CCM 8.01 pg.11-24 All Access

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From Sorrow to Laughter—Jeremy Camp’s Wild Ride
R.EE.S
S.P
P.EE.C
C.TT!
Find out
what it
means to
Out of
Eden
...after 10 Years
in the Music Biz
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CCMMAGAZINE.COM | JANUARY 2004
insideccm
FEATURES
IN REVIEW
32 STAYING THE COURSE
43 MUSIC: Delirious’ latest, new music from Randy Travis,
It’s already been a tough journey for JEREMY CAMP, but despite his
hardships, this 26-year-old rock/worship artist has remained true to
his faith and his calling. D A V I D J E N I S O N reports on the wonderful
new surprises in Camp’s life.
48 BOOKS: Stormie Omartian’s latest effort on prayer and Christian “chick lit”
52 TOUR: Caedmon’s Call on “The Thinking Man’s Pop Tour”
36 IN GOD’S COUNTRY
Country music’s roots began in the Carter Family’s bluegrass-flavored
songs. Historically, the gospel has always been a significant part of its
message. Though the climate had changed for a time, a resurgence of
faith-based lyrics from country superstars has opened the door once
again for believers to lead the way. BY L I Z Z A C O N N O R
40 LISTENING IN—PART 2
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN and PHILIP YANCEY finish their
conversation (begun in last month’s issue) on the topic of the
Christian subculture in society.
the debut from Sarah Kelly and more!
DEPARTMENTS
4 FROM THE EDITOR: Being advertisements for God
8 THE INSIDER: Grammy nominees, tales of heartbreak and more
20 THE REEL: Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ
22 ONES TO WATCH: George Rowe and Matthew West
54 17 THINGS you probably didn’t know about MercyMe
56 EVERYTHING THAT’S ON MY MIND with Charlie Peacock
58 CCM HALL OF FAME: Sandi Patty
COVER STORY
24
THIS IS THEIR LIFE
Lisa Kimmey, Andrea Kimmey Baca and Danielle Kimmey have been
pioneers in Christian music for 10 years, but they haven’t always gotten the
respect they’ve deserved. Find out about their uphill climb in the industry,
their struggles and the contentment they now have with their ministry to
young women, plus the joy of a growing family. BY D E B R A A K I N S
ccmmagazine.com
february 04 ccm 3
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CCM MAGAZINE
fromtheeditor
fromthedeitor
Faith in the Spotlight
volume 26 issue 7
For those whose lives are strengthened
through faith-informed music, CCM Magazine
goes behind the scenes to celebrate the
artistry of Christian music.
CCM Magazine is a publication of
Salem Publishing, a division of
Salem Communications.
•••• •••••••
CCM Magazine
Publisher James R. Cumbee
Associate Publisher & Editor in Chief
Roberta Croteau
Managing Editor Jay Swartzendruber
Associate Managing Editor
Stephanie Ottosen
Art Director Lee Steffen
Production Director Ross E. Cluver
Making History
A
rt” and “Compassion.” Wouldn’t it be great if these were
two of the first words that came to mind as today’s
watching world considers the church? As I anticipate
Christianity’s infiltration into modern culture in 2004, two of the
developing stories that get me most excited are coming to a
head. (And interestingly enough, both kick-started their
Nashville connection at events hosted by Charlie Peacock at his
Art House residence.)
Art. After a private screening of Mel Gibson’s profoundly
crafted film The Passion of The Christ, my first thought was, “I need
to do everything I can to get as many people as possible to see
this movie.” I was overwhelmed. For the first time in my life I
had seen a film realistically portray the biblical detail of the
excruciating sacrifice the Lord Jesus purposefully made on the
world’s behalf.
While the controversy surrounding the movie has often been
misleading, I couldn’t be more pleased with the motion picture’s
increasingly high profile. Simply put, I believe it’s the most
important film about Jesus ever made.
My hope is that, for millions of people, this movie will ignite
curiosity about who Jesus really was and is and compel them to
investigate His life as revealed in the four Gospels. For believers,
I trust it will be a potent reminder of what’s been done on our
behalf and influence us toward a deeper thankfulness—a
thankfulness that’s filled with humility and motivates us to better
love both God and man.
If you’d like to spread the word about The Passion of The Christ,
visit the movie’s official Web site, thepassionofthechrist.com, to
find out how. This film hits theaters nationwide Ash Wednesday,
Feb. 25. (For Charlie’s thoughtful response to the film, see his
“Everything That’s on My Mind” column on page 56.)
“Timely plug for art, but what about compassion?”
I’m glad you asked. A year before Gibson’s visit to The Art
House, U2’s Bono stopped in to meet with about 20 Christian
artists to discuss Africa’s HIV/AIDS emergency and the
leadership role the church should take in responding. Looking
back, it’s amazing to think about how much has been happening
since. Many of the Christian community’s most influential artists
are joining forward-thinking leaders like Franklin Graham, Max
Lucado and Bruce Wilkinson, among others, as they engage the
church in a pro-active education and motivation campaign.
They’ve been conducting seminars on college campuses, placing
alerts in their CD liner notes and books, performing benefit
“
concerts, organizing missions trips and speaking with conviction
about the crisis both from stage and in interviews. And you—
the fans—have been responding: Congressmen have been
telling Bono and his DATA (Debt, AIDS and Trade in Africa)
team that they’re hearing from people they never hear from.
In the Dec. 6 issue of The New York Times, the newspaper
surprised readers by giving evangelical Christians (awkwardly
referred to as “the Christian right”) top billing in the fight
against HIV/AIDS in Africa. After explaining that “President
Bush is overseeing the biggest increase in development
assistance since 1962,” the Times cited two domestic
constituents as the primary advocates—-first evangelicals and
then “foreign allies.”
Africa is home to 70 percent of all the HIV/AIDS victims on
Earth, and it’s the world’s poorest continent. (AIDS is killing over
6,500 Africans each day.) When one considers the implications,
the emergency’s critical nature becomes more clear—and
hopefully, personal. If you’d like to know more
about how you can get involved in this historic fight against
HIV/AIDS and poverty in Africa —and I pray you do—visit
data.org.
Art and compassion. Love and creativity. Is it just me, or is
that a good starting point for describing the Lord we serve?
While Bono and Gibson may not consider themselves the best
“advertisements” for God, the two are working with the church
to bring redemptive change to a world that desperately needs it.
I’m moved by the significant role the Christian music
community is playing in all this. While a growing number of our
artists are working with Gibson to draw the world’s attention to
history’s most important moments, the 35 artists who have
endorsed the DATA initiative on behalf of Africa are helping the
church actually write history.
Christ—may His passion be ours,
Contributing & Reviews Editor Christa Farris
Contributing Editors Andy Argyrakis, Joan
Brasher, Michael Ciani, Nancy Guthrie, Kent
Morris, Michael Nolan, Charlie Peacock
Contributors
Debra Akins, Lizza Connor, Anthony
DeBarros, Lindsey Farris, David Jenison,
Robert Mineo, David Mackle, Dan
MacIntosh, David McCreary, Brian Quincy
Newcomb, Timothy Rohde, Paul Stafford,
Heather Wiederstein
Web Editor Christa Farris
Circulation Director Buffy Booker
Customer Service Representatives
DeAnn Bishop, Leesa Smith
Executive Director of Advertising
L. Smitty Wheeler
Senior Director of Advertising DeDe Tarrant
Account Executive Gregory Byerline
Account Executive Laurice Jackson
Account Executive Phil Davis
Marketing Coordinator Michael TenBrink
Administrative Assistant
Mechelle Sheneman
Advertising Coordinator Carol Jones
Main Office
104 Woodmont Blvd., Suite 300,
Nashville, TN 37205
615/386-3011 (ph)
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615/385-4112 (editorial fax)
615/312-4266 (advertising fax)
Subscriptions/Customer Service
CCM, 104 Woodmont, Ste 300, Nashville 37205,
800/333-9643 or
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For address changes or other inquiries,
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Cover photo by Kwaku Alston
Jay Swartzendruber
Jay@ccmcom.com
NASDAQ SYMBOL: SALM
4 ccm february 04
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yourfeedback
JARKS UNITE!
I would like to thank you for
mentioning Jarchives.com in
your December issue [“Great
Expectations”]. The Webmasters
(Libby Perry and Kathy
Hightower) have done a wonderful
job creating, designing and
maintaining the site. I’m thrilled
they received the recognition
they deserve. Jarchives.com is
the absolute best place for the
Jars of Clay fan.
—G.V. Malmgren (aka Jark
Vandelay at Jarchives), via e-mail
“Who Is Jars Of Clay”? They are the
same overrated band they’ve always
been. Mediocrity is their calling
card. They are the reason the
Christian music industry has been in
this state of mediocrity ever since
they released their first CD.
—Michael Paul, Nashville, TN
Wow. We had no idea Jars of Clay is the
most powerful band in Christian music.
What
happens
when a
boy band
goes
ROCK?
Shucking its boy-band image
and saccharine-sweet harmonies, popular pop music act Plus One returns as a modern
rock trio. Considering all the changes these guys have gone through since the group’s
inception, their story could easily read like a dramatic screenplay. Just picture it:
Losing two bandmates along the way, three young protagonists face seemingly
insurmountable odds in pursuit of their ultimate goal—to reinvent themselves and
forge a new path toward personal and artistic maturity. We now join the action during
a recent scene, as the band is only a few weeks away from finishing its latest album.
24 ccm november 03
Exodus [Inpop]. I am a music buyer
in a Christian bookstore; and so,
obviously, I am listening to the
new up-and-coming albums ready
to hit shelves. I cannot tell you
how shocked I was to hear how
awesome this new album sounded!
Finally, a CD that is written and
produced well. I read the review
one of your staff members gave
and couldn’t help feeling that they,
like me, were having a hard time
just saying the album was nothing
short of excellent. It would be easy
for anyone to say that about Jars
of Clay, dc talk or David Crowder
Band; but to say that about a
former boy band trying to
legitimize themselves, well, that’s
another story.
—Zoila Walston
Agreed. The album’s been spinning in
many an office stereo at CCM.
A DYING FRENZY
In memory of an amazing band,
you should do a story on [Five Iron
Frenzy]... maybe even a cover?
They lifted God up in so many
ways and reached so many people.
They deserve a story.
—Anonymous, via e-mail
Done. Check out “The Insider” this month!
I just saw the Grammy nominations
for “Best Rock Gospel,” and I was
glad to see that Relient K is finally
receiving some recognition!
However, where is Switchfoot?
Come on...
The Beautiful
Letdown
[Sparrow/
Columbia]
is the best
alternative/pop
album in any
category across
the board for
2003! Why is it
that the San
Diego music
critics can vote them “Best Pop
Band,” and the Grammy judges go
for Petra... again?
by David
McCreary
Photos by
Kelly Kerr
(This page L-R): Nate Cole,
Nathan Walters, Gabe Combs
Fade In:
Scene:
Exterior parking lot near downtown Franklin, Tennessee. (Dusk)
The three members of Plus One—Nate Cole,
Gabe Combs and Nathan Walters—are standing in front of Cole’s silver
1997 Honda Civic. The vehicle looks as if it has seen better days,
especially considering the rather conspicuous dent in the right front
fender.
Cut to Next Frame:
Cole, the
group’s messy-haired, stubble-faced frontman, hurriedly tosses assorted
music magazines, CDs and scads of what appears to be junk mail into the
car’s trunk. Obviously embarrassed, he attempts to make room for
ccmmagazine.com
everyone to ride to a nearby eatery. Once Cole completes his speed-cleaning
session, the ride begins.
Scene One
In many ways, Plus One’s intriguing career journey resembles Cole’s less-thanperfect automobile. So much has happened with the group in the past year or
so—everything from two bandmates leaving, to changing record labels, to
abandoning its boy-band shtick—that the group’s entire existence nearly became a
cluttered and confusing nightmare.
Then there’s the “body damage” the guys have encountered along the way, like
financial woes from a previous tour, issues with their former label and marketing
hype that branded them as young heartthrobs rather than accomplished musicians.
If anyone should be granted diplomas for graduating from the school of hard
knocks, it should be the guys in Plus One. “If you had asked me a year ago if our
group would still be together today, I probably would have said, ‘No,’”
ccmmagazine.com
PROUD OF PLUS ONE
I would just like to add to the
possibly numerous responses that
you may have already received
regarding Plus One’s new CD,
6 ccm february
04
ccmmagazine.com
“Who Is Jars Of Clay”? They are the same overrated band they’ve always been. Mediocrity is
their calling card. They are the reason the Christian music industry has been in this state
of mediocrity ever since they released their first CD.” —Michael Paul, Nashville, TN
HALL of FAME
THE GIFT THAT
KEEPS ON GIVING
I’m a 16-year-old teenager who
read your article [“Editor’s Letter,”
December 2003] in this month’s
issue of CCM, and I just wanted to
let you know that I really
appreciated it. It made me think
about the gifts I will be giving to
my family and friends and to pray
about them before I give them.
Thanks for the deeper thoughts.
They challenged me.
—Janie, via e-mail
BUT WHAT ABOUT… ?
I just wanted to write and say your
magazine is good, overall; but just
recently the newest issue did not
include Bleach in the Tooth & Nail
story [“How the West Was Won,”
December]. I believe they deserve
more recognition and credit than
they get. I am sure nothing was
meant by it, but they are one
of the most genuine Christian
bands out there. They are true
to the calling.
—Brian, Kentucky
Let me start by saying thanks for
doing what you do. But I have to
be honest, I wish you covered
more alternative music. Everything
has been Plus One, Amy Grant
and Michael W. Smith lately—all
great groups, just not my style.
You do a good job of covering some
alternative bands (Relient K, for
example). I enjoyed your
December article about Tooth &
Nail. I just wish you would talk
more about those bands associated
with T&N and others like them.
—Mike B., Kansas City, MO
Let us start by saying thanks for
your letter. But we have to be honest,
we wish it had been more about
Plus One, Amy Grant and
Michael W. Smith. Just kidding.
november 03 ccm 25
—R. Perez, via e-mail
JUST FOR THE RECORD
Imagine my elation and joy after
cracking open the December issue
of CCM and finding a full page
devoted to one the most artistic
and often overlooked bands in the
DA circa 1981 (L-R): Marty Dieckmeyer, Mark Cook, Terry Taylor, Ed McTaggart, Jerry Chamberlain, Alex MacDougall
Daniel Amos
W
“Why?” Terry Scott Taylor laughingly
says that was the first thought to
cross his mind when told that Daniel
Amos, the band he has fronted for
28 years, was chosen for CCM’s Hall
of Fame.
Originally hailing from the
Calvary Chapel “Jesus Music” scene
of 1970s California, Taylor, Jerry
Chamberlain, Greg Flesch, Tim
Chandler and Ed McTaggart are
collectively known as Daniel Amos
(also known as DA and Da), a name
derived from two Old Testament
prophets. The band began as a
country-turned-new wave act and, by
the early ‘80s, led the way as a
pioneering alternative-rock band.
Years ahead of its time, DA’s musical
creativity and lyrical depth was
virtually unparalleled in Christian or
mainstream music. A darling of
critics yet, for the most part, ignored
by the Christian music industry and
record-buying public, DA has never
had a gold album, never cracked the
Top 10 on Christian radio charts and
never won a Grammy or even a
Dove Award. (“Maybe it’s a
compliment,” Taylor says with a
mischievous chuckle.)
82 ccm december 03
The band’s history includes work
with many other California-spawned
Christian music legends such as
Mark Heard, Randy Stonehill, Mike
Roe (The 77s), Larry Norman and
Steve Hindalong and Derri
Daugherty (The Choir). DA’s always
adventurous members even formed a
side project in 1988 called The
Swirling Eddies, which released four
tongue-in-cheek albums and is
currently “talking about” recording
another. Taylor has also recorded as
a solo artist and is a founding
member of Christian music
supergroup The Lost Dogs (along
with Roe, Daugherty and the late
Gene Eugene), which continues to
record and tour.
DA devotees remain steadfastly
loyal to the group’s humorous,
satirical, insightful, deeply spiritual,
often evangelistic and always
versatile work that has now
persevered through three decades.
Many—including Taylor himself—
feel that 2001’s Mr. Buechner’s Dream is
DA’s best album yet.
Though now relegated for
“financial and logistical” reasons to
only the occasional festival
appearance, Daniel Amos goes on.
“It’s not like we’re out touring the
world; but every time there’s an
opportunity for us to be back
together, we’re just ecstatic about it,”
Taylor says. He mentions that the
band is preparing to release a live
DVD of an Anaheim concert from
the early ‘80s and that he doesn’t
believe “anyone in the band thinks
that we’re going to stop making
records. It’s just a pragmatic thing of
finding the budget and the time.”
He adds, “I love it when the band
gets this kind of recognition. The
guys have worked hard all these
years, and they deserve it. I’m
honored by CCM’s choice; it really
kind of caught me by surprise. I’ve
learned not to expect things like this.
Thank you!” M I C H A E L C I A N I
Live at Cornerstone 2000 (2001)
Mr. Buechner’s Dream (2001)
ACCOLADES
CCM’s “25 Best Contemporary
Christian Albums of All Time”—
June 1988
No.19 Shotgun Angel
No. 20 Horrendous Disc
CCM’s Top 100 Albums of Christian
Music History—July 1998
(no numerical ranking given)
!Alarma!
Horrendous Disc
SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
Daniel Amos (1976)
Shotgun Angel (1977)
Horrendous Disc (1981)
!Alarma! (1981)
Doppelgänger (1983)
Vox Humana (1984)
Fearful Symmetry (1986)
The Revelation (1986)
Darn Floor - Big Bite (1987)
Live Bootleg ‘82 (1990)
Kalhöun (1991)
MotorCycle (1993)
BibleLand (1994)
Preachers From Outer Space (1994)
Songs of the Heart (1995)
January 1980 Contemporary Christian
Music (CCM) Magazine
ccmmagazine.com
world of Christian music, the band
that won’t go away: Daniel Amos!
Kudos for being brave enough to
include them in your “Hall of
Fame” and to Michael [Ciani] for
writing such a nice piece on my
favorite band.
But, and you had to know there
was a “but” coming, I have a
correction. The article states DA
has “never cracked the top 10 on
Christian radio charts.” Although I
know I’ll catch it from Terry
[Taylor] and the band for this, as
they do enjoy their edgy outsider
artistic image, I just wanted to set
the record straight, as I helped
promote at least a couple top 10
songs for them along the way.
The title track from the album
Kalhoun was in the The CCM Update’s
top 10 for 10 straight weeks on the
rock chart. It peaked at No. 6 on
Sept. 23, 1991. “Banquet at the
World’s End” also went top 10 on
The CCM Update’s rock charts.
—Dr. Tony Shore, via e-mail
Thank you, Doctor, but we’re going to
have to get a second opinion.
CARR ECTION!
In the “Fan Fare” section on pg. 16
[December 2003] of CCM, I was
most pleased to see that Mark Lee
of Third Day has become a father.
However, Mark was listed as being
Third Day’s drummer. He, of
course, is not. That would be
David Carr; Mark is one of
Third Day’s guitarists.
—Adam Hall, Seymour, TN
CCM_02.04_Insider.v8
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theinsider
BY CHRISTA FARRIS
Grammy nominees, artists’ heartbreaks,
Five Iron Frenzy’s last show and more!
ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BAND
IT’S GRAMMY TIME AGAIN!
NOMINEES IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC CATEGORIES PROVIDE A FEW SURPRISES
FOR WHAT’S BOUND TO BE A CLOSE RACE ON MUSIC’S BIGGEST NIGHT, FEB. 8.
While the American Music Awards gives fans a voice, and MTV’s Video Music Awards show offers the gimmicky shock factor, the Grammy Awards
are the crème de la crème for real music lovers. Talk to any artist—Christian or otherwise—and it’s the Grammy gold that really gets them revved
up in terms of career accomplishments.
And, while this year’s recent announcements (where our own Ms. Stacie Orrico joined the likes of Dido, Evanescence’s Amy Lee, Sarah
McLachlan and Jason Mraz to read the nominations) didn’t really tell us anything we didn’t already know—with the first couple of hip-hop,
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, avante garde act Outkast and wunderkind Pharrell Williams leading the pack—the nominees in the Christian music field
provided more suspense.
In the “Best Rock Gospel Album” category, this year marked a first for Relient K, as the band picked up a Grammy nomination for Two Lefts
Don’t Make a Right… But Three Do (Gotee). Audio Adrenaline garnered another Grammy nod for Worldwide (ForeFront), while Petra continued its
successful streak of nominations with its latest disc, Jekyll & Hyde (Inpop). Rounding out the category was Robert Randolph & The Family Band
with Unclassified (Great album, but how does it qualify as rock?) and the biggest surprise (other than Switchfoot not being nominated—what’s the
deal with that?) was the acclaim for the extremely obscure Canadian hip-hop/rapcore aritst Fresh I.E. (Who knew the day would come when CCM
wasn’t familiar with an artist who would be Grammy nominated in a Christian category? Go figure.)
In the pop album field, the list read like a “who’s who” of Christian music, with the latest worship releases from Michael W. Smith, Third Day
and Newsboys making the cut. Jars of Clay could win its fourth Grammy after its double-disc live set, Furthermore—From the Studio: From the
Stage (Essential), was nominated, while Orrico received Grammy props for her self-titled effort. Talk about a tough category to predict a winner for!
The awards show will take place back in L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium after a stint in New York City last year. We’ll have all the red carpet scoop for
you on CCMMagazine.com after the show’s airing. Check your local listings for more details on when you can catch the show in your area.
>>>
MTV.com Reports That 85 Percent of Christian Bookstores Won’t Carry P.O.D.’s latest CD, Payable on Death
8 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
>>> >>>
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ON THE FLY: Tales of Love and Heartbreak
Whether it was love at first sight or rejection on the elementary school playground, some of Christian music’s most
talented artists have faced a love crisis or two on Valentine’s Day just like you and me. Now, find out about their first
Valentines and whether that led to a love connection or, perhaps, the inspiration for a great break-up song.
Hopeless Romantic #1:
Hopeless Romantic #2:
Hopeless Romantic #3:
Hopeless Romantic #4:
LISA KIMMEY
SHAUN GROVES
GEORGE ROWE
Out of Eden (Gotee)
(Rocketown)
ANDREA KIMMEY
BACA
The Breakdown: “In seventh
The Breakdown: “My first
grade, the sweetest guy ever
had a crush on me. He was
cute, too; but at that time I just
wanted to be friends with boys.
Any boy who ‘liked me’ irritated
me. For Valentine’s Day he
bought me a card and a
chocolate bar that spelled my
name. Looking back, that was
really sweet; but then it freaked
me out.”
Valentine was Kristy—the cutest
girl in my first-grade
class. I thought she liked me,
too, so I saved up my garage
sale and lemonade-stand
money and bought her a huge,
red heart filled with assorted
chocolates. First-grade girls love
assorted chocolates!”
Did Cupid Intervene? “Needless
to say, it didn’t go anywhere.”
Did Cupid Intervene? “Turns out
she didn’t like me or chocolate;
and, by recess, she had
managed to break my little firstgrade heart and gave away
every bite of her present to the
other kids in our class.”
Out of Eden (Gotee)
The Breakdown: “My husband,
Drew, was my first real
Valentine when I was only 17.
We met on dc talk’s ‘Free at
Last’ tour. It was one of those
things where we’d been friends
for a long time, but I didn’t
know he liked me in a different
way. About six months later he
got up the courage to let me
know how he felt, and I realized
I felt the same way.”
Did Cupid Intervene? “Our first
Valentine’s Day was awesome.
We stopped by his apartment
to ‘grab his wallet,’ and when
he opened the door there was
his roommate, looking like a
maitre d’, and a candlelight
dinner waiting for us.”
(Rocketown)
The Breakdown: “I was in fifth
grade at Clayton Elementary
School, and I was one of the
fastest kids on the playground
and head of the Safety Patrol.
She had just transferred in as a
fourth grader—a younger
woman. She liked me and said
that if I went out with her, she’d
pay me $5 a week and buy me
any tapes I wanted.”
Did Cupid Intervene? “I asked my
parents when I got home if it
was OK to go out with Melissa.
They said we could just be
friends and that I would not
accept any cash/prizes in
exchange (Neither Melissa nor I
were aware of the implications
of her offer). The relationship
never went anywhere.”
And now the award for the most gutsy display of unrequited high school love goes to worship leader/hopeless romantic Chris Tomlin:
The Breakdown: “Her name was Tammy. I thought she was the prettiest girl I
had ever seen. I was a freshman in high school, and she was a senior. She
was a majorette and voted ‘most beautiful’ of our small-town high school. I
did not have the sense to know that she was out of my league. At this point
in my life I was about 5-feet tall and weighed about a dollar.”
Did Cupid Intervene? “I got up the courage to call her one night. I had
everything I wanted to say written out on a piece of paper just in case I lost
my way. I was sweating bullets. But I’ve always lived by [the] ‘nothing
ventured, nothing gained’ [motto], so I went for it. She answered in what I
thought at the time had to be a voice of an angel sent from heaven.
Nervously I said, ‘Tammy, hi, this is Chris Tomlin…’ and we were off!
“After stumbling around, I asked her if I could take her to the Pizza Hut in
the neighboring town. (I didn’t think we had a classy enough restaurant in
my town.) The world stopped and life went into slow motion when I heard,
>>> >>>
‘Yes.’ I wasn’t even sure if she knew who I was, but she said, ‘Yes!’
Regaining my composure, I explained to her that there was just one slight
problem: I couldn’t drive, and she would have to come pick me up. Again,
she said, ‘Yes,’ and she would be at my house on Saturday night. I was in
love. I called every guy friend I had and began to brag. I told them that
‘Miss It’ was going out with me. Who would ever think?
I went by my dad’s store, picked up some perfume and had it wrapped
up as a gift. (Maybe a bit overdoing it for Pizza Hut.) I remember the dress
she wore that Saturday night. It was gold and shiny. We had a great evening
together. Of course, I was thinking the entire evening that she had the
‘hots’ for me. Only years later did I realize she was impressed that I had the
guts to ask her out, but that was the extent of it. I don’t know where Tammy
is today, but I’ll never forget her.
“And I know you’re wondering, but there was no goodnight kiss. My
freshman charm could only go so far.”
Because of Its Artwork. Band Refuses to Change the Cover. • Dr. James Dobson’s Son, Ryan, Recently joined
ccmmagazine.com
february 04 ccm 9
>>>
CCM_02.04_Insider.v8
12/31/03
10:26 AM
Page 10
ADVERTISEMENT
presents
0 Independent 0
Artist Spotlight
Angela Josephine
If you’ve witnessed the conviction of a preacher
colliding with the spirit of an artist, you’ve just
seen Angela Josephine in concert. This paradox
is mirrored in her blend of introspective yet
demanding lyrics, continually revealing insight into
the realization that it is by grace alone that we
come to be a child of the King.
This realization is as familiar to Angela as the
Munising, Mich. hills of her childhood. Her life was
fraught by the brokenness that comes of human
fumbling in an attempt to fill the void. It’s no
coincidence that her surrender to God saw the
advent of her music. Through the transforming
grace of Christ, those very experiences are fuel for
her passion and ministry.
Venues across the Midwest have warmed to the
soulful blush and honesty of her music. Audiences
are drawn in by her ability to craft unique stories,
art and poetry into an intimate, spiritual selfportrait whereby they glimpse their own likeness.
Creativity also pervades her representation of
Compassion International. Sponsoring families sign
“Josephine’s Coat of Many Colors”—a hip coat
worn by Angela as a testimony to the cause.
Traverse City’s House of Hope is another
organization that she supports and has recently
written a theme song for.
Angela’s debut CD a restful sense of URGENCY
delivers real, raw and intimate music infused with
flavorful expressions of grace. She will begin her
second project in early 2004.
“Any good my music does anyone, I pray would
have everything to do with God and nothing to do
with me.” —Angela Josephine
FIVE IRON’S LAST FRENZY
CHRISTIAN MUSIC’S PREMIER SKA-ROCK OUTFIT RECENTLY CALLED IT
QUITS, BUT NOT BEFORE A GRAND TOURING FAREWELL.
An all-star line-up of artists, including John Reuben, The Elms, Thousand Foot Krutch and
tobyMac, recently traveled through the cold Viking-land of Minnesota to conquer the interests of
Christian music fans at Club 3 Degrees in downtown Minneapolis. To close out this whirlwind of
concerts, Five Iron Frenzy took the stage for what would be its second-to-last show as a band.
Opening bands Bleach and Holland provided a very entertaining atmosphere and got the
crowd ready and energized for Five Iron Frenzy. At the close of this highly publicized and longawaited “Winners Never Quit” tour, Five Iron rocked the club two nights in a row in front of soldout crowds.
The opening of Five Iron’s set began with a “call to arms” by the band to get people involved
in efforts to build new housing projects in Africa. Following this challenge, videos were played to
wish the guys the best of luck from friends in The Insyderz, which got the crowd pumped with
anticipation for the show. While chants of requests for favorite songs filled the room, the band
wowed the crowd with its jazzy performances of new hits “At Least I’m Not Like All Those Other
Old Guys” and “Cannonball.” Older favorites such as “Oh Canada” and medleys, including
“Superpowers” and “Dandelions,” also got big responses and loud sing-a-longs.
The night was filled with laughter, and the band maintained a laid-back vibe throughout the
evening. Each member told jokes and stories to fill the spaces between songs, which added a
personal touch. After plenty of laughing, dancing and singing, the end of the show caused a
bittersweet mood to fall over this downtown club’s crowd. Closing the show with new song
“Farewell to Arms,” the fans and the band began to sense the finality of the moment and the
new direction each member of the band would be taking.
A time of worship and reflection followed, with songs such as “Breathe” filling the air. The
band encouraged the audience to rely on God’s will for their lives and to pursue their dreams.
Overall, this show left fans feeling saddened at the loss of a great Christian band but inspired
and hopeful at the same time, as the audience was encouraged to pursue God and watch Him
bring beauty to every situation and season of life. — L I N D S E Y FA R R I S
For more information on Angela, visit angelajosephine.com.
Indieheaven.com is dedicated to bringing together independent Christian
artists from around the globe and providing them a platform where they
can be heard, seen and supported. Indieheaven offers solutions that
enable, equip, affirm and empower independent artists to fulfill God's
call on their lives.
>>>
Kutless’ Tour as speaker. Ryan Will Hit the Road With the Guys in the Spring • Out of Eden Set to
10 ccm february 04 ccmmagazine.com
>>>
CCM_02.04_Insider.v8
12/31/03
10:28 AM
Page 12
Story Behind the Song:
Warren Barfield’s “Mistaken”
“SOUTH PARK”
“KING OF THE HILL”
CHRISTIAN MUSIC MUST BE
DOING SOMETHING RIGHT…
PARODIES ABOUND IN POPULAR MEDIUMS THESE DAYS.
Christian rock has been a subject of interest in the popular media for
years—from poor journalism and inaccurate reports in Spin and The New
York Times to random jokes on “The Simpsons” and “Seinfeld.”
However, no one was more surprised than us when two TV comedies
recently poked some very specific jibes at contemporary Christian music.
The first came Oct. 29 on Comedy Central’s “South Park.” In the
episode “Christian Rock Hard,” some of the regular characters are
determined to “rocket to the top of the Christian rock charts with their own
messages of faith.” When one of them is kicked out of the band, he starts
a group called “Faith-Plus-One” to compete with them. (Notable: Another
band in the episode looks uncannily like Third Day.)
Then on the Nov. 11 episode of Fox’s “King of the Hill,” “Reborn to be
Wild,” Hank is worried his son, Bobby, is listening to the wrong kind of
music. He forces Bobby to join the church youth group, which Hank is
surprised to learn is full of skate punks who sport religious tattoos and
earrings. When Hank discovers Bobby’s plans to wear his new cross
earring to a Christian rock concert, he forbids Bobby from going. The end
of the episode is actually kind of sweet when Hank explains he wants
Bobby to enjoy church but doesn’t want God to be just another fad Bobby
will abandon later. (Notable: The concert in question, “Messiahfest,” is a
frighteningly detailed copy of “Festival con Dios.”)
Although both series have tackled (or, in the case of “South Park,”
trampled) religious subjects before, this is the first we’ve heard of such
specific, on-the-dot parodies of the artists and music we know and love. Of
course, when the parodists start taking shots at you, it can only mean one
thing: We must be doing something right.
— C O N T R I B U T E D BY PA U L S TA F F O R D
>>>
DAN MACINTOSH CAUGHT UP WITH NEW CREATIVE TRUST
WORKSHOP ARTIST WARREN BARFIELD TO GET THE
LOWDOWN ON THE SONG’S MEANING.
Warren Barfield claims that hardly a day goes by without at least
one person saying, “Anybody ever tell you that you look like
Matthew Broderick?” People also remark that he has a Harry
Connick Jr. quality about him. “But I’ve never had to pull out my ID
and say, ‘I’m not Matthew Broderick,’” he adds with a laugh.
Of course, Barfield would much rather be mistaken for Christ,
which is what his song “Mistaken” from his self-titled debut is all
about. Barfield was inspired to write this song after reading a
chapter from the late Michael Yaconelli’s Messy Spirituality, where
a disabled and sickly grandfather mistakes a tentative youth worker
for Christ. “Mike’s whole point was that this youth worker was
reluctant,” Barfield explains. “But it felt right for him to hold [the
grandfather’s] hand and say, ‘I love you’ to that man.”
Yaconelli’s tale of reluctant service convicted Barfield of his own
spiritual shortcomings. “Do I ever allow myself to hold the hand of
somebody?” he asks. “Am I so busy saying I’m a Christian that I
don’t have time to be a Christian?” After putting these convictions
into song form, Barfield’s positive desire for mistaken identity is
now similarly affecting listeners.
One 32-year-old home-schooling mom was so touched by
Barfield’s words, she bought the album to play it for her family.
“She sat her kids down and made them listen to it. She even made
her son memorize it!” Barfield notes with amazement. Make no
mistake about it: This is powerful stuff.
Launch New Ministry Opportunity This Spring With Gospel Presentation, Special Performances and Dee-Jays
12 ccm february 04
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>>>
CCM_02.04_Get Real.v8
†
12/31/03
10:29 AM
getreal
5
Page 14
Five questions with Greg and Janna Long and the E.R.A.C.E. Foundation
QUESTIONS
WITH GREG AND JANNA LONG
As the rookie and founding members (respectively) of Avalon, Greg and
Janna Long have proven it’s not about the competition when it comes
to careers. “We are each other’s biggest cheerleader!” says Janna.
Longtime solo artist and only recently a member of Avalon, Greg
released his fifth CD, Born Again (Christian Records), this month. And
Janna, a nine-year member of Avalon, also released a solo album,
Janna (Sparrow), in November 2002. But forgetting the couple’s
professional stats, Greg and Janna’s most exciting announcement to
date is the upcoming birth of their first child. Congrats!
1.
What do you love most about your spouse?
Greg: She makes me laugh... a lot.
Janna: His kindness to all people, no matter who they are.
2.
When did you realize the other was “the one”?
Greg: We had broken up, and I was on vacation with my family. I had a
dream regarding what life would be like without Janna, and I woke up
knowing I could not let that happen.
Janna: I realized Greg was “the one” after a few weeks of dating. It just
felt different.
3.
What’s the best piece of relationship advice you can give to others?
Greg: Guys, listen more. Ladies, believe us when we say, “I really didn’t
think about it,” and also know we can’t read your minds.
Janna: Treat your spouse the way you’d like to be treated! It definitely
makes you think before you speak.
4.
What do you tolerate only because the other one really likes it?
Greg: Chick flicks.
Janna: Talk radio in the car on long trips!
5.
With all the hype that comes with such public careers, how do you
handle your spouse’s fans of the opposite gender?
Greg: With a nice upper cut... (kidding). I really try not to worry about it. She
is “hot,” so that doesn’t help; but she handles it well, and that’s what puts
me at ease.
Janna: Greg has many fans of the opposite gender. Most of them are
respectful and just appreciate his talent. He is a wonderful, handsome,
godly man; so I completely understand why people are drawn to him.
ERASING THE PROBLEM
In honor of Black History Month, CCM is spotlighting the E.R.A.C.E.
(Eliminating Racism and Creating Equality) Foundation, an
organization launched by dc talk members Toby McKeehan, Michael
Tait and Kevin Max, along with manager Dan Pitts and Gotee
Records President Joey Elwood.
The concept for this outreach tool was originally created in the
discussions between the founders, although the official start date
for E.R.A.C.E. was early 1997. Dedicated to raising awareness about
racial discrimination and the solutions to combat those problems,
the foundation seeks to fulfill its goals through education via its
Web site (erace.com), a summer study institute (eraceinstitute.com),
a speaker’s bureau and forums at colleges, such as those that took
place just months ago at Bethel College and Crown College in the
Minneapolis area.
“Almost all Christian colleges are 95 to 97 percent white, yet
they boast they are training the next generation of church leaders. I
ask: Training for what? Certainly not the multi-ethnic culture that is
coming and certainly not for a racially united church!” exclaims
E.R.A.C.E.’s executive director, John Maguire, of the reason for the
foundation’s outreach methods. According to Maguire, college-age
students and younger will most likely live to see racial reconciliation
because “the curse that has been on the present generation for the
sins of their fathers (slavery and pre-civil rights era) is being lifted in
the next generation.”
Unfortunately, Maguire believes the church has a long way to go
toward racial unity, thanks to a long history of separation. And
Maguire says the Christian music industry has seemingly followed
suit with racial divisions between “white contemporary Christian
music” and “(black) gospel.” And in the church? “The church, which
holds the potential to heal, has instead spread and promoted the
disease of racism,” adds Maguire. But thanks to organizations
such as E.R.A.C.E., there is hope for these issues to be addressed
and remedied.
Artists involved in E.R.A.C.E.—some also sit on its board of
directors— include Kirk Whalum, Toby McKeehan, Bill Miller, Michael
Tait, Tommy Simms, Nicole and David Mullen, DJ-Maj and GRITS.
Last month, E.R.A.C.E. sponsored its first Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Breakfast in partnership with the Gospel Music Association and its
chaplain, Kenneth DuPree. In addition, E.R.A.C.E. supported the Kirk
Franklin/tobyMac “I Have a Dream—The Tour.”
ticker continued on page 16
>>>
• New Artist Mourning September Added to Floodgate Records Roster • tobyMac Allows Fans to Have Their
14 ccm february 04
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>>>
CCM_02.04_FanFare.v9
>>
1/2/04
10:54 AM
Page 16
fanfare
presents
Three weddings, birthdays and more!
Wedding Stories
Connecting
fall in love for all the right reasons
February is the month for love. So, for this
eharmony column, we’ve asked some of your
favorite artists a timely question.
In your estimation, what’s the best love song
ever written and why?
“I love ‘A House Is Not a Home’ by Luther Vandross
because I love the use of metaphors to describe the
emptiness he feels after having lost his love. It’s a
very poetic, classy way of begging, ‘Baby, come
baackkk.’” —Lisa Kimmey, Out of Eden
CRY ME A RIVER
Ladies, take out your Kleenex… Christian music’s poster boy for singleness is no longer
single. Singer/songwriter Bebo Norman married his sweetie, Roshare Finecey, on Thanksgiving
weekend near his hometown of Columbus, Georgia.
“I’ll have to say both Marc Cohn’s ‘True Companion’
and ‘Dig Down Deep,’ which, strangely enough, exist
on the most amazing debut record of the ’90s (along
with Counting Crows’ August and Everything After, of
course!). These are songs with incredible perspective.”
—Shane Williams, Siler’s Bald
“‘Everything I Do (I Do It for You)’ by Bryan Adams.
When you use words like ‘always,’ ‘forever’ and
‘everything,’ you can’t go wrong.”
—Andrea Kimmey Baca, Out of Eden
“My favorite love song is Peter Gabriel’s ‘In Your
Eyes.’ There is a depth in the lyrics that few songs are
able to capture. A close second is ‘Kindness’ by
David Wilcox.” —Warren Sizemore, Siler’s Bald
Angie Sliger
NO DOUBLE WEDDING?
AT LAST… HIS LONELY
DAYS ARE OVER.
You read about his wedding preparations in
“Ones to Watch” in the December issue. But
now, half of debut act Across the Sky, Justin
Unger, has walked down the aisle with longtime girlfriend Falon Waters. The couple
married just outside Nashville the first
weekend in December.
>>>
Last month [“The Insider”] we learned that
Big Daddy Weave’s Jay Weaver recently
bought a house with his new wife, Emily.
Weaver actually got hitched the same
weekend as Unger. Here’s a picture from
the couple’s Florida wedding.
Best wishes to all the happy couples!
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS:
01 – Mike Wright
(Freeto Boat)
Clay Crosse
15 – Matt Hoopes
(Relient K)
20 – Andrew Osenga
22 – Geoff Moore
25 – Will McGinnis
(Audio Adrenaline)
“‘Enough For Me’ by Leslie Phillips.* The words to the
chorus go, ‘Your love will always be enough for me,
there’s nothing more that I could ever long for. Your
love will always be enough for me, until the day I die
you’ll always be enough for me.’ I think that holds the
secret to everlasting relationships. Too often people
start looking for something more in a relationship
based on selfish quests for fulfillment when if they
would just realize that the love they have is enough,
there would be more stable relationships and
marriages. —Keith Alexis, Tinman Jones
*This obscure Leslie Phillips track was first introduced
on Maranatha’s 1988 compilation, Love Songs for
Christian Couples.
For more information, visit eharmony.com. Dedicated to helping
people find the right partner for life long love and happiness,
e|harmony offers free personality profiles, a risk-free seven-day
trial period and membership packages to help get you started on
the path to finding the right mate for you.
ticker continued on page 18
Say About His Upcoming Sophomore Record • Exclusive Switchfoot DVD Documenting the Making of Its Music.
16 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
>>>
CCM_02.04_IndustryBeat.v7
i
12/31/03
10:31 AM
Page 18
industrybeat
BY JAY SWARTZENDRUBER
A conversation with an industry insider
and the latest industry buzz.
Stones, Bruce Springsteen]. Clearmountain mixed Sixpence’s
“Kiss Me,” and Lord-Alge did their next hit, “There She Goes.”
What’s the biggest highlight of your career, so far?
A few years ago I was in Europe on a two-week vacation, and I
heard Sixpence’s “Kiss Me” on the radio in England, in Germany
and in Austria. To hear that song half-way around the world and to
think that I recorded the vocals in my garage [Carport Studio]
blew me away.
What have you been working on lately?
I’m really excited to be co-producing and co-engineering an
unsigned Nashville band called Lume with Chris Grainger
[Sixpence, Guardian]. I can’t believe they’re not signed; and I
can’t believe I’m getting to work with them at this early stage
because I think they’re going to be huge. That’s on the generalmarket side. I’ve also been working with John Davis, who is the
former frontman for Superdrag. He’s had an amazing
transformation in his life over the last couple years and has
decided he wants to make a gospel record.
LIVE LONG AND PROSPER
The diversity of Russ Long’s resumé as an engineer is a testament to his rare
skill and relational popularity. The 37-year-old Boulder, Colo., native, who
moved to Nashville at the age of 19, has contributed to the studio work of
Relient K, Dolly Parton, Sixpence None the Richer, Wilco, Newsboys, Allison
Moorer, Phil Keaggy and many others. As a live engineer (a.k.a. soundman)
Long has helmed most of Steven Curtis Chapman’s tours over the past six
years as well as the live recordings from Nichole Nordeman (Live at The Door)
and Nicole C. Mullen (Live From Cincinnati—Bringin’ It Home).
How did you get your break into studio engineering?
I started studio engineering when I was in college [Nashville’s Belmont
University], doing publishing demos, band demos and live stuff after that. During
the early ’90s I did Chagall Guevara’s live sound for almost two
years and became good friends with all those guys, especially Steve Taylor [lead
singer]. He knew I had aspirations to be in studio recording. Steve and I were
likeminded in what we appreciated about music, so it was a natural blend for the
two of us to work together. The first label record I worked on as a studio
engineer was the Newsboys’ Not Ashamed [Star Song] that Steve produced.
What is the role of a recording engineer in the studio?
Initially, an engineer handles the recording of all the instruments and all the
voices, which entails selecting the microphone and selecting the signal path—
including the pre-amp, EQ and compressor. It might include deciding format—
whether you’re recording to a digital audio workstation in a computer, RADAR
(random access digital audio recorder) or analog tape. Later on, in the mix
process, the engineer takes all the tracks for a song and works on combining
them, adjusting all the levels, adding effects and making it sound like a
completed song.
Umm, run that by me again... in English.
Essentially, the engineer is the guy who walks in the studio with a boombox,
plugs in a mic and hits “record.”
Who do you think is the best engineer in the music business?
It’s hard to say. My favorite engineers would be Tchad Blake [Sheryl Crow, Travis],
Tom Lord-Alge [blink-182, Sarah McLachlan] and Bob Clearmountain [Rolling
Ben Pearson
AND THE BEAT GOES ON...
Recording
artist/theologian
Michael Card recently
completed his series
on creativity for the
Moody Network’s
weekly radio program,
“In the Studio with
Michael Card.” The
program, which
features interviews
with author/counselor
Dr. Larry Crabb (Soul
Talk, Inside Out) and
(L-R): Michael Card, Dr. Larry Crabb, Wayne Shepherd
INO recording artist
(Moody Network), Sara Groves
Sara Groves, was
taped at Card’s own Mole End studio in Franklin, Tennessee. For a
list of stations that carry “In the Studio with Michael Card” visit
michaelcard.com/stations.asp.
The Gospel Music Association is making it possible for college
students to vote for the annual Dove Awards via online GMA
membership registration. At a special annual rate of only $25, fulltime college students can rock the vote! To become a GMA
member (includes additional benefits) and vote in one complete
cycle of the Dove Awards voting process, go to gospelmusic.org
and click on “Membership/Join GMA.”
(L-R), back Row: Mike Craft, Provident Music
Group; Dan Raines, Creative Trust
Entertainment Management; Mark Lee and
Brad Avery, Third Day; J. David Huffman,
CTEM. Front Row: Terry Hemmings, PMG;
Tai Anderson, Mac Powell and David Carr,
Third Day.
Third Day has agreed to a
new multi-album deal with
Provident Label Group. Six
years ago the band signed
directly to Essential Records,
a division of Provident. Third
Day is currently in the studio
with producer Paul Ebersold
(3 Doors Down, Skillet, Sister
Hazel), recording its upcoming
2004 release.
ticker continued on page 20
>>>
Available Only via Switchfoot.com • Bleach and John Reuben Set to Team Up This Month For A Co-Headlining
18 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
>>>
@
CCM_02.04_The Reel.v6
12/31/03
10:41 AM
Page 20
thereel
t was all very “hush-hush,” a sneak preview of a rough cut of Mel
Gibson’s controversial new film, The Passion of The Christ, which
opens on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. Hosted by Gibson’s Icon
Productions, this second Nashville screening took place at the
church of country singer Ricky Skaggs, who was charged with
inviting around 150 friends to see the film maligned by Hollywood for being
“inaccessible” (It’s in Aramaic, Latin and Hebrew with English subtitles.)
and by activist groups for being “anti-Semitic” (They claim it lays
inappropriate blame for the crucifixion on Christ’s “own people.”).
The boisterous crowd who gathered included country singers Wynonna
Judd, Sara Evans and Keith Urban as well as Christian artists Mark Lowry,
Chondra Pierce, Bonnie Keen and Lisa Bevill, among others. A number of
“private” screenings of the film have already taken place within the music
and church communities (Billy Graham reportedly wept while watching it,
and Pope John Paul II declared, “It is as it was.”), particularly since the
controversy surrounding the film began.
Presumably, Gibson is looking for feedback and support of this endeavor
that is clearly, well, his passion. Just as Steven Spielberg had his
Schindler’s List and James Cameron had his Titanic, this is Gibson’s pet
project; and he has doggedly worked for the past several years to make it a
reality. A devout Catholic, he has invested more than $25 million of his own
cash to complete this film that sets out to tell the story of Christ’s final
hours and concludes with Jesus’ resurrection.
Those reared in the Christian faith will, no doubt, recall previous films
about Christ in which He is portrayed as a blue-eyed Caucasian, proclaiming
the gospel in English, with a British accent. Gibson takes a more realistic
tack. Though the actor who plays Jesus, Jim Caviezel (Frequency, The Count
of Monte Cristo), has blue eyes, they are altered to appear dark, and facial
prosthetics (not to mention the Aramaic dialogue) give Caviezel’s “Christ”
an edge on the sanitized, Anglo-centric Hollywood depictions of old.
Another area where Gibson differs in the telling is the lack of back-story
on Jesus. Miracles, sermons and other happy occurrences that many would
expect to see leading up to the crucifixion are mostly missing from this
movie, which launches immediately into some of the most violent scenes I
I
>>>
BY JOAN BRASHER
Mel Gibson’s The
Passion of The Christ
have ever witnessed on film. In fact, the story is focused almost entirely on
the brutal beatings of Christ and the grisly crucifixion. Flashbacks (some of
which are quite poignant, particularly in relation to Jesus’ mother, Mary)
take the viewer out of the extended scenes of violence momentarily.
Rated “R,” this is not a film for young children, considering it’s seemingly
calculated to shock audiences with its unrelenting scenes of brutality from
nearly beginning to end. Crucifixion is, indeed, a bloody business; and
Gibson is true to the detail, right down to gouged eyes, shredded skin and
pools of blood. However, the length of the scenes is, at times, almost
unbearable. I have to add that a devil-like character, which recurs
throughout, seems extraneous. In my mind, manifested hate is more
ghoulish than any creature could ever be.
To assume Gibson is looking for conversions with this film may not be
totally off base; but the film, instead, seems destined to serve as a tool to
reinforce in the minds of Christians just how harrowing Christ’s death was
and to drive home the value of one’s redemption. That point was effectively
made, as sniffles heard from the audience turned to weeping and dissolved
into audible sobbing as the film came to an end. When the lights came up,
the crowd sat in tearful, stunned silence.
During a Q&A session afterward, Gibson was met with much praise. I
asked him why he chose to make a movie about Christ’s death instead of
focusing on the 33 years leading up to it. He told me, “Because I believe
Christ’s death was the most important thing about His life.”
I have to give him credit for taking a stand for his religious beliefs,
whether Hollywood, critics or anyone else likes it or not. While many would
contend Jesus’ resurrection is the most important, my hope is that he (or
another producer) will one day make a prequel to The Passion of The Christ
with the help of biblical scholars (Mel, if you’re reading this, I can get you
Michael Card’s number), who could bring to life Christ’s years on this
earth—His message of love, reconciliation and peace. In a time when
there is so much violence in the world, that’s a message that always
bears repeating.
Charlie Peacock recently hosted Gibson for a private screening in his home.
You can read his response on page 56
Tour • Rockers Seven Places Will Re-Release Debut, Lonely For the Last Time (BEC), With Two New Tracks
20 ccm february 04
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•
CCM_02.04_O2W.v6
12/31/03
2:01 PM
Page 22
onestowatch
onestowatch
BY R O B E R T M I N E O
GEORGE ROWE MATTHEW WEST
PROVIDENTIAL TREATMENT
George Rowe has closed his case on being a lawyer, switching his practice
to that of a full-time singer—quite notable for a person who, at one time,
had difficulty understanding why anyone would even want to hear him
sing. At Pepperdine University in California, he began to gain insight
when he won a school talent contest with his take on “It Is Well With My
Soul.” He made such an impression on faculty members that he was asked
to sing it again at the funeral of Mrs. Pepperdine, exposing him to local
luminaries and, in a soberingly ironic twist, setting his eventual career
change in motion. Now relocated in Nashville with his wife, Merritt, and
three young children, Rowe is in full swing to support his smooth R&B pop
debut for Rocketown Records, Think About That.
CCM: Just how difficult was it to quit a day job to pursue music full time with a family
to support?
GR: It was exciting, fun, cool and scary. My wife and I agreed to make a
step of faith, and many family members and friends are behind us and see
this as a ministry.
CCM: Are you worried that, as a working musician, you will not be around as much for
your family?
GR: Scheduling is important, and my wife will be like a single mom at
times. When I tour I will be away for two or three weeks; but then I am
home for two, three, four, five weeks, which allows for more time together.
At my [previous] day job, I left before the children woke up and was back
only a bit before they went to bed. I am actually home more now.
CCM: What are you hoping to accomplish as an artist?
I would like to pay the bills [laughs], but I am not looking to be a
platinum-selling artist or live the high life. That would not be natural for
my wife and me. I hope that people “dig” the music and get something out
of the message.
CCM: Does the fact that you are not a 20-something rookie artist give you pause?
GR: I am 33, and I do worry about being able to connect with younger
people. I also worry about having the physical stamina, although I take
care to stay in shape. I am really leaving it all to God and His providence.
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ACCIDENTAL TOURIST
Who would have thought that severing an artery in your left arm would be a
great career move? Matthew West certainly did not think so after he was
injured while trying to break into a window at his home two weeks prior to
signing a recording contract. Yet the incident would end up having positive
implications, both personally (It cemented his relationship with his future
wife.) and professionally (It changed the course and content of his musical
output.). The title of his modern-rock debut on Sparrow Records, Happy,
reflects the mindset of a man who is grateful to be alive.
CCM: How is it that your serious injury lead to such musical happiness?
MW: I could have died from this accident, which I first thought was a major
setback. But the record label stood by me; and, since it took eight months
longer to finish the record, the whole identity of it changed. Instead of
being a compilation of older songs, there are all new songs that came after
that time. The songs are fresher for where I am and are more true to my life
now. This accident was no accident.
CCM: How did it effect your relationship with your wife?
MW: Emily worked at the record label I was signed to—we had been dating
a month and I was ready to go out on tour which may have ended the
relationship. Then the accident occurred. When I went into the hospital
she was the only one there and she stood by me. I was thinking it was too
soon for her to see me in a hospital gown, and she made a conscious
decision to stay with a person who may have been losing his dream. She
nursed me along, we got closer, were engaged three months later and
married within a year.
CCM: Did your music training in college initiate your decision to pursue music full time?
MW: Well, I didn’t want to think the money went to waste [laughs]. I fell in
love with the idea of communicating in this way and had listened to so
much pop music that I said, “I could do this.”
CCM: You have been touring college campuses for over three years now. Why did you wait
so long to release Happy?
MW: I purposely did that. I came to Nashville first as a songwriter and would
write with new artists who did not know what they wanted to say because
they did not know who their audience was. Before completely focusing on
being an artist, I wanted to build my audience and hone in on a style.
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pop
WITH THE RELEASE OF THEIR NEW ALBUM, LOVE,
PEACE AND HAPPINESS (GOTEE), LISA KIMMEY,
ANDREA KIMMEY BACA AND DANIELLE KIMMEY OF
OUT OF EDEN ARE CELEBRATING THEIR 10TH YEAR
IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC. THE FIRST OF THEIR KIND IN
THE MID-’90S, THEY’VE CHANGED THE LANDSCAPE
FOR URBAN POP IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC.
BY DEBRA AKINS
I
PHOTOS BY KWAKU ALSTON
f you’re a fan of Relient K, Jennifer Knapp, GRITS, Sonicflood or The Katinas, then
you owe Out of Eden more than a simple “thank you” card. Each of these artists were
catapulted to success by Toby McKeehan’s own Gotee Records—the label he
launched solely to promote Out of Eden’s music. And if you enjoy hearing the hiphop savvy pop of artists such as Stacie Orrico, Mary Mary and ZOEgirl on Christian
radio, then get in the growing line of gratitude—Out of Eden paved the way.
“I applaud these girls and respect the focus and courage it takes to do what they do every
day—to be a black female group in the contemporary Christian music industry,” says
McKeehan (a.k.a. tobyMac). “They have been troopers, warriors and visionaries in a market
that is not set up for them. They are underestimated and under-credited for being pioneers of
urban pop music in the Christian music marketplace, and I think I can say that louder than
anyone because I’ve walked with them from the beginning.”
The three sisters, who comprise Out of Eden, are rare breeds, both personally and
professionally. Though each is in her early to mid-20s, they are already industry veterans with
a long career still ahead of them. While they each share characteristics such as
kindheartedness, a friendly personality and clever wit, Lisa, Andrea and Danielle are definitely
distinct. The eldest of the three, Lisa is the musical leader of the group, responsible for penning
most of Out of Eden’s songs and often coming up with arrangements and involving herself in
the production side of recording. Well-spoken and expressive, she is looked up to by her sisters
but eagerly shares the spotlight with them. Andrea, the middle sister, is both thoughtful and
insightful. The only married sister, she appears a source of quiet stability for Lisa and Danielle.
And the youngest of the family, Danielle, with her tall, thin frame perfect for the stylish clothes
she wears, has a huge drive for the ministry of Out of Eden.
Despite Out of Eden’s unusual success—more than a million in career album sales
(worldwide), 11 top 10 radio singles, numerous Dove Award nominations and tour dates with
artists as diverse as Destiny’s Child and Point of Grace—the trio has a history of perseverance
in the face of dismissive stereotypes and industry passivity. Considering the girls’ break into a
market that didn’t know what to do with female African-American R&B artists to obtaining
mass commercial success, the industry honors lagged far behind. (Just this past year Out of
Eden won its first Dove Award.).
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... THAT’S WHAT ‘BRIDGE-BUILDERS’ DO. THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE WHO
MAKE CHANGE IN THIS INDUSTRY DO. THEY DON’T PUT UP A WALL
AND SAY, ‘YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO LIKE THIS.’ THEY SAY, ‘LET ME
BUILD A BRIDGE AND INVITE THESE PEOPLE INTO OUR WORLD.
—Toby McKeehan
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”
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“It’s funny how you can start out with no expectations whatsoever,
and then, as things begin to happen, you slowly find yourself thinking
you deserve everything,” Lisa says. “I think we would get a little
frustrated at times because we’d see other artists come out with all kinds
of success, while we were still struggling. We had to really go back to
our roots and realize why we had decided to do this in the first place.
When we first started, we just wanted to be used by God. We didn’t
care about anything else. But I think we had to go through that time of
being prideful and having our ‘pity parties’ in order for God to remind
us that the only reason we’re doing this is because of our love for Him
and our love for people.”
“There was a time when I was just about ready to give it all up,”
Danielle adds. “In some ways, for me, we hadn’t gotten certain things
that others had gotten, and I felt I was sacrificing too much. I’d think,
‘OK, God. Surely, You don’t want me to suffer anymore.’ But that’s
when we began to change our focus and change our hearts. We started
pouring [our lives] into the lives of young girls here in Nashville and
started getting really involved in ministries other than our own. All of
a sudden God started to open our eyes and show us that we’d been
focusing too much on the industry side of our career instead of the
ministry. He showed us that He has so much more for us to do, and
we’re at the point where we want to say to Him, ‘Whatever you need
to do, do it in us.’”
FIRST THINGS FIRST
By the time the Kimmey sisters met McKeehan in 1992, his own group,
dc talk, had begun to break down barriers in Christian radio with
urban/hip-hop-flavored pop grooves. But no female artist or group had
achieved anything similar. “The ‘CCM’ [contemporary Christian
music] market thought we were too gospel, and the gospel market
thought we were too ‘CCM,’” says Lisa.
McKeehan and his then Gotee Bros. production partners—
Todd Collins (producer of GRITS, KJ-52) and Joey Elwood (now
president of Gotee Records)—thought differently. But the girls were
just teenagers and weren’t even sure they were really interested in a
musical career.
“I was just 15 years old and attending public high school,” Lisa
remembers. “Joey would actually come and pick me up from school in
the afternoons, and I’d go to Toby’s house and work with the three of
them in the basement. They exposed me to so much music. When my
mom became a Christian, she threw away her albums by artists such as
the Isley Brothers and Sly & the Family Stone, so I didn’t grow up with
any of that. Now, at 15, I was hearing Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder
for the first time, and I just thought Toby, Joey and Todd were the
coolest guys. They were giants to me, and we would all just hang out
and sing. They were the ones who really began to believe in us.”
The Gotee Bros. partners started going door to door with Out of
Eden’s music. When they discovered neither contemporary Christian
nor gospel record labels knew how to respond to the trio, they were
undeterred. They believed in Out of Eden so much, they formed Gotee
Records simply as a launching pad for the girls’ first album. It was a
risky investment but one they felt compelled to make. “They stepped
out on faith to start this label in order to get our music out there,” Lisa
recalls. “We weren’t even old enough to really appreciate what was
happening with that gesture.”
It was 1994 when Out of Eden’s debut album, Lovin’ the Day (Gotee),
introduced its urban pop to the Christian community with songs like
“Come and Take My Hand” and the infectious cover of the classic Bill
Withers hit “Lovely Day.” “We’ve since applied the lessons we’ve
learned,” explains McKeehan. “And I think other labels and artists have
(learned)—from the efforts of Out of Eden—how to be an AfricanAmerican group making pop/R&B music for the gospel market, the
Christian market and even the mainstream R&B market. I think they are
a reference point for many conversations as people move forward in
that genre.
“They’ve grown up, and I think they’re feeling more of a privilege to
be who they are called to be,” he continues. “They’ve continued to
push the limits and have felt the freedom to embrace their culture more
and more with each record. And that’s what ‘bridge-builders’ do. That’s
what people who make change in this industry do. They don’t put up
a wall and say, ‘You’re never going to like this.’ They say, ‘Let me build
a bridge and invite these people into our world.’”
UNSUNG HEROES
Despite groundbreaking Christian radio airplay and successful album
sales—its third release, No Turning Back, sold more than 240,000
copies—Out of Eden went nine years without winning a single Dove
Award. The Christian music industry’s lack of attention was every bit as
remarkable as the group’s unpredictable popularity with fans. Out of
Eden’s next CD, 2002’s This Is Your Life, changed all that. The album
garnered 2003 Dove Awards in two categories—”Urban Album of the
Year” and “Urban Recorded Song of the Year” (“Meditate”).
“I chose to never look at their previous nine years in the context of
what they didn’t receive as far as accolodes,” explains Gotee’s Elwood.
“I really tried to focus on what it is they achieved, in spite of a system
that was not setup to readily accept what they do musically. They sold
over a million records. In ‘94 no one would have believed that was
possible. For 10 years we, as an industry, have gotten to enjoy the
music they’ve created—a lot of which I know will stand the test of time.
We have people working in our office today because of the effect Lovin’
the Day had on them. Pro athletes, politicians, actors and actresses
and pastors all call our office asking for boxes of their music. Working
with Out of Eden taught us early that success comes in so many
different forms: They sell their records quietly by industry standards,
but their impact continues to be loud with consumers. The Doves were
great, but how many artists can say they drove a record company
into existence?”
ON THE OTHER SIDE
Those experiences brought a new perspective the trio had not
considered before. Having come through the fires of doubt and
uncertainty in their own careers and ministry, they felt they could
support other young artists now experiencing the same challenges.
“When we started there weren’t a lot of other younger artists,” says
Andrea, who is the most soft-spoken of the three. “But now we see so
many really young ones coming into this industry and being thrown
out there without having real discipleship and mentoring. They need
to know to stay focused and humble and know that it’s OK to keep
their standards and stand up for what they believe.”
“We want to be champions for change,” Lisa says. “We want to tell
young people, who are coming into this [industry], to just trust God.
Don’t be so concerned about what you can get. If this is what He’s
having you do, and you trust Him and lay down your life for Him, He’ll
put you where you need to be.”
But Out of Eden hasn’t just stopped at making friends with other
young artists. The three members have thrown themselves into the
ministry spotlight, partnering with World Vision (worldvision.org) to
support child sponsorships and DATA (data.org) to champion the
plight of HIV/AIDS and poverty victims in Africa, making appearances
at Point of Grace’s “Girls of Grace” teenage girl-focused conferences
nationwide and developing Bible study curriculum for teenage girls
with the youth organization Interlinc.
“We’ve seen so many people in the spotlight—singers of our day—
say one thing and do the opposite,” Andrea explains. “It seems that, as
they get bigger and bigger, their standards get lower and lower. We just
got tired of talking about our counterparts and decided to do
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timeline
1994—First artist to sign with
Gotee records, group member
Danielle is only 12 years old.
Toured with dc talk; Debut, Lovin’
the Day, released.
1995—Featured performers at
the Gotee Block Party during
Gospel Music Week.
1996—Received first of 14
Dove Award Nominations for
“Urban Recorded Song of the
Year”: “Good Thing” (from Lovin’
the Day). More Than You Know
released. Appeared on “Moesha”
(The Mother’s Day Special).
First performance at Billy
Graham Crusade.
1997—More Than You Know
and Lovely Day videos in regular
rotation on BET.
1998—No Turning Back
Released. Lisa Kimmey records
duet for Sonicflood’s smash hit
“I Could Sing of Your Love
Forever.” “Greater Love” featured
in motion picture Dr. Doolittle
starring Eddie Murphy.
1999—Travels to Bosnia,
Kosovo and Macedonia on a 10day tour to perform for U.S.
troops. Featured artist/co-host
of BET’s “Teen Summit.” “River”
spends 3 weeks at No. 1 on
CCM’s CHR airplay chart.
“Window” also hits No. 1 on
CCM’s CHR airplay chart.
2000—Hosted BET’s “Lift Every
Voice.” Featured artist/co-host of
BET’s “Teen Summit” for the
second time.
2001—Brazil tour: performing in
six cities in 10 days and singing
to more than 750,000 people.
2002—This is Your Life
released. “Different Now”
reaches No.1 on R&R’s CHR
airplay chart.
something about it. It has become our vision to reach
out to girls and show them there are other options.”
Lisa adds, “We really want to champion these girls
and say, ‘You don’t have to conform to the world’s
image of beauty. You don’t have to be like this or act
like this. Find out who God has called you to be.’ We
want them to know God has more for them than they
can even imagine. God has a destiny and a purpose
for their lives.”
Lisa recounts a sobering story from a letter they
received last year from a 15-year-old girl who had
grown up in a Christian home but found herself in the
middle of her third pregnancy. “Even though she grew
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up in church, she had never felt the love of God; and
she was searching. When she heard a song called ‘I’m
the One’ from our This Is Your Life CD, she said that
was when she really started to understand that God
loves her regardless of her mistakes.”
That story inspired a song (“I Know”) on Out of
Eden’s newest CD, Love, Peace and Happiness. As the
album’s title hints, it’s what the girls like to refer to as
their “party record.” “The world is in such a state of
uncertainty right now,” Lisa offers. “Sometimes we’re
almost afraid to smile. But we have something to be
thankful for; our happiness, joy and peace are not
dictated by our circumstances. As Christians, we have
2003—Nominated for Stellar
Award. Won Dove Awards for
“Urban Album of the Year” (This
is Your Life) and “Urban
Recorded Song of the Year”
(“Meditate”). Career album sales
reach 1.5 million units (world
wide). Group member Andrea
becomes a mother.
2004—Love Peace and
Happiness releases. Scheduled
to host BET’s “Lift Every Voice”
in February.
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a love, peace and happiness that never end, so we wanted to make a
record that celebrates that. We wanted to rock the house with our
music and record songs we love and can dance to.”
Still retaining Out of Eden’s signature R&B sounds, Love, Peace and
Happiness surpasses its previous efforts with an energetic club feel that
rivals any of the group’s counterparts. It also happens to fit the unique
touring event Out of Eden has planned for the spring. Inspired by the
“Jump Off” post-Dove Awards party Out of Eden hosted for Gotee last
year, the group is assembling its own version of a party to take on the
road. The official “Jump Off” tour will feature Out of Eden and L.A.
Symphony, along with a bevy of live DJs, breakdancers, freestyle rap
contests and more.
“It’s going to be a big traveling party,” says Danielle, who was
primarily responsible for the industry event last year. “We’ll perform,
but we’re also going to just hang out, walk around and have fun with
everybody. We’re getting local youth pastors involved from both the
suburbs and the inner cities, so we’re really excited about how it’s all
going to come together.”
“Right now, we just want to give people a breath of fresh air,” Lisa
says. “That’s what this album and the tour are about. It’s not about
trying to escape reality; it’s more about the fact that my reality is that I
have the peace of God with me wherever I go. My reality is that God
loves me, and His love never fails. My reality is that the joy of the Lord
is my strength. We just want to be able to say that in everything we do.”
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Another major change for Out of Eden in 2003 was the new addition
to the Kimmey fold. Andrea and her husband, Drew, welcomed the
birth of their first child, Naia Joelle, in May. With Lisa and Danielle by
her side in the delivery room, Andrea met her new daughter after 10
hours of labor. “She was a real trooper,” Lisa recalls. “It was so painful to
watch, but Andrea was her typical self and was so calm and collected.”
“We were asleep in the room at one point,” Danielle says, “and
Andrea, right in the middle of her labor, is trying to be quiet so she
doesn’t wake us! Can you believe her?”
Lisa is quick to whip out her cell phone to show off a picture of baby
Naia. The proud aunt programmed the photo into her phone so it pops
up whenever Andrea calls. Lisa laughs about having passed the picture
around to everyone at a booking agency meeting the day before.
While the ladies have had to make a few adjustments for travel and
scheduling since Naia’s arrival, they seem more than happy to do it. “My
first job now is to be a mom and to make sure my daughter’s taken care
of,” says Andrea. “It’s neat to see my sisters as aunts and loving on her.”
These three siblings have watched each other grow in faith,
confidence, humility and, without a doubt, responsibility. Whether
mentoring up-and-coming artists, teaching young ladies about integrity
and modesty or helping to raise a child in their own family, the women
of Out of Eden are leaders—leaders to whom the Christian music
community and its fans are deeply indebted. Now about those “thank
you” cards… ccm
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and I would throw my Bible across the room. I questioned
whether God is a loving God. In frustration, I would say, ‘I
don’t want to share in Your faithfulness because I don’t think
You are faithful.’ So many times I would pound on my bed
because I wanted to punch something. The hardest
part was trying to understand why she had to suffer. We
would watch her cringe and cry because of the pain,” says
BEC artist Jeremy Camp on seeing his wife, Melissa, die
from cancer.
The story, a large part of Camp’s testimony, began when
he met Melissa at an outdoor Bible study on the campus of
Palomar College in California. Camp had moved to north
San Diego County after earning an associate of theology
degree from Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta,
California. Working as a bagger at Vons Grocery for several
months, the budding artist knew his future was more than
“paper or plastic”; but he felt no direction other than to stay
put. Camp was leading worship at the time, which is how he
ended up at the Palomar Bible study.
“You should have seen how Melissa worshiped God,” says
Camp, who admits he really should have been focused on
leading worship rather than checking out the girls in the
group. “I tried to keep my distance until I realized my friend
[who was also interested in her] didn’t have a chance.”
After dating for a while, the couple actually separated for
a few months when Camp got the call that Melissa was
hospitalized because of cancer. Camp, whose grandmother
was a lung cancer survivor, had faith the cancer could be
beaten. Reunited at her side, he provided encouragement
and support; and after it seemed the cancer went into
remission, the pair got engaged. Sadly, the celebration didn’t
last long as the cancer came back, requiring a hysterectomy.
“We were crushed,” recalls Camp. “At a young age, there
was no hope of our ever having children.” But, shockingly,
when the doctors began the surgery on Melissa, they found
the cancer had disappeared. “We were convinced this must
be God,” he continues. “It was the most amazing time of my
life. Then, right after we got married, the cancer came back
rampantly. There was nothing the doctors could do.”
Melissa passed away on Feb. 5, 2001, and Camp felt
broken and betrayed. He confesses, “God gave us this hope
that we would have children, and then everything was taken
away. We literally had thousands of people around the
world praying for her. We all believed she would be healed.
I truly thought we had confirmation. When she died, I just
didn’t get it.”
During those difficult times, Camp talked to countless
people in search of answers. One pastor asked if he’d
prayed, believed and done everything he could, which, of
course, he had. The pastor then remarked that Camp could
take heart because if God took her despite all his pleas, He
definitely had a reason. Camp reflects, “It really made sense.
I found rest in knowing that God sees the beginning and the
end, and there really was a reason why.”
The 26-year-old now finds himself on the other side, as
people traumatized by cancer come to him looking for
answers. His response? “You literally have to take it a day at
a time. You say, ‘God, I don’t know how I’m going to get
through tomorrow or even the next hour, but I need the
strength.’ You have to rest in the fact that God is a big God,
and He’s in control. God didn’t make this happen, and it’s
not punishment for anything. It’s simply something God has
a reason to allow.”
While Camp delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late wife
with Stay, his new release, Carried Me—The Worship Project
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(BEC), offers powerful praise & worship inspired by the
“valleys” he’s overcome. Remarkably, Camp is already in the
studio again, and fans can expect his next rock album in the
fall of 2004. It’s still a little while in the making, but Camp
already has a title in mind.
“I wrote a song for the new album about what God has
done in my life,” says Camp, who hits the road with
Newsboys and Rebecca St. James in April. “With how much
God’s shown me and expressed in my life, I’m thinking about
titling the album after the song. It’s called ‘Restored.’”
In the meantime, he’s focusing on the next chapter of his
life as well as his worship album’s release. “Carried Me is like a
breath of fresh air for me,” says Camp. “I’ve been through this
hard time, and now here’s a worship album to express how
grateful I am for all that’s happened since.”
quite a bit
And
has happened in the months and years
since his wife’s death. This rocker made a grand entrance into
the music industry with his 2002 debut. Stay yielded such
radio hits as “Understand,” “Take My Life” and “I Still
Believe,” the latter of which made the WOW Hits 2004
(Sparrow) collection.
On top of that, the singer/songwriter married former The
Benjamin Gate lead singer Adrienne Liesching last December
and recently moved back to Camp’s home State of Indiana.
Camp and Liesching met in the fall of 2002 as tourmates on
the “Festival con Dios” tour. Liesching, who seriously sprained
her ankle early in the tour, limped around on crutches; and
Camp introduced himself to offer encouragement. Recalling
what happened next, he says, “We talked about what God
was doing, and I saw her grow spiritually on the tour. Pretty
soon, I was looking around for her and wanting to see her all
the time. I eventually started liking her, which was something
I really couldn’t deal with at that point. I had all these guilty
feelings because of Melissa.”
For a time, Camp tried to distance himself but soon
realized he had to move forward with his personal life. He
continues, “After the tour, we started talking a lot and getting
to know each other really well. I started feeling that God
brought her into my life. Early last year, we ‘knew’; and we
got engaged in April.”
But it wasn’t all roses, as the couple faced some unique
challenges in their relationship. For one, Melissa’s story makes
up the major part of Camp’s testimony; and, despite all the
circumstances, even the most spiritually strong female might
feel insecure hearing her boyfriend praise his late wife each
night. “When we first started [dating], it was difficult for her
to hear how amazing Melissa was,” admits Camp. “Adrienne
said, ‘Melissa was so amazing, and I don’t feel that I’m that
amazing woman of God.’ I just assured her that she is. I love
Adrienne, and her heart has been an encouragement to me.
Really, it’s not even an issue. She loves what God is doing
through my past experiences.”
It’s those past experiences that Camp celebrates on Carried
Me as he returns to his roots as a worship leader. Despite the
industry trend, Carried Me—which includes Camp-penned
originals, songs written by friends and reworked standards—is
not a worship album born out of marketing meetings. In
reality, the singer originally signed to BEC Recordings to do a
worship album, namely the label’s next installment in the “Any
Given Day” series. However, as Camp started working on the
project, the label decided to pursue a multi-album deal and
opted to release Stay first.
“I’ve done worship all my life, whether in concert or in
church; and people always asked me to do a worship album,”
says Camp. “I put a lot of passion into this album because it’s
something I’ve always loved.” ccm
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n the Wings of a Dove:
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Country’s elite revisit
their gospel roots.
by Lizza Connor
e:
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n Nov. 7, 2001, Alan Jackson walked onto the stage of
the Country Music Awards in Nashville, sat down on
a solitary stool, gently picked his guitar and sang
these words: “I know Jesus and I talk to God/And I remember
this from when I was young/Faith, hope and love are some good
things He gave us/And the greatest is love…”
Voted CMA’s “Song of the Year” the following
season, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning?),”
Jackson’s heartfelt response to the violence of Sept. 11, 2001, relayed the
redemptive, faith-based theme that has long been a part of the genre.
Country music’s first family, the Carters, was the genre’s earliest
successful recording group to fuse country music’s core components—the
rural Southern lifestyle and the importance of faith and family values—in
singable melodies with mass audience appeal. Classic Carter tunes such as
“In the Highways” and “The Far Side Banks of Jordan,” though
often mournful as they relayed the
hardships of Appalachian life in the
1930s, resounded with a faith in the God
who sustained them and a hope of better
things to come “when we see paradise.”
Over the years, country music’s
popularity with the American public has
fluctuated. Folks like Randy Travis took the
genre to new heights in the 1980s when
the trend turned from the pop-influenced
production of the 1970s to a more
traditional sound. The last several years have
seen, again, a pop-tinged country market,
though lately the content of the tunes
hearkens back to country’s gospel roots.
Last year a slew of established country
heavyweights released records with crossover
appeal in both the Christian and country
markets. Three-time Grammy winner Travis,
country music legend George Jones and singerturned-actor Billy Ray Cyrus recorded albums
with classic hymns, story songs about real life
from a faith perspective and even a few modernworship tunes. Additionally, songs that invoke
Jesus’ name, while commonplace in the
contemporary Christian music market, have
raced up the country radio charts in recent
months. Take, for instance, Travis’ chart-topping
“Three Wooden Crosses,” Columbia recording
artist Buddy Jewell’s “Help Pour Out the Rain
(Lacey’s Song)” and MCA newcomer Josh Turner’s “Long Black Train.”
Even CMA’s 2003 “Duo of the Year” Brooks & Dunn sing about “where I
met Jesus” in the upbeat “Red Dirt Road.”
The result of this return to roots has undoubtedly translated into
ringing cash registers at retail stores. But more importantly, it has served
as an entry point for those unfamiliar with the gospel of Christ. As
Travis tells CCM Magazine, “It’s music ministry, plain and simple.”
O
or Travis, country success paved the way for a ministry he
“couldn’t walk away from.”
George Jones, a country music legend and believer who
came to know God in the latter years of his life, released his
Gospel Collection earlier this year. He told CCM Magazine: “I
always included a gospel song as the last cut on my records
over the years because I felt it made an album complete, and I’d always
wanted to make an entire gospel album.” Finding time to execute the
idea and convincing his record company that it was a worthy venture
were the stumbling blocks to making that a reality, according to Jones.
Randy Travis, a longtime Jones admirer, found himself in the same
predicament after the release of his multi-million selling debut, The
F
Storms of Life, and his even more successful follow-up Forever and Always.
“I’d meet so many people out on the road who’d come up and ask me if
or when I was going to do a gospel album,” Travis says. “Fans would say,
‘Here’s what you need to do, and here’s a list of songs you ought to record.’”
In 2000, after years of prompting but never the right timing, the
opportunity materialized when Travis inked a deal with Christian label
Word Records, home to artists such as Amy Grant, Point of Grace and the
sister label to his Warner Brothers label home.
Travis’ first attempt, Inspirational Journey, garnered several Dove Awards
but made little headway in the pop-heavy Christian radio arena. His
overall experience in what he was coming to know as the “CCM market,”
however, had an enormous impact that continues to fuel his passion for
creating art that points to the Creator.
But Travis’ story is far from that of the
typical Christian artist. He wasn’t reared in
church. He didn’t learn harmony and melody
in the choir loft. He couldn’t even tell you
the definition of “youth group” growing up.
Instead, Travis took a path more akin to the
typical rock & roll “live fast, die young”
mentality. As a teen in rural North
Carolina, Travis’ life had all the makings of
what most view as a typical country song:
lots of alcohol, run-ins with local law
enforcement, even high-speed car chases
on backwoods dirt roads.
At 14 he debuted on the honky-tonk
circuit, and by 20 he was running ragged
from the pursuit of Nashville stardom.
One particular evening, Travis felt
something tugging at him
to pick up the Bible he kept around. “I
was amazed at how much peace of
mind [the reading] brought and how
well I slept,” Travis says. “That peace
lasted well into the next day, and that
wasn’t something I was used to or
knew a lot of, due to my
background.” Such comfort,
incomparable to anything he’d ever
experienced, was the catalyst for
significant spiritual renewal in
Travis’ life.
Inspirational Journey allowed him to convey his newfound faith
via his chosen profession. Two years later, Travis released Rise & Shine, a
collection of story songs penned from a Christian perspective that was
musically painted with fiddles and steel guitars. But one song proved the
album’s standout.
The gospel ballad “Three Wooden Crosses,” written by Kim Williams
and Doug Johnson, relays a tale of tragedy but concludes in hope and
higher purpose. Word Records personnel chanced releasing the song to
country radio and witnessed the rise of a true hit. “Three Wooden Crosses”
achieved No. 1 status at country radio (Billboard, R&R and Music Row
charts), an unprecedented achievement by a Christian record label on the
country charts. At press time, the song had just garnered a host of other
accolades, including both CMA’s and the Christian Country Music
Association’s “Song of the Year” award.
Travis’ latest release, Worship & Faith, finds the baritone interpreting
classics like “The Old Rugged Cross” alongside a few modern praise tunes.
At a New Mexico studio, Travis and his musician buddies holed up for
three days with acoustic instruments for what seemed like “more fun than
work,” he admits. His vision for the project was to “articulate [these songs]
in a way that sounded happy,” he says, and to emphasize the uplifting spirit
of the standards.
ccmmagazine.com
february 04 ccm 37
CCM_02.04_Country.v12
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_
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Since his foray into the Christian market,
Travis says he’s been most surprised by the way
his success in country music has allowed him to
share his testimony of faith.
“I’d never heard the term ‘music ministry’
before I recorded Inspirational Journey,” Travis
admits. But one particular instance impressed
upon him the true meaning: “There was a
woman [who told me] about her son coming to
hear me play at a church. She said, ‘He was just
like Randy with the [history of] drugs and
alcohol.’ She was afraid he was going to get
killed. After the altar call that night he went
forward, was saved and has since been a
completely new person, she told us.” Travis
pauses, then continues emphatically: “I want to
continue doing that. How could I not if I truly
believe the Word of God, what I read in the
38 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
Bible and what I hear preachers preaching about?
“If nothing else, there’s still the one thing Jesus
said: ‘If you take My name before man, I’ll take
yours before the Father.’ How could I walk away
from that?”
ravis gained a labelmate in Billy
Ray Cyrus late last year, when
the singer with 15 top 10 country
songs to his credit joined the
Word Records roster and released
The Other Side. Cyrus, perhaps
best known for his upbeat love
anthem “Achy, Breaky Heart,” says his faith walk
began “the day he was born.”
“My grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher.
My dad had a gospel quartet in his church. I was
raised in my grandfather’s church, and I went to a
T
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Page 39
lot of revivals in
Flatwoods, Kentucky,” he
tells CCM Magazine from
the set of “Doc,” where
Cyrus is taping his fourth
season for PAX network’s
number one-rated show.
“My other grandfather
played the fiddle, and
Saturday nights were a
combination of listening to
the Grand Old Opry [on
the radio] and hearing my
family practicing bluegrass
music. On Sunday morning,
I’d be sitting in my
grandfather’s church singing
‘I’ll Fly Away.’”
Inspiration for his recent
gospel release hit while on
the set of “Doc,” when he felt
prompted to make a record
“saying thanks to Almighty
God for all His blessings,”
Cyrus remembers. “I’d been
taping for about 15 hours. I
was in my dressing room, and
I just dropped to my knees to
say a very desperate prayer. I
asked God, ‘Am I doing what
I’m supposed to be doing with
my life? This feels crazy! This
doesn’t feel like what should be
happening to a boy from
Kentucky.’ It was a clear
moment of peace when I heard
the answer from the Lord.”
Just a few minutes after his
prayer time, Cyrus received
further confirmation when he
got a phone call from Nashville
producer Billy Joe Walker Jr.
(Pam Tillis, Mark Chesnutt). “He
said, ‘Billy Ray, I hope you don’t
think I’m crazy, but I just had this
overwhelming feeling that you
and me should go make a gospel
record.’ I said, ‘Wow.’ Then we just started on it.”
The album is a collection of standards, such
as the blues/rock rendition of “Amazing Grace”
and uplifting tunes penned by some of
Nashville’s top writers. Christian music fans may
recognize one particular song, Bebo Norman’s
“Tip of My Heart” from Norman’s Big Blue Sky
(Essential) album. “I’d heard that song four years
ago and wanted to cut it then. I was a big Bebo
fan. I pitched it for two mainstream albums, but
my record companies at the time didn’t
understand the song,” says Cyrus.
Cyrus says his goals, these days, are best
explained by the contents of a letter he received
from one of his heroes, Johnny Cash, in 1992.
“It says something to the effect of, ‘Billy Ray,
you remind me of a good friend of mine—Elvis
Presley. Like Elvis, you continue to remind
people where all good things come from.
Continue to let people know that all those
things come from Almighty God. (Signed)
Johnny Cash.’” Continues Cyrus, “My prayer has
always been that God would give me the
wisdom, faith and vision to do the things I was
supposed to do, to be the person I was supposed
to be, to sing the songs I was supposed to sing. It
was evident to me that I couldn’t go any further
in my life or career until I paid tribute to Him.”
ollowing Travis’ and Cyrus’ example
is a new class of emerging country
artists who are, by the nature of the
songs they are singing, ushering
faith in Christ into the spotlight.
Newcomers like USA Networks’
“Nashville Star” (the “country”
version of “American Idol”)-turnedSony-recording-artist Buddy Jewell, MCA
Records’ new soulful traditionalist Josh Turner
and Statler Brothers’ progeny, Grandstaff, readily
acknowledge their gospel music roots and
readily admit a present reliance on God for
direction and inspiration.
Grandstaff, comprised of cousins Wil and
Langdon Reid, released its debut country album,
Circles (Yell/Compendia), last summer and cite
efforts like Travis’ as “genuine and inspiring” as
they, likewise, work to restore gospel music to its
well-deserved place in country’s crown. “Our
dads [The Statler Brothers’ Don and Harold
Reid] started out in gospel music and never
deserted it because it was near and dear to their
hearts, and it is to ours as well,” says Wil. In
preserving that tradition, Grandstaff says they’ll
include gospel cuts on every record and in every
concert they perform.
Turner, recognizable by his country radio gem
“Long Black Train,” a song that deals with
overcoming temptation, reiterates the
importance of preserving country’s gospel roots.
“Country music’s heritage comes from a faithbased mentality. It comes from people singing in
churches and on front porches. The music was a
part of everyday life. Country music singers and
fans back then were manual labor workers. They
were farmers. They lived up in the hills in rural
areas where they had to use their hands, and
they had to rely on God for their next meal.
‘Country’ meant things like that, where faith
played a huge part in their lives. That bled over
into the music.”
Turner concludes that gospel singing isn’t just
about proselytizing, though. No doubt there’s an
important message couched in a catchy melody,
he acknowledges. “But I want people to feel what
I’m about, no matter what kind of song I sing. I
don’t want to have to preach to somebody or
sing a gospel song just for them to understand
I’m a Christian,” he says. “I want them to see it in
my eyes and hear it in my voice.” ccm
F
JOSH
TURNER
Long Black Train
featuring the top 5 single
“Long Black Train”
“nobody will ever
replace jennings or
cash, but ‘long black
train’ putsturner on
the right track”
– people magazine
IN STORES NOW
IN STORES NOW
Visit JoshTurner.com and
MCANashville.com
Produced by Mark Wright & Frank Rogers
Managed by JAG Management
© 2004 MCA Nashville, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
ccmmagazine.com
february 04 ccm 39
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L
ast month, we debuted our new
“Listening In” feature, letting
readers “sit in” on a conversation
between an artist and another influential
person in, or of interest to, the
Christian community. We unveiled the
first part of recording artist Steven
Curtis Chapman’s and author Philip
Yancey’s conversation, where they
shared, discussed and sometimes
rambled about everything from the way
they create their individual art to Godhonoring sexuality (Believe it.).
This month, we eavesdrop again for
the conclusion of this discussion as
these two thinkers tackle whether or not
there should even be a Christian
industry in addition to the mainstream;
and, for all of you fans of U2, Philip
offers a little insider story about his
friends. So sit back, relax and see what
these two have to say!
Steven: One of the things we struggle with in the
church at large is this constant tug of war that goes
on of, “Are we just preaching to the choir? Are we
really reaching the world; are we really impacting
the culture if we’re just speaking to other Christians?”
There’s an Eric Little quote in Chariots of Fire when
his father says, “Run in God’s name, and let the
world stand in wonder.” You do what you do, you do
it for the glory of God, and you know the
motivation. And it’s going to look different for every
artist. Every artist is going to have a different stroke
with his or her brush, a different stroke with his or
her pen, a different way of approaching it. There are
going to be those who communicate musically to
the culture at large. MercyMe is finding itself in the
middle of this huge explosion of a song called “I Can
Only Imagine.” That is as Christian a song as has
ever been written, and it’s been a smash hit on pop
radio. So, you just do what you do, and God brings
those opportunities.
Philip: I think it’s OK to tell this story. U2 came to
New Orleans and played in the Superdome. Brennan
Manning [The Ragamuffin Gospel, Signature of Jesus] was
in New Orleans, so they looked him up because
they had read his books. Edge [guitarist] said, “OK,
Brennan, I have two questions for you.” I forget the
first one. The second one was: “Can I glorify God
by being the best rock guitarist I can be?” And
Brennan said, “Absolutely you can. If that’s your
calling, you can.”
In a lot of ways Edge is a more thoughtful,
content-oriented guy than Bono. But he’s aware that
Bono’s the front guy. [He’s probably thinking:] “Bono
40 ccm february 04
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(listening in...)
part 2
with
Steven Curtis
Chapman
and
Philip Yancey
s
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is the media-savvy [one]. He can handle the crowds,
and that’s not my goal, and that’s not my calling. I
probably wouldn’t be very good at it. But I can be
God’s guitarist!”
Steven: Wow, that’s incredible.
Philip: Bono is an interesting example here because
[U2] tried intentionally not to be a “Christian rock
band,” even though some of the guys are strong
Christians. Yet he came to a point where he said in
USA Today, “We live in this crazy celebrity culture.
Like an athlete, I’ve got the attention of the world;
so what matters most? To me what matters most is
the continent of Africa, AIDS and the debt and the
poverty these people live under.” It’s actually the
most Christian continent in a lot of ways. “So I’m
going to use this crazy platform I have because I play
music and use it for things I believe in.”
He wasn’t doing that 10-15 years ago, and all
these Christians were wondering, “Are they still
Christians?” But he’s very strategic. He waited until
his credentials were secure. He can walk into George
Bush’s office as he does because he didn’t get pigeonholed as a Christian rock musician. But now he’s
matured, and he’s saying, “How am I a steward of
this crazy celebrity culture?”
Steven: In terms of Christian music, should there
even be a contemporary Christian music? Should
there even be a Christian Booksellers Association?
Obviously, you’re grateful there is; but do you think
it’s a matter of being called to different things, of
God placing different callings, putting people in
different places to do that?
Philip: That’s part of it. And then part of it is just the
mechanics of distributors and outlets. Even now,
most secular bookstores have in their religion section
probably as much New Age and non-Christian
religion material [as Christian religion material]. It’s
all mixed in there together. They do not give a fair
shot to the 46 million Americans who call
themselves “born again.”
If one out of three Americans considers
himself/herself a born again Christian, you would
think, in a bookstore, one out of three products
would speak to those people. Instead it’s one out of
3,000. So part of it is just a practical matter.
You’re an artist; I’m a writer, and we’re both trying
to make a living. You make a living off a tiny
percentage of a product out that’s sold; but if nobody
can get that product, you wither. So the Christian
booksellers sprang up because those books weren’t in
secular outlets. That’s changing a lot. Eventually,
secular [outlets] were saying, “Hey, they’re [Christian
booksellers] making a lot of money over here; I can
sell that, and they don’t care.”
Steven: The old dollar starts calling them.
Philip: They don’t care whether it’s Buddhist, yoga,
massage or what! But, for me, the calling is more the
platform. Most Christian writers have another
platform. Like Chuck Colson: His platform is his
history and his current Prison Fellowship [ministry].
Max Lucado’s platform is the pulpit. In fact, most
authors who have best-selling books—such as Rick
Warren—are people who have another job.
I don’t have another job. My calling is that I’m
just an ordinary pilgrim. I don’t have a board [of
directors], and I don’t have a group of elders telling
me, “Don’t talk about this, and don’t talk about that.”
So I sit there in church just like anybody else and
try to figure out, “OK, does any of this make sense?”
Is it like the pastor tells me it’s going to be; and if
my prayers seem dead, is that my fault, is it God’s
fault? So it’s a glorious freedom to be able to ask any
of those questions. I’m usually pretty intimidated
when I ask them, wondering: “Am I the only one?”
Later I find out, actually, most of the people
sitting there are also asking, “Am I the only one not
getting it?” We live in a culture that’s saying the
opposite all day long, and it’s just not easy. For me
and for Christian musicians, too, you just have to
figure out: What is my calling, and who is my
audience? So it’s just being faithful to the calling.
Really, what any artist has is an individual point
of view. There’s a quote that says: “I can’t imagine
how God could love the particular person that is
me; but I can imagine how God is incomplete, that
somehow His work, His creation is incomplete
without the particular point of view represented by
everyone on earth.” So you have to be faithful to
that point of view.
And, in my case, it involves a very unhealthy
church background; so I have to be honest about
that and call it like it is, even though I hurt people
sometimes when I do that. Other people say, “This
is the body of Christ; you shouldn’t criticize them.” I
say, “Well, it doesn’t look a lot like Christ, so it
doesn’t have to!” So we just have to figure out our
calling and what our point of view is.
Steven: I think there’s a part of all of us that
imagines ourselves as being “Bonos.” If we play
Christian music and think, “Man, here’s a guy who
has communicated great truth; but he’s also been a
really cool rock star and has developed this platform
on which he can speak.” Sometimes there’s this
struggle of [wondering] if [what you’re doing is]
second rate. I think the kind of ministry that’s
accomplished when you write a book like What’s So
Amazing About Grace or Disappointment With God—and
reach beyond anybody who would probably ever
pick up a Phillip Yancey book—is that those people
will grapple with their faith and wrestle with the
disappointment of where they’re living right now.
All of the sudden there will be a revelation of,
“Wow, this is what God is trying to say to me
through all of this. Now I can be a more believable
Christian because this is real now.”
I make music, and you write books for Christians.
But if we can somehow pour His truth into the lives
of others, they are going to go live a more
authentic, real Christian life. And that’s evangelism;
that’s the Great Commission being carried out. We
can never underestimate the impact of that as well
as those opportunities we have to speak to the
culture at large. ccm
To view the entire transcript from this interview, go to
CCMmagazine.com.
ccmmagazine.com
february 04 ccm 41
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inreviewmusic
inreviewmusic
God Put A Smile Upon Your Face
On World Service, Delirious aptly returns to its original formula of hearty rock vibe with simple
declarations of praise to God.
DELIRIOUS
World Service
Sparrow
Your passport for universal worship
Like the custom of taking a proper
afternoon tea, the tabloid fascination
with the royal family or the Euro-pop
renderings of Britain’s favorite son,
Robbie Williams, Delirious’ music has
File under:
Grade: Asometimes been a little lost in
Pop/Rock/Worship
translation when making the proverbial
For fans of... the simplicity of Delirious’
Cutting Edge worship fare with a modern
leap across the pond to America.
soundtrack.
And that’s not to say the band hasn’t
been successful in the United States. After all, Delirious practically
wrote one of the earliest chapters of the modern-worship movement
with the release of its double-disc effort Cutting Edge (Sparrow) that
introduced church audiences to songs including “I Could Sing of Your
Love Forever,” “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” and “The
Happy Song.” But it’s when the band has wholeheartedly embraced its
inner rock star with rollicking efforts like Mezzamorphis (Sparrow) and
Touch (Furious) that some listeners were left scratching their heads,
asking, “Who is this band? Are they rock stars or worship leaders?”
And, the truth is, Delirious has always been a bit of both as it’s
managed to seamlessly weave these two elements into its live shows.
But with the release of World Service, the band has succeeded in
bridging this somewhat confusing gap between rock and worship with
an album that could be dubbed Cutting Edge circa 2004. However,
unlike its predecessor, the soundtrack is decidedly more hi-fi with
modern, sweeping musical arrangements, plenty of the U2-esque guitar
riffs that have shaped Delirious’sound and catchy, congregationalfriendly hooks that bring previous anthems like “History Maker” and
“Deeper” to mind.
From the opening strains of “Grace Like a River,” to the reflective,
plaintive closer “Every Little Thing,” there’s a cohesive theme of
worship and personal reflection that resonates throughout. While the
lyrics are simple enough to sing in a Sunday morning service, frontman
Martin Smith’s words ring with depth, most notably on the gorgeous
string-driven track “Majesty (Here I Am)” and the assertive guitar
declaration of “Free.”
Just when it seems that worship songs may have potentially reached
their creative zenith, both musically and lyrically speaking, as the
modern praise movement surges on, Delirious has aptly provided a
handful of new songs for the church to sing on World Service. And with
its universal bent, surely this is a language everyone will understand.
CHRISTA FARRIS
ccmmagazine.com
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inreviewmusic
inreviewmusic
thanksgiving. But on “Dance
Dance,” the soulful improv of
“Love Me Like That” and in
the sentiment of “Together,”
there’s an earthy sensuality
that is a fitting, even crucial,
element in making the
spiritual journey accessible
to those who have previously
felt cut off.
File under:
Grade: C+
Worship/Folk
For fans of... music that’ll bring out
everyone’s inner hippie.
BRIAN QUINCY NEWCOMB
ENTER THE
WORSHIP
CIRCLE
Third Circle
Grassroots
Emotionally unavailable
listeners need not apply.
SILERS BALD
File under:
Grade: B
Pop/Rock
For fans of... thinking man’s pop music.
SILERS BALD
Real Life
Essential
please tracks include the
biographical “Carolina Line,”
the worship anthem “My
Heart Will Sing” and the
soul-searching strains of
“So On.”
Named for a ridge on a
hiking trail on the Carolina/
Tennessee border, this
acoustic pop ensemble is
good listening, whether
you’re sampling these
sounds in a small sanctuary
or in front of a festival
stage. Ultimately, Real Life
is a musical snapshot that
reflects just that.
HEATHER WIEDERSTEIN
There’s nothing artificial
about this “life.”
Silers Bald’s major label
debut has been six years in
the making, as the band
has been honing its laidback, Southern, pop-rock
style on the independent
circuit for at least that long.
And it’s the camaraderie
that developed as a result
that really sets the stage for
a stellar freshman effort.
Produced by Caedmon’s
Call’s Josh Moore, the
album is a canvas of
insightful lyrics smattered
with folk, rock and pop
elements. The songs blend
seamlessly from one theme
to another, each resonating
with truthful and refreshing
instrumentation. Sure-to-
44 ccm february 04
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File under:
Grade: B+
Rock
For fans of... a gutsy rock chick with
something valuable to say.
SARAH KELLY
Take Me Away
Gotee
She will rock you!
Even though it’s difficult
getting people’s attention
in music these days,
there’s simply no ignoring
Sarah Kelly. Female rockers
aren’t necessarily all that
rare anymore, but a
powerful voice like hers
isn’t exactly common
either. On her debut, Take
Me Away, Kelly mixes this
power with a patient
sweetness (such as on
“Living Hallelujah” and
“More Than Anyone”), but
one quickly learns that
when her vocal engine isn’t
roaring, it is always on the
verge of doing so.
Musically, Kelly is backed
by some tasteful electric
guitar textures that never
drift very far from the
melodic rock vein. Her
confidence is obvious
throughout but is most
evident on songs like the
compelling “Please Forgive
Me,” where blues and
rock are decorated with
a triumphant electricguitar solo.
Overall, the most
enjoyable quality about Take
Me Away is that the songs
just get bigger and bigger
with each listen. And that
seems to fit Kelly’s amazing
voice just fine.
DAVID MACKLE
Embodying the musicality of
the drum circle, the modern
hippie folk song and the
harmony sing-along tradition
that goes back for
generations, Third Circle
continues a journey that
attempts to reflect the
inspiration of the Psalter for
a new generation. Simple
yet texturally rich, these
songs find their center in
crisp acoustic guitars, hand
drums and the lush
tapestries of male and
female vocals.
Valuing the worship
experience as public,
conversational and inviting,
the singers and writers
have sought to respond to
the words of Scripture in
ways that are immediate
and relevant. “I Don’t
Know,” “God Is Good” and
“Everlasting Love” are
examples of how the lyrics
manage to feel both
personal yet broadly
universal while presenting a
very specific “religious”
experience that expects a
high level of emotional
availability. Not everyone
will feel comfortable with
the idea of being “kissed”
by God, but that’s the kind
of verbiage listeners will
find here.
As much as they wish to
honor the full humanity of
the Psalter in Worship
Circle, the funkier laments
and cries for social
restructuring that many find
in the biblical text rarely
surface in songs that tend
toward praise and
File under:
Grade: B
Pop/Rock
For fans of... socially conscious rock
with spiritual substance.
BARLOWGIRL
BarlowGirl
Fervent
These super chicks have a
supercharged message.
BarlowGirl, the trio comprised
of sisters Rebecca, Alyssa
and Lauren Barlow, is
credited with inspiring
“Barlow Girls,” a song
that first appeared on
Superchic[k]’s debut,
Karaoke Superstars. And after
listening to this teen-issueoriented album, it’s not hard
to see why these young
ladies have had such a
positive impact. That’s
because seemingly anything
that could potentially trouble
young adults is somehow
covered throughout the
course of this CD.
For example, the danger
of putting too much stock in
celebrities is addressed on
“Pedestal,” while the way
feminine clothes only seem
fit for the rail-thin bodies of
supermodels is woven into
the lyrical fabric of
“Clothes.” Later, on
“Superstars,” listeners are
reminded that they don’t
need to be famous in order
to be true “stars” for God.
While addressing relevant
issues is a great alternative
to the pop-culture norm, after
a while Barlowgirl’s non-stop
social commentary gets to be
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a little overwhelming. The
group’s debut may be a
sharply produced pop/rock
effort, but good intentions
can occasionally get lost in
the mix when the message
feels a little heavy handed.
DAN M A C INTOSH
his roots-oriented treatment
on “Open the Eyes of My
Heart” and “We Fall Down.”
DAVID M C CREARY
JOHN REUBEN
Professional Rapper
Gotee
File under:
Grade: AHip-hop
For fans of... hip-hop that’s devoid of
the usual “bling bling.”
in live musicianship on
tracks like “Have No
Opinion?” and “Freedom to
Feel.” Likewise, the
emcee/producer proves
himself adept at balancing
such darker fare as “I
Haven’t Been Myself” with
lighter, poppy numbers such
as “Treats.” Ultimately,
Reuben shows that not all
“attitudes” are necessarily
bad attitudes.
DAVID JENISON
John Reuben is growing
up, and that’s OK!
File under:
Grade: B
Country/Gospel
For fans of... familiar church standards
with a bluegrass/country bent.
RANDY TRAVIS
Worship & Faith
Word
Worship goes country
in a satisfying,
home-spun fashion.
Country music veteran
Randy Travis’ third faithdriven album comprises a
diverse 20-song collection
of classic hymns, countrygospel favorites and
modern-praise selections.
Fans of the singer’s
previous efforts will find
much to like about Worship
& Faith, particularly the
album’s no-frills acoustic
arrangements and
Travis’ distinctive
baritone renderings.
Among the conventional
highlights are a dawdling yet
exquisite version of “How
Great Thou Art,” the stringinflected “Softly and
Tenderly” and the subtle
bluegrass stylings of
“Blessed Assurance.” Also
noteworthy, old-fashioned
standard “Love Lifted Me”
features a satisfying duet
with Third Day frontman
Mac Powell.
Banjo- and fiddle-tinged
southern gospel mainstays
“I’ll Fly Away” and “Shall We
Gather at the River” are
particularly memorable,
as is toe-tapping keeper
“Turn Your Radio On.”
But perhaps most engaging
are Travis’ covers of modernworship tracks, especially
With Professional Rapper,
John Reuben flexes an
attitude, and, fortunately,
the payoff couldn’t be
better. Minimizing the cute
lyrics and puns of past
albums, the Columbus,
Ohio,-based emcee flows
clever, biting lyrics directed
at issues like narrowminded intellectualism,
empty standards of success
and preconceived notions of
Midwestern perspectives.
Though the tone may lean
toward snide and satirical,
the core message rests in
such positive ideals as
empowerment and
personal growth.
Reuben’s recent takeover
as a producer proves to be
a smart move, as evidenced
by the tracks he worked on.
“Move” kicks off the disc
with a blistering club track
that would make Dre and
Timbaland proud, while
Reuben seamlessly blends
File under:
Grade: BPop/R&B
For fans of... soulful sisters that
continue to create great, catchy songs
with purpose.
OUT OF EDEN
Love, Peace, and
Happiness
Gotee
These sisters are doin’ it
for themselves.
When it comes to Christianbased R&B and hip-hop
acts, Out of Eden is among
the elite few who’ve been
able to successfully balance
spiritual sensitivity, street
credibility and superb
production quality.
Throughout the course of
three best-selling ’90s
releases and the trio’s last
outing, This is Your Life, the
Kimmey sisters have
provided fans with glorious
harmonies, sharp-edged
dance beats and songwriting
that appeals to the churched
and unchurched alike.
On the group’s latest
effort, Love, Peace, and
Happiness, those goals are
still apparent, while the
sounds have been updated
in some instances to
match urban music’s
current trends.
Such is the case of
the potent title cut,
characterized by its steamy
R&B grooves, breezy beat
shuffle and vocal tradeoffs
between the three songbirds
(falling in the Ashanti/
Beyoncé category). But,
unlike its mainstream
counterparts, instead of
conjuring up steamy imagery
or flaunting sexuality, Out of
Eden focuses on praising
God. Spiritual grounding also
drives cuts like the militant
“Soldiers” (a battle cry for
believers to defend their
faith), the snappy, Mary J.
Blige-esque “Drama Free”
(encouraging listeners to give
problems to God rather than
turning minute situations into
calamities) and the tenderhearted “Shoulda Listened”
(about a fallen girl who seeks
forgiveness for her mistakes).
And as much as Out of
Eden should be applauded
for such relevant topical
discussions, there are a few
instances of sonic repetition
that occasionally detract
from the disc’s otherwise
hopeful message. Take, for
instance, the retro
throwback to Michael
Jackson’s early ’90s
incarnation “Coulda Been
Me” (which introduces stale
snapping techniques over
previously presented
arrangements).
However, despite the
occasional sonic misstep,
new and long-term fans alike
should enjoy the style and
substance these sisters
have to offer.
ANDY ARGYRAKIS
File under:
Grade: B
Pop/Rock
For fans of... earnest but out-of-the-box
lyrics from singer/songwriters like Shaun
Groves and John Mayer.
MATTHEW
WEST
Happy
Universal South
There’s plenty to be “happy”
about on this debut.
You’ve got to appreciate
someone with the guts to
sing, “I am a classic case of
dysfunction!” Matthew West
serves up that wry
observation—and a few
others—about life and faith
on his debut, Happy. Cut
from the same alt-rock
singer/songwriter cloth as
Shaun Groves, Jason Mraz
and John Mayer, West
demonstrates a knack for
radio-friendly hooks with a
voice that resonates like
Delirious’ Martin Smith’s or
slightly more mellow like
Jeremy Camp’s. That factor
gives songs like “The
Turnaround” one of those
choruses that’s utterly
singable in a driving-in-theconvertible-with-the-top-down
sort of way. Same goes
for lead single “More,”
which shifts with ease
from melancholy, pianodriven Brit-rock to a big
fuzz-guitar chorus.
Still, it’s hard not to feel
that Happy comes off
sounding a bit constrained.
The drum loop and hip-hop
intro to the title track had
me anticipating more of that
street-wise hipness, but the
album largely rides on fairly
ordinary alt-rock
arrangements. Drawing on
more diverse stylistic
elements (something
another new singer/
songwriter, Paul Wright,
does exceedingly well)
would have elevated this
good album to sonic
greatness.
ANTHONY D E BARROS
ccmmagazine.com
february 04 ccm 45
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inreviewmusic
File under:
Grade: B
Pop
For fans of... smart songs sung by a
bright young talent
songstress Crystal Lewis
should be pleased. At times
the album may even make
you think about an R&B
classic from Stevie Wonder
or more contemporary artists
such as Indie.Arie or Musik.
With a unique voice and
plenty to say, George Rowe
proves he can musically
bridge the black/white divide
with a message of hope,
peace and salvation.
MICHAEL CIANI
GEORGE ROWE
Think About That
Rocketown
Rocketown’s latest signing
shows tremendous
potential.
George Rowe III bares his
“soul” on Think About That,
his debut album. With a
clear, gorgeous voice that
brings to mind Justin
Timberlake or an early
version of Michael Jackson,
Rowe easily carves out a
unique place for himself in
Christian music.
Rowe, a New Jersey
native, recorded the soulful
pop album in Los Angeles
with producer Brian Steckler
and executive producer Brent
Bourgeois, helping to avoid
some of the Nashville
musical clichés other artists
can occasionally fall into.
Don’t let the rather standard
“adult contemporary”
sound of the first single,
“Everlasting,” fool you.
George Rowe has got soul
to spare.
The two best tracks here
are “Blessed Assurance”
and “Broken,” the latter
written in what Rowe calls a
“valley moment” of difficult
testing and uncertainty. Both
songs make it clear that
Rowe needs to be taken
seriously not just for his
standout voice but also for
his ability to pen a great
song. And after surviving
severe abuse as a young
child (before being adopted
into a loving home) to go on
to law school, Rowe better
also be taken seriously as an
overcomer with the ability to
stay the course in a field
crowded with new artists.
Comparisons are not
easily drawn for Rowe, but
fans of The Katinas, urban
wunderkind Smokie Norful or
46 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
BONNIE KEEN
God of Many Chances
Reborn
File under:
Grade: APop/Adult Contemporary
For fans of... First Call and previous
Keen’s solo outing.
Her sophomore solo album
is anything but
the proverbial slump.
Her voice is instantly
recognizable to most people
who have listened to
contemporary Christian
music in the last 18 years.
As a founding member of the
seminal vocal group First
Call, Bonnie Keen long ago
proved her prowess as a
Dove Award-winning and
Grammy-nominated singer
and songwriter of five No. 1
songs. With God of Many
Chances, her second solo
recording and follow-up to
1999’s Marked For Life,
Keen comes into her own
with a blend of up-tempo
songs and lyrical ballads—
consummate pop music at
its best.
Similar to songwriting
contemporaries Carly Simon
and Joni Mitchell, Keen’s
style is always confessional
with songs filled with hope
and a clear perspective of
God’s grace. Particularly
effective is the title track,
with its layered harmonies,
harp accents and light
techno rhythms, and “Sweet
Forgiveness,” a bright pop
gem washed with R&B
shadings. The song
literally explodes with energy
and joy at its bridge—
“Sweet forgiveness/
Fall on me/Forgive me Lord,
it’s You alone that I grieve/
Amazing mercy is what I
need/Cleanse me Lord,
it’s You alone who knows
me/Sweet forgiveness/
Fall on me.” The blues-tinged
rocker “Something Was
Broken” and the soulful
“Lay It Down” also
showcase Keen’s vocals,
which combine the emotive
style of Sarah McLachlan,
the grit of Bonnie Raitt
and the powerful depth of
Annie Lennox.
Overall, the recording’s
production and musicianship
are consistently first-rate as
Keen demonstrates she is a
mature solo artist at the top
of her craft.
TIMOTHY ROHDE
music
BY CHRISTA FARRIS
not final cover art
ith February serving as the month dedicated to all things pink,
lovey-dovey and candy-coated, one might think the musical vibe
of the hour would reflect those syrupy-sweet tendencies. But Cupid is
apparently over the ballad thing and ready to rock, as evidenced by
the slew of progressive sounds releasing this month.
For instance, take one of 2003’s biggest success stories. Kutless’
Jon Micah Sumrall & Co. are back with their sophomore disc, Sea of
Faces (Tooth & Nail). With a bigger budget, the band’s sound booms
louder in the vein of mainstream rockers Puddle of Mudd and
combines layered drum loops and fills that fatten up the sound like
Linkin Park would. Nice!
Jeremy Camp also keeps the guitars loud (just how we like ‘em) on
his new breed of rock praise, Carried Me—A Worship Project (BEC).
And in a blast from Christian rock’s past, former Poor Old Lu guitar
genius Aaron Sprinkle pens a debut CD with an ironic title, Lackluster
(Tooth & Nail), considering the stellar quality of the project. Also,
rock/worship connoisseurs should happy to hear that the lads in
Delirious have crafted an effort that’s reminiscent of their Cutting
Edge glory days with World Service (Sparrow).
And if it seems like we’ve neglected the girls in the rock genre,
never fear. We’ve got the women covered, as we’re happy to
introduce you to Ms. Sarah Kelly, whose Gotee debut, Take Me Away,
keeps the feminine mystique intact with sensitive, introspective lyrics
and an unmistakable voice that certainly gets the message home.
In the poppier rock vein with plenty of hooks to spare, BarlowGirl’s
first record infuses just the right amount of girl power into a socially
aware debut that tackles the issues young women deal with. Think
image, celebrity worship, peer pressure, etc.
Switching gears for the readers who like to funk things up a bit,
there are plenty of diverse sounds to keep your personal playlist
jumpin’. Out of Eden’s Love, Peace and Happiness (Gotee) is a
great soundtrack that’s packed with meaty subject matter perfect for
crankin’ up in your car or at your next party. Also, keeping the urban
flava alive, New Direction’s III (Gospo Centric) is a worthwhile listen
when the songs on your iPod’s rotation grow tiresome. Meanwhile,
Larnelle Harris and renowned artists like Marilyn McCoo and Billy
Davis Jr. team up to provide a little musical soulfood on Spirituals
Songs of the Soul (Discovery House).
Sidestepping the predictable tribute album, or “best of”
approach, Sparrow Records has invited many of Charlie
Peacock’s comrades to join the artist/producer/songwriter/
author in the studio to celebrate his 20th anniversary in the
music business. Full Cirlce: A Celebration of Song and Friends
will feature new recordings by Charlie, as well as reworked
Peacock classics performed by the members of dc talk,
Switchfoot, Bela Fleck, Bart Millard (MercyMe), Sixpence None
The Richer, Phil Keaggy, Out of the Grey, Bourgeois-Tagg, The
77s' Mike Roe and Aaron Smith, Margaret Becker, Darwin
Hobbs, Avalon, Sara Groves, Venus Hum and Jimmy A.
W
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BY N A N C Y G U T H R I E
CCM Magazine is pleased to introduce you to our newly revamped books section. Each month, we’ll
help you discover the new “must reads” that’ll entertain, encourage and provide you with plenty of
faith-inspired insight.
Giving us the insider’s perspective into all things literary is our new columnist Nancy Guthrie
(nancyguthrie.com). This self-professed lover of books has worked in a variety of capacities in
Christian publishing, including production of numerous audio books and as publicist for the Christian
Booksellers Association. She is also the author of the best-selling account of her baby daughter’s
brief life and death, Holding On to Hope (Tyndale), and has been featured in publications such as
Time Magazine and USA Today.
If you have feedback, ideas or just want to “talk books,” feel free to e-mail Nancy at
nancy@ccmcom.com —CHRISTA FARRIS
have about four thousand
people who will vouch for me
when I tell you I have sung
onstage with the Brooklyn
Tabernacle Choir. OK, so I was
sitting at the side waiting to
speak while they were singing
songs from its newest release,
This Is Your House (M20), but I
was singing
along! You
can’t help
it. And I’ve
found I
can’t help
wanting to
lift my
hands in praise even when I’m
driving with the CD playing in
the car.
Just as listening to the
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will
make you want to praise, reading
pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle
Jim Cymbala’s Break-Through
Prayer (Zondervan) will make
you want to
pray—and
actually
expect God
to answer.
This is not
a typical
book about
prayer;
there are
no tips or
techniques.
Instead, you’ll find moving stories
of lives changed in the Brooklyn
Tabernacle through the power of
prayer and sound teaching.
Rather than a formula to get
what you want from God,
Cymbala challenges readers to
obedience, holiness and study of
God’s Word, so that we might
experience not just break-through
prayer but break-through
blessings, break-through joy and
I
48 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
break-through fruitfulness.
Cymbala writes, “Breakthrough
prayer isn’t born out of an ‘I
should pray today’ attitude but,
instead, out of an ‘I must have
God’s help’ frame of mind.”
When you finish reading this
book, you won’t want to settle
for the self-sufficient, going-tochurch kind of Christianity that
many of us have fallen into along
the way. You’ll want a breakthrough in your life.
ou’ve heard of “chick lit,”
right? It’s books featuring
young, unmarried female
heroines finding their way
through modern life. But have
you heard about Christian chick
lit or read about it in USA Today?
Publishers Weekly dubbed it
“Bridget Jones Goes to Church.”
Whatever you want to call it,
these books are fun, and the
characters are more like people
you actually know than those you
typically find in some Christian
fiction titles. According to Kristen
Billerbeck, author of one of the
first chick-lit titles to hit the
bookshelves, Christian chick lit is
about more than a single girl’s
love life and career world; it also
encompasses her faith.
Meet 28-year-old Ashley
Stockingdale in Billerbeck’s
What a Girl Wants
(W Publishing), who says,
“All I want is
a nice
Christian guy
who doesn’t
live with his
mother...
and maybe a
Prada
handbag.”
And what
does Ashley
Y
push into her CD player as she
drives along in her convertible,
Burberry scarf blowing in the
wind? David Crowder’s
Illuminations (SixSteps), one of
Billerbeck’s favorite bands.
“David Crowder inspires me as
a writer,” says Billerbeck. “His
music just really puts me in
touch with God, and I wanted to
portray that aspect of worship
being important to Ashley.”
So you’re more like a 40something than a 20-something,
and you still want to have some
fun? You may want to check out
Robin Jones Gunn’s new series,
which is closer to mommy lit
than chick lit but still full of real
life. Starting with her first
release, Sister Chicks on the
Loose! (Multnomah), Gunn
describes a “sisterchick” as “a
friend who shares the deepest
wonders of your heart, loves you
like a sister and provides a
reality check when you’re being
a brat.” The second book in the
series, Sisterchicks Do the Hula!,
is out this
month. Fortysomething
herself with
two teenagers
in the house,
Gunn names
her favorite
artists as
Margaret
Becker and
the late Rich Mullins.
ecently, my Bible study has
been studying Malachi.
(Never done that before, have
you?) And each week we’ve had
a reading assignment in Scotty
Smith’s book, Reign of Grace
(Howard), which uses the book
of Malachi as its inspiration and
R
focal point.
What an
amazing
book! And
I’m not the
only one to
think so.
Dan
Haseltine
of Jars of
Clay says
Smith’s book “provokes us to
dig deeper into our lives with the
truth of the gospel as both
scalpel and stitch.” Wes King
says the book, “has the lyrical
ring of a Spurgeon with the
weight of an Edwards, the
accessibility of a Lewis, and it is
all adorned in the sound
theology of a Henry van Til.”
I found that while this book is
deep and theological in its
examination of grace,
redemption and how marriage
reflects God’s love relationship
with His people, it is also
incredibly practical and piercing
in its discussions of suffering as
discipline, addiction as idolatry
and stewardship as worship.
Most of all, the book paints a
picture of the irresistible love of
God for faithless people like me.
“God’s reign of grace isn’t a
free meal ticket to heaven for
people who invite Jesus into
their hearts,” writes Smith.
“It’s the Bridegroom’s costly
pursuit, dowry, invitation and
proposal to a wedding feast
and marriage—our own! It’s
the guarantee that this
quintessential romance
is not merely a spiritual
metaphor but the ultimate
transforming reality.”
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Married to a Powerful Pray-er: A Q&A with Michael Omartian
Producer, recording artist, songwriter and musical genius,
Michael Omartian is also the husband of author extraordinaire
Stormie Omartian. Also a songwriter and speaker, Stormie is
the best-selling author of “The Power of Praying” series of
books, including The Power of a Praying Wife, The Power of a
Praying Parent, The Power of a Praying Husband, The Power of a
Praying Woman and the latest in the series, The Power of
Praying Together (released July 2003).
CCM: Finally, This month is Valentine’s Day. What is the most
romantic thing Stormie would say you have ever done to celebrate
Valentine’s Day with her?
MO: Stormie is a very pragmatic person, and she doesn’t go for all
the gushy stuff. We had wedding rings made that were matching
when we got married, and Stormie always wanted a ring with
diamonds all the way around it. For Valentine’s Day on our 10th
anniversary, I had one made for her.
CCM: Millions of people have been learning from
your wife, Stormie, about the transforming power
of prayer in the life of a family and a marriage.
What is it like for you to see your wife having an
impact on so many lives?
MO: It is exciting. It is funny because I know many guys
who feel intimidated when their wives do well. But I think it
is the greatest thing in the world. The coolest thing is that
she doesn’t really “get” the impact she is having. She is not
arrogant, and that is refreshing to me.
I was on a plane trip, and there were two women sitting
next to me and they were discussing a new book by Stormie
Omartian (Of course, they pronounced our name like a
person who is from the planet Mars.). And I’m sitting there
thinking, “Am I going to tell them?” I couldn’t resist, and so I
said, “Ladies, I heard you talking; I am her husband.”
“No you’re not,” they said. “You can’t be.”
I had to pull out my driver’s license to get them to believe
me. I guess I’m just not what they expected.
CCM: How have the prayers of your praying wife
changed you?
MO: Prayer has changed both of us. It has been a way of
life. Years ago, under the ministry of Jack Hayford, we began
to have prayer gatherings at our house every week. We
would have days of prayer when five or six couples and their
kids would come over for an entire day of intercession, and
the kids would actually look forward to being there to pray
and be prayed for.
Stormie has been a person of prayer since the day I met
her, and her example is incredible for me.
CCM: What are you up to musically these days?
And what are you having the most fun doing?
MO: I just finished a new record for Verve Universal for a
new artist named Joshua Payne—a pop record with a
slightly classical twist to it. I also just finished producing
three tracks on the upcoming 4HIM album, Visible (Word).
I am currently working with Cliff Richard, producing a
couple of tracks on his Christmas record and two tracks on
an upcoming pop record. He loves coming to Nashville, and
we recorded it here in my studio.
I’m probably most excited about an instrumental record I
just finished for myself called Animator. It includes four
songs that I produced previously that were No. 1 hits, and I
brought back the original artists to re-record them—Vince
Gill, Christopher Cross, Peter Cetera. And the rest is just
instrumental. I’ll be putting out the record myself through a
Web site currently under development (most likely
michaelomartian.com), and we’ll see how it goes.
ccmmagazine.com
february 04 ccm 49
CCM_02.04_Gear_v4
12/31/03
1:32 PM
Page 50
inreviewgear
BY K E N T M O R R I S
HAULING GEAR AROUND
NEW ROAD CASES OFFER SOLUTIONS TO OLD PROBLEMS.
SKB ROTO GIG RIG
$459
odysseygear.com
Before SKB, road cases
were expensive boxes
made of wood and
aluminum. With
electronics prices falling,
it simply didn’t make
economic sense to
protect a $400 mixer
with a $500 case. SKB’s
revolutionary rotational moldings make it
affordable once again to protect keyboards
and sound systems against the ravages of
the road. Their original Gig Rig combined a
slant-top mixer case with a vertical amp
rack. The new model carries on the basic
concept but with the addition of better
handles, an improved locking system and
more cable space out back. The rugged new
look bears little resemblance to the “trash
can” appearance of the old version while
serving to increase the unit’s rigidity. SKB
originated the plastic rack concept, and,
while others can copy its shape, no one yet
matches the versatility and usefulness of
the Gig Rig.
GATOR CASES GX20 CABLE CADDY
$579
skbcases.com
ODYSSEY FRDJ10WDLX
Yes, it’s a long model number, but it also
holds a long line of DJ gear. Two turntables,
a mixer and a self-supporting stand, built
from the lid and sides, all find a home within
its borders. Odyssey has given this DJ case
a pair of casters for mobility, aluminum
valances for strength and foam padding for
equipment protection. With the turntables at
arm’s reach on each end, the mixer
centered for battle and the stand tucked
away from knees and legs, the FRDJ makes
short work of the most intense wedding,
prom or party set up. If you’re ready to put it
all together, Odyssey has the case for you.
Kick it back, and let it roll. If you’ve ever
wanted to upgrade your cable cases from
milk crates and cardboard boxes, here’s
your chance. Gator’s nylon-over-hardboard
construction makes inexpensive yet durable
cases a reality. Zip-out side pockets and a
three-quarter length zippered top lend a
luggage feel to the GX20. Coupled with an
extendable handle and recessed casters,
the GX20 is portable enough to negotiate
winding staircases and long hallways. It can
hold dozens of mic, line and speaker cables
as well as direct boxes, extra strings and a
tuner or two in the upper compartment.
Gator is taking a bite out of the portable
case market, and the GX20 is a prime
example of what they are doing right.
$115
gatorcases.com
50 ccm february
04
ccmmagazine.com
RAXXESS ER12/8
Studio gear isn’t
exactly what it used
to be. Instead it’s
faster, better and
cheaper than ever
before, so putting all
that newly acquired
stuff in an
accessible location
is a necessity.
Raxxess builds a full line of cost-effective
studio racks, and the ER12/8 is one of their
best sellers. Eight vertical rack spaces at
the bottom are perfect for heavy power
amps and console power supplies. The 12
slanted spaces above are angled just
enough to make them viewable and
useable. From reverb units to mic preamps
to patch bays, there are enough slots to
hold the workings of almost any project
studio. The black-oak laminate finish fits
into any décor, while the recessed casters
make getting to the back of the rack a study
in simplicity.
$199
raxxess.com
ROAD READY RR10U
Witness the return of the Fiberglas and
aluminum flight case. Thanks to affordable
labor costs in China, Road Ready has
reintroduced us to the strength and beauty
of cases built the old-fashioned way. Molded
cases, in contrast, are punched out of a
machine, thus requiring little manual labor;
but Road Ready has found a way to marry
the long-lasting virtues of wooden cases
with the consumer’s demand for low-cost
goods. As with the furniture industry, case
manufacturing is moving to China, and
Road Ready is at the forefront of the shift
eastward. The RR10U has solid latches to
secure the equipment inside, deep valances
to keep out dirt and moisture and sturdy
rack rails to keep the gear stable. They do
build them like they used to; they’re just
built elsewhere now.
$339
roadreadycases.com
CCM_02.04_standingroom.v7
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Page 52
STANDING ROOM ONLY:
YOUR GUIDE TO CONCERTS
by Andy Argyrakis
For the latest concert listings, check out CCMmagazine.com’s searchable tour database to find out when your favorite artists will play in a city near you.
CAEDMON’S CALL
FIRST ASSEMBLY CHURCH
FAN FEEDBACK:
ROCKFORD, IL—NOV. 28
DANIELLE YOUNG
CLIFF YOUNG
TODD BRAGG
52 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
As co-headliners of the “Thinking Man’s Pop Tour” with
Essential labelmates Jars of Clay, Caedmon’s Call was
poised to deliver its signature blend of pensive pop
craft, folksy acoustics and eclectic instrumentation to
a group of wide-eyed college students reveling in
Thanksgiving break. The group appeared on top of its
game throughout a set split between the band’s latest
endeavor, Back Home (Essential), its backlog of hits
and a moving session of corporate worship.
In terms of Caedmon’s current crop, cuts such as
“Only Hope” and “Before There Was Time” actually
dipped back to the band’s indie rock roots when selfproduction and scaled-back arrangements were the
order of the day. Such simplistic yet profound
explorations were complemented by the rustling
percussion of “Hands of the Potter”and the
beckoning balladry of “Walk With You,” bridging
together the group’s vertical and horizontal-focused
songwriting structures.
The instantly recognizable Rich Mullins tune “Hope
to Carry On” incorporated a more beefed-up feel,
thanks to the rhythm section and the audience’s
background enhancement, while another familiar cut,
“This World,” scurried with improvisational abandon
beyond the cleanliness found on the self-titled studio
version. The praise-focused “I Will Sing” was a high
point in terms of harmonies, utilizing everyone’s
welcoming pipes as if the two-story sanctuary was an
intimate coffeehouse. Co-lead singer Danielle Young
followed suit on the solo front for Patti Griffin’s
prayerful “Mary,” exposing a radiant glow and soaring
sensibilities among her backers’ subtle beats and
warm melodies.
On a worshipful note, “The Warrior” served as a
primary opportunity for attendees’ participation, with
co-frontman Cliff Young carefully introducing the entire
chorus and then inviting all to join him at the
appropriate times during the actual presentation. Even
as an untrained choir, the performance went off
without a hitch and broke the ice for the City on a Hill
(Essential) standard, “God of Wonders.” A sea of
raised hands greeted the thundering verses of
adoration, while the band took the song in a rousing
gospel-flavored direction with organ enhancement by
youthful prodigy Josh Moore.
Aside from the reverent finale, the concert was also
to be noted for the cover of Paul Simon’s “Diamonds
on the Soles of Her Shoes” (Graceland). Not only did
the gang expound upon the tribal beats and choir-like
crescendos, but they transformed the ’80’s classic
into a modern-day jam session. Additional props
should be given to guitar-playing newcomer Andrew
Osenga (a transplant from defunct rock unit The
Normals), whose electric edge intensified the band’s
already satisfying earthy base. His fleshed-out
contributions further rounded out a night with one of
the most seasoned groups on the road, which, in its
stylistic return to home turf, has unveiled an exciting
career chapter.
Sam Lima
Andrea Corsei
Mike Gearhart,
17, from Milton, WI
16, from Chicago, IL
33, from Rockford, IL
“I loved their
shared vocals and
instrumental
ability on stage.
They also sang
about the things I
believe in, which
made the concert
something I could
relate to.”
“I especially liked
their harmonies
and mix of
percussion. The
band’s ending
drum solos
showed just how
talented this
group really is.”
“Rich Mullins’
‘Hope to Carry
On’ really set the
tone for the
evening and got
the crowd going. I
came into the
show having two
of Caedmon’s
older CDs and
came out with
more interest in
the new music,
even though it
wasn’t as
familiar.”
The set list
TOUR TIDBITS:
The annual
NewSong-hosted
“Winter Jam” tour
features an all new
line-up, including
punk/poppers
Relient K, rock & roll
favorite Audio
Adrenaline, Ardent
act Todd Agnew,
Sparrow newcomer
Jadyn Maria and
illusionist Brock Gill.
Praise & worship is
the tone of the
Newsboys’ and
MATT THIESSEN
Rebecca St. James’
latest tour, also
featuring singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp (whose
latest disc is fittingly titled Carried Me—The
Worship Project, BEC).
All photos by Andy Argyrakis
CCM_02.04_20things.v5
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17
THINGS YOU PROBABLY
DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT:
MERCYME
BY MICHAEL NOLAN
“People on the mainstream circuit treat us like you would a pastor but love
it when we turn out to be normal like them.”
12. ROAD RULES
If you hit the road with MercyMe, there are a few things you should know:
Pick up after yourself, don’t touch the thermostats for any reason and
always take leftovers out of the fridge. And always remember the tour
motto: “If it’s funny, it’s fair.”
11. GLAMOR-FREE RESUMÉS
Prior to playing, the guys were paying their dues. Barry sold paint and auto
parts, Nathan worked at Lowe’s, Mike helped people have a “Blockbuster”
night in the video rental biz, Jim was a studio engineer, Robby worked at a
law firm and Red Lobster, and Bart cleaned out tanks at a sewage
treatment plant. We can only imag… no, we can’t.
10. AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE
According to Nathan, two key criteria had to be met for Barry to join the
band: He had to like golf and know all the words to the national anthem.
9. MERCYME’S EVERYDAY WEAR
Stryper wore black-and-yellow spandex onstage, Amy Grant had that
leopard-print jacket, and MercyMe’s look is…? “Pretty much whatever is
ironed at the time,” offers Bart.
8. SPEAKING OF AMY…
You could call MercyMe the “little band that could.” Without
changing its mission or the message the band started with in
1994, this rock-edged worship act has won the favor of countless
Christian listeners as well as climbed to the pop-chart
stratosphere most often reserved for “American Idol” winners
these days.
With album sales already topping the 1.5 million mark, the
band’s music is everywhere, and so are the guys. In fact, Amy
Grant will be performing before them when they co-headline 25
dates this month, and the band will hook up this summer for a
worship tour with Michael W. Smith. Through the wonder of e-mail
and cell phone technology, we sought to explore new realms with
Bart Millard (lead vocals), Nathan Cochran (bass), Mike
Scheuchzer (guitar), Robby Shaffer (drums), Jim Bryson
(keyboards) and Barry Graul (guitar).
17. ROCK ON, GRANDMA!
The band’s name came from Bart’s grandmother during his days as a
youth ministry intern at a Florida church. Concerned that he seemed to
be home whenever she called, she chided, “Well, mercy me! Get a real
job!” As Bart observes, “So here we are with a name that reminds us
that one day we will have to get real jobs.”
16. A LIBERATING MESSAGE
After “I Can Only Imagine” aired on a cellblock radio tuned to a soft-rock
station, a prison guard wrote the band about its impact. As the guard
walked past the cells, he found some of the prisoners on their knees
worshiping, some weeping and others just sitting in awe. “When you
hear this and realize God is using you more than you could ever think,
it’s not hard to know you are not in control of your career—God is,”
offers Robby.
15. LEFT BEHIND: NOT THE BOOK SERIES OR THE MOVIE
When you travel as much as this band does, some things are just bound
to be forgotten along the way. Among the MIA: gallons of shampoo and
conditioner, microphones, cables, clothes, wallets—and even the
monitor guy.
Bart says the band is thrilled that Amy Grant and Bebo Norman will be
joining its upcoming tour. “Obviously she could headline her own tour, but
she told us she believed in what we were doing and just wanted to be a
part of it,” he says.
7. PERHAPS THEY WERE CONFUSING GOD WITH A GENIE?
When rain threatened to cancel a radio station’s outdoor event featuring
Sugar Ray, SmashMouth, Hilary Duff and MercyMe, the radio folks asked
Bart to perform a meteorological miracle since the band “had a hotline to
God.” Bart laughed, then realized they were serious. He said he would see
what he could do but reports that the rain continued.
6. INTERESTING MATH
Robby says the last two albums sound “10 times better” than previous
albums because they had “36 tracks to record with [on the record],
compared to 70 or 80.” However, he affirms, “The spirit they were
written with and the message that we try to portray has always remained
the same.”
5. AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS PRE-PRE-SHOW
The band inadvertently arrived so early at the Shrine Auditorium that the
crew was still setting up cameras. “Rather than being complete dorks, we
had the driver drive around for about 45 minutes,” admits Robby. Adds
Nathan: “People looked at us a little funny when we got out of the limo and
walked across the street just to go to McDonald’s for milkshakes.”
4. PICTURE PERFECT
While on the red carpet, Jim’s wife, Misti, introduced herself to Randy
Owens, lead singer of 22-time AMA winners Alabama, by saying they
shared a home state. When the Fort Payne Four learned she was with
MercyMe, they said they loved “I Can Only Imagine” and asked if they
could have their picture taken together.
3. THEY’VE GOT MAIL.
Since their exposure skyrocketed, so has their fan mail. “Before Almost
There, we received a ton of mail. Now it’s like 20 tons—give or take a
ton,” estimates Bart.
2. WORDS TO LIVE BY
14. UN-SPOKEN FOR
“It’s easy to substitute your time on stage or ministering for your personal
time with God, [but] it’s easier to find time [to be quiet with God] if you’re
looking for it,” Robby observes. Adds Bart, “When your life is to sing and
talk about God, you had better find time to actually talk with God.”
When he was 18, Bart had a throat operation that kept him from talking
for three months.
1. UNDONE’S ALMOST DONE
13. FUNNY. THESE CHRISTIANS SEEM ALMOST HUMAN.
The guys are currently putting the finishing touches on their upcoming
album, Undone (INO), working again with producer Pete Kipley (Plus One,
Rebecca St. James), who Mike lauds for “bringing a new level of creativity
and a fresh look at the music.” Bart suggests the songs lean toward the
rock edge of their live performances since “we’re already the poster child
of AC [adult contemporary].”
This year MercyMe has popped up on all sorts of radio shows, including
the rowdy Fitz radio program in Dallas. The guys entered the interview
with a sense of apprehension about how they would be treated. “Come
to find out, they were more nervous than we were,” recounts Robby.
54 ccm february 04
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Page 56
Vol.5
Everything That’s on My Mind
The Passion
of The Christ
N
Not too long ago I found myself
having a pleasurable but slightly
surreal phone conversation with
one of the four legendary Oak
Ridge Boys, Duane Allen. Duane,
a close friend of Johnny Cash,
was recommended to me as the
man who might accompany an
ailing Johnny to a screening of
Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of
The Christ (Feb. 25 release). A
representative from Icon Films
Mel’s production company, had
chosen my home, The Art House,
as a place to hold the first
Nashville screening. Icon
provided me with a guest list; and
I invited a variety of Christians,
Johnny included.
“I got a good feeling about you,
Charlie,” said Duane in his deep,
sturdy drawl, “And I suspect
Johnny will have a good feeling,
too.” I never did find out, though
I suspect Johnny feels pretty good
about most things right about
now. You see, a better opportunity
came along; and he took it.
Johnny missed a film dramatizing
Christ’s trial, scourging,
crucifixion and resurrection to be
with Jesus Christ in person. Of us
56 ccm february 04
ccmmagazine.com
invitees still earthbound... well,
we watched the movie.
For two hours, a roomful of us
viewed the most artful and
shocking dramatization of Jesus’
last hours ever captured in film
history. Then there was silence—
that is, all but the sound of
sniffling and Mel’s crunching on
the almonds my wife had set out.
What we had seen together was
not entertainment. It was art
depicting the single most
important set of events in postcreation history—God, the Artist,
coming to the rescue of His
creativity—His creation.
Years ago novelist Dorothy
Sayers was commissioned by the
BBC to write a series of radio
plays based on the life of Messiah
Jesus. Perhaps knowing her
reputation, there was some
concern as to how she would
depict the shocking details of the
crucifixion. Sayers replied in a
letter to the director of the BBC:
“It is an ugly, tear-stained, sweatstained, blood-stained story, and the
thing was done by callous, conceited,
and cruel people. Shocked? We d--- well
ought to be shocked. If nobody is going to be shocked, we might as well not tell
them about it.”
Knowingly or not, Gibson has taken this warning to heart. His
movie is loaded with “shock and awe” after the fashion of his other
films, Braveheart and The Patriot. This is a hard film to watch—as it
should be. Finally, someone has created a film that does not trivialize
what Messiah Jesus did for the people of Earth so that we’d have a new
opportunity to be truly human. As Revelation 7:10 says, “Salvation
belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Mel’s
film holds true to this important fact. It’s all about God’s saving ways
through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God.
As I watched the film, I thought of my very comfortable life and
realized I was experiencing the suffering of Christ in a way I’d never
known before. This was good for me. The film reminded me to follow
Jesus wherever He leads, to be interested in the same things He is
interested in—all of His creativity and the work of restoring it to
rightness. It reminded me that followers of Jesus belong to a new
world coming, one with an entirely different economy. Nevertheless,
we know what to do while we’re here: passionate storytelling and
storied living, becoming (in weakness) the art of God in all of life. We
trust Jesus to heal our wounds, give us unceasing unity of purpose and
lead us to the finish line. And when we cross that line into the fullness
of victory, we will fall on our knees, point to Jesus and shout: “You did it!
You did it! You did it! When we were lost and without hope—with no
faith that we could keep on—You did it!”
When that day comes, I suspect that Johnny Cash will be there, not
the least bit worried that he missed Mel’s film. However, if you need a
reminder of what Jesus did on behalf of the world, on behalf of you,
then get your ticket now. Be forewarned, though, this is “an ugly, tearstained, sweat-stained, blood-stained story.”
Illustration by Jimmy A.
Charlie Peacock:
Art
House: A Word on Worship
After viewing The Passion (and much discussion), Mel and his party drifted outside
toward their waiting car. “So you live here?” Mel asked me. “You live in a church? Isn’t
that a little strange?” “Not really.” I replied. “You just built a church.” “Yeah,” he said, “but
I don’t live in it!”
Mel Gibson has put a considerable amount of his personal resources into the making
of The Passion of The Christ and the building of a church near Malibu, California. As a
professing follower of Christ, he takes the Jesus Story seriously. As an artist, he naturally
takes storytelling seriously. This is worthy of some thought. A few questions come to
mind: Do I know the Jesus Story well enough to communicate it through conversation,
artmaking, writing? Do I take the Story seriously enough to have it change my way of
living? What resources do I have to make the Jesus Story known? Am I willing to
sacrifice in order to make the Story known?
For more information about our ministry write to: P.O. Box 218307, Nashville, TN
37221 or e-mail: arthouseamerica@bellsouth.net.
Charlie Peacock is an artist, producer, author and teacher. His new album, Full Circle: A Celebration
of Song and Friends (Sparrow), releases Feb. 24. His new book, New Way to be Human
(Waterbrook), releases March 16.
02.04 Classifieds.v2
12/31/03
1:26 PM
Page 57
CLASSIFIEDS
RECORDS/TAPES/CDS
VOICE LESSONS
CD REPLICATION WITH NATIONAL CHRISTIAN
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offers top-quality CD manufacturing AND promotes
your music to Christian radio nationwide on the
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E-mail: sales@oasisCD.com
LEADING VOICE COACH teaches powerful
range/control. SingWithPower.com
RUGGED CROSS MUSIC Hard-to-find, out-of-print
CDs, LP records and tapes. Contact us:
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E-mail: sales@RuggedCrossMusic.com
Web: www.RuggedCrossMusic.com
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BAND WEB PAGES
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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
QUALITY IMPORTED AFRICAN DJEMBES,
goat skins and other percussion instruments.
Djembe Drums and Skins. Web: goatskins.com
Call: 800/549-3966
Subscription/Customer Service Information: Write CCM, P.O. Box 706, Mt.
Morris, IL 62054–0706 or call 800/333-9643. In the U.S., $19.95/one year,
$35.95/two years, $53.95/three years; Canada, (U.S. funds) $27.95 per
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and mailing label. Allow four to six weeks for new subscriptions to begin.
CCM [ISSN 1524–7848] is published monthly by Salem Publishing.
Copyright: CCM © 2004 by Salem Publishing, 104 Woodmont Blvd.,
Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37205. Contents may not be reproduced in any manner,
either whole or in part, without prior written permission of the publisher. Editorial:
The editor cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and will return
only those accompanied by a stamped, self–addressed envelope. Writers’
guidelines available upon request. Advertising: Neither the advertisers nor the
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HOW TO PLACE CLASSIFIEDS
a classified ad, send a check (payable
To place
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Communications) or a credit card number and expiration date, along
with your ad copy by the 15th of the month—two months in advance
of the issue in which you want the ad. (For example, by Feb. 15 for the
April issue.)
Cost: $3.00 a word with a minimum of $50 per month.
Display ads run as follows: $175 (B/W), $225 (2 color) and $295
(4 color). Marketplace ads run as follows: $275 (B/W), $325 (2 color)
and $395 (4 color). CMYK colors only.
Northeast Artist's Guild will be holding its
East Coast Music Seminar and Concert
April 17, 2004 at Marlton Assembly Of God, Marlton NJ
Individuals $59.00, groups of 10 or more $49.00
SEMINAR TRACKS:
-Song Writing with Industry Leader John Mays. John
served as President Of Benson Records, Vice President Of
A & R at Word, Sparrow and Star Song Records.
-Vocal Technique with Dr. Scott Martin of Academy Of The
Arts. Scott regularly judges at Estes Park Music Seminar
events and has worked with many known artists.
-Effective Stage Communication with Alison Anderson of
Tom Jackson Productions. She is also a nationally
published songwriter.
-Sound Engineering with Jan Martensen Technical Director
at Crossroads Community Church. Toured worldwide for 9
years running sound for major label artists.
-Guitar Technique with Artist and Worship Leader
Kevin Stehm owner of God Song Records.
-Worship Track "A Way Of Life." TBA
For Details:
www.northeastartistsguild.com or call 609-953-0403
CDs-Full Color Complete Packages
500 for $799 · 1000 for $989 · 2000 for $1789
CDs in Printed Jackets: 1000 for $975
DVD-5: 1000 for $1899
Creative Sound (800) 323-PACK
http://csoundcorp.com
Classic Jesus Music-http://sonrisemusic.com
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february 04 ccm 57
CCM_02.04_halloffame.v6
12/31/03
5:11 PM
Page 58
HALL of FAME
Sandi Patty
Sandi Patty is often referred to as
“The Queen of Christian Music.”
The statistics practically speak for
themselves: 11 million albums
sold, dozens of sold-out tours and
more Dove Awards than any
other female artist in history,
including an astonishing 11
consecutive “Female Vocalist of the
Year” honors. During the past
quarter-century, she has
performed everywhere from Billy
Graham Crusades to the
Indianapolis 500, Camp David to
Disneyland, presidential
inaugurations to the Fiesta Bowl.
It cannot be overlooked that
Patty has accomplished what she
has for one reason: that voice.
Patty’s stunning, multi-octave
scaling instrument has drawn
acclaim as one of the great
American voices of our time. Her
name was virtually synonymous
with “church music” in the 1980s,
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as aspiring “Sandis” everywhere
valiantly attempted to deliver
their own versions of Patty’s
anthems to their congregations.
Patty then found somewhat
unexpected recognition in
mainstream society after her
soaring rendition of “The StarSpangled Banner” on ABC’s
broadcast of the Statue of Liberty
rededication overwhelmed the
network’s switchboard with calls
inquiring who this woman was!
Patty became one of the most
interesting “crossover” success
stories in Christian music history.
Without ever significantly
tampering with her made-forchurch message, she found herself
on some of the most prestigious
stages in America.
America didn’t always know
what to do with her, but that
didn’t seem to bother Patty one
bit. Johnny Carson’s somewhat
puzzled look spoke volumes after
Patty admitted on “The Tonight
Show” that she never used
profanity, even if she
accidentally hit her thumb while
pounding a hammer.
Though Patty’s most prolific
days are behind her (Being a wife
and mother to eight will do that
to you!), she continues to record
and tour. Last year she released
Take Hold of Christ (Word), and her
“The Girls Are Back in Town”
tour with Christian comedienne
Chonda Pierce packed houses
nationwide last fall, causing a
second leg to be added early this
year. Patty’s fanbase remains
active and loyal (We should
know; its frequent letters to CCM
do not go unnoticed!), and she is
kindly regarded in industry
circles as a “class act,” a
consummate professional who is
a delight to work with.
For her part, Patty seems
decidedly unfazed by all the fuss
over her. She recently told CCM,
“I have always loved music and
singing. I grew up in the church,
where my dad was a minister of
music and my mother was the
church accompanist. Singing was
always kind of a hobby; so when
God began to open doors some
25 years ago for me to think
about doing this professionally, I
was pleasantly surprised. I feel so
blessed to have been able to
share what Christ has done for
me over these past 25 years. And
I am equally encouraged that
others have wanted to hear about
it through my music. I am so
honored to be part of the CCM
Hall of Fame family. Thank you!”
CCM COVERS
—MICHAEL CIANI
For more on Patty, visit SandiPatty.com.
*All releases on Word
AWARDS, ACCOLADES AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
39 Dove Awards
5 Grammy Awards
4 Billboard Music Awards
3 Platinum albums
5 Gold albums
11 Symphony “Pops”
appearances nationwide
“The Tonight Show” (four times)
“Live with Regis & Kathie Lee”
(four times)
January 1983
December 1984
April 1988
ESSENTIAL SANDI
More Than Wonderful (1983):
This live album captures Patty’s warm
personality while showcasing some of
her biggest hits and vocal acrobatics.
(Certified platinum by the RIAA.)
Morning Like This (1986):
Still an Easter favorite, it raised the
bar for Patty and was clearly her most
cohesive work yet. (Certified
platinum by the RIAA.)
The Finest Moments (1989):
This greatest hits set neatly
encapsulates most of Patty’s brightest
moments from her first decade of
work. (Certified gold by the RIAA.)
Another Time, Another Place (1990):
A gorgeous venture down a slightly
new musical path for Patty, she began
to go after fewer “high C” endings,
opting instead for more contemplative
tunes. (Certified gold by the RIAA.)
Le Voyage (1993):
Said to be Patty’s personal favorite of
all her albums, this was a stark
departure from her past work. Le
Voyage is filled with introspective
ballads of doubt, fear and,
ultimately, hope.
SOME OF SANDI’S MOST
WELL-KNOWN SONGS
“Another Time, Another Place”
(with Wayne Watson)
“In the Name of the Lord”
“Love in Any Language”
“More Than Wonderful” (with
Larnelle Harris)
“Upon This Rock”
“Via Dolorosa”
“We Shall Behold Him”
“I’ve Just Seen Jesus” (with
Larnelle Harris)