Christian Music Monthly’s July Update with Group 1 Crew, Dino, Bill Gaither, Audio Adrenaline, Mark Hall, Phil Joel, Big Daddy Weave, Stephen Baldwin, Kirk Franklin, BarlowGirl & more!
Christian Music Monthly: July
Group 1 Crew: There’s a new group in Christian music called Group 1 Crew, and they sound a bit like Black Eyed Peas and The Fugees. Group 1 Crew’s main passion and purpose is to shine the love of Christ through the power of song and create music that people can relate to. Group 1 Crew’s first single, “(Everybody’s Gotta) Song To Sing”, will be released to radio on July 14th. Also, keep an eye out for the new music video of the song, which the band will begin filming on July 19th. To learn more about Group 1 Crew, visit myspace.com/groupone or myspace.com/ferventrecords.
Mark Schultz: He traveled to Atlanta to film a video for the
song “Everything To Me,” from his new album Broken & Beautiful. Like most of Mark’s songs, “Everything To Me” contains an incredible story, this time dealing with adoption. Mark is currently working with many prominent adoption agencies to use the song to promote the cause. The video is expected to debut close to the release of his new album. Broken & Beautiful will be released on August 29th. For more info about Mark Schultz visit markschultzmusic.com.
Decyfer Down: The rock band has a hit with the song “Break Free,” off their just released debut entitled “End of Grey.” But it’s not your traditional hit on the radio. “Break Free” is actually a huge hit with sports teams who use the song during games. In just the past few months, “Break Free” has been heard during NBA games with teams including the LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and the Chicago Bulls. Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League have also broadcast the song at games, with teams including The New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers respectively, with the NCAA, Arena Football League and even the National Hot Rod Association rockin’ “Break Free” as well. Decyfer Down is touring a lot this year, so if you see they’re coming to a town near you, check them out so you can hear “Break Free” live.
Dino: TAG Artist Group has announced a deal to bring Dino’s Piano Praise series to retail stores on CD for the very first time. `America’s Piano Showman’ Dino Kartsonakis is currently in the 12th season of his long running show in Branson, Missouri, and can also be seen weekly on Trinity Broadcasting Network’s famous program, The Dino Show. Just Piano-Praise!, Just Piano-Praise II and Just Piano-Praise III have sold more than 500,000 units combined, through a partnership with QVC and concert sales. The series features inspiring instrumental recordings of more than 90 of America’s most popular hymns and praise songs, including such standards as “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Because He Lives” and “Blessed Assurance.”
Ginny Owens: After four studio releases, an acoustic EP, and a live
album, Rocketown Records is releasing the definitive collection of
Ginny Owens’ greatest hits. Titled If You Want Me To: The Best of
Ginny Owens, the CD will release August 8th. A consummate songwriter and performer, Owens, who is blind, has won three Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year, and been on many mainstream television shows. Most recently, Owens appeared on CNN to educate viewers about the non-profit organization she launched in 2005, the Fingerprint Initiative, and its ongoing work with Habitat for Humanity and Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
Andraé Crouch: Mr. Crouch, a Grammy winner whose songs have been recorded by Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, CeCe Winans, and many others, just received the Cherub Award from the International Worship Institute at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. Crouch, who is now in his mid 60’s, was the creative force behind the Disciples, formed in the mid-1960s, and is known for hits like “Soon and Very Soon” and “Through It All.” His most recent CD, Mighty Wind,
came out in May.
New book: There’s a new book out called How Do You Know He’s Real?: Celebrity Reflections on True Life Experiences With God. Released in April by Destiny Image Publishers, author Amy Hammond Hagberg’s new book contains 34 real-life stories about
celebrities who know God is real because of their personal
relationship with Him. Well-known sports, film, TV, and music
celebrities talk candidly about such topics as miracles & prayer,
marriage & healing, success & despair, abortion & sex, addiction &
death, forgiveness & salvation, joy & love and more. Celebrities
featured in the book include Billy Ray Cyrus (actor and
singer/songwriter), Ricky Skaggs (bluegrass musician), Charlie
Daniels (legendary country music superstar), Gloria Gaynor (disco
legend – “I Will Survive”), Jonny Lang (blues singer), T-Bone (rapper
and actor), Clay Crosse (Christian singer/songwriter), Zoro (drummer
for Lenny Kravitz), Leon Patillo (former lead vocalist with the rock
band Santana), Heather Powers (Christian singer/songwriter), and many
others. For more info, visit destinyimage.com.
Da’ Truth: The thoughtful rapper Da’ Truth will be ministering at Rap Fest 2006 on August 12th in the Bronx. Da’ Truth just finished
touring with Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. I saw this tour when it
stopped in Buffalo and it was just about the best praise party I’ve
ever been to. Recently seen on TBN, BET’s 106th & Park and other
major networks and media, Da’ Truth’s song regarding the DaVinci Code is becoming well known lately. Make plans now to attend Rap Fest this August 12th. It’s a free, outdoor, all day event held on Arthur Avenue between East Tremont Avenue and 176th Street in the Bronx. For
more information, please contact Rap Fest, Inc. 2555 Mickle Avenue,
Bronx, NY 10469, (917) 687-2580. For a complete list of groups
participating, past event details and general information, please
visit rapfest2000.com.
Third Day: Multi platinum, GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning rock band Third Day is readying for the fall leg of its highly successful “Wherever You Are” tour. Since its launch in Fairfax, VA
on February 16, the band consistently ranked in the Top 25 on
Pollstar Magazine’s “Weekly Concert Pulse” alongside artists
including James Taylor, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and Bob
Dylan, further solidifying its place as the leading touring band in
Christian music this spring. The band is playing several festivals
this summer including Creation West (George, WA), Kingdom
Bound (Darien Center, NY), and Sonshine Festival (Willmar, MN).
Please visit ThirdDay.com for the most up-to-date tour itinerary.
Bill Gaither: Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductee Bill
Gaither, whose name is synonymous with southern gospel and
contemporary Christian music, will host a new weekly music program exclusively on SIRIUS Satellite Radio. Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Radio will feature classic as well as new southern gospel music, and will debut on Sunday, July 9th on channel 62, The Roadhouse. The three-hour program will be broadcast at 9am EST and again at 9pm EST every Sunday.
Don Moen: Last year KTIS in Minneapolis welcomed Don Moen and other worship artists to Grace Church for a night of worship and a live recording of a new Integrity CD Arise – A Celebration of Worship, which released on June 6th. This new double album captures two amazing hours of worship with Moen, Paul Baloche, Jared Anderson, Lincoln Brewster, Robin Mark and Lenny LeBlanc. Recently Moen
returned to KTIS to present the radio station with an award of
appreciation for their support and help on the CD. While there, he
spent some time on the air with KTIS, visited with local
worship leaders, and appeared at a local Northwestern Bookstore. In
addition to the Arise double CD, Integrity plans to release a
songbook and CD trax for Arise – A Celebration of Worship. All three
resources will be available at Christian retail stores through
Provident-Integrity Distribution.
Tina Marie Williams: Her music is heard often on The Praise House,
and this young lady has an amazing testimony about being delivered from self-mutilation and cutting— you can read about this on her website at tina4jesus.com. If you’d like to get Tina’s raw and honest CD, checks can be made out to Tina Williams, and can be sent to 441 Center Road West Seneca , NY 14224. The cost is $12 per CD and
includes shipping. Tina is a talented teen singer-songwriter who is
definitely one to watch. If you liked Jennifer Knapp a few years ago,
definitely check out tina4jesus.com.
Festivals: Because of heavy rains, Creation East Christian music
festival in Pennsylvania, which was supposed to take place at the end of June, basically has been postponed til next year, so those of you who would like to hear Christian music outdoors this summer and had planned to go to Creation should know that Kingdom Bound Christian music festival is an alternative. Kingdom Bound celebrates 20 years this August at Six Flags Darien Lake amusement park and camping resort, near Niagara Falls, New York. If you’re looking for something
to do August 6th thru the 9th, and want to experience Christian
fellowship while you listen to more than 50 bands and 15 speakers,
why not make a family vacation of it, and come to Kingdom Bound 2006? For more info, visit kingdombound.org.
BarlowGirl: BarlowGirl’s music video supporting their No. 1 hit
single “Never Alone” launched recently at Yahoo! Music. You can also check out BarlowGirl’s Yahoo! Music Page featuring the band’s “I Need You To Love Me” video and live “Who’s Next” performance of “Never Alone.”
Mark Hall: The lead singer of platinum selling and GRAMMY award-winning band Casting Crowns, releases his first national book, titled Lifestories: Finding God’s “Voice of Truth” Through Everyday Life, with writer Tim Luke, on August 29th. Lifestories, published by Provident Books, chronicles the people, events and life experiences
that inspired many of Hall’s award-winning songs on the band’s self-
titled debut album and its latest release, Lifesong.
Echoing Angels: INO Records has announced the signing of the Georgia-based band Echoing Angels. Their national debut album, You Alone, is set to release nationwide on September 5th, 2006. Hailing from Atlanta, this band has a contemporary style infused with pop elements influenced by Train, Lifehouse, Matchbox 20, Tonic, MercyMe and Third
Day. Drummer Jon Poole and bass guitarist Josh Armour started the
band over a slice of pizza and later added lead vocalist Chris Peevy,
and guitarists Shannon Coleman and Jared Lee to the band whose name
is taken from an original song inspired by Hebrews 1:14, which speaks
about angels being known as God’s servants that come to care for man.
The band’s name is a continual reflection of the support system that
encourages each member to live out his role in God’s plan. Echoing
Angels is currently touring throughout the southeastern United States.
Jars of Clay: GRAMMY Award-winning recording group Jars of Clay took their music out to the ball game on June 27th, as the featured performer for the Nashville Sounds’ Faith Night series. The Sounds teamed up with the group’s Blood:Water Mission organization, with the goal to raise funds to establish a well for an African community,
which will provide citizens with clean and accessible water. Jars of
Clay has drawn considerable commercial and critical success for its
socially and spiritually conscious music since the band’s debut album
appeared in 1995. This fall will feature the release of their latest
project, Good Monsters, which will be followed by a nationwide tour. Blood:Water Mission, a non-profit organization started by Jars of Clay’s members, promotes clean blood and clean water efforts in
Africa, tangibly reducing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic while
addressing the underlying issues of poverty, injustice and
oppression. In addition to donating a portion of ticket sales from
the event, the Nashville Sounds collected money throughout the
baseball game to help reach the goal of providing clean water for a
small town in Kenya, Africa.
Sara Groves: A new DVD taking viewers behind the scenes as Christian singer Sara Groves lives her life will be available August 8th. The DVD, titled “Sara Groves: Just Showed Up For My Own Life” is a music infused, reality-style film featuring Groves’ in all aspects of her life over the past year. Travel with Groves to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana as relief efforts are underway to
restore a community ravaged by the storm. See the beautiful country
of Rwanda on an emotional trip with Groves and her team to learn
about the challenges of reconciliation and economic development 11
years after mass genocide. The film will also feature music from
Groves, while additional features will include her live set from the
2006 Jars of Clay tour, short sermon and teaching illustration clips
from Sara for use in small groups/church services, discussion
starters, as well as trailers from upcoming releases. For more info,
visit nomadshow.com.
A Story of a Knight: To each knight comes a dream to find his
princess. However, what is a knight supposed to do, when he finds that his biggest enemy is not the dragon guarding the walls, but the stubborn pride of the princess herself? What if that princess needs to find her own way to escape her vines? Get Cristina Meier’s new, elegantly-illustrated book, “A Story of a Knight,” atwww.outskirtspress.com/knightstory.
Jaime Jamgochian: Recording artist Jaime Jamgochian has been starting to heat up the airwaves with her new single, “Hear My Worship.” The song is from Jamgochian’s critically acclaimed debut CD on Centricity Records, Reason To Live. Quote: “Hear My Worship was written during a time when God was really challenging my heart to be honest and real
with Him,” says Jamgochian. “I was in the middle of a writing period
for the new CD, Reason To Live, with numerous co-writing appointments
and I started feeling stale and kind of on a treadmill to get the
songs finished quickly for the new album. During my frustrating
writing season, I was at my keyboard, playing, praying, and started
singing this song to Him. My hope for this tune is that it will
convey that every part of our lives hopefully displays true worship
to God.” End Quote. For updates on Jamgochian’s career and tour dates
please visit jaimejam.com.
Amar Khalil: He’s a soulful artist from Oakland, California, and he’s teamed up with one of today’s hottest young producer’s. Jamie Hawkins, son of gospel royalty Walter & Tramaine Hawkins. Amar
Khalil’s debut CD is at amarkhalil.com.
Elektromat: One of Buffalo’s rising modern rock bands, Elektromat, recently shared a stage with Lovedrug, Bensin, Come The Dawn, and Tonight The Riot for a modern Christian rock concert at Buffalo’s Showplace Theatre. Inspired by their Christian faith, the band
intends to carry its message of justice, hope and love to all who may
listen. For more info, email elektromatrock@yahoo.com or visitwww.elektromatrock.com or call 716-998-8617.
Big Daddy Weave: Fervent Records’ acclaimed band Big Daddy Weave is scheduled to release their fourth album, Every Time I Breathe, September 26th. Produced by member Jeremy Redmon, who also produced the band’s applauded Fields Of Grace and What I Was Made For albums,
the worship-centered Every Time I Breathe is a continuation of what
Big Daddy Weave has been all about since the band’s beginning—songs
about God and their relationship with Him. Every Time I Breath
features a special presentation of Rich Mullin’s classic, “Hold Me
Jesus.” The album will also be enhanced with an “Audience Of One”
instructional guitar video, chord charts, MediaShout lyric files and
additional video footage. Big Daddy Weave is currently giving tens of
thousands of fans a taste of Every Time I Breathe as they perform at
numerous Promise Keepers events and other festivals this summer. For
tour and performance information, visit bigdaddyweave.com.
GlobalWorshipNow: Integrity Music just announced a major new
initiative, GlobalWorshipNow.com™, that will launch in July.
GlobalWorshipNow.com™ will be an innovative online community of
churches offering new worship resources and content. These churches
share a common vision to equip the global church with songs and
resources being birthed from their congregations. The launch of
GlobalWorshipNow.com™ coincides with an international retail release on July 11 of Living For You, a new CD and companion resources from Dallas, Texas-based Gateway Church, a major contributor of content for the site.
One Foot In Heaven: The pop-rock band One Foot In Heaven covers Los Lonely Boys’ hit song, “Heaven,” on their live CD, “Live at the Riv.” Well, One Foot In Heaven recently opened for The Afters in front of 1,200 fans at Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo, New York, and they’ll also open for another Christian band, Edison Glass, this July, at another Faith Night. For more info about their their new CD, “Live at the Riv,” visit onefootinheaven.com.
Audio Adrenaline: GRAMMY-Award winning Christian rock band Audio Adrenaline is releasing Hands and Feet, its first book with Regal Books, September 5th. The book takes the reader on a true-life adventure of one of Christian music’s best-loved bands, along with a missions team of young people, as they journey together to build an orphanage in Haiti and minister to children in desperate need. For more info, visit audioa.com.
Tye Tribbett: Rising Gospel superstar Tye Tribbett and his wife,
Shante’, welcomed the birth of their second daughter. Lyncoln
Victoria Tribbett was born on June 15th at 11:42 pm and weighed in at 6pounds 20ounces. Tribbett is currently enjoying the success of his Sony Urban Gospel sophomore album, “Victory-Live.” Tribbett is also currently featured in the July 2006 issues of Essence & Ebony Magazines.
God’s Fam: Holy Hip-Hop duo God’s Fam is busy touring these days, and they bring their energetic flow everywhere they go, whether it’s aconference in Virginia or an awards show in New Jersey. Get their
disc, “Crossing The Jordan,” at www.godsfam.com.
Matt McPherson: He’s the innovative designer of the-state-of-the-art McPherson Guitars, and now Matt McPherson teams with his wife Sherry for their first national album release, Slow Down, coming to a store near you September 19th on Autumn Records. Although the album doesn’t release until Fall, the music is already receiving an
enthusiastic response. One song on the CD, “The Salvation Poem,” has already won widespread acclaim, and the couple has been receiving
requests from other artists to record the lyrical prayer on their own
upcoming albums. Noted evangelist Franklin Graham was so impressed by
the beautiful simplicity of the song’s lyrics that he is now
distributing pens imprinted with the poem as an outreach tool at his
evangelistic events.
Phil Joel: He’s the longtime bassist for Aussie supergoup Newsboys and he’s also a solo recording artist. Now Phil Joel has signed a label agreement with burgeoning Christian entertainment company Indelible Creative Group. Phil will release his latest project, the deliberatePeople album, on Indelible this September. For more info,
visit indelibleonline.com.
Joe Pace: He’s the very talented director of the Colorado Mass Choir, and now Joe Pace has signed an independent label/distribution deal with Alliant Music Group for his new label 2ProclaimIt Records, which
will release the first new recording since 2003 from the award-
winning Colorado Mass Choir. I can’t wait to hear “Praise Till You
Breakthrough” when it hits stores August 22nd.
Candlefuse: Heavy rock band Candlefuse is set to make their national debut with the release of Never Go Unheard on October 17th through Infinity Distribution. The album features nine original rock songs as well as a new version of the popular worship song “Hungry,” which is their debut single, and exposes the heart of the band—to boldly share the love of Jesus Christ. Throughout the summer and early fall, Candlefuse has a busy touring schedule visiting places such as
Birmingham, AL; Atlanta, GA; and Memphis, TN. For more tour
information, please visit candlefuse.com.
Oak Ridge Boys: Country legends The Oak Ridge Boys recently promoted their upcoming single “Hard to Be Cool (in a Minivan)” on NBC’s The Tonight Show. The single is slated to hit radio this summer. Quote, “The Oak Ridge Boys have debuted over 20 of our hits on ‘The Tonight Show’ over the years,” recalls Oak Ridge Boy Duane Allen. “We felt right at home working with the show’s crew and had a great time introducing ‘Hard to Be Cool (in a Minivan)’ there as well. This is a song audiences have been connecting with since we started performing it….” End quote. The Oak Ridge Boys’ new recording, Front Row Seats (available on Spring Hill Music), is scheduled to release this fall. For more info, visit oakridgeboys.com.
Pettidee: Southern Hip-Hop Rapper, Pettidee, will be joining the
ranks of many recording artists and celebrities to endorse Redeem the Vote’s 2006 campaign to encourage young people of faith to make their voices heard by registering to vote in the upcoming elections. Concert attendees throughout the summer and fall will find Redeem the Vote tables at all of Pettidee’s performances, as well as hear him
endorse this worthy organization from the stage. Pettidee’s fourth
CD, entitled Thug Love, will be his most controversial and outspoken
project to date. The release addresses subjects like street violence,
spousal abuse, rape and child molestation. Thug Love is a
biographical reflection of Pettidee’s explosive childhood, growing up on the drug infested streets of Jacksonville, Florida. For more info, visit beatmart.com.
Kirk Franklin: His “Imagine Me” video was featured on BET’s Lift
Every Voice show as host Gerard Henry went behind the scenes to give viewers a sneak peek at how the video came together. Log on to Kirk’s message board or blog at www.kirkfranklin.us to share you thoughts about the video with Kirk and other fans.
June Rochelle: Singer/songwriter June Rochelle is no longer the best kept secret in gospel music. The soulful songstress, whose
distinctive vocals have been familiar to industry insiders for years,
burst onto the national scene earlier this year with the release of
her debut project, Changing Places. Adding to an already impressive
string of accolades, Rochelle has just been nominated for two En
Sound Music Awards. Her nominations include “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Song of the Year” for her hit single “For All The Love.”
The 1st Annual En Sound Music Awards will be held on Saturday, August 19th, in the Grand Ballroom of The Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New
Jersey. For more info, visit junerochelle.com.
Adie: You knew her as the front woman of the rock group the Benjamin Gate or today as the wife of singer Jeremy Camp, but now Adie is ready to release her solo debut called Don’t Wait this September 26th. Since the Benjamin Gate disbanded in 2003, Adie has taken on the role as wife and mother of two daughters. Now she adds the role of solo artist to her plate. Look for her opening for hubby Jeremy Camp this fall when the cute couple tours.
Stephen Baldwin: He’s set to release his semi-autobiography, The
Unusual Suspect: My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith, September 19th with Warner Faith. Baldwin invites you to join him as he recounts the exciting journey from his humble Long Island
beginnings to his escapades in Hollywood with its bright lights and
huge temptations. “Stevie B” details the stories that earned him
his “bad boy” Baldwin party persona, and answers the questions of why and how he converted to radical Christianity and how it has affected the Baldwin family. Should be an interesting read.
El McMeen: One of the world’s best acoustic guitarists, El McMeen, used to be a lawyer. Now he’s doing something different, something he’s very passionate about, and it shows on his latest CD, “Amazing Grace.” You’ve gotta hear this guy’s interpretation of “Blessed Be
The Name.” Visit www.elmcmeen.com today.
Nathan Salter: Gospel recording artist Nathan Salter recorded his
live CD/DVD in downtown Buffalo, New York, at Greater Refuge Temple this June, and it was an amazing night. The recording,
entitled “Breakthrough In His Presence,” is mostly instrumental, with several different instruments featured, including drums and the harp. For more information, call Salter’s Christian Music at 716-882-1876 or visit www.salterschristianmusic.com.
21:03: The talented team known as PAJAM (Paul “pda” Allen, J Moss, and Walter Kearney) are proud to present their fresh new act called 21:03. 21:03 is preparing to release their debut album on Gospocentric Records on July 18th and this disc will include the signature sound of PAJAM. 21:03, otherwise known as Evin, Sean, and Torrance, were selected from a rigorous audition process. Not since the late 80’s and early 90’s heyday of R&B boy bands like Boyz II Men, Color Me Badd, and Jodeci, has a group shown such potential to please both adolescents and R&B purists alike. Expect screaming girls at a concert venue near you very soon. The album, titled PAJAM PRESENTS: Twenty One O Three, is a joyous celebration of positivity. The emphasis of this powerful debut is on overcoming obstacles, appreciating the gifts of life and love and not taking any experience for granted. The first single, “I’m Sorry,” is a strong statement on a feeling that people of all ages can relate to, and features Gospel superstar J Moss. While in New York City, 21:03 recently had feature interviews with popular teen magazines such as Twist, J-14 and M Magazine as well as visits to Seventeen and Teen People. 21:03 became an official group on the 21st day of 2003, hence the name. The anticipation for this group is so strong that they have already been touring extensively throughout the country with artists such as J Moss and Yolanda Adams, to showcase their talent and message. For more information visit gospocentric.com
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