Land of the Living - Jason Gray

 

Gray’s authenticity and hope make this one of the year’s best.

Land of the Living
Jason Gray
Label: Centricity Music
Length: 12 songs, 41 minutes

On Land of the Living Jason Gray makes honest self-disclosures characterized by wit and whimsy. Gray’s vulnerable lyrics remind me of people like Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson and Carolyn Arends. For those not familiar with him, this is a fine introduction to an artist who continues to refine his craft. Even so, I don’t think one can make mistake by choosing anything in his catalog. He stood out right from the start.

This is a polished mix of organic and programmed sounds; the latter being prominent on keyboards and percussion. Expect hand-claps! Gray was folksier starting out but now draws from a broader palette though still retaining acoustic elements. He incorporates a variety of styles, including a gospel choir on a couple of tracks. This mixture of pop and rock should make him new fans.

One example of the diversity in styles is “Questions,” which pairs a Spanish rhythm with reflective lyrics. The title track which incorporates sweeping strings is similar in sound to Steven Curtis Chapman. It’s an anthem drawn from Psalm 27:13: “I’ll see your goodness in the land of the living,” Gray declares.

The playful piano-driven “When I Grow Up” revels in paradox: “When I grow up I want to be a child again.” How can I not like the relaxed, feel-good R&B-influenced “See as You See”? Sounds like this dissipate my fears and cares.

“Jesus Loves You and I’m Trying” combines humor with grace. The characters we meet personify a number of the divides in society. What an opening!

Here you come again, raising trouble in my comments section
I know I can always count on you
To be the final word on public health, religion and elections
You even brought a YouTube clip for proof

The addition of the familiar Sunday School chorus takes on a new relevancy. Gray not only applies it to difficult people but himself. This reminds me of the old hymn “Standing in the Need”: “It’s me oh, Lord/I’m standing in the need of prayer.” It’s so easy to think that others are the problem and not recognize that we also stand in need. “Jesus loves you” becomes more meaningful when we recognize how much we are unlovable.

The driving chorus of “Be Kind” gives voice to a simple thought that can change lives including our own: “Be kind/’Cause everyone is fighting their own battle.” This aligns with words attributed to Fred Rogers:

There are three ways to ultimate success:
The first way is to be kind.
The second way is to be kind.
The third way is to be kind.

“So, be kind,” Gray sings. “’Cause everyone you see/Needs to know they matter.”

Far from being slow and acoustic, the music is mid-tempo and thoroughly engaging through modern production. Not the kind of sounds Mr. Rogers produced, but my guess is that he would appreciate the message. Kindness, after all, is one of God’s attributes.

In “Worth Staying” Gray discloses what led to stuttering and a failed marriage. In view of people walking out he asks, “Wasn’t I worth staying for?” Walter Winchell said, “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

Gray, however, doesn’t use this occasion to engage in self-pity or blame. He acknowledges the trail of his own wreckage. His answer to the question “is to trust the love I’m hearing in the kind voice of the Lord saying I’m worth staying for.” Christ walks in when others walk out. The music on this fits the context; somewhat somber. Painful self aware songs this compelling don’t come along every day.

The contemporary sounds, Gray’s authenticity and an underlying hope in God’s goodness make this one of the year’s best releases.

Steadfast Love - Grace Worship

Lyrically rich with a touch of classical

Steadfast Love
Grace Worship
Length: 6 songs, 27 minutes
Label: The Fuel Music & Management

Five of six songs on Steadfast Love by Grace Worship feature a male lead and the style of the vocalists coupled with the sound of the band remind me a little of Josh Groban or Steve Green. It does get more adventuresome in places as I hear Celtic rock in the hook on “Hallelujah! Who Shall Part” and strong lead guitar work under-girding the opening title track.

This achieves somewhat of a middle ground between inspirational and contemporary making it different enough to get my attention. It leans toward the former especially after the first two tracks. It might be a little too staid for those who prefer more of a pop/rock sound. Some might not like the orchestrated elements but they enhance rather than detract. It’s like the French horn in “Penny Lane.”

What sets this apart is theologically rich lyrics. My mind immediately thought of the reformed tradition of faith. Located in Peoria, IL, this is part of Grace Presbyterian Church’s (PCA) heritage.

With an abundance of projects that have a Charismatic influence it’s refreshing to find a release with a different emphasis. These songs point to God’s sufficiency as the answer to our fallen condition. No triumphalism here! It all centers on God’s person and what he has done. It’s a relief that acceptance and hope are not based on human performance.

My guess is that many who appreciate modern worship will feel at home with the first two songs, “Steadfast Love” and “Hallelujah Who Shall Part.” The style is similar to popular releases. The songs that follow are a little more classical in nature, a reworking of old texts or new ones that have a similar structure.

Having recently read some of the poetry of George Herbert, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that “The Twenty Third Psalm” is a poem he wrote in 1633. His highly acclaimed work is worth discovering and this gives listeners the rare opportunity to hear his prose set to music.

I like being introduced to hymns that I have never heard before like “Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul,” written by Anne Steel in 1760. Matt Merker added the music in 2014.

The closing “Jesus, Do Not Look On Me” may be a little less accessible because it’s stripped-down and has hymn-like music and lyrics. What I like is that it takes listeners on a journey from guilt and shame to grace. It does so set to the tune of “Largo” by Antonin Dvorak, which is classical in nature and quite memorable.

Overall, this project follows a path similar to what Keith and Kristyn Getty have done, who are in the forefront of adding theological depth to songs and creating new hymns. It takes the best from past and present to create something new.

Michael Dalton

Wild Faith - Patrick Mayberry

Conveying a sense of God’s power and majesty.

Wild Faith
Patrick Mayberry
Label: Centricity Music
Length: 10 songs/42 minutes

Have you heard? Many popular worship songs originate from one of four sources: Bethel in Redding; Hillsong, based in Australia; Passion City Church in Atlanta; and Elevation, a North Carolina congregation that is part of the Southern Baptist Convention. This partially accounts for why so many of these songs are similar. It explains why the theology tends to be alike, in some cases reflecting a Charismatic orientation. Having had some negative impressions of the latter, I’m a little uncomfortable with songs that to some degree emphasize signs and wonders.

I like that Wild Faith by Patrick Mayberry originates from Centricity Music, a label that I appreciate for it’s quality releases. Though the style and sound may have similarities to the aforementioned, the songs are concise, with only one crossing the five minute mark. I also appreciate that the lyrics don’t reflect an unhealthy preoccupation with the supernatural.

This is not to say that there isn’t a note of victory. “Never Stop Singing,” the opener is a celebration!

Neither is it safe. The title song “Wild Faith” is bold and encouraging, a song of revival. It’s an exhortation to get off the sidelines and exercise one’s gifts. I appreciate it for stating that it’s costly. It’s a challenge!

The duet that follows with David Crowder, “Lead On Good Shepherd,” is boisterous roots rock with slide guitar asking God to lead the way. Psalm 23 would seem an unlikely inspiration for such a raw sound but this is a highlight. Crowder fans take note.

The spiritual, “Give Me Jesus,” has been given stanzas to go along with the familiar part, which now serves as a chorus. So it’s structured less like a spiritual and more like a song. The closing “Right Here” has acoustic moments and includes a sax in the background. The latter leaves a brief, exquisite instrumental outro.

It’s been said rightly or wrongly that some popular worship seems effeminate. Maybe part of it is an emphasis on God being described as one’s lover or softer vocals and sounds. This has a definite masculine feel if I can characterize it in these terms. Part of it is a strong male voice that reminds me of Matt Maher. In this context I can’t help thinking of Bono’s quip: “Every man knows he is a sissy compared to Johnny Cash.” Frank Sinatra is another strong male voice. Similarly, even though there are scattered quieter moments, the music is sharp and focused rather than repetitive and dreamy.

It wasn’t that long ago that music with this kind of loudness coupled with sophistication was not technologically available, nor theologically palatable. It has come a long ways from earnest folk imaginings and crude production. In its defense, why shouldn’t thunderous music be an option since the God of glory himself thunders? Thinking this way helps me to appreciate modern worship for what it can be and how it can enhance. It can convey a sense of God’s power that transcends lyrics.

Thinking about the last four songs and the release in general, they convey a sense of God’s majesty through focusing on his attributes. It’s magnificent praise!

This is a studio production that could easily pass for a live recording. This seems to be a common practice, designed to provide more options and greater quality.

Camino Winds - John Grisham

 Death by hurricane?

Camino Winds
John Grisham
Publisher: Doubleday
Pages: 292

A book can take you places that you have never been. Camino Winds by John Grisham takes readers to Camino Island off the coast of Florida, lying in the path of Leo, a dangerous hurricane. The aftermath gives me glimpses of the arduous recovery required after disasters like this one. But that is just the setting for a death that could be more than just an accident from the storm.

This also took me into the world of books; a welcome, familiar habitat for me but nevertheless fascinating for the perspectives on Bruce Cable’s Bay Books, “a powerhouse on the national bookstore circuit.” Bibliophiles can rejoice that books and authors are in the background throughout. Cable and his bookstore are a focal point for the locals, including writers living on the island who are friends and those on the mainland who include it as a destination on their tours. In addition to Cable’s legitimate interests, he has some questionable dealings, which add intrigue.

Some of the relationships are a surprise, but I won’t say more to avoid giving anything away. These are more incidental than a focus but they succeed in adding depth to the characters, most of whom are likable. Of course, I can’t say that about the villains.

I imagine that this is a little different for Grisham as it is described on the jacket as a thrilling beach read. This is only the second book that I have read by him having associated him with legal thrillers. The crime and legal element plays a part but does not overshadow the relaxed, vacation-like setting.

I was not disappointed. The writing is excellent and the story has plenty of surprises. This, my first beach read, was a page turner. It took me into new worlds that were pleasant to inhabit.

Chokepoint Capitalism - Rebecca Giblin and Cory Doctorow

Fascinating and infuriating at the same time

Chokepoint Capitalism: How Big Tech and Big Content Captured Creative Labor Markets and How We’ll Win Them Back
Authors: Rebecca Giblin and Cory Doctorow
Publisher: Beacon Press
Pages: 295

Someone might think that Chokepoint Capitalism by Rebecca Giblin and Cory Doctorow must be dry reading. On the contrary, the authors expose a ruthlessness and greed that is shocking to behold. It’s riveting to read how a few companies control most of the marketplace. If you want to become informed or takes steps to bring about change, this is a helpful guide.

A key concept hurting suppliers and workers is monopsony: buyers having power over creators of content. When sellers have power over buyers that is the more commonly known monopoly. The largest companies are not just powerful sellers. They are major buyers that reduce the rates paid to producers and suppliers. To illustrate with a personal example, I am an independent publisher of books by a particular author. If I want to see them sold in the biggest markets, I must accept the rates established by the seller. Alternative options that provide higher rates of return may come at the cost of significantly lower sales.

Despite showing how effectively competition has been reduced readers are not left without hope. The authors provide practical suggestions, including what has made a difference in specific situations. They show that joining with like-minded individuals for small beginnings can upend the status quo.

Personally, I wonder if I should try to make less use of the entities whose philosophy and practices are disappointing to say the least? With limited alternatives it seems like most creators are resigned to what they offer because it can be a matter of survival. I guess I’m one of them having been helped more than hurt. I respect, however, the authors for refusing to allow DRM on the electronic and audio editions of this book. They don’t want readers to be locked into one platform.

More then ever this makes me want to support independent artists and suppliers. We might see their projects advertised through various funding campaigns.

It’s puzzling that the major players don’t seem to recognize that justice and generosity can be rewarding and profitable. Even if this were not true, a respected name and integrity are of more value than great riches.

I imagine there are more like me that want to support endeavors that care for more than just the bottom line. Short term thinking can jeopardize the potential for having repeat business and loyal customers. Unfair practices and policy are not the way to go. A poor reputation will mean fewer customers.

The authors provide an excellent historical perspective and they make even the more technical aspects understandable even though I had to read some sections more than once. It’s just that I’m not familiar with some of the concepts. I learned a lot and my interest never wavered. It’s fascinating and infuriating at the same time.

As others have rightly pointed out, true success is measured by how you treat others. It’s a lesson that even corporations can learn in how they relate to not only customers but their employees. I appreciate how the book makes me think along these lines.

Empathy in Action - Tony Bates & Dr. Natalie Petouhoff

Making empathy the priority

Empathy in Action: How to Deliver Great Customer Experiences at Scale
Authors: Tony Bates & Dr. Natalie Petouhoff
Publisher: Ideapress Publishing
Pages: 338

The Scriptures speak of rejoicing in the truth. What the authors say about empathy rings true and resonates deeply. It is a desire fulfilled for someone like me who yearns for more satisfying relationships in the workplace. Page after page is filled with wisdom.

True caring is often in short supply in employment situations. A preoccupation with efficiency and profitability leaves employees and customers less than satisfied. Even if ultimate fulfillment in work cannot be found in this life, this book gives me hope for a better future where the well being of employees and customers isn’t just an afterthought.

As the owner of a small business; emphasis intentional as in one person operation. One challenge is to apply what I can even though this is written for large companies. Perhaps this is a minor weakness but I think it’s possible for small operations to glean from the ideas and benefit.

One difficulty is that there are fewer choices in smaller communities. If you have a bad experience somewhere, you may not have many options to go elsewhere, though that has changed somewhat with the popularity of internet shopping. Those who have less resources and lack incentive to change may think that they can get buy with the status quo but the authors make it clear that this kind of thinking will cause companies to fall behind their competitors and lead to their demise.

So how do the authors define empathy, which is the cornerstone of this work? For their purposes it is, “The act of a company putting themselves in the shoes of their customers and employees to reorient the way they make decisions and conduct business, resulting in amazing customer/employee-centric experiences” (15). Again, I find this approach and all the practical considerations that it entails so refreshing. Just reading about it is inspiring!

Just the other day I listened to two former employees of a local business talk about their history with the company. The environment was so toxic that the both quit at different times and neither of them have ever set foot in that store again. In fact both admitted that they have not been employed by a business since that time. Both were traumatized and years later are still not over it. The ideas and approach in this book greatly reduce the likelihood of this kind of abuse.

Small boxes of text that adorn many of these pages are filled with blindspots! “A blind spot is something that you don’t know you don’t know” (21). Recognizing them helps leaders to rethink how they do things. This insight and help is a welcome feature in this book. It calls attention to the main ideas summarizing them in just a few lines. They also make use of figures so that readers have a visual to reinforce the main points. I like the layout and aesthetics, which are more inviting that just having text on page. Black, white and orange in keeping with the colors on the dust jacket are scattered throughout.

The writing is engaging and the meaning clear. Even if some of this might seem overwhelming the authors succeed in providing a vision that benefits all. I remember a past supervisor offering the perspective that going to conferences is worth it even if you learn only one or two things. Reader’s can learn far more than just a couple of things by attending to this text. The authors have readers thinking big but they can also think small. What can I do to make the world better?

Jesus Changed My Life - Katy Nichole

Dynamite first full-length from Katy Nichole

Katy Nichole
Jesus Changed My Life
Label: Centricity Music
Length: 11 songs/40 minutes

Not since Lauren Daigle’s debut have I been as excited by a first full-length recording. The root word for excite means “to move, stir up, instigate” and that’s how I feel. Nichole’s testimonies of God’s power to set free move and stir me.

Power is another appropriate word since the Holy Spirit is often associated with it. The lyrics reflect that source and with the music are dynamite.

This is what reminded me of Lauren Daigle. They share strong voices, excellent backing and production, and a focus on God and his ability to transform lives.

“In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” is the soundtrack for Nichole’s going from being bedridden to becoming known to many. It’s compassionate and bold at the same time: “I speak the name of Jesus over you.” Lyrically, it’s Charismatic in nature: “I pray that a breakthrough would happen today/I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.” Faith declarations abound.

As powerful as it may be, I like “Jesus Changed My Life” even more. It has a Southern roots rock feel. I hear a little country in her voice as she contrasts a soul’s journey from darkness to light. A slide guitar gives the sound some swagger. Her voice soars and the music explodes on the chorus. It may not be innovative and deep theologically but it’s a testimony of liberation that soars with the music.

Big Daddy Weave joins Nichole for “God is in This Story.” Their relationship began when the group invited Nichole to join them on select dates for the band’s spring 2022 tour. The opening lines describe a hopelessness that might seem to define a person but that is not the end of the story. She sings that there are “words that tell me I’m no good” but the hands of grace and endless love “told my heart that hope is never gone.”

On “Old Man,” Neil Young sings, “Love lost, such a cost. Give me things that don’t get lost.” “Things I Wish I Would’ve Said” is grieving such a loss, which comes with so much cost. Acoustic guitar gives it a plaintive feel with pedal steel furthering the sentiment.

Like “Jesus Changed My Life,” “Jesus Thank You” is electrifying. This release is worth having just for these two songs alone. This has a strong gospel influence complete with choir and excellent guitar work. Like the other aforementioned song it’s a celebration. It’s abundant life overflowing in gratitude. Once again I hear a little country inflection in the voice. Nichole is a force to be reckoned with when she leans toward country rock.

“Living Proof” begins quietly with a sober feel before breaking into forceful declarations of God’s healing power and faithfulness. It’s just another example of how well many of the songs fit Nichole’s life.

Fiddle adds to the swing on “By the Grace of God.” It adds energy to the bold, rural-sounding confidence.

“Please” is a cry of desperation. The music mirrors the insistence in the lyrics.

“Hold On” has a melancholy beginning with just piano and vocals. Nichole is equally at home between thoughtful ballads and rousing testimony songs. Here she sings of times when small clouds and darkness obscure seeing God in our circumstances.

“Take it to the Cross” has a marching rhythm that once again has a huge chorus. It’s an exhortation to take all our burdens to Christ. At one point it seamlessly incorporates a few lines from the hymn “Nothing But the Blood.”

She makes a similar move on the closing “Turn to Jesus” where listeners hear an interlude consisting of the “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” chorus. This is a gorgeous stripped-down song that serves as a fitting closer. Keyboard and strings provide the background.

This is a strong full-length debut for fans of pop/rock, testimony-oriented songs that incorporate praise and worship.

Michael Dalton

GREATER: Live at Chapel - Planetshakers

 

Worship on the mountain

GREATER: Live at Chapel
Planetshakers
Length: 11 songs/57 Minutes
Label: Venture3Media

One of my favorite moments on GREATER: Live at Chapel comes early. It’s more for the R&B style than the sentiments, though I like the thought:

Early in the morning
Late in the evening
Let the praises of our God be the number one sound
He is greater like no other
So let the praises of God be the number one sound

It’s the rhythm that delights! It is a joyful mix of acoustic and electric R&B. This style doesn’t seem as prevalent in modern worship, which is a shame. Planetshakers continually show how good it can sound on their releases, even though they use it sparingly.

The title song, like most if not all of the tracks, has a short intricate instrumental opening, which adds artistry to a genre that can lack it. “Greater” becomes a pounding anthem extolling Christ as being above everything.

My favorite part of “Victory of Jesus” is the creative guitar improvising at the end of some of the lines. Is it needless embellishment? I don’t think so. Recall the beauty of the High Priest’s garments. They reflected God’s glory. Subtle adornment in music can do the same.

The words “God of miracles” in this song and “Move in Power,” the next track, show charismatic influences, which provides some indication of the content. It’s contemporary as opposed to more conservative hymn-like songs along the lines of Keith and Kristyn Getty. One small drawback is that it gets a little repetitive and drawn out in spots, but that is often typical of contemporary styles of worship.

A welcome change is the acoustic adaptation of Psalm 23. The Gettys and those favoring more traditional expressions might approve. It’s a fine rendering and this trend continues on the following.

“Emmanuel,” which is not a Christmas song, is also stripped-down. It puts the words and singing in the forefront. Then to close the release the last four tracks return to the full band sound, which makes for an appropriate contrast.

Reading about the setting for this event is a bit of surprise: a mountaintop near Melbourne, Australia with the band joined by Planetshakers Bible College students. A studio version of GREATER, an earlier release, is also available along with streaming of the concert.

The musicianship and production are first rate. I never would have guessed it was recorded on a mountain but how appropriate given the significance of such in Scripture.

After Life: A Collective History of Loss and Redemption in Pandemic America

“If you know the history …, you’re not doomed to repeat the mistakes”

After Life: A Collective History of Loss and Redemption in Pandemic America
Editors: Raye Lynn Barnes, Keri Leigh Merritt, Yohuru Williams
Publisher: Haymarket Books
Pages: 370

The emotions that immediately come to mind when I read this essay collection on the pandemic are heartbreak and relief. The stories of injustice are deeply saddening but hearing from rational people is a relief. Too much of the irrational makes one despair of ever learning the truth.

Why is it that the US in comparison to other countries fared so poorly? The editors examine this and related questions beginning with the introduction and what follows, “but the heart of this book is a series of everyday stories of everyday people living through pandemic America” (3). They provide a political and factual framework that highlights our devastating failures. It reveals an administration that wasn’t able to transcend politics and shows how governments often get it wrong at a cost of lives. Readers see suffering but glimpse hope for change through stories that amplify various voices. Even though conservatives like myself may not agree with some of the perspectives and conclusions, this is a valuable document of what happened and why. It’s wise to listen and learn, which creates a foundation for communication.

In the introduction we meet Marquerita Donald, a forty-nine-year-old mother, sheep farmer and Navajo translator at the Tuba City Regional Health Care Center’s respiratory care unit. Along the way we witness the impact of COVID on the Navajo Community, “At times during 2020, the Navajo Nation had the highest coronavirus infection rate in the contiguous United States…. The Navajo Nation surpassed both NY and CA in both positive cases, and deaths per capita, with 32,528 confirmed positive cases and 1,403 confirmed deaths out of a population of 173,000 people” (10). This underscores the desperate struggle to find PPE and basic hygiene equipment that was insufficient in much of the country. Further, it shows how COVID has had a greater impact on minorities, the poor, elderly and even women. Though the statistics throughout the book are damning, the personal stories carry the greatest weight.

“El Paso In Mourning,” commemorating the first anniversary in 2020 of the August 3^rd massacre in El Paso, can inform us today as we consider immigrant and border challenges. It was on this day that an anti-immigrant white supremacist deliberately targeted people who looked Hispanic, killing twenty-three people and wounding twenty-three others.

A long history of anti-immigrant sentiment was exacerbated by President Trump’s rhetoric: “You wouldn’t believe how bad these people are,” referring to those crossing the border. Before he went on, he corrected himself, “These aren’t people. These are animals.” This kind of language is misleading to say the least. Since every person is made in the image of God, regardless of how degraded it might be, words like these are inexcusable.

El Paso became the place that instituted the family separation policy “that eventually removed nearly 5,500 children from their guardians.” Injustices followed and protests fell on deaf ears. Can people of all persuasions agree that it’s never right to treat immigrants and those crossing the border in inhumane ways? We define ourselves by how we treat others.

Let me remember that I’m the greatest fraud that I will ever meet, others are better than myself and those who criticize or judge me don’t know how bad I really am. Pretending to have it all together is a burden we need not bear. Dropping the facade makes it easier to love others including enemies.

This entire book is about relationships. We should face our history, confess our wrongs and make amends.

More important than any label, be it conservative or liberal, is the name I bear as a follower of Christ. Am I becoming more Christlike, living compassionately, acting justly and walking humbly with God? Even those who leave God out of the equation can adopt similar values making for a better society.

Leave it to fiction in David Baldacci’s A Gambling Man to inform real life: “If you know the history of a place, you’re not doomed to repeat the mistakes of others who came before you …” (245). Time after time in After Life we learn the history to avoid repeating the past.