Blue sky ahead

Love Out Loud
Artist: Jaci Velasquez (http://www.jacivelasquez.com/)
Label: Apostrophe Records
Length: 11 tracks/37:59 minutes

Coming across the following verse in my daily Bible reading: "Naphtali is a doe let loose, he gives beautiful words" (Gen. 49:21 NASB), I could not help thinking how applicable it seemed to Love Out Loud by Jaci Velasquez. Having come through a divorce, a season of depression, and the disillusion that comes when life no longer makes sense—next to death, three of the biggest "Ds" that you can experience—she’s now singing like a doe set free. It’s a picture of freedom, and her encouraging words are beautiful.

It starts off on a joyful note with "Nothing But Sky," a U2-like anthem. Clear blue sky depicts the outlook of someone who has come through the storms of life. There’s no clouds or rain in sight. The future looks bright.

"It’s Not You, It’s Me," another song that rocks, provides a healthy perspective. It’s the realization that we are the only person that we can control. People are not the problem as much as how we respond to them. If this sounds a little like therapy, you do find that element in some of the songs, but it’s not overdone. Velasquez went through a time of counseling and some of what she learned is reflected in her songs.

The message of the title song brings to mind another scripture. "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth" (1 John 4:18 ESV). Jaci hopes that the song will motivate others to show God’s love through service to others.

"Jesus (The Way)" is a quiet, tender song of worship. It may have an impact similar to "On My Knees," one of Jaci’s most popular songs. "My Alleluia" is a desperate longing for God to hear the heart when there are no words.

"Weightless" is one of my favorite songs. It conveys joy right from the start with a layered background vocal and a catchy piano hook that drives it. It captures the feeling of being set free from all burdens. It may bring a tear to the eye of those who long to experience this kind of freedom. Velasquez says, "There’s something that happens when you fall in line with God’s will for your life. The weight of all burdens is lifted off your shoulders." Velasquez has such a great voice for pop music, and this is a classic example. It’s pure delight.

"A Likely Story" is one that I will return to because it’s such an unusual love song. Jaci sings about her disbelief at being loved during her courtship with husband Nic. She says, "It seemed to be good to be true. Very much the way I feel about the undeserving love I receive from God."

"Tango" is rich in fiery Latin rhythms and is a metaphor for the give and take that must happen in a marriage.

"Por Escrito" is a quiet, flamingo-guitar styled duet in Spanish with husband Nic Gonzalez, frontman for Salvador.

On "Into the Light" Jaci encourages those who are down to follow her into a deeper relationship with God. A brief instrumental, "Outro," closes the CD.

This release reunites her with producer Mark Heimermann, who produced her first three recordings. He’s done an excellent job of staying true to Velasquez’s sound while modernizing it and adding touches of creativity.

There’s nothing like a personal testimony to inspire and provide hope. With Velasquez co-writing the majority of the songs, this album reflects on her life the past couple of years. It should encourage those who are going through difficult times. When you align yourself with God’s will, the clouds and rain will not last forever. There’s blue sky ahead.

An elegant exploration of life as seen from the light

The Geography of Light
Artist: Carrie Newcomer (www.carrienewcomer.com)
Label: Rounder Records
Length: 14 tracks/51:04 minutes

The Geography of Light by Carrie Newcomer shows how elegant modern folk music can be. Storytelling, often associated with the genre, makes for a more literary style, but I like the fact that Newcomer doesn’t try to be clever in her songwriting or music. Her simplicity is beautiful.

That’s not to say that this is lacking in depth. On the contrary, this Quaker associates with theologians and authors like Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren and Phillip Gulley. The latter has written a glowing tribute to Newcomer’s artistry in the CD booklet. If any of these men were songwriters, they might write songs like the ones found here.

“Geodes” is a prime example. Geodes are mysterious rocks that are plentiful around Newcomer’s home in Southern Indiana. Though common on the outside with brown and gray exteriors, they contain a core of sparkling quartz crystals. Newcomer writes in the liner notes, “They remind me to look deeper, because often within what may appear quite ordinary is a core of beauty and mystery.” This is just one of many songs that Newcomer fills with thought that is rich and dense. Amazingly, it never sounds cluttered.

The thought behind “Throw Me a Line” is loosely drawn from chapter six of the gospel of Matthew where Jesus speaks of the futility of anxious thought. It includes the lovely line: “There’s a still quiet voice / It sounds a little like mine / Saying you’re right where you should be / It’s just gonna take time.” What a balm of peace for an anxious heart! The song is a beautiful plea for refuge in rapidly changing times.

It echoes a note of hope that is heard throughout. Even on a song like “A Mean Kind of Justice,” which casts a shadow, there is a ray of light: “There’s a goodness on this earth, that will not die, will not die / It bears all, it’s seen it all, and still it survives / And I know we have failed, but I’ve seen that we can fly.”

You can even hear the optimism in the music on “Leaves Don’t Drop (They Just Let Go).” Newcomer’s lilting voice mixes with piano notes that dance for joy.

As in the other songs, this is an exploration of life from the perspective of someone standing in the light. Newcomer avoids being trite, which is what makes this so appealing.

She admits that the music is sparser than previous efforts. The space between the notes provides breathing room for acoustic instruments that grab the spotlight. The percussion is light, and the production is clean and crisp.

Though I had not known of her before, this is Carrie Newcomer’s eleventh recording for Rounder Records. Listening to her is like finding sparkling crystals in ordinary-looking stones. She makes it seem like the winds of heaven are blowing through the stuff of earth.

A beautiful wedding song that acknowledges God

In the Name of the Father: A Wedding Song (Accompaniment CD)
Artist: Jim Cosgrove
Distributor: Pray Twice (http://www.praytwice.com/)Length: 5 tracks/17:50 minutes

What would a wedding be without music? You would still have a ceremony, but it might not be as satisfying. Music adds beauty, tenderizes hearts and appeals to our most noble desires. It’s conducive to worship. A wedding song can be an integral part of the service.

"In the Name of the Father" may be one of the few wedding songs to make mention of the three persons in the Trinity. It’s a reverent song of commitment that expresses the love of two people and acknowledges the role of God in a relationship.

The style is adult contemporary. Lisa Bevill (www.LisaBevill.com) is the artist on the female vocal track. The composer, Jim Cosgrove, sings on the male vocal track. There are three accompaniment tracks in the keys of C, F and D. The lyrics are included with the CD, and sheet music is available at www.PrayTwice.com. You can listen to sound clips at http://www.praytwice.com/wedding/index.html.

This is a beautiful performance of a well-written song. It’s worth checking out, if you are preparing for a wedding. The complete text follows this review.

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER

I can’t believe it’s happening to me
You’re standing by my side
The Lord of Love has brought you here to me
Forever you and I will abide
And forever I will have and hold you near me
We’re one in Him today

I love you in the name of the Father
I love you in the name of the Son
I love you in the name of the Spirit
The Spirit of the Lord who truly makes us one

And as we watch the years go rolling by
The Lord will be our guide
Together when we laugh and when we cry
As long as you and I are alive
And forever I will have and hold you near me
And forever I will stay
And as we watch the years go rolling by
We’ll thank Him for this day

I love you in the name of the Father
I love you in the name of the Son
I love you in the name of the Spirit
The Spirit of the Lord who truly makes us one
I love you in the name of the Father

Jaime Jamgochian gets above the noise through a strong focus on God

Above the Noise
Artist: Jaime Jamgochian (www.myspace.com/jaimejamgochian)
Label: Centricity Records (www.centricityrecords.com)
Length: 12 tracks/41:13 minutes

On her third release, Above the Noise, Jamie Jamgochian follows the lead of Martin Luther when he said, “I wish to compose sacred hymns so that the Word of God may dwell among the people by means of songs.” She has written or co-written seven of twelve songs, all of which contain numerous allusions to Scripture and God’s character. Part of the value of this type of music is its ability to convey a sense of God’s presence, and this recording succeeds in drawing the listener toward it.

Luther also said, “Music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful.” The great reformer could not have envisioned a modern recording like this, but it’s hard not to be encouraged by the bright, clean pop/rock sound and the inspirational lyrics. This might be part of what a good counselor would prescribe for melancholies like me. It’s hard to stay down and not be comforted when you hear something that is so focused on honoring God.

Nathan Nockels (Point of Grace, Matt Redman) produced several of the songs, which occasionally contrast piano balladry with explosive moments of rock. The majority of songs are a pleasant blend of acoustic and electric on mostly mid-tempo songs. The production is excellent. It’s not overdone and stays away from the use of synthesizers giving the music a raw, uncluttered sound. Even so, the polish on these accessible melodies is just right.

Lyrically, it alternates between what you might hear in a contemporary worship setting and the introspection associated with one’s walk in Christ. The latter includes Nichole Nordeman’s poignant “Heal the Wound,” where Jamgochian sings, “Heal the wound, but leave the scar, a reminder of how merciful You are.”

Comparisons are imperfect, but you might liken the music to a combination of Nordeman, Cherri Keaggy and Chris Tomlin. Her voice even sounds a little like these two ladies, especially on the last three tracks, which are worship-oriented and lean toward the singer/songwriter mode.

They include a beautiful rendition of Annie Herring’s “I Stand In Awe.” This is followed by “Renew,” which is a heartfelt prayer for God to renew His people, His promise and our own hearts. The last track is simply gorgeous with just piano accompaniment. The main thought is: “My worship is the life I live.”

Some may discount the value of so-called praise and worship recordings. They might do well to consider that such a recording can inspire people to personally engage God in this manner. That’s no small thing, as J. H. Jowett writes, “Without praise many other virtues and graces cannot be born. Without praise they have no breath of life. Praise quickens a radiant company of heavenly presences, and among them is the shining spirit of hope.” This recording could be the garden that helps virtues like faith, hope and love to grow.

The Phantom Tollbooth’s Rock Doc goes Certified Gold for Christmas

Certified Gold, Incense & Myrrh
Artist: Dr. B.L.T. featuring Tommy Isbell and Other Artists (http://www.drblt.net/)
Label: Frosty Rock Records (Independent)
Length: 24 tracks/76:15

Leave it to The Phantom Tollbooth’s Rock Doc to come up with one of the most original Christmas recording of the season. How do I describe it in just a few words? It’s raw, heartfelt, inventive, thoughtful, fun, reverent and all over the map musically.

If you are tired of homogenized Christmas songs that all start to sound the same, you might find this singer/songwriter collection to be just what the doctor ordered. Folk, alternative, pop, country, rock, rap and exotic programmed rhythms are all employed to honor "the baby king" and celebrate the trappings of the season. Amazingly, there are only a few covers on this generous offering of 24 songs.

Most of the tracks tend towards minimalist production and simple arrangements that marry guitar strumming with country, rock and folk influences. When they come together, as on "Brand New Christmas Song," it helps spread that Christmas cheer that this Rock Doc would no doubt prescribe.

In "Certified Gold, Incense and Myrrh," the opening song, Dr. B.L.T. sets the stage for the remainder of the CD by offering his music as a gift to the Christ child. He shows himself to be a clever songwriter with the play on words in "Between Iraq and a Heart Place," a song that wishes US troops in Iraq a Merry Christmas. It’s a touching song, one that they would appreciate, knowing that they are not forgotten. "Christmas 4 Two" is a quiet, love song that eloquently expresses a desire to celebrate the season with one’s spouse.

The laugh out loud song of the CD is "You’re Not the Kinda Ho that Santa Had in Mind (Original County Rock Version)." The doctor tells a story that deals with a serious subject in a funny way. There is also a (New Rap Edition) of the song. Both versions are done equally well.
"Dear Johnny (Won’t You Help Me with My Christmas CD) is an affectionate ode to Johnny Cash that has a little of his trademark sound.

The wide variety of songs demonstrates how versatile Dr. B.L.T. is musically. The whimsical nature of the music and lyrics, the number of songs and their interesting titles, are all somewhat reminiscent of Sufjan Stevens. The stripped-down sound of many of the tracks fits well with the unpretentious vocals. He’s at his best when he ruggedly combines folk, rock and country influences. If you are not afraid to try something a little offbeat, you might enjoy this homespun blend of wit, wisdom and worship.

You can stay tuned to the Rock Doc and his songs by checking out his writings each month at The Phantom Tollbooth. He often helps to answer readers’ questions with a song and also shares his gift of music in his "Single Servings" column.

Christmas brings out the best in Michael W. Smith

It’s a Wonderful Christmas
Artist: Michael W. Smith
Label: Reunion Records (www.reunionrecords.com)
Length: 11 tracks/39:52 minutes

Christmas brings out the best in some artists. It’s true of Jeff Johnson, and after listening to It’s a Wonderful Christmas, I believe it’s true of Michael W. Smith.

This is Smith’s third Christmas offering and it’s filled with wonder from the opening notes that mimic the sound of a child’s music box. The intricate and vibrant orchestration could be the perfect soundtrack for some enchanted Christmas performance. Images and memories spring to mind as the music brings to life the glory of the season.

It alternates between quiet, beautiful sounds and the fuller, majestic sounds that you would associate with a symphony. Known for his pop rock and more recently his praise and worship music, this is the symphony side of Michael W. Smith that we heard on Freedom (2000). But this release outshines his previous foray into the wonderful world of orchestration.

It may have helped that this was recorded at London’s famous Abbey Road studios using four different choirs and a 67-piece orchestra. But more than anything, if God shines in all that is fair, Michael W. Smith shines here as a composer, musician and vocalist. All but one song—a quiet and gorgeous instrumental of "What Child Is This"—are original compositions by Smith. These compositions overflow with creative vitality, and Smith sings in a strong but tender voice. It must be the magic of the season.

It’s no wonder that Smith is extremely satisfied with the outcome. The depth in the music and lyrics give it a timeless quality. That’s not to say that you won’t find songs with a pop sensibility.

The opening "Christmas Angels" sets the stage by combining all the varied elements heard throughout the CD: choirs, orchestra, Smith’s piano playing, pop energy, quiet and crescendos. It’s all here in one song.

"Christmas Day" is a beautiful duet with American Idol’s Mandisa. The lyrics, written by Wes King and Cindy Morgan, evoke a multitude of images associated with Christmas. It ends with the thought: "Let’s light a candle / For peace we pray / Oh merry Christmas / It’s Christmas Day."

Another comforting lyric is found on the final track, "All Year Long," on which Bonnie Keen, formerly of First Call, provides a heavenly-sounding harmony vocal. The song is like a benediction that concludes with these words: "If trouble finds you, this is my prayer / May peace guard your heart and make you strong / And I wish you love, the kind to last / All year long."

The excellence of It’s a Wonderful Christmas lays to rest any question of whether Smith needed to do a third Christmas recording. This may be the best of the three, and it’s one of the best Christmas offerings of the year. It showcases a different side of Smith, one that highlights his ability as a composer. It’s also highly original; you won’t find too many Christmas releases like this.

This may be the mother of all Christian music collections

Songs 4 Ever
Artist: Various
Label: Time Life (www.timelife.com)
Length: 10 CDs with 150 songs

I want to say “Wow,” but that’s a different series of collected faith-inspired music. Produced by Time Warner, and part of the Songs 4 series, this may be the mother of all Christian music collections.

Just the size alone makes it noteworthy: 10 CDs with 150 songs spanning three decades of Christian music in a box that opens from the top with a back hinge. Even the box makes me want to say, “Wow!” It’s the right word, but the wrong series. Think Songs 4 and to elaborate on the word Ever, we have a classic collection of timeless Christian music.

This comprehensive grouping ranges from the work of early Christian music pioneers like Larry Norman, Keith Green, Phil Keaggy and the 2nd Chapter of Acts to those like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rich Mullins, and Steven Curtis Chapman, who are widely recognized today. It also brings us to the present with songs by Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and Third Day.

What makes this unique is the combination of Praise & Worship with some of the biggest and most popular songs in the history of contemporary Christian music. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle takes its place right next to “Shout to the Lord” by Darlene Zschech. Steven Curtis Chapman’s “The Great Adventure” is side by side with Michael W. Smith’s “Draw Me Close.” Audio Adrenaline’s celebratory “Big House” gets equal time with Brian Doerksen’s “Come, Now is the Time to Worship.” With only a few exceptions, you get the original version of a hit song.

Delirious? is known for many wonderful recordings but one of their best remains “Shout to the North.” The simplicity combined with the more acoustic sound of this early recording make it a delight. With so many covers of Praise & Worship songs, it’s a joy to go back to the first take.

Despite the criticism of what is known as CCM, this huge collection shows just how good it can be. One could argue with some of the choices, but with any collection like this there are some weaker selections. Overall, it’s a strong collection and will make an excellent gift for any fan of Praise & Worship songs or contemporary Christian music.

Kudos to Time Life for giving us a collection that right down to the box will be hard to top. How about another set that unearths and focuses on the classic work of pioneer Christian artists?