Brief Bits
*Michael W. Smith is Christian music’s #1 artist, and he recently had
his 30th #1 single with the song “Here I Am.” Smith has been touring
all over the States, plans to tour Brazil and Europe this fall, and
he’s getting ready for the 2006 release of his first film, “The
Second Chance,” where he’s got the lead role.
*Gospo Centric/Zomba artist Dorinda Clark Cole is back with “Live
From Houston – The Rose of Gospel,” hitting stores Aug. 30. If you’re
ever looking for smooth jazz with a gospel vibe, this is your lady!
She is a feisty/passionate singer, the kind who puts her whole being
into getting the notes out. Her current single, “Great is The Lord,”
is currently impacting gospel radio. Her new DVD will be out soon,
and you know that will be lively. You gotta love Dorinda!
*Atlanta-based worship leader Aaron Shust just released his highly
anticipated debut project, “Anything Worth Saying,” August 23 on
Brash Music/Word Distribution. “This is a record that reflects my
heart and I hope that people who hear it will find a connection,”
said Shust. “I think the majority of the songs have moments of
introspection, moments of real honesty that confess, I don’t have
what it takes. I’m empty. But I’m running to the God that has it
all.” Listen for the single “Matchless,” on the radio and see him on
tour this fall.
*Singer-songwriter Mark Schultz, Christian music’s Billy Joel, will
release the two-disc, CD/DVD project “Mark Schultz Live – A Night Of
Stories & Songs,” Sept. 27. The fourth project from Mark encompasses
his greatest hits since the release of his acclaimed self-titled
debut in 2000.
*The beautiful Bethany Dillon, Christian music’s Mandy Moore, will have her song “Dreamer” featured on the end credits of the
family-friendly film “Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story,” out this
October. Dillon is also a featured artist on the `inspired by’
soundtrack to one of the biggest films of the year, “The Chronicles
of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”
*Selah, perhaps the greatest inspirational trio in music today,
brings together some of their best work on “Greatest Hymns,” their
latest release featuring12 hymns from their three previous studio
recordings, including “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “There Is Power In
The Blood,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Amazing Grace” and “Bika Mono Ve
(Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior)/It Is Well With My Soul.” In
addition, “Greatest Hymns” includes three selections available for
the first time on a Selah recording: “O Sacred Head Now Wounded,”
from the multi-artist “Next Door Savior” project; the trio’s never-
before-released rendition of “Be Thou My Vision”; and “Be Thou Near
To Me,” with Jim Brickman from his “Grace” recording.
If you like the sweet harmonies of Boyz II Men and Take 6, then
you will definitely want to add Acappella’s latest offering, “Heaven
And Earth,” to your CD collection. Visit www.acappella.com today if
you appreciate extraordinary singing!
*Christian rock band Third Day will have a new studio
album, “Wherever You Are,” out this November.
*He used to be a member of platinum-selling hip-hop group Three-Six
Mafia. Then Mr. Del rededicated his life to Christ in 2000. He’s
doing holy hip-hop on his new release, “The Future.” The first
single, “Calm Down,” advises a listener to pay haters no mind because
God has everything under control. “Love On God Tonight” outlines how
young Christian couples should focus their energies and emotions on
Christ rather than engaging in premarital sex, while “Necessary”
explains that Christ is needed to make it in today’s tumultuous
times.
People Are Noticing: Shane & Shane
If you want to know why the title of Disciple’s new gospel hip-hop
CD is “Engraved 4-9-1-6,” find out more about this talented guy athttp://disciple.focuseg.com.
*It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas…Point Of Grace will
launch the Christmas season Oct. 4 with the release of “Winter
Wonderland,” the anticipated follow up to the girls’ Gold-
certified “A Christmas Story.” Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy
Grant, Michael W. Smith), “Winter Wonderland” includes 10 holiday
songs showcasing Point Of Grace’s intricate harmonies. Select tracks
additionally feature string arrangements that were recorded in
London. Fans who have seen Point Of Grace on Michael W. Smith’s
acclaimed “Christmastime” tour will applaud Heather’s rendition
of “All Is Well” with piano accompaniment from Michael. Also featured
are “Breath of Heaven” and the new original song, “Let There Be
Light,” which will further support “Winter Wonderland” at radio this
October.
What’s Up With: Chuckie Perez
*If you’re a fan of Building 429 (known for “Glory Defined”), get
their “Space In Between Us – Expanded Edition” August 30.
Featuring songs from their acclaimed national debut, “Space In
Between Us,” the expanded edition CD is additionally enhanced to
unlock video and music content at Building429.com. Originally
released with 12 tracks, the expanded edition includes five
additional tracks including two previously out of print songs, “All
You Ask of Me” and “Free,” a remix of “No One Else Knows,” an
acoustic version of the No. 1 hit, “Glory Defined,” plus a new
recording of the worship classic “Famous One.” Building 429 will open
for Casting Crowns’ “Lifesong Tour” this fall. The tour will visit 38
cities from September 29 through December 4 and will additionally
feature Tony Nolan, guest speaker/emcee for the night.
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