Circleslide’s Gabe Martinez
*Jars of Clay just released its first-ever “iTunes Originals” digital
album, featuring 23 tracks of career-spanning hits, new live
recordings and candid band interviews offering an insider’s view into
the writing and overall journey of Jars of Clay over the last decade.
The band joins an elite group of only 22 artists across multiple
genres selected by Apple iTunes for this exclusive series, alongside
artists like Black Eyed Peas, Jack Johnson and Sarah McLachlan.
*Chris Tomlin will release his first live recording Dec. 26, “Live
From Austin Music Hall.” Tomlin recorded the new album Sept. 18 in
his hometown of Austin, Texas, along with thousands who came for an
evening of worship at the famed Austin Music Hall. The album consists
of such CCLI chart favorites as “Forever,” “Famous One,”
and “Kindness,” as well as a brand new live version
of “Indescribable” with Tomlin playing piano. “Indescribable” is the
first No. 1 hit off the 400,000-plus selling, award winning 2004
release, “Arriving.”
*Elijah James’ band is working on their new jazz/rock/jam
album, “Seeking Frequency.” College crowds love seeing this down-to-
Earth singer and his band perform live in concert. Out of the
hundreds of independent albums Christian Music Monthly receives each
year, Elijah James’ “Be The Voice” album stood out. Get it, and info,
at www.elijahjamesmusic.com.
*A TV show called “JC Rocks” is intent on “making God famous
throughout the world.” One of the great things about this show is
that it’s seen on major secular TV stations in many markets at
reasonable, even important time slots (like 5pm). With that in mind,
please contribute financially to this show so it can continue to take
Christian music to places it needs to go. Here’s the link to show
your support: http://jcrproductions.org/cmm
*David Crowder Band’s `A Collision Tour’ wrapped up Nov. 17 with 23
sold out dates. This spring, the band will hit the road with Third
Day during the “Wherever You Are Tour”, which kicks off in Lynchburg,
Virginia, on Feb. 16. To see a full list of dates, go to our calendar.
*MercyMe will perform in the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day
Parade on ABC-TV, hosted by Regis & Kelly, airing nationwide in the
U.S.A. on Sunday, Dec. 25. MercyMe’s new single at Christian AC
radio, “Joseph’s Lullaby”, is among the most added Christmas songs at
that format this season, while their rendition of “O Holy Night” is
among the most added Christmas songs at mainstream AC radio as well.
*Congratulations to Erica and Tina of Mary Mary for their exciting
win at the American Music Awards, where the sisters received the
Favorite Artist/Contemporary Inspirational Award. Their recent self-
titled album has sold more than 300,000 units, and this award should
help these lovely ladies sell some more.
*Take 6 has always been an extraordinary vocal group singing
Christian music that thankfully reaches everyone, not just
Christians. Their 11th album, “Feels Good,” available Jan. 31,
combines gospel, jazz, pop and R&B, and, as usual, is excellent.
*Modern rock band Fireflight has solidified its place on Flicker
Records’ 2006 release schedule. Its national debut is slated for May
2006 and features production by celebrated talent James Paul Wisner
(Underoath, Further Seems Forever, New Found Glory). Comprising Dawn
Richardson (lead vocals), Wendy Drennen (bass), Glenn Drennen
(guitar), Justin Cox (guitar) and Phee Shorb (drums), Fireflight
formed five years ago in Orlando, Florida. Having performed alongside
established rock acts Skillet, Emery, Anberlin, Disciple, and Kids in
the Way, among others, Fireflight will continue to tour throughout
2006 and beyond in support of its debut release. For more about
Fireflight, visit www.fireflightrock.com or www.flickerrecords.com.
*Natalie Grant performed a duet with country superstar Wynonna at the
recent 11th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards, broadcast live
on Great American Country (GAC) TV. Grant and Wynonna
performed “Bring It All Together,” from Grant’s “Awaken,” one of the
top-selling albums by a female solo artist in Christian music for
2005. The Inspirational Country Music Awards will be re-broadcast
Dec. 22 and 25 on GAC.
*CeCe Winans’ “Purified” CD is awesome. If you don’t own it, go buy
it today, especially for the hit, “Pray.” Winans is one of the few
artists making music that reaches several different groups of people.
Please pray for her, as she has been extremely busy, maintaining an
exhaustive work schedule, promoting this thoughtful and thoroughly
enjoyable pop/R&B/gospel CD. And if you like CeCe’s music and style,
check out labelmate Vicki Yohe and her latest disc, “He’s Been
Faithful.”
*Heather Powers draws inspiration from a troubled past. Her
compelling life saga includes assault, rape, addiction, divorce,
emotional breakdown and utter brokenness. While her story is often
incomprehensible, she chooses to focus not on the trauma, but on the
amazing restoration and redemption she has experienced. Powers’ voice
is featured in the feature film “RENT,” based on the record-breaking
hit Broadway musical. Powers provides the voice for one of the film’s
characters, performing six songs in the film. Powers’ debut
album, “Lay Them Down,” should be in stores next March or April.
*Vocal group Acappella has been busy ministering and singing all over
the world. Read more about the group’s adventures athttp://garyevans.blogspot.com/ or http://rhondacoleson.blogspot.com
*GospelMusicForum.Com is the place for music fans, musicians, worship
leaders, producers, promoters and anyone interested in Christian
music to come together and post messages, thoughts, opinions, news
and more. Become a member for free athttp://www.gospelmusicforum.com. Also, check out Araunah Music, a
label, distributor and online music store for independent
Christian/gospel artists: http://www.araunah.com.
What’s Up With: The Katinas
The eight-time Dove Award-nominated The Katinas recently released a
collection of Christian classics. Timeless, which released on BHT
Records, features 11 tracks penned by such artists as Amy Grant,
Michael W. Smith, Andrae Crouch and Keith Green.
More on Timeless at Katinas Release Christian Classics.
Buy products from these artists on SALE at the CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES MUSIC & BOOK STORE
Swag out with Christian Activities Merchandise!
Visit the CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES MUSIC & BOOK STORE
