June 2008 Vol. 17.8
Table of contents
Editorial
Creative Soul Records has announced the Summer 2008 release of singer/songwriter Stephanie Newton's debut album, Fairytale Life. The album explores the travails of a suburban mom in a light and humorous manner, with an overall theme that Newton jokingly calls "desperate Christian housewives."
"As a modern woman, I struggle with juggling the responsibilities of wife, mother and career," Newton says. "I think most women can relate to that. As I view all my roles through the lens of my faith, I realize I'm constantly striving to know God's purpose for my life and to understand how I fit into His plan."
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APPLETREE STUDIOS
24 Track Digital/ 16 track Analogue. Digital editing, mastering and duplication facilities. Tel: 01844 237916.
www.appletreestudios.com
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CROSS RHYTHMS
Radio, Festival, and more! Probably the UK's biggest CCM Resource & Information Centre
www.crossrhythms.co.uk
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DIVERSITY MUSIC - Manchester
Independent Christian recording & music publishing.
Tel:01254 777380 bt@hismusic.co.uk
www.hismusic.co.uk
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ESSENTIAL CHRISTIAN.COM
Great value Christian music, teaching and AV Resources.
Subscribe now and get 10% off your first order.
www.essentialchristian.com
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ETERNAL SOUND &LIGHT, HULL.
Available for your event
PA (upto 2k), Lights & FX.
Church Services, concerts, theatre, disco.
Contact: Paul Ganney Tel:01482 212216
www.ganney.net/esl.htm
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FIERCE!
Buy Christian music & exclusive clothing online. Great prices and free UK delivery.
www.fierceshop.com
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ICC STUDIOS
Two high quality recording facility in a peaceful setting just off Eastbourne's seafront.
SSL AW900 desk, Protools Accell, Otan Radar II, 2" analogue with Dolby SR, Vintage mics & outboard gear, self-catering apartment. Bookings Manager: Neil Costello.
info@iccstudios.co.uk www.iccstudios.co.uk
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INTEGRITY MUSIC
For the latest in worship, contemporary and gospel music from Integrity, Provident, Essential, Gospo Centric, Verity and much more visit www.integrityeurope.com
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MUSICWIRE
All the best in Contemporary Christian Music - up to 35% discount off the rrp - FREE UK delivery - Digital Download Store coming soon! www.musicwire.co.uk
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NEW CHRISTIAN MUSIC
NCM PROMO-DISC is Christian music performers' own platform to get their music out to 500 radio stations and key media people (in the UK, Europe and beyond) on a monthly basis. www.newchristianmusic.co.uk
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PHOTOGRAPHY
www.markpierce-photography.co.uk
Yorkshire based freelance photographer with a contemporary style.
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REVELATOR
Invest in good Design - web; print; photography
www.revelator.co.uk
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SPIRIT MUSIC
Christian Distribution for all styles of music & clothing. www.spiritmusic.co.uk
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THE GOOD NEWS
Bringiing the UK Christian online community together.
www.thegoodnews.co.uk
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TOLLBOOTH MUSIC - DONCASTER
Digital multi-track recording & production studio.
www.tollboothmusic.com
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NEVER FOR NOTHING is published by GEOFF HOWLETT
E-Mail the Editor
NEVER FOR NOTHING is a faith ministry and gratefully acknowledges gifts of support.
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The Happening
Helen Garnett informs us that Following their performance at City Hall at Easter for the hope08 event HOT GOSPEL have made a guest appearance on Angie Lendon's new album due to be launched this month. Future plans include a performance at the Marie Curie 60th years celebrations at Beverley Minster 12th June, which promises a mystery celebrity present. Hot Gospel have also been involved with several fundraising charity events including Dove House Hospice and local churches. The choir also performed to John and Pauline Prescott at the recent opening of St Johns Community project in East Hull. If you feel Hot Gospel can help you with perhaps fundraising outreach please get in touch on www.hotgospel.co.uk.
PHIL LEWIS' new album 'Movements in Space' (reviewed in this issue of NFN) is available from his website www.phillewisuk.co.uk He says that Radio Cymru are already considering adding one of the tracks onto their playlist for regular rotation. Phil will also be making a 4 track EP available FREE from his website for the week 1st-7th June.
Having started while at Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach, Fl) TENTH AVENUE NORTH is Mike Donehey (lead vocalist/acoustic guitar), Jason Jamison (drummer), Jeff Owen (electric guitar/background vocals) and Scott Sanders (bass guitar). The group has been featuring its brand of intellectual, melodic pop-rock on a 21-city promotional tour in support of "Love Is Here" and the upcoming album Over and Underneath.
Grimsby-based band The Yearning, who picked up considerable critical acclaim for their debut 'Afterthought' CD, have changed their name to FLIGHT SCHOOL. The band have released 'The Fragile EP' and have just played at London's Pentecost Festival.
THE CHOIRBOYS have their self-titled album released into Christian retail by Fierce! Distribution in June. Hundreds of boys were auditioned before Ben Inman (12) from Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire, and Patrick Aspbury (12) and CJ Porter-Thaw (10) from Ely Cathedral were selected. The album includes such songs as "Walking In The Air", "Tears From Heaven" and "Agnus Dei".
Singer/songwriter CHRIS MERCER will have her new album 'Beauty Of The Jagged Road' released in July. She describes her album as "predominantly Irish Celtic with a touch of alt country." The project was produced by The Electrics' Sammy Horner and as well as seven Mercer compositions includes songs from Australia-based Alex Legg, USA's Phil Madeira and Ireland's Rodney Cordner.
Legendary recording artist JOHN SCHLITT-solo artist, lead singer for the GRAMMY Award-winning Christian band Petra and former lead singer for the mainstream rock band Head East--is gearing up for the release of his third solo album, The Grafting, releasing June 24, 2008, on 4K Records. With more than three decades worth of water under the musical bridge, Schlitt has earned multiple Gold Records, GRAMMYs and Dove Awards. He's toured all over the world and has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. After 20 years fronting Petra, the most successful rock band in Christian music history, Schlitt is still passionate about the message of the Gospel and is compelled to deliver it in his own inimitable fashion, so he called on the multiple talents of rising star producer/songwriter Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Petra, Michael McDonald) to help craft his vision.
The multi-Platinum selling rock band SWITCHFOOT has recorded a new original song, "This Is Home," for the highly anticipated Walt Disney Studios and Walden Media June 27 theatrical release, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The song will be featured during the end credits of the film, and will appear on the Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack CD
UK rock veterans, AFTER THE FIRE have got a new drummer, Tim Turner. Until recently, Tim was in the band called Titan Red.
Ahwiyah Records, in partnership with Infinity U, has announced the September 9, 2008 release of worship band EVENSONG RISING's self-titled national debut album, produced by GRAMMY and Dove Award-nominated producer Brian Hardin (FFH, Manic Drive, Vicki Yohe). Merging diverse modern musical expression with hauntingly beautiful lyrics of faith from centuries past, Evensong Rising delivers a dichotomous yet unified ancient/future worship record. Stirring something deep inside the listener's soul, the album connects post-modern worshipers to the vast procession of worshipers who have gone before them over the past 2,000 years.
'THE BEGINNINGS CONCERT' is an all new DVD/CD collection featuring fresh performances by some of the founding pioneers of contemporary Christian music, including Barry McGuire, Don Francisco, Steve Archer and David Meece. The event was recorded at the Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas, and marks the first time that all of the artists have ever appeared together on one stage.
AYIESHA WOODS will release her second Gotee album in the summer. 'Love Like This' was produced by Chris Stevens and Jamie Moore with the first single "Love Can't Wait" currently being circulated to US Christian radio.
RICHIE McDONALD, the former lead singer of best selling pop country band Lonestar, will release his first solo album in the States on 3rd June. The project, 'I Turn To You' on Lucid Artist, is also McDonald's first Christian release. With Lonestar McDonald had nine number one hits.
British singer MARK RUEBERY will have his debut album 'Because Of You' released on LPW Records on 21st July. The project was recorded at Rockfield Studios and co-produced by Nick Brine (The Darkness, Oasis). A single from the album, "It Goes And Comes Around" is currently being serviced to radio.
Midlands based THE PAUL POULTON PROJECT are hard at work recording their new album. The CD is to be titled 'Looking For Someone To Blame'.
ONCE A best selling choir boy and more recently a popular religious broadcaster, ALED JONES has an album 'You Raise Me Up: The Best Of Aled Jones' released into Christian retail by Fierce! Distribution. The project includes such guests as Bryn Terfel and Hayley Westenra and features such songs as "How Great Thou Art", "Pie Jesu" and "Walking In The Air".
'King of Love' the independent album by TRINITY CHELTENHAM UK featuring worship led by Neil Bennetts, David Gate and Jules Woodbridge has been picked up for UK Christian retail distribution. The album is now being distributed by ICC
The rock worship aggregation formed by the Elim youth movement for their Serious4God initiative, THE GATHERING BAND, will release a studio album, 'Redeemed From Emptiness', through Authentic Music in June. It is a follow up to the band's previous live album 'Rise Up'. The 'Redeemed From Emptiness' package will include a bonus DVD recorded live at 2007's Gathering Max event.
Autumn Records has announced the Summer 2008 release of singer/songwriter ERIN SCHNEIDER'S debut label project, Faith Walk. Spinning her own brand of "profound pop," Schneider has a message of hope for all who struggle with the challenges of life, and the overriding theme of Faith Walk is God's loving care through hardships. "Most of the songs were written when I was going through a very difficult time or soon after God brought me through it," Schneider explains.
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Gig Guide
The NFN Gig Guide is on a page of it's own.
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The Reviews Zone
With grateful acknowledgement to: AUTHENTIC, EMI, ICC, INTEGRITY/PROVIDENT, KINGSWAY, McCAIN, ROSETTE, SPIRIT & VERITY MEDIA ORGANISATIONS.
ALBUM OF THE MONTH
PLANETSHAKERS : Never Stop, (Authentic : 8204492)
Never stop is only the 5th studio album from Planetshakers, whose discography consists of a whopping 19 CDs since 2000 which by anyone's book is some record (no pun intended)! The remaining 14 have been live worship recordings from their hugely popular conferences and events. The last time I'd experienced Planetshakers was their 2001 live CD Phenomena which had a slightly fake rap feel to it and to be perfectly honest I was not impressed, but this was so different you would hardly think the 2 bore any relation to each other. The title track Never Stop is packed with rocky energy from the off & doesn't let up to the very last note, with Everywhere I Go following on with an equal measure of drive - the style is almost akin to a lighter version of US grunge-meisters Switchfoot. Things do relax a little when we get to Call Your Name and continue being relatively chilled for the next 3 tracks, with vocals ranging from a passionate Enrique Iglesias style to some silky smooth female vocals taking the lead on Great Is The Lord. Whether energetic or chilled out, the six piece band remain very tight, with some catchy rhythms which get added spice from some of the excellent driving rhythms from drummer Mike Webber. I often find with studio albums that the performance element drowns out the act of worship, but somehow Planetshakers manage to keep it real which has a great positive effect on the listening experience. A DVD also comes with the CD containing a selection of live tracks from their Pick It Up CD along with some teaching, all of which is highly enjoyable but the CD can easily carry itself - the DVD is a bonus. Well worth a listen - best played at volume! 10/10 Simon Redfern
Here's a chap who's a seasoned professional singer/songwriter and guitarist, who has played at many of the UK's best known festivals and venues. In the past, I've likened him to Martyn Joseph and David Gray, and it's the former category that he sits in best. One thing I like about Gareth's music is it's simplicity in sound. There's some fine music in the background, but it's uncluttered and lets him, as the singer perform his trade. He starts this album off with the excellent 'Borderland', a strong opener. 'Breathe' is also a superb song which is full of passion and good hooks. Away from the usual praise and glories to our Lord, Gareth can also write folky numbers that tell of a story. 'Shoreline of Ghosts' depicts a time, not so long ago, when miners worked down the pits in his native north east of England. Similarly, later on, Gareth weaves his words into a delightful story about an ill-fated ship. As a singer and performer, Gareth is slowly building up a reputation that I'm sure will see him become even more popular in the years to come. As for the album, it's a joy to listen to. 9/10.
JON FOREMAN : Fall and Winter. (Credential Recordings : 5699951615125)
This is a double album, the first disk being entitled "Fall", and the other one "Winter". I wonder if we can expect Spring and Summer next then. Despite being a double CD there are only six tracks on each disk so it's not really any longer than a single CD. I really can't make my mind up about this CD at all. I can't decide whether I like it or not, it's not exactly what you'd call easy listening. It's very much an acoustic guitar led album, with only a few tracks featuring any more instruments. It has a kind off jazz feel to it I guess, but it's quite difficult deciding where to place it. There is a strong hint of Coldplay about a lot of the songs on here, mainly due to the vocals I think. The lyrics are quite dark in places, and I'm not sure that many of the songs will be appreciated by anyone who is not familiar with the issues contained within them, the words are obviously written from the heart though. Personally found it a bit depressing in places, but there are a couple of more straightforward worship songs towards the end which were a bit lighter. I should add that Jon Foreman is the singer from Switchfoot, so this will appeal to fans of theirs I should think, but I think it's a bit of a mixed bag, and I'm not sure exactly what mood I would find myself in before I'd want to listen to it. 6/10 Andy Sayner
It's 12 years since I first lent an ear to the music of Phil Lewis and, in that time, he's created some terrific songs. For this new release, Phil takes a back seat with the instruments and programming and calls on the talented Ben Haynes to turn his ideas into music. It's hard to pigeon hole Phil's sound as it's a little bit indie, a little bit rock, and a big chunk of experimental. But, it all comes together well and 'Burn Burn Burn' contains an excellent repetitive guitar phrase that was in my head for days. 'S.A.D' is an intriguing song, but the adult rock of 'Shine' has radio potential. I liked the track 'High Flyer' very much, with it's cleverly written look at the self made man, taking no prisoners as he tries to rise to the top of the professional tree. Later on, there's a slower, almost latin feel to 'Now That the Lights Are Out', while Phil creates another sound with some accapella vocals on 'One Step at a Time'. He's got the voice, the sound, and the songwriting ability so why hasn't someone signed him up? If Phil lived in America, it would be no problem, he'd sit well with the likes of Joy Electric. Here in the UK, however, perhaps he's just not mainstream Christian enough for the record company's to take a chance. 9/10
FINCHLEY : No Clouds. (ICC : FM0002)
For those of you not up to date with the UK Christian music scene, Ian Finch is currently cutting his teeth as a solo artist after years of being part of the Liverpool outfit Supervision. This son of a Baptist minister has taken a few risks and produced an entertaining, if not spectacular, debut in the adult rock scene. After a solid opening couple of tracks, he gets into the purple patch of the album which begins with the energy of 'This Journey'. There's some good guitar work in this song, and the same can be said later on in proceedings with 'Prodigal'. My favourite track has to be 'Contraflow', a song about growing up as a man. Musically, it reaches into the territory of A-Ha, and the vocals really work well. Of the other songs, 'Sun Spots' is worth a mention, as is the closing 'Struggle On'. It's as if God were crying to one of His lost sheep, struggling with life under their own steam. I found it wistful, yet quite moving at the same time. For a debut album, there's a bright future predicted for Finchley and I'm sure he will only improve with time. 7/10.
MARGARET BECKER, MAIRE BRENNAN, JOANNE HOGG & KIRSTEN GETTY : New Irish Hymns - The Complete Works. (Kingsway : KMCD2858)
With four releases before this one in the 'New Irish Hymns' series, here we have a 3CD compilation of the previous tracks. More than 'hymns', think in terms of female-vocal-led, superbly written, performed and produced 'new Irish pop ccm' and you get the idea. Keith Getty is the co-composer throughout, tracks varying from rock-pop to slow and reflective - all with high class instrumental/orchestral arrangements. The four vocalists have outstanding though quite different voices, but unfortunately the songs are not individually credited - so to know who is singing what, you need to be familiar with them. Margaret Becker first made a name for herself as a solo artist, more recently joining the 'Out of the Grey' duo to become part of Ashton, Becker and Denté. Máire Brennan and Joanne Hogg became famous as the lead singers of Clannad and Iona respectively. Kristyn Getty issued a cassette and CD as Kristyn Lennox before marrying Keith Getty four years or so ago. Stand-out tracks for me from CD1 were 'In Christ Alone' (probably Keith's most famous co-composition, with Stuart Townend), 'Join all the glorious names', and 'Oh for a heart'. Favourites on CD2 were 'Prologue', the waltz-time 'Over fields of green', and 'See what a morning'. By the time I reached CD3 I was getting a bit tired(!) but found the rocky 'Hear all creation' to be particularly strong. It is worth checking out www.gettymusic.com. All very good, worth 9/10. David Deeks
ABUNDANT LIFE MINISTRIES : How Loved. (Kingsway : KMCD2840)
This is the latest offering to come out of the Abundant Life Ministries based in Bradford. With worship leaders Lara Martin and Mark Stevens at the front of things, they both whip up the excitement with the opening 'Everybody'. Both leaders have terrific voices and are backed by some talented musicians. I must admit, the accompanying DVD brought things to life for me, whereas the audio CD alone left me feeling that some of the songs sounded rather flat. The DVD also shows just how those gathered respond to the music and take part in the worship. 'You Are There' is a very smooth number while 'How Loved I Am' builds up in power and glory. It's great to see just what's happening at this church in the UK, as it looks to be a very exciting time. Everyone joins in with songs like 'Forever Faithful' and 'On Earth As In Heaven' and it's plain to see that God is with them. As a CD & DVD package, the latter only enhances the former. 8/10
VARIOUS : Live 2008 - Reviewing a Great Year of Worship. (Kingsway : KMCD 2839)
Do we need yet another worship compilation? Apparently so but at least with this one it is clear in its mission. i.e. to provide the best of the worship from 2007's various Christian events. Hang on - 2007 events yet this is Live 2008? Yup, I can't work that one out either - maybe 2007 is just too old hat. Two things strike me about this double cd. Firstly, for the most part it's your typical worship fayre - usual sound, usual suspects so it's solid but not exciting. Secondly, it actually hangs together rather well for a compilation that has taken its source material from different events. Stuart Townend, Andy Bromley, Matt Redman and Godfrey Birtill are some of the many worship leaders represented. It's great to hear Godfrey's stuff on here as it has a certain edge to it and this lifts the whole cd. There's a couple of gospel moments too from Mark Beswick and Smokie Norful which are obviously noticeable by their very different style. So, overall, its not a bad worship cd and will appeal to those that buy these sort of albums. For me though, I'm still searching for something a little different... 6/10 Robin Thompson
VARIOUS : Just Worship. (Kingsway : KMCD2861)
Sub-titled '50 Must Have Worship Songs', this is another collection of songs, put together on 3 CD's. However, the brilliant thing about this collection is that I don't think that I had heard of any of the songs before! Certainly, they aren't the usual crop of well known tunes that get churned out several times each year. There are no credits for the singers or musicians featured, but they all do a sterling job. First song of note was Paul Oakley's 'We Have Prayed' sung memorably, for me, by a female vocalist. What a good song it is. Then, comes Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche's 'Praise is Rising' - an exhilarating number. A song I enjoyed singing along to was 'I Have No-one in Heaven', written by Gareth Robinson, while songs like 'You Never Cease to Amaze Me', 'So This is Love' and 'How Can I Become' all take worship to another level. It really was a pleasure to listen to these songs and latterly, I thought that 'You Give Rest to the Weary' was very beautiful. If you tired of hearing the same worship songs over Andover again, this collection will brighten your day. 9/10
DISAGREE WITH THE REVIEWS?
Write & tell me!
e-mail geoff@geoffhowlett.co.uk
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Prayer Table
Prayers would be greatly received by THE PAUL POUTON PROJECT, as they record their new album.
THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE JULY ISSUE OF NFN IS:
20TH JUNE 2008
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