’t you let Him in, Christ the sinner’s friend?/God’s own priceless treasure given at Calvary.”

‘City of Gold’ has an upbeat country feel to it and looks forward to the eternal home we as believers will dwell in: “There will be no more sorrow, pain, sickness, or death/And the saints they will never grow old/How I long for that city.../Where the sun never sets/And the leaves never fade/And the righteous forever will shine, shine like the stars/In that beautiful city of gold.”  ‘When the World Looks at Me’ is a ballad about living with a sure purpose: “I want my life to be a light to those around me/I want my life to be a roadmap that says home/I want my life to be a beacon on life’s raging sea/I want the world to see Jesus when they look at me.”

‘Out of His Great Love’ is a short, catchy ditty about God’s love, care, and salvation.  ‘Great, Great Morning’ is however this album’s shortest track at 1:39.  The song equates earthly faithfulness to God with eternal rewards: “O  it’s a great, great morning your first day in heaven when you stroll down the golden avenue/There are mansions left and right and you thrill at every sight/And the saints are always smilin’ sayin’ ‘How do you do?’/O it’s a great, great morning your first day in heaven/When you realize your worryin’ days are through/You’ll be glad you were not idle/You took time to read your Bible/It’s a great, great morning for you.”

The album’s longest track runs 6:29.  It is a decent cover of Ray Boltz’s 1986 classic story song ‘Watch the Lamb’.  The song tells the story of Simon, the man made to carry Jesus’ cross for Him before the crucifixion.  It is an emotional song.  Here are some of the lyrics: “And someone said ‘There’s Jesus’/I scarce believed my eyes/A man so badly beaten He was barely still alive/Blood poured from His body, from the thorns upon His brow/It was running down the cross He bore and spilling on the ground.”  ‘I Love to Tell the Story’ is a happy hymn: “I love to tell the story, t’will be my theme in glory/To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”

The Watchmen say: “It is the deep desire of the group to minister to and for the Lord first, and then to provide good Christian entertainment as well.”  WHAT KIND OF CHURCH is on the traditional side and features great instrumentation.  The musicians are: Brian Winger (keyboards), Dave Lonsbury (guitar), George Lonsbury Jr. (bass), and Dale Lonsbury (drums).  The album is well produced and fans of the 100 Huntley Street Trio should enjoy the vocals.  I’m rating it 84%.  For more info and to purchase visit: www.watchmenquartet.ca.

 

HALLELUJAH

The Watchmen began their ministry in 1968 as a group of friends wanting to sing for a talent contest sponsored by Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario.  Their latest recording is HALLELUJAH (2008).  The CD booklet lists seven men as being part of the group at the time.  Tim Harden (tenor) pastored ten years at Sauble Christian Fellowship and is now at Rosebank BIC.  Doug Jones (lead) joined the group about a year after it began and has been involved in selling Canadian solid wood furniture in Markham.  Dave Jantzi (baritone) pastors at Glenridge Bible Church.  Filling out the group at the time of this recording were: Dave Yake (bass), Brian Winger (piano/keys), Nick Succi (bass guitar), and Dave Roth (audio tech).

This album begins with ‘Heaven’ which is an upbeat track that looks forward to the eternal home of believers in Christ: “Now when I feel discouraged and my burdens get me down/I’ll pray till I touch heaven/Now my feet are on higher ground/Heaven, had a little taste of heaven, had a little touch of heaven, had a little glimpse of heaven/Wanna go where the milk and honey flow/No more sorrow, pain, or woe/Had a little taste of heaven and I wanna go there.”  ‘Had it not Been’ reverently reflects on the atonement: “Had it not been for a place called Mount Calvary/Had it not been for the old rugged cross/Had it not been for a man called Jesus/Then forever my soul would be lost.”

‘My Name is Lazarus’ is a peppy song about the miracle working power of our God: “My name is Lazarus, could I testify?/My name is Lazarus, feels good to be alive/When I in chains of death was bound this man named Jesus called me out/If you think your little problem is too big for Him to solve, take it from the one who’s heard the mighty voice of God/A living testimony of His death defying touch/My name is Lazarus.”  ‘I am Redeemed’ reveals a God who actively pursues and changes us for the better: “I was a slave in a foreign land/So very far from the Father’s loving hand/He rescued me one glorious day/He brought me out and paid the debt I could not pay/I am redeemed, I am redeemed/Jesus loosed the chains of sin and set me free/I am redeemed, I am redeemed/Jesus loosed the chains of sin and set me free.”

‘Loving God, Loving Each Other’ is a pretty ballad that boils Christianity down to two basics: “We tend to make it harder, build steeples out of stone/Fill books with explanations of the way/If we’ll stop and listen and break a little bread/We will hear the Master say/’Loving God, loving each other/Making music with my friends/Loving God, loving each other/And the story never ends.’”  ‘Grace and Glory’ is a hand-clapper and toe-tapper that speaks of the gratitude of those God redeems: “There’s splendor for the sinner saved by God’s amazing grace/There’s glory in their story as they run this pilgrim race/They spend their days to give their praises to the Lord and King/Till the work is done they’ll serve the One who gave them everything.”

‘I Will Glory in the Cross’ is a mellow ballad that should humble us all spiritually: “I boast not of works, nor tell of good deeds/For naught have I done to merit His grace/All glory and praise shall rest upon Him/So willing to die in my place/I will glory in the cross, in the cross/Lest His suffering all be in vain/I will weep no more for the cross that He bore/But I will glory in the cross.”  ‘Try Jesus’ speaks of the faithful and reliable nature of God: “If you ever need a healer when the doctor walks away, friend, try Jesus/If you never thought you’d have the strength to face another day, try Jesus/If you ever needed someone to walk with you to the end, try Jesus/And if you ever need to hear the words ‘I forgive you’ again/Try Jesus.”

‘Hallelujah Chorus’ joyfully declares that Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and that He will reign forever over His Kingdom.  This familiar song of praise is no doubt where this album’s title comes from.  ‘Haven of Rest’ calls us all to find refuge, security, and salvation in Christ: “I yielded myself to His tender embrace/In my faith I took hold of His Word/My fetters fell off and I anchored my soul/The haven of rest is my Lord/Oh, come to the Saviour, He patiently waits to save by His power divine/Anchor your soul in the haven of rest/And say my Beloved is mine.”  A beautiful instrumental version of Andrae Crouch’s ‘My Tribute’ showcasing Brian Winger on piano is included as a bonus track on the CD.

HALLELUJAH presents a clear Gospel message and features great harmonies.  Fans of the Torchmen and the Nations Quartet should pick this album up.  Since this recording Brian Winger retired from the group.  Don McNiven, who is Executive Director of the International BIC Association, is the new pianist.  Also, Dave Yake had to depart due to health issues.  Roy Lewis from Belfast, Northern Ireland now sings bass.  You can catch The Watchmen live on July 27/13 at 7pm at Stayner Missionary Camp.  Visit www.watchmenquartet.ca.  I'm rating HALLELUJAH 87%.

INHABITED LOVES YOU!

Inhabited is a Christian rock band from Texas.  In 2005 as a five member band, they released their major label debut THE REVOLUTION on Fervent Records.  It included the hits ‘One More Night’ and ‘Rescue Me’.  In 2008 they released their follow-up, LOVE (7 Spin Music).  On this album, Inhabited is a trio.  Sara Acker (vocals) and Marcus Acker (guitars) are joined this time by Charlie Harper (drums).  Monroe Jones and Marcus Acker produced the album.

A funky rocker ‘We Will Live’ starts things off by speaking of the value of having an active, alive faith: “We’ve got something no amount of money can buy/We’ve got something more than just a temporary high/We’ve got something more than just a pie in the sky/There’s so much more, so much more to this life/It’s more than just a bunch of tradition/It’s more than emotion/We have a destiny.”  Musically ‘Hush’ sounds like something off of a Gwen Stefani solo record.  It encourages young women to pursue truth¨”Hush goodnight/I’ll kiss you goodbye/To every thought that’s destroying my life/Hush goodbye I’ll walk in the light/Go away, don’t come back/I’m saying goodbye/Where my girls at that are sick and tired/Of buying into all the same old lies?/Cuz sooner or later it will catch up to you.”

‘Love (I need U)’ is a rock ballad of willful surrender to Father God: “Would You fall on me like the pouring rain?/Would You move me now until I’m changed?/I need You, oh how I need You/Now I’m falling down to my knees/And I’m crying out forgive me please/I need You, oh how I need You.../My life is Yours today/There’s nothing left to lose/You keep on calling me/And all I need is all of You.”  ‘I Want to Know’ is a cry for intimacy with the Father: “You’re everywhere I go/You are the fire that burns and takes control/You’re in the words that bring me life/You’re in the starlit sky that sings in the night/But I need You here, I need You here/I want to know, I want to feel/I want to see You move underneath my skin/I want to hear, speak to me/I want to feel You breathe, I want to feel You breathe through me.”

‘A Song to the Fatherless’ is a much needed song of encouragement in today’s society: “God will never walk out on you/He’ll be the Father that you never knew/He loves you, more than words can say/He won’t leave you when you need Him the most/His love is unconditional/And you know you put a smile upon His face.”  ‘Respect’ is a pop/rock track that is countercultural all the way: “Hey girl, better put down that magazine/You know there’s more to life than picture perfect/You know they’d give it up now for the price they had to pay/Oh, can’t you see, they threw it all away.../Come on and give yourself a little respect my friend/You’re beautiful and you can start over again.”

‘I miss You’ is a terrific, vulnerable song about grief: “I feel cold and I feel numb/I still find it hard to face you’re gone/I know that we’ll meet again/One day I’ll kiss your face again/In a place where there’s no suffering or pain/I look up at the stars in the sky/I know where you are/I miss you, I miss you so bad/And it hurts to remember you/I don’t want to forget you/I know now that you’re in a better place/But I miss you/I miss you so bad.”  ‘Are You With Me?’ is a fun, motivational song about anticonformity: “Listen up, listen up, listen up everybody/We’re marching to the beat of a different drum/Watch out, watch out here we come.../If you hear the call, rise up and take a stand/If you want to make a difference that’s where it all begins/We’ve got to get together, there’s a line down in the sand.”

‘One Show’ again shows that this band wants to make a difference: “It’s one show, I’ve got the mic, I’ve got the floor/One time you hope they don’t walk out the door/One show, one time you hope they see it/You never know, you never know.”  ‘Old School’ is reminiscent of Mark Stuart fronted Audio Adrenaline.  It is about having a good time: “We’re gonna rock until everybody’s on their feet/We’re gonna turn up the music/Can you feel the beat?/We’re gonna rock, gonna have us a real good time/I’m making noise until they take us away.” 

All in all, LOVE is a fun record, perfect for cranking up on your stereo in the spring and summer.  It has a positive, affirming message for female youth and young adults.  Fans of Fireflight, Superchick, and Rebecca St. James will like this one.  I’m rating it 87%.  For more info visit: www.facebook.com/inhabitedtheband

GHOST ON THE CANVAS

Glen Campbell was born on April 22, 1936 in Billstown, Arkansas.  He's one of twelve kids.  As  a studio musician he has worked on such hits as 'Everybody Loves Somebody', 'Surf City', and 'You've Lost that Loving Feeling.'  He toured as a Beach Boy for about half a year in the sixties when Brian Wilson left the road.  'The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour' tv show ran on CBS from 1969-1972.  Glen is best known for songs like 'Wichita Lineman', 'Rhinestone Cowboy', 'Galveston', and 'By the Time I Get to Phoenix'.  In June 2011 he announced he had Alzheimer's disease.  Of his 61st studio album which was released that same year on Surfdog Records, Glen says: "GHOST ON THE CANVAS is the last studio record of new songs that I ever plan to make.  I've been saying it to my friends and family, but now that it's in writing, it really seems final...My friend, Julian Raymond, helped me make this album, and it's probably the most personal one I've ever made."

'A Better Place' is a beautiful autobiographical song: "I've tried and I have failed, Lord/I've won and I have lost/I've lived and I have loved, Lord/Sometimes at such a cost/One thing I know/The world's been good to me/A better place/Awaits you'll see."  The title track 'Ghost on the Canvas' penned by Paul Westerberg, is a great country ballad that starts with these mysterious lyrics: "I know a place between/Life and death for you and me/Best take hold on the threshold of eternity/And see the ghost on the canvas/People don't see us/Ghost on the canvas/People don't know/When they're looking at soul."

'A Thousand Lifetimes' is a modern pop song that displays great depth and maturity lyrically: "I've faced the consequence and sorrow/Still I stood up and faced tomorrow/I've had dreams I've feared and followed/I found my way home/I've held on to coal in my bare hands praying for diamonds/I've trusted in the words that to my face turned out were lying/I've trapped and I have tripped and I have loved and I've abandoned/Each breath I take is a gift that I will never take for granted."  'It's Your Amazing Grace' could be addressed to God or Glen's wife Kim: "Everything I have in this world/I give it to you/Everything I see in this world/I see it through you/Oh...yes I do.../It's your amazing grace (2X)/Yes, it is/I hold my head/In my hands and I cry/When I think of you/Amazing grace/It keeps us together."

'In My Arms' features vocals by Chris Isaak and electric guitar by Dick Dale.  This upbeat old country song with touches of surf music, is a love song that indirectly references Glen's Alzheimer's: "Keep it on the recent/Keep it on the now/Give me an easy way out/It's a lovely world that I got/In my arms, baby, in my arms/Got a lot of room to get lost/In my arms, baby, in my arms."  'Nothing but the whole wide World' is a terrific country ballad with great lyrics penned by Bob Dylan's son, Jakob: "I was born in a stable/Built like an ox/Down in the pastures/I learned how to walk/Mama she raised me to sing/And I let 'em talk/No rich man's worth his weight in dust/They bury 'em down same as they'll do us/God wants you busy never giving up/He wants nothin' but the whole wide world for us."

'Hold on Hope' is a sunny sounding song that shows Glen to be an optimist in his older years: "Everybody's got a hold on hope/It's the last thing that's holding me."  'Any Trouble' finds Glen coming to terms with his own mortality: "Don't go to any trouble/You know I won't be here long/Hold me like a breath/You can count on me to ten/Then any trouble you got will be gone.../Don't go to any trouble/You know I must say 'so long'".
'Strong' is a poignant love song for Glen's wife, with touches of rock guitar: "As I look into these eyes I've known for all these years/I see for the first time in my life...fear/This is not the road I wanted for us but now that it's here/I want to make one thing perfectly clear/All I want to be for you is strong/I'm going to be the one you can count on/I'll always be for you...strong."  'There's no me...without You' is the longest track at 6 minutes and 16 seconds.  Billy Corgan, Rick Nielson, and Brian Setzer all contribute electric guitar work.  The song puts forth the idea that earthly romantic ties continue in the afterlife: "We never have to be afraid/Heaven is a place for two/There's no me...without you/We shall be/Forever two/There's no me...without you."  This album also includes six neat, short instrumental numbers all composed by Robert Joseph Manning Jr.

Glen Campbell says: "All of my little rollercoaster ride-the laughter, the tears, the successes and the failures-are part of who I am now.  They helped create the Glen Campbell I am today..."  On GHOST ON THE CANVAS produced by Julian Raymond and Howard Willing, you will hear several instruments including: pedal steel guitar, dobro, banjo, mandolin, keyboards, violins, and trumpet.  This is a truly marvelous record that only an artist with the longevity and experience of Glen Campbell could put out.  It runs circles around much of today's music.  I'm rating it 95%.  On July 30, 2013 Glen will release SEE YOU THERE, which will contain remakes of some of his old hits, that were recorded during the GHOST sessions.  For more info visit www.glencampbellmusic.com and www.surfdog.com.

AMANDA ASHBY COMES OUT SCREAMIN'

Amanda Ashby grew up singing in many kid’s choirs and musicals.  She was accepted into the Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.  Amanda is based in Greenville, South Carolina.  Her website states: “Amanda Ashby’s passion surfaces through her sincere lyrics and vibrant melodies.  Her music is a transparent window to the soul...Simply put, she connects with her audiences, leading them into authentic and true worship.”  Amanda has just released a seven song ep entitled SCREAMIN’ (2013, INOV8 Music Group).

‘Don’t Let Me Down’ is a Christian rock song with a punch.  Lyrically, it is about spiritual renewal: “Flashes of light that I once remember, glimpses of a passion consumed/Ripping my soul, my spirit falters, I can’t control this burning in me.../Can you see it?/Can you hear it coming like a rushing wind?/Fire in me is burning/Burn it all through me again.”  Next up is Amanda’s cover of the terrific praise and worship song ‘The Anthem’ by The Planet Shakers.  It declares, without question, who Christ is and what He has done: “Hallelujah, You have won the victory/Hallelujah, You have won it all for me/Death could not hold You down/You are the risen King/Seated in majesty/You are the risen King.”  Musically, ‘Through it All’ reminds me of Twila Paris’ lighter fare.  This song finds Amanda pressing into the Lord: “Desperately seeking more of You, more of You/Watching my tears fall on You, fall on You/Come and break these chains that overwhelm/With me always I believe/And I will praise You all of my days/I will give You all of my praise/Undo me and help my unbelief.”

The title track, ‘Screamin’, is a dazzling heavy rock track with good electric guitar work.  These words remind us of the necessity and difficulty of submitting our will to God’s: “I have scattered visions invading my soul/Trying to focus on the One who makes me whole/Pursuing His dreams, pursuing His goals/Afraid to admit I can’t do it alone/Blinded by pride, it darkened my sight/Surrendering my life.../Come release me, surrender all my dreams/Come rescue me, surrendering all of me.”  ‘Lullaby’ is one of two songs on the ep written by Amanda’s husband Grady.  It imagines God gently offering words of comfort to a person with a troubled heart: “When life has caused you too much pain/Your dreams will take you away/As you fade off peacefully/You’ll find you’re here with Me/Hush now, sleep now/Don’t you cry/You’re only a moment away/Hush now, sleep now/Close your eyes/Sleep, dream, you’re free.”

‘Breathe’, one of four songs penned solely by Amanda, is tender sounding and features keys.  These words paint a picture of intimacy with God: “The fears, the doubts, the insecurities/All loyalties are set aside, my spirit longing to abide with You/Not a word is spoken, though I feel Your breath on my skin/Silently holding my hand, You’re drawing me in/Breathe on me once again.”  The last song, ‘Redeemed’, is really top notch.  It has no chorus and is the most artistic and appropriately dramatic.  This song makes it clear that a spiritual prodigal can indeed come back to the Father: “Haunted by the brighter days of when I believed/In Christ, the Son of Man, God, and all His enemies/But blinded by my foolish, lying ways/I numbed my faith/Now I walk, I walk these streets alone/Of my reality/I’m wasting all my time, as the demons rise inside/And battle over me.../So I pray, Lord how I pray to be redeemed/And I fight, I’m fighting for my life and my sanity/I ain’t wasting no more time, I’m coming forth tonight/As I begin to scream/I believe.”

SCREAMIN’ was produced by Sean Hill of Uphill Studios, mixed by Tony Palacios of Guardian fame, and mastered by Scott Sanchez.  Amanda has a real strong voice that is suited both to rock music and praise and worship music.  It is encouraging to see young people such as herself serving the Lord with their talents.  If you have a teenage daughter, you should get this ep that is contemporary and focused on God, into her hands.  I look forward to hearing more from Amanda in the future.  I’m rating SCREAMIN’ 86% and recommending it to fans of Fireflight and Krystal Meyers.  For more info visit www.amandaashbymusic.com and www.inov8music.com.

 

FIREFLIGHT SAYS YOUR TIME IS NOW!

Fireflight formed in Eustis, Florida in 1999.  NOW (2012, Essential Records) is the band’s fourth album.  It was produced by Jasen Rauch, a founding member of RED.  Fireflight is: Dawn Michele (vocals), Justin Cox (guitars and vocals), Glenn Drennen (guitars and vocals), Wendy Drennen (bass and vocals), and Adam McMillion (drums).  Of their newest album the band says: “NOW is a call to move beyond your circumstances.  To not accept the way things are because life is difficult or you have been hurt in the past.  It points to God as your refuge who not only provides a place of safety and comfort, but who also challenges you to get outside your comfort zone...to join with something greater than yourself.”

‘Stay Close’ starts things off in great rock fashion and contains these words of one in distress: “Every turn leads me to a new dead end/Lost again, I’m screaming your name/Come close, come close/And call my name/How can you turn your back on me/When you know my pain?/Stay close, stay close/Light up the night/Save me from the part of me that’s begging to die.”  ‘Ignite’ is another rocker.  This one teaches us how to overcome overwhelming forces that are piled up against us: “They pour the shame/Till we can’t stand/The sight of our own face/They pin us down/Till we can’t win/It’s a game we can’t escape/But we don’t have to let them beat us/We can take control/In the flames we find our freedom/Don’t hesitate to explode/Burn the pain inside your soul/Don’t hesitate, let it go/Start a fire, embrace the light/And ignite (start the fire)/And ignite.”

‘Escape’ is a motivational song: “This is our time/We can’t let our fear define us/This is our time/From this nightmare we’re reborn/This is our time/This is our time to escape.../You’re not hopeless/You’re not worthless/You are loved/Don’t give up/This is your time.”  ‘He Weeps’ is one of three songs that lists Ben Glover as a co-writer.  This effective ballad shows God to be ever present and compassionate: “Where is God when she won’t eat/When her bones start to show?/Is He there when she’s lost control?/Where is God when a father/Turns his back on his son?/Can someone tell me what He does?.../He weeps, He weeps with you/He weeps with me/When you’re on your knees and you taste defeat/He weeps, He weeps/He weeps with you.”

‘Keeping Me Alive’ is a light pop/rock number that depicts a God who sustains even in the darkest of times: “I don’t trust You to save me/At least I never wanted to/So I dare You to love me/When I can’t even love myself/Cause I don’t want to feel You/Try to break through to me/Oh, I know I’ve done it to myself/I see that You’re the only One left/Who wants to stay by my side/Your love is keeping me alive.”  ‘Stronger than you Think’ is a fist pumping rocker that seems addressed to Satan, our adversary: “I’m tasting freedom/Something you will never know/Just give up now ‘cause/You will never have control/My life is paid for/So what are you here for?/I’m safe inside the light/So leave me alone, alone.”

‘Prove Me Wrong’ is essentially a testimony: “I thought there was nothing left/I thought all my hope was dead/You brought me to life/Your love’s become the air I breathe/You mean everything to me/I am finally free from the lies.”  ‘Dying for Your Love’, one of the album’s heaviest tracks musically, was penned by Fireflight with help from Rob Graves who has produced for the likes of Pillar and Kerrie Roberts, and Jasen Rauch.  The song speaks of the faithfulness of God: “A ray of light cuts through the night/Fire burning, never changing/You’re the only hope for me/Now I’m awake, don’t want to wait/I’m reaching for You/I know I have to/You’re the only hope for me.../If I run to the ends of the earth You will find me/When I fight You, You hold me more tightly/There is no escape from Your love.”

‘Rise Above’ is a light pop song that encourages us to press on in life: “Can’t give up on second tries/Leave the pride that blinds our eyes/No one taught us how to say goodbye/Now’s the time for broken hearts/Embrace today a brand new start/Leave the past and let love lead the way.”  The title track ‘Now’ is a peppy song of encouragement closing the album: “The clock is ticking/The seconds pass you by as you lie frozen/You are petrified of one more failure/A swing and a miss might break your heart in half/Yeah, I know you feel alone/Don’t let it break your back.../You’re not hopeless, you’re not worthless, no/You are loved, don’t give up now/This is your time now.”

I’m recommending NOW to fans of other spiritually minded, female fronted rock bands such as Inhabited and Flyleaf.  Granted Fireflight’s lyrics aren’t as explicitly Christian as some other CCM bands, but that will probably expand their fan base beyond the walls of a church, which is a good thing for a band that wants to share the hope they have found with one and all.  I’m rating NOW 84%.  For more info visit www.fireflightrock.com and www.providentpress.com.

PETER FURLER IS ON FIRE!

Peter Andrew Furler was born on September 8, 1966 in McLaren Vale, South Australia.  He is the third of six children of missionary parents.  He was also the founding drummer of the Newsboys.  They put out their first album, READ ALL ABOUT IT, in 1988.  When singer John James left the group in 1997, Furler took on lead vocal duties.  His voice carried such hits as ‘Million Pieces’, ‘He Reigns’, ‘Something Beautiful’, and ‘In the Hands of God’.  In 2009 he stunned fans by leaving the group.  He resurfaced in 2011 with his solo debut ON FIRE (Sparrow Records).

‘I’m Alive’, one of five songs where Steve Taylor is a co-writer, is an infectious dance/pop song that tells of how God is able to revive us: “Out there alone and left to die/Cut off from You, my sole supply/You shed Your tears for me and then/You took my hand and raised me high/I’m alive, I’m on fire/And my spirit burns with desire/You set me alight, bright-eyed/And with no way to hold it inside/I wanted to thank You/Thank You, thank You.”  ‘Reach’, written by Seth Mosley, Juan Otero, and Andrew Fromm, is a great pop song with an uplifting message: “So many people in this world/But I hear You calling out my name/You reach for me/Like a Father wipes away the tears/So many people in this world/But I hear You calling out my name/You reach for me/Now I’m never gonna be the same.”

‘Glory to the King’ will have you envisioning the greatness of heaven: “A sea, a sea of voices sing/Glory to the King, the King of everything/You’re here, lift up your hands and sing/Glory to the King, the King of everything/Awake, as shadows lift from every doubt/With nothing more to figure out/And no more tears to dry/Awake, to loved ones you’ve so dearly missed/The sting of death does not exist/There’s no more wondering why.”  Peter, Wes Willis, Jason Ingram, and Kevin Huguley wrote ‘Never Ending Love Song’.  It is a techno song of praise: “You are the only One who saves/We’ve all been captured by Your grace/We can’t but look upon Your face/And we won’t turn away, no, we can’t turn away/This is the love song that we sing/And it’s never ending/This is the worship that we bring/And it’s unrelenting.”

‘Matter of Faith’ has a sunny sound musically.  These words remind us that as believers we live this life by faith and not by sight: “We all know and believe/There’s more than what we see/Eternity is deep inside our hearts/So we watch and wait, until that day/When in a flash this world will pass away/Heaven and earth will kiss each other/The sun will rise and light a brand new day/Every knee will bow unto Your Name/All the saints will shout and sing Your glory/As a matter of fact, it’s a matter of faith/It’s a matter of faith.”  ‘All in your Head’ aims to motivate us to action: “And you wait/You save your best for last/And you wait/And then the moment’s passed/Whatcha waiting for?/God’s holding the door for you/Where ya hiding out?/There’s so much more for you.../Get up, get off your seat/Move your feet, just do what He said/It’s all in your head (2X)”.  

‘Closer’ features Steve Taylor and Some Other Band, which includes Jimmy Abegg on guitars and John Painter on bass.  This song with a cool groove to it, encourages us to be watchful for Christ’s return: “Another plague, another war/And the earth shakes some more/Then we’re back to sleeping late/Somebody’s knockin’/My Lord’s got His foot in the door/Wish we’d all been ready for/Oh, oh, oh, oh, something’s coming (2X)/Oh, oh, oh, oh, don’t you want in?/Oh, oh, oh, oh, something’s coming.”  ‘Faster and Louder’ proves that Furler is still young at heart: “Slower and softer it goes/Only your lazy boy knows/It sneaks up behind you like sin/The devil, he just wants your spirit/So long, my soul longs/Fast songs, joyful joyful/I wanna make some noise/I wanna cause a stir/Faster and louder/We know what we know/We won’t take it slowly/Kids let me hear you scream/If you concur/Faster and louder.”  Andy Hunter helped with the creative programming on ‘Psalm 23’.  The biblical passage here sounds ready for a Christian nightclub.

‘Hold On’ is a song of encouragement: “If you feel you’re at the end/And your light is fading out/The walls are caving in/Remember deep inside of you/There’s a hope beyond the fight/There’s a faith to pull you through/Just believe, I know you’re gonna make it/Don’t let go.”  The album ends with the pleasant pop song ‘Greater is He’.  It features former Newsboy Phil Joel, and also includes Peter’s dad Bill Furler reading Scripture.  The song reminds us that with Christ we can overcome any difficulty we may be facing: “Surrounded by forces too strong for us/Pressed hard on every side/We don’t look to the left or the right for help/It comes from inside/And we don’t fear the flame/We won’t fear our enemies/And we don’t fear what is to come/’Cause the battle’s already been won/Greater is He that is in us/Than He that is in the world (2X)/Christ in us, the hope of glory.”

Peter Furler is married to Mylon LeFevre’s daughter, Summer.  Peter thanks “Jesus, perfect in love, light, wisdom, and power” in the album credits.  ON FIRE is one of the best Christian pop records of the millennium so far.  It is charged with energy and vitality.  It sounds like a fresh Newsboys record and should please fans of that group and the new Audio Adrenaline.  ON FIRE was produced by Furler and Seth Mosley.  I’m rating it 95%.  For more info visit: www.peterfurler.com