3 comments about This Is Another Day.

1. I fell in love with This Is Another Day the first time I heard the songs on 8 track. I'm so glad it's out on CD now. The music is beautiful and meaningful with an island groove. Andrae Crouch is an incredible songwriter/singer/musician!



2. This is a classic African-American gospel / CCM recording. All songs have timeless themes of Christian hope and joy, recorded by skilled studio musicians and seasoned vocalists. Fans of Crouch know that he is a songwriter and producer first, and chooses to spotlight vocal talent alongside himself in his recordings. This album is both joyful and deep. Had this album been made in the current era, it would be promoted with full marketing not available "in the day" and Crouch would need to re-appear on Saturday Night Live. While many musicians from the 70's marked thier recordings with excessive synth keyboard, reverb and echo effects, Crouch's excellent taste is showed with restraint, preserving the timelessness of this recording. The album claims to be digitally remastered, and I will have to take thier word for it, as it has full spectrum frequency response and is noise-free.
   
   The only dissapointment with this Light Records "Classic Gold" version is the bare bones credits, absence of lyrics and reduction in size of the amazing water color front cover image. I expected the front cover reproduction to be reduced to CD size, but Light Records reduced the cover another 40% to fit in a totally unnecessary fabricated gold frame. Light Records, if you are going to go to the effort, please print the lyrics, all the credits and reprint the original cover art as it appeared on the LP. Lucky for you I am too busy groovin' to this incredible recording to send it back for a refund.



3. I have enjoyed this album first on 8 Track and vinyl for many years. The fact that you can still buy it; and now on CD speeks very highly of the quality of this music. Best overall example of the "roots" of Andrae Crouch

5 comments about Found a Place.

1. I have written a review for a few of these FFH cds, and I just can't help but write another. This group crosses boundaries and speaks to all age groups, nationalities, and religious affiliations. Their music is uplifting and positive, which in this depressing world of ours, is a terrific influence. I don't care if you aren't a religious person, this music reaches out to everyone! THANX FFH!!



2. The drums (courtesy of producer Scott Williamson, who produced this album and has worked with Point of Grace) snap, crackle and pop with groove and authority. FFH's tight harmonies flow in and out of sunny melodies, verifying the group's roots in a capella. Husband and wife Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler's lead vocals ache with vulnerability (Jennifer's vocals on "Your Love Is Life To Me" and "Why Do I?" are wonders, as is Jeromy's on the CD's centerpiece "Lord Move, Or Move Me") and leap with blessed assurance on "When I Praise" and "Daniel." After that, "There's a Place" is an exceptional album just for its sounds, let alone its message.

   Ah, but its message! Intentionally or not, Deibler and co-writer Michael Boggs here have written a concept album examining Jesus' role as comforter and confidante and His love as safety, consistent with the group's role of winning souls to Christ. Deibler is unafraid to sing "please" as well as "thank you" to God, as in the aching "Lord Move Or Move Me" and "I'm Not Afraid To Love You." Having accepted and received the Comfort he always knew was there, Deibler and FFH leap into the exuberant "Because Of Who You Are" with snappy vocal trills at its end, while Jennifer responds with "You O Lord are a shield about me/You O Lord are my refuge..." opening "Be My Glory."

   Hadn't bought a Christian rock album in nearly 20 years before a friend recommended FFH as a sincere, positive music alternative.(She also supplied my title quote.)It's a great soundtrack for a new way to live...thanks C&CJ for recommending FFH to me, I wholeheartedly recommend "There's a Place" to you. It's exciting, fresh Christian acoustic pop from a group whose best singing and ministering years are ahead of it.




3. I don't write too many Amazon reveiws but felt this was worth the effort. I was aware of some of FFH's songs but didn't really have much exposure until I saw them in concert with Point of Grace (ironically, we went to see PoG and ended up loving FFH).

   Anyway this was the first FFH CD I purchased. Although I like all their CDs, this one I believe is the best. Every single song is wonderful. I would highly recommend this CD.




4. To be honest I didn't care much for this CD when I first bought it. I had downloaded some FFH MP3s and was expecting songs more similar to their previous CD "I Want to Be Like You". I listened to it a few times anyway though and it grew on me. Not long after that I had some devastating events in my life and some of these songs became very important to me. "Every Now and Then" and Lord, Move or Move Me" both deal with those times when we are not able to find the words to pray and we need the strength of the Lord to get us through the day. "When I Praise" and "I'm Not Afraid To Love You" both speak about sharing our faith and not being ashamed of it.

   I also liked that I was able to find the lyric sheets, explanations of the songs and the scriptural support for the songs on the bands website at: ...

   Why 5 stars:?
   The mix of music will keep you tapping your feet at times and somber and reflecting upon the glory of God at others. The lyrics are very powerful and the scriptural basis for each song is provided on their website. This CD is highly recommended!!!




5. FFH is my absolute favorite band of all. Their lyrics are so powerful and I listen to my cassette over and over again. I love all the songs, but my favorites are 'Why Do I', 'Found A Place', 'Because of Who You Are', 'When I Praise', and 'Your Love Is Life To Me'. Basically that is all the songs, and I could easily list all of them. 'When I Praise' is a really up-beat song and will put a smile on your face no matter what mood you are in. It makes you just want to throw your hands up in the air and worship. 'Why do I' is also a really powerful song and I think it expresses the everyday feeling that everyone has. Why would God love a little person like me? All the songs are great and I recommend this cassette for anyone.

No comments about Higher Place.

No comments about Bathroom Floor.

1 comments about Peace of Mind.

1. I took a look at the cover of this CD and said, "Hey, isn't that--yeah! And that's..." Who would've thought: one of the biggest talents in Christian hip-hop and one of the most recognized names in Christian rock, together in one band?!! Well, it's true, it's true, and it's a very good thing.
   Of course, I'm talking about KJ-52 and Pete Stewart, respectively. To see them put together a project like this is something I'm sure at least some Christian rap-rock fans have been wondering about, and it is truly excellent. Good ol' Pete, producing genius that he is, has done it again, although in a way I never thought he would. His recordings with Grammatrain, his former band, were rock art in its purest form, and he takes that sound to another level. The crunchy, dynamic guitar hooks that flavor most every track will definitely get your head bobbing, kind of like the dolls they give away at Major League baseball games. KJ-52's silky-smooth, intelligent, and sometimes comical rhymes and rap style are a perfect complement to the guitar and drums. He really knows how to rock out! It's rap-rock the way it should be heard. Another good thing: these guys went to all the trouble of actually getting a live drummer to thump away on some of the songs.
   Like some other bands with similar style out there, Peace of Mind aren't at all angry, about anything; they're just trying to convey a positive, spiritual message. At times the spiritual inflections get a little extreme ("Coming Soon"), but hey, these are desperate times, right? Don't worry, though, only one or two tracks are like that. They get silly, too ("Will You Go Out With Me?"), and go into the punk sound a time or two as well. The range of emotion is pretty diverse on the album, going from mellow ("We Gon Make It", "After All") to hardcore ("I Am") and back again. The track arrangement seems rather dicey, but most folks just jump around to the songs they like anyway.
   All told, this is a very solid rap-rock effort, and it sounds excellent. If you're into that sound, by all means check it out. Hopefully KJ and Pete will get together again for another collaboration, but right now there's a slight gut feeling that this was a one-time thing. Kinda like Audioslave.

1 comments about Decade.

1. For Christian music fans the crossing over of Kerry Livgren from the mainstream Kansas to Christian Rock Artist (if that tag is fair) was a great cause to rejoice.
   
   There were songs about God on many old Kansas albums, then came Seeds of Change (in it's entirety on the first cd here). Wonderful, with guest artists like Ronnie James Dio, Mylon LeFevre and David Pack.
   
   Kansas put out two more albums with Kerry in full evangelism mode - Vinyl Confessions (GREAT) and Drastic Measures (pretty good).
   
   Then Livgren left Kansas and formed AD and released Timeline - also in it's entirety on this collection. Again, great stuff.
   
   There are a few previously unreleased cuts on this set and some cuts from later albums - Art of the State, Reconstructions, Prime Mover and One of Several Possible Musiks.
   
   If you like Kansas then you will probably like this if you don't mind the Christian messages.

5 comments about Monk Rock.

1. I haven't listened to any John Michael Talbot for well over a decade. Really used to like "The Lords Supper". This is the music of the Mass in rock form. I enjoyed Monk Rock. It's worth listening to.



2. This latest offering is very good, but more in the tradition of CAVE OF THE HEART than either Mason Proffit or other Talbot Brothers material, with one or two exceptions. "Spread the Good News" sounds a lot like material on John Michael Talbot's early, self-titled Sparrow LP, while there are moments reminiscent of the Grateful Dead. This CD may or may not be for those who prefer the softer side of his music, but it will do for those of us who enjoy Terry and John Talbot's earlier style and don't mind variety. The ministry value here is quite high, as the simple yet profound message continues to be proclaimed, and the musical quality is appealing.



3. The Mass has been set to numerous musical styles throughout history. As John Michael Talbot writes in the liner notes to "Agnus Dei," "The challenge was in finding an electric setting that did not do violence to the meaning of the text." Whether he succeeds the listener can decide, but note that he does not consider rock music per se inappropriate. Since the text consists of Scripture and the Mass (itself mostly Scripture), the unique approach lies in the music.
   The latin song titles at first seem inaccessible, but they are sung in English (with some Spanish), and in the English versions are quite well known: "Kyrie": "Lord have mercy;" "Sanctus:" "Holy, holy, holy;" "Credo:" "I believe;" "Agnus Dei:" "Lamb of God." One reason for this familiarity was Talbot's 1978 album, The Lord's Supper, which put parts of the Mass in a folk-rock setting, became a best-seller, and was one influence of the contemporary praise movement.
   
   One of the best things about this album is the booklet. Talbot is very much a musician's musician, and the liner notes let the rest of us in on the process of creating. The genesis of this album came when John's brother, Terry Talbot, brainstormed putting Mason Proffit back together. As the "silent partner" in a monastic community, John was showing him a few licks and just got hooked. When John told Phil Keaggy his idea, Phil wanted to play, and who doesn't know that Keaggy's best stuff is rock? (What about his seven minute plus rock epic, "Time"?) John wrote a song in the style of the Jesus Movement of the '70s, "people said it sounded 'fresh' or 'anointed' and it was all downhill from there."
   
   John has a long songwriting history, from the country rock group, Mason Proffit to the present, and he could have penned original lyrics. His early Sparrow album, The New Earth, is as radical as Keith Green. Before forming the Little Portion hermitage, he was a third order Franciscan lay brother. Arlo Guthrie was also briefly a member, and Guthrie wrote one of his best albums, Outlasting the Blues, at that time. As a worship leader, the texts of the Mass were a natural choice for John, but the liner notes hint that there may be more rock records, and I hope some will include original songs. Could monk rock, like punk rock, be the thing that brings music back to the streets and to the people? Can it derail the current overproduction that makes rock, pop and country all sound the same? O brother, where art thou?



4. The good news is John Michael Talbot, Catholic's music top-selling and highest profile artist, hasn't pulled a Pat Boone, donned leather and covered Metallica and AC/DC. Nor, as the title might suggest, has he donned a wool cap and joined Mickey, Peter and Davey (or for that matter, Alvin and Theodore) on their next reunion tour.
   
   The better news is this founding member of the country-rock and Christian rock genres (in his words, "for better or worse") has rediscovered his love of electric guitars, classic rock riffs and the singalong anthems of the late-60s Jesus movement. Those familiar with contemplative Talbot works like "For The Bride" and "Simple Heart" will be pleasantly surprised by the sharp rock he plays here.
   
   Musically and throughout his exhaustive liner notes, Talbot name-checks classic rock influences from CSN and the Byrds to the Stones, Who, Hendrix and Clapton. Traditional Catholic Mass music rocks here as it hasn't since folk and rock masses dominated the first post-Vatican II years. (Talbot cites the Lifeteen movement as a strong musical influence on "Monk Rock"'s songs and style.)
   
   "Kyrie" (not Mr. Mister's 1985 hit) finds Talbot floating smoky, vintage acoustic/electric riffs solo around his "psuedo choir" multi-tracked vocals. "Gloria" recalls "Captain and Me"-era Doobie Brothers. "Credo," (the Apostle's Creed), comes alive with a reggae beat and some sharp 12-string playing. "Jesus Prayer Swing" cuts a deep groove thanks to veteran bassist Leland "Funk Monk" Sklar and drummer Neil "Thump Monk" Wilkinson. The only three lines the faithful speak during the Eucharist Prayer are turned into a fist-pumping anthem in "Proclaim the Mystery."
   
   From "One Body In Christ's" anthemic chorus and swift tempo changes to the vocal blast opening of "Walk With Jesus" ("All...life...long!") JMT uses his chance to plug in to deliver his sharpest guitar playing and catchiest melodies in years. Musically, "Monk Rock" doesn't recall the blues rockers Talbot mentions so much as it does John Mellencamp. He, like Talbot in Mason Profitt and solo, successfully incorporated country-flavored instruments into the heartland rock he loved. "Monk Rock" is John Michael Talbot not only sharing the joy of his Gospel-based lyrical message but his sheer musical fun delivering it. It's an exuberant CD, unique to his long career, and well worth owning.



5. "There were two things I wanted to do musically as I move a bit past middle age: Really learn some classical guitar, and dig out my old electric guitars and learn to play pretty well again," said John Michael Talbot. "Monk Rock is the initial fruit from this effort."
   
   I never thought I would hear John Michael jamming 70's style on electric guitar on "One Body in Christ." Who would have guessed he would be playing blues licks on "Kyrie"?
   
   With vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Talbot Brothers, and lyrics written in the simple and innocent style of the early Jesus movement music, these songs fit that genre but have the advantage of modern production.
   
   Some of the songs have Latin titles and include background chants, which gives them a slight otherworldly feel. A few are built around just a line or two of verse and are carried by the music.
   
   One of the highlights is "Gloria," which is built on a catchy guitar riff and a chorus that could go on forever. The "Jesus Prayer Swing" features some rollicking, country rock guitar playing. "Spread the Good News," the first song written for the recording, is dedicated to the late John Paul II.
   
   Though banjo is used effectively on several cuts, and "Sanctus" starts off with flute reminiscent of Jethro Tull, the acoustic takes a back seat on this release.
   
   Aside from the semi-humorous title, this is a serious and unique effort-one that uses the best elements from an earlier era to make a recording that is fun and relevant for today.

5 comments about Across the Sky.

1. I came across this duo around the same time I listened to Sky Harbor and Switchfoot and decided to get this CD. The end result after listening to this CD release 3 times is these two guys are talented and make a supreme combination. Their belief in God shines through the lyrics that they both penned. Their love of God is heard through their music. These two lads are talented and it is a pleasure to listen to this CD. This is not mindless sounds but beautiful chemistry.
   I enjoyed the songs of 'Give It All Away', When I Open My Eyes', 'Broken World' and 'Persistance'. But all the songs are good and the messages are about our relationship with God and how he loves us and comes to us in need. Beautiful album indeed.



2. Amazing CD. They definitely put their emotions into this song and said the words I've wanted to say for a long time. I highly recommend this CD to anyone!



3. this cd is the best to come out this year besides switchfoot the songs are catchy and the group provides you with a combonation of rock pop if you like simple plan you'll love these guys



4. 100% awesome. There are no bad songs in this CD. I look forward to the next CD by Ben and Justin.
   What a priviledge to own this CD



5. This CD really rocks! I was recommended this CD by a friend, and after I listened to one of their songs, I was hooked. These songs are awesome, and they provide a great mix of the heavy themes with some lighthearted songs thrown in the bunch. "Everywhere she Goes" is one of my favorite light songs and "Broken World", "Persistence", and "Give it All Away" are my favorite serious ones. You can really feel these guys' love for God through their awesome music!

No comments about Inspiration Jam 2008.

5 comments about Hymns from the Ryman.

1. "I could hear myself groanin' in one place," says Chet Atkins after a stunning version of "Softly and Tenderly." "I do that when I get to feelin' things, and I can't help it. I was moved by that melody." Chet's in good company; Gary Chapman's Hymns from the Ryman could make Mr. Spock get misty-eyed.
   
   Nashville's Ryman Auditorium-former home of the Grand Ole Opry-was a church before it was a concert hall. It's appropriate that in hosting a series of concerts there, Chapman has opened each event with a hymn; Hymns from the Ryman is the studio collection of those performances.
   
   Names like Chapman, Atkins and Michael W. Smith grace the credits, but this recording has little to do with stardom; it has much more to do with embracing the timeless and fiery baton of worship before passing it along to the next generation. Chapman delivers "'Tis So Sweet" smoothly and passionately; the piece sounds like it was born to wear a plaid work shirt as it rides on the shoulders of a muscular heartland backbeat.
   
   A smattering of simple and elegant instrumentals, including Tim Aker's "Sunday at the Ryman," speak as loudly as lyrics do. Smith pours his heart into the single opening piano notes of "Holy, Holy, Holy" until the listener longs for Revelation Chapter four.
   
   Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is nothing short of astounding, offered up as a finely-crafted harmonica/violin duet. An a capella "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" is a chant-meets-Brian-Wilson approach that grins good-naturedly.
   
   Though it may not be obvious at first, this material is as evangelical as it is devotional; Hymns from the Ryman is ready for National Public Radio. It would be equally at home on Lake Wobegon Days as on TNN.
   
   Hymns is just plain good stuff; I'm with Chet on this one



2. I received "Hymns from the Ryman" as a Christmas gift. Since Gary Chapman has been known to "rock," I was a bit hesitant to slip this disk into the CD player. I've had my fill of contemporary arrangements of hymns, so I was pleasantly surprised with the peace, tranquility and reverence that emanated from my speakers.

   Chapman--probably best known for his many years as lead guitarist with Amy Grant--has assembled some of the most talented--but for the most part not well-known outside of Christian music circles--instrumentalists in the Nashville area.

   Chet Atkins needs no introduction as one of the finest guitarists in the business for over 40 years. Here we get to listen in on some of his comical chatter--between songs--which has become a trademark on many of his recordings with others. He appropriately plays a gentle acoustic guitar solo on "Softly and Tenderly."

   Michael W. Smith is the outstanding keyboardist/songwriter known for his fine work with Amy Grant before setting out on a successful solo career (with at least one crossover hit). Here Smith gives "Holy, Holy, Holy," a slow, sustained treatment, reminiscent of acoustic piano master George Winston.

   To me, the surprise discovery on this recording is the superb, clean, clear fiddle work of Ruth McGinnis. I had noticed her name as a studio musician on other recordings, but here she shines, and she is deservedly featured on many tracks, including a solo Celtic interpretation of "Amazing Grace."

   I've long been a fan of harmonica player, Buddy Greene, who is also a fine singer/songwriter/guitarist in his own right. Here he appears with Ruth McGinnis in a tasteful harmonica/fiddle duet on J.S. Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." I would've enjoyed a bit more of Buddy's playing on this album, but he adds a nice touch on this piece, which he has also done on one of his own albums.

   Chapman intersperses these fine instrumentals with some nice vocal renditions of hymns and gospel songs like "This is My Father's World," "'Tis So Sweet" and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." This last one starts out sounding like a Gregorian chant, but breaks into choral harmony thanks to the magic of overdubbing.

   This CD is one I play often. It works perfectly as background music in the school library where I work, but I love to listen to it at louder volumes and really pay attention to musicians, and to the One they're singing and playing about.




3. I think this CD would have great appeal to many people. The hymns are sung in a way that's so very hard to find---simply and with respect for their meaning. Some numbers are instrumental, and are very well done. I especially liked "Softly and Tenderly", a hymn that before hearing it here had never been a real favorite of mine, but this great version here changed that! Very, very enjoyable CD.



4. I had looked for Christian Hymns sung in a simple but commited-believing way for a such a long time! So difficult to find here in Germany! Then I ordered this CD! Super! Hit the mark! Simply beautiful! Glorifying the Lord! Thank you, Gary! Only one little mistake: For the title "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring" it says "Traditional" in the booklet. That's not true. This melody was written by the composer of composers J. S. Bach! (BWV 147)! Let's give credit where credit is due!

   PS: Anyone know more of this kind of interpretation of hymns? Write me: fountain@nikocity.de




5. My wife and I found this CD in a cottage in Northern Ontario this summer, and fell in love with it. Guitar lovers will enjoy Chet Atkins on this album, and lovers of church standards will find great solace here in the treatment of several old hymns. Both vocally and instrumentally, this album is a treat. A gift of spiritual simplicity to an overly complex age. Lets see more of this, Gary! Christ is glorified here!