July 2008 Vol. 17.9
Table of contents
Editorial
RN08 is a conference for young people and their leaders. This year's event is entitled "ACCELERATE"
Have you ever wanted to accelerate a process that would normally take years? Why is it that with faster transport and instant communication we are still not seeing the kind of breakthrough promised to the local church? Rocknations Director, Steve Gambill says, "I believe it's because in recent decades much of the church has been more concerned with holding onto the past rather than reaching out and embracing the future. I belive we can be the generation that accelerate the church into a new gear and speeds up the work in our local communities (2 Peter 3:12). RN08 will be a great chance to kick start this process together as we press the accelerator in our lives."
Guest speakers include Reinhard Bonke and Matther Barnett, while featured artists are RPM, Bluetree, 29th Chapter, and Sacred. Other activities taking place include Quad Biking, Battle of the Bands, Football Cage, Climbing Wall, and much, much more.
Taking place at the Abundant Life Centre in Bradford, RN08 will run from 6th-9th August. Booking forms and information are available from the following: RN08, Abundant Life Centre, Wapping Road, Bradford, BD3 0EQ.
www.rocknations.com
Tel: 01274 307233
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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
The worship website www.resoundworship.org reports that it has gathered over 1,000 subscribers from all around the world. Signing up for free allows subscribers to download MP3s, sheet music and chord charts for brand new worship songs by grassroots writers. The site came into being through a group of UK worship songwriters, meeting up and using the internet to critique each other's material.
The release of the Hillsong live worship album has become a highlight of the Christian music year and huge interest in the release of 'This Is Our God' on Monday 7 July is fuelling hopes that the 2008 album could enjoy record sales. Last year's offering, Saviour King, proved to be the fastest ever selling Hillsong album and Mighty to Save, the 2006 album continues to sell strongly, with 30,000 copies of the CD sold in the UK and Europe within the last 8 months. 'This is Our God' was recorded at the Acer Arena in Sydney on Sunday 9th March. A number of new songwriters, worship leaders and musicians joined established Hillsong favourites, Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech and Marty Sampson on the platform for the recording.
MARY MARY's eagerly awaited new album has been delayed again. 'The Sound' is now set to be issued in the UK in September by Integrity-Provident.
Three NEW WINE children's albums are about to be released by ICC. The first is 'Unleashed - Raise the Roof' which sees this year's top worship tunes getting a dance, pop, RnB make over…..'Massive : Just Gotta Praise' is worship-fuelled, rock-pop anthems of praise for a Busted generation. Loaded with slick guitars and big rhythms…..'Little Angels 2' gives fun, simple worship songs designed for the pre-school worshipper, packed full of goodness like catchy tunes and easy to learn words.
Pop artist Krystal Meyers will release her third, in-studio album, Make Some Noise, on September 16, 2008. The 10-track project, entirely written or co-written by Meyers, was recorded in Brentwood, Tenn. at Dutchland Studio, and was produced by Doubledutch (Robert Marvin and Josiah Bell). "This music is fun and energetic and is going to be fun on stage," says Meyers, who is already performing some of her new songs in concert to enthusiastic response. "It's a different kind of energy. Some of the songs like 'S.O.S.' and 'My Freedom' are more guitar-driven, but there are other songs like 'Shine,' the first radio single, that are totally 80's-inspired, fun, dance, pop/rock music. It's a diverse record that defines my different musical layers."
JOANNE HOGG has a solo album released in July. The project, 'Personal', is released by Kingsway Music.
Hogg is, perhaps, best known for her work with Celtic band, Iona.
DAVE BAINBRIDGE and his band, Open Sky, play a prophetic concert at Hull's New Life Centre, Bridlington Avenue, on 12th July. Its described as a unique soundworld of percussive, orchestral and acoustic textures fused with beautiful female vocals and the soaring lead guitar of the man himself. Tickets are priced at £5 and are available from www.newlifehull.org or Tel: 01482 610705.
PHIL KEAGGY's latest project, 'Acoustic Café', is described as "an acoustic album of great pop songs from [the] Christian guitar legend" and contains covers of "Something In The Way She Moves", "God Only Knows" and "All I Have To Do Is Dream"
GUS EYRE is a singer/songwriter, and ex member of the 70's contemporary Christian group Canaan. His music is styled somewhere between country, blues and contemporary acoustic. Over the years here has produced a number of Cd's as well as a 'home concert' on DVD. Gus plays at the Latimer Memorial Congregational Church, Grovehill Road, Beverley on 23rd August, beginning at 7pm. For more information, contact David Smith on 07930 871893
ICC RELEASES
Whether raucously celebratory or lost in pensive worship, there is a humble honesty that runs through 'Fearless Now', the new release from SHERI CARR. 12 songs explore the height, breadth and depth of what it means to worship fearlessly, regardless of the circumstances.....DREAMLAB is an authentic expression of Spirit-filled electronica for the Ibiza generation. Dreamlab blends electronica and vibey chill-out beats with familiar hymns.
'Scratch Beneath The Surface' by ELECTRALYTE is set for general release on 14th July. They are a British four-piece alternative/indie/rock band. This is the bands second album, although their first through Fierce Distribution. 'Scratch Beneath The Surface' is a collection of 12 stand out tracks, which are stylistically unique within the Christian music scene.
Recently GRAMMY-winning, multi-platinum artist Casting Crowns wrapped its US headlining 'The Altar and The Door Tour' as one of the best-attended, highest-grossing Christian music tours of all time. On Aug. 19, Casting Crowns fans, plus the nearly 500,000 people who attended this monumental live show, will be able to experience it in 5.1 surround sound on Casting Crowns' third live DVD/CD release, The Altar and The Door Live. Casting Crowns' The Altar and The Door Live is a 2-disc DVD/CD set featuring eight live songs recorded at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL, on Feb. 24, with additional audience footage shot at the Germain Arena in Estero, FL, on Feb. 22.
The New Sound of Worship album began in 2007 when Integrity invited five artists to work together on a new worship project. The album is born out of a desire to create a UK compilation of fresh, contemporary worship songs which cross cultural boundaries and appeal to all congregations. This unique album includes exclusive new songs from Ian Pitter (the producer of the album) Mark Beswick & Powerpraise and Faye Simpson. It also features the well loved anthem Seeking Your Face written by Noel Robinson and sung by Roger Samuels along with fresh new tracks from Raymond and Co, the last before the band take a break.
WATCHMEN WAIT are a duo based in Coventry, and have released a four-track EP. 'Jubilee EP' features the compositions of group members Tim Fox and Jess Nicholls.
TYNDALE THOMAS, the British gospel pioneer has been awarded an MBE in The Queen's Birthday Honours List, for his work in integrating gospel and inspirational music within the music industry. 48 year old Thomas is currently the choir director of the Liverpool Philharmonic Choir, One Voice Community Choir in Preston and the One Voice One Heart Youth Singing ensemble based in Liverpool.
Singer/songwriter ROB HALLIGAN is busy on the British festival circuit this summer. He has already played the Acoustic Festival Of Great Britain and has lined up the Solid Fest in Essex and the Godiva Festival in Coventry. Halligan also recently completed recording an album with fellow singer/songwriter Gareth Davies-Jones. Rob will be touring with Gareth this autumn.
Gillingham based singer/songwriter BLAIN has recorded his debut album. The project, 'Yesterday Today And Forever', was produced and arranged by John Perry at Perry's Heart Records studio in East Sussex.
Following the tragic death of his daughter Maria, US CCM star STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN will be returning to his live performance schedule beginning 11th July, 2008. Chapman will play all his previously scheduled US dates though all international engagements have been cancelled. The Chapman's appreciate everyone's understanding and patience, while his management also extends their gratitude for everyone's thoughts, prayers, condolences and generous donations to Maria's Miracle Fund.
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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
It's been more than three years since Angie's debut release, and the wait has definitely been worth while. Here's a woman who's sure of her faith and not ashamed to declare it. 'Amazing Days' is the opening song, and that's just what it's about. It's well sung, well produced, and is bound to make a few radio play lists. 'Worthy Are You Lord' is another really strong track and it was with this song I became aware of Angie's delivery being akin to that of Amy Grant. Her vocals have really matured over the last couple of year's and Angie is on top form with 'Thy Kingdom Come'. Her style is easy listening, adult pop and there's unashamed praise and worship of Jesus in songs like 'Jesus I Love You' and 'You Said Ask'. Numerous songs have that infectiousness that make Amy Grant so popular around the world, on both side of the Atlantic, and Angie produces the same on catchy number's like 'You Are Wonderful' and 'Open the Windows of Heaven'. She's one of a new breed of female singer songwriters in the UK, along with Chris Mercer and Rachel MacDonald. Enjoy the lyrics, enjoy the songs, and enjoy getting close to God. This album is a triumph. 10/10
FONO : Too Broken to Break. (H5D Records H5DCD02. www.fono.net )
It seems to have been ages since I came across a Christian CD with a bit of energy about it, but this one certainly has that in large doses. I know that in the CCM press Fono are being talked about very positively, and this CD shows why. It's non stop Rock and Roll from start to finish, and I enjoyed every track. The final track "January Rose" was the most outstanding song for me, maybe because the intro reminded me a lot of the Beatles "Tomorrow never knows" as it has the same rhythm, and one of the other tracks has a keyboard riff in it which is reminiscent of The Motors "Airport". The words are well thought out, and I would think that most people would be able to identify with something on here. There are some tracks off this CD on Fono's Myspace page so have a listen for yourself, Without a doubt though, this has to be the best CD I've reviewed for a long while. 10/10 Andy Sayner.
JACI VELASQUEZ : Love Out Loud. (Apostrophe : 7410042)
There's no mistaking the voice of Jaci Velasquez once the opening song gets into full swing. 'Nothing But Blue Sky' tells the story of her life's journey - from where she's come from, to where she is today. The title track is a real strong contender for radio play and the message is simple. Jaci sings with utmost conviction and the result is superb. We have all fallen short of the glory of God at some point. The side of the story that matters most is the journey back to Him. 'Jesus (The Way) tells that story in a very thoughtful way. The style of the songs are, for the main, pop orientated but there's also the beautiful ballad 'My Alleluia' and the off the wall sound of 'Tango'. On the latter, Jaci sings of marriage being like a dance, and her's is definitely a tango. What's yours? 'Por Escrito' is a Spanish duet, sung with her husband, while 'Into the Light Again' follows that simple message of seeking a closer relationship with God. Jaci will have another hit on her hands with this album, but I still think that she can do better! 7/10.
KEVIN MAX : The Blood. (Fierce! : 829569803927)
To be honest, I've not found much to enjoy in Kevin Max's releases since the demise of DC Talk. He's not really settled to any one particular style and this new release sees him try something else. In his own words this collection contains "stylized adaptations" of gospel classics - not that I'd heard of many of them! He starts things off with one verse of 'The Old Rugged Cross', sung in the style of Iggy Pop. It drones on with a total lack of feeling and it's a real blessing when it stops. Then, we get DC Talk back together again for a version of Prince's 'The Cross'. To be fair, and as a DC fan, I wish they hadn't bothered. I think that it's Toby Mac taking the lead with Kevin Max in the background, but the result is pretty poor. 'Run For A long Time' is pedestrian gospel blues while 'I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole' is just painful to listen too. It must have seemed like a good idea at the time, but when Amy Grant and Vince Gill join him for 'Up Above My Head' I really shuddered. This is just awful. Even the foot tappin' beat can't rescue it. What possessed Kevin Max to record this album is beyond me, and I can't see many DC Talk fans enjoying it. Towards the end, he does pull things together when he duets with Erica Campbell on 'People Get Ready' but by then, the damage is done. 2/10.
THE HARBOUR LIGHTS : Closed for the Winter. (Soul Cafe Music : SCMCD003)
With most of the writing credits going to Phil Baggaley, it's the wonderfully warm tones of Bethan Court's vocals that brings each song to life. Touted as a cross between Clannad, Fleetwood Mac and Kate Rusby, I think that is a fair description of this folk/roots outfit. I can't say that any of the lyrics were out and out Christian, but I enjoyed most of what was on offer. 'Gunmetal Grey' starts things off, and I think it's one of the strongest cuts on the album. There again, 'Five Senses' would push it a close second. It's an album of easy listening music, and one that you could play at any time of the day, whether you just want to relax or, like me, must have some music on when working in and around the house. 'Watching It Slip Away' was quite repetitive and luke warm, but the cry for help on 'Mayday' is soothing and gentle. The folk roots of this release are probably best summed up in the closing 'Another Rainbow'. It's modern folk, and produced to the highest quality. An album that I think, will grow on you. 8/10
RPM : Give My All. (Authentic : 8204602)
The crowd roars, and so it begins. This is the new live album from Bradford's RPM, and it's going to raise a few eyebrows! Instead of the usual lively praise and worship format we've all come to know, this album starts with a big surprise…..heavy rock. It's loud and it's brash, and thunders into Parachute Band territory. 'Songs of Ascension', 'Now or Never' and 'Give My All' are full of fast paced energy that is lapped up by those gathered. The slower 'Greatest of All' is not as impressive but we're soon back to the action with knock out numbers such as 'New Creation' and the football chant chorus of 'Get God Known'. 'More Like You' will be a song that will get used at many gatherings I'm sure. It's one of those songs that just cries out for thousands to sing together. There's a bit of a divide amongst the two type of songs featured on this release, and I'm not sure that they sit too well together. The rocky stuff is enthralling, and leaves the quieter songs as mere flickering embers. The accompanying DVD gives you an insight into the live recording, and shows just why the Abundant Ministries in Bradford are so hot in the north of England. 7/10
VARIOUS : Ultimate Hymns. (Authentic : 8204672)
'Ultimate Hymns' is a spot on title for this 4 CD collection. It really does contain the cream of hymns that we have grown to love over the years. Sung exactly how they were written, there are some real crackers for the listener. Writers such as Charles Wesley, John Newton and many others are featured here on an album that, for me, re-kindled so many happy memories. The list of great songs is endless and are far too many to list, but hymns like 'Now Thank We All Our God', 'Be Thou My Vision', 'O For A Thousand Tonuges' and 'Amazing Grace', all appear on the first disc alone. Other personal highlights include 'Holy, Holy' Holy', 'Immortal, Invisible', and 'Onward Christian Soldiers'. The vocals are crisp and clean and the accompaniment unobtrusive. Delight, once more, in the hymns that have stood the test of time. 8/10.
BILL & GLORIA GAITHER : A Campfire Homecoming. (Gaither : SHD2723)
This couple and their friends have ministered to tens of thousands of people over the years, in the USA, but have yet to make a real mark over here in the UK. The reason? Well, for me, the music just doesn't travel well. It all starts well enough, with Jeff & Sheri Easter's renditions of a happy song called 'Jesus, Hold My Hand', and a foot tappin' number, 'Livin' In the Rain'. From there, it's mostly downhill as various vocalists provide the words to some seriously dated songs. Even the Reverand Jessy Dixon can't pull things back, with an irritating cry on 'Touch Me Lord Jesus'. It all sounds as if these guys are stuck back in the 50's, and while that may work in certain parts of America, I've yet to find a niche for them here in Britain. Karen Peck and New River deliver light relief with a country ballad called 'Hold Me While I Cry' but it all finishes with a depressing melody of 'O The Blood of Jesus/ Nothing But the Blood of Jesus/ Near the Cross'. Definitely, one to avoid. 3/10.
VARIOUS : Wonderful Saviour - 20 new songs for Spring Harvest'. (ICC : 1160D)
Considered 'the 20 outstanding worship songs to emerge through the Church this year', the first of this double CD set features full band arrangements, and the second stripped-back acoustic ones. Five lead vocalists - Andreana Arganda, Cathy Burton, Ross Gill, Adrian Thompson & Neil Wilson - are found on CD1, whilst Andreana, Cathy and Ross share the songs on CD2. Unfortunately they are not identified track by track. There are some very good songs here however, including lyrically - and the insert includes printed lyrics. Production and sound quality are excellent, apart from one track on CD2 ('All I am') where the lead vocal is set too high. The standout track for me on CD1 is the (female vocal) 'Mighty to save', featuring a slightly out of the ordinary drum riff that strongly contributes to the effectiveness of the overall performance. Other strong ones on this CD are the Sarah Masen-like 'From the inside out', 'Beauty unspoken', and the title track 'Wonderful Saviour'. I found the arrangements to be strong, apart from a tendency for the slightly predictable 'drums kick in on second verse' approach. On CD2 'Psalm 13' worked well, but I thought that overall this CD was less successful, with the piano/acoustic guitar providing insufficient variety and several of the songs crying out for a fuller treatment. To help you decide whether to purchase, hear some of the tracks at www.essentialchristian.com. With the emphasis on CD1 however, a worthy 8/10. Dave Deeks
JARED ANDERSON : Where Faith Comes From. (Integrity : 42762)
Last year's debut from this chap didn't really push back the frontiers of Christian music. Rather, it just lost itself in mediocrity, along with hundreds of very ordinary albums. However, this new release sees Jared really move on in the song writing stakes, and he's come up with a much more original sound. He rocks away on the opening 'Promises' in a Bryan Adams sort of way, and the following 'All I Want' is really exciting. He then moves into Coldplay territory, where the piano takes a stronger role in the overall sound, before returning to guitar led tunes. 'This is Life' is all about finding the life that God made you for, while 'Hiding Place' tells of being protected from harm. Here, there's some excellent atmospheric backing, which I found to be very nice. Then, there's 'Beauty of the Lord', a song to just soak and wonder in the love of an almighty God. Produced by Brent Milligan, he needs a pat on the back for helping to make so many of these songs stand out. 9/10
Hillsong Kids Live Worship - Tell The World Hillsong HMACD209
Like many people, I am filled with a mild sense of dread when I see Kids Worship on a CD as on many occasions these consist of older people (like me) trying a little too hard to reach out to the younger generation. How wrong could I be in this case? Oh so very wrong! The vast Hillsong empire has produced a gem of a CD that blows those preconceptions straight out of the water, with one of their most well known sisters Darlene Zschech at the helm as an Executive Producer in conjunction with Julia A'Bell, the Children's Pastor, who has also co-written a number of tracks. The CD recorded at Kidsfest 2007 is live 'n' loud from the off complete with massively enthusiastic cheering from the congregation plus a bouncing title track "Tell The World". If you've not run out of energy by the end of this one, "My Number One" will continue the aural workout with a style not far removed from our very own TBC, until "My Redeemer Lives" brings us to slightly calmer waters. Some of the tracks have e.g. "Forever", "I'm Not Ashamed" & the title track itself have also made appearances on previous Hillsong releases which were not directed specifically at children. With the catchy choruses & uncomplicated lyrics packing a punch, they hit the mark with the kids as well as appealing to a wider audience, firing you up to get out there & do just as the title track asks! As you would expect, quality runs all the way through but worthy of particular mention is the kids choir that provides some excellent backing vocals. Works well keeping the kids entertained whilst getting the gospel message across - a great formula! This one will soon be worn out, by me if not the kids! 10/10 Simon Redfern
DISAGREE WITH THE REVIEWS?
Write & tell me!
e-mail geoff@geoffhowlett.co.uk
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Prayer Table
Hull's LIVING HOPE are currently writing and recording with some American artists. Please pray for the logistics of this project.
Following the tragic death of his young daughter, please pray for STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN and his wife Beth.
THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF NFN IS:
20TH JULY 2008
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