|
 By Kevin Pollard
• Jeremy Camp: Speaking Louder Than Before, BEC
 JEREMY CAMP has always had a passion for young people
– from his days as a youth worker to his career as a
singer/songwriter. This passion shows newfound fervour on his fifth studio
album. His music has included several adult contemporary radio hits. With
this album, he demonstrates a desire to ignite passion for Christ in this
generation of youth. Camp rocks on ‘I’m Alive’ and
‘Giving You All Control’; ‘I Know Who I Am’ is an
epic theatrical piece. Ballads like ‘Surrender’ and
‘There Will Be a Day’ are sure to be radio hits. The special
edition is worth the extra dollars, as it comes with a DVD of devotions
based on the scriptures that inspired each song on the album. You also
won’t want to miss Camp’s first concert in the Vancouver area,
when he plays at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly May 1. jeremycamp.com
• Brandon Heath: What if
We, Reunion/ Provident/Sony BMG
Although Brandon Heath could still be considered a
‘new artist,’ his songs have struck a chord with thousands. You
could not tune into a Christian radio station in 2008 without hearing
‘Give Me Your Eyes,’ from this sophomore album. Heath offers
further honest and heart-spoken lyrics on the relationship helper,
‘Listen Up.’ Other highlights are ‘Fight Another
Day’ and the worshipful ‘No Not One.’ His transparent and
conversational songwriting is reminiscent of Chris Rice. I know some are
going to his concert with Third Day specifically to hear ‘Give Me
Your Eyes’; but he has other amazing songs to draw from, which will
make for an unforgettable evening May 9 at the Abbotsford Events Centre. brandonheath.net
• VOTA: VOTA, INO
Because of the similarity between their name and
Casting Crowns, the Nebraska-based Casting Pearls decided on a key change.
For their self-titled sophomore album, they are now called VOTA – and
their alternative act has had a sonic overhaul, which will be welcomed by
fans of Switchfoot, Maroon 5 and Newsboys. Comparisons with the latter are
understandable, as lead guitar-ist and vocalist Bryan Olesen was once a
Newsboy. Highlights here include the soulful ‘Give it to
Me,’ the vertical worship on ‘Love's Taken Over’ and the
piano based ballad, ‘Honestly.’ Their spot on the Newsboys tour
will be certain to catch the ear of many pop/rock fans. votaband.com
Continue article >>
|
• Take 6: The Standard, Heads Up/Concord
Legendary acappella group Take 6 is both tremendously
successful and widely respected. Their latest album, featuring guest
appearances from Aaron Neville, Brian McKnight, Al Jarreau and the late
Ella Fitzgerald, has been nominated for three Grammys. Classics covered
here include ‘Sweet Georgia Brown,’ Nat King Cole's
‘Straighten Up and Fly Right’ and ‘A-Tisket,
A-Tasket’ – which, thanks to technology, features Fitzgerald's
vocal from 1938. Other highlights include ‘Shall We Gather at
the River’; and a twist on the Sesame Street standard,
‘Bein’ Green.’ take6.com
• Gaither Vocal Band: Reunion,
Vol. One & Two, Gaither
Since their start in 1981, the award-winning Gaither
Vocal Band has certainly been considered one of the best southern gospel
quartets. For this latest CD/DVD, Bill Gaither has gathered both present
and past members for an unforgettable recording. This session obviously led
to finalizing the current line-up of vocalists, which sees Gaither and Wes
Hampton joined by returning members Mark Lowry, David Phelps and Michael
English. This recording also features past members Steve Green, Larnelle
Harris, Russ Taff and Guy Penrod. This historic gathering includes a
treasury of great music, countless stories, moving performances and
power-packed harmonies on songs like ‘I Bowed on My Knees,’
‘No Other Name But Jesus’ and ‘Let Freedom Ring.’
This is a must-have collection for any GVB fan, as this quartet turns a
page on their past and embarks on a new path as a quintet. gaither.com
April 2009
|
