Before the Doves

Pre-Dove Award festivities are in full swing here in Atlanta. Right now, the action is at the red carpet, where a long three-deep cadre of photographers and interviewers is making lots of noise. The Fox Theatre has a deep covered entrance courtyard that traps all the clamor, making this a particularly cacophonous carpet.

The pre-show ceremony recently concluded here in the Egyptian Ballroom, so the bulk of the shiny bird statues have been disseminated. Winners include TobyMac, Lecrae, Natalie Grant, David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, and Laura Story. But I bet you could have guessed that! What’s more interesting is the categories awarded in the pre-show. Two of the aforementioned wins were for Christmas albums, Crowder’s for “Christmas Album of the Year” (a fine choice) and Toby’s for “Recorded Music Packaging” for his own holiday offering, “Christmas in Diverse City”. Also, thumbs up to the winner for the year’s Special Event, “The Story”. The project was stellar, so I’m always a fan when it gets its due attention.

For now, at least, the backstage press room is relatively calm, as most folks are outside shouting on the red carpet. Inside the Fox, the stage is set (complete with a car at center-stage, since Kia is a title sponsor), and the anticipation is growing.

7 Memorable Dove Award Moments

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards are set to take place tonight, April 19, 2012, at the historic Fox Theater in Atlanta, Ga. Congrats to all of the nominees. The Sound Opinion will be in the press room this evening to give you live coverage of the event. For now, let’s look back at seven memorable moments from previous Dove Awards.

1. dcTalk, “Jesus Freak” (1996)

2. Switchfoot, “This Is Home” (2008)

3. David Crowder Band, “Everything Glorious” (2008)

4. MercyMe, “I Can Only Imagine/Finally Home” (2009)

5. Steven Curtis Chapman, Artist of the Year acceptance speech (2009)

6. TobyMac & Diverse City, “Funky Jesus Music” (2010)

7. Natalie Grant & Lecrae, “Background” (2011)

5 Albums I Love Right Now

2012 is already off to a great start with lots of new tunes finding their way to my playlist. Between those albums that have already released this year and the highly-anticipated ones just around the corner, this is shaping up to be a big year in music! Here are the albums that I’ve got spinning this week:

1. Where I Find You (Sparrow), Kari Jobe
This is leaps and bounds beyond her debut album. In fact, the transformation took me by surprise! Jobe’s sophomore effort is mature, relevant and emotive. Sparrow was wise to snatch her up! This album proves she is more than another routine female worship leader, but she has a knack for spiritually-relevant pop tunes. I do believe Ed Cash has turned Kari into a pop songstress! Radio single “We Are” is infectious. She should be a lovely, powerful addition to Winter Jam this year. The eloquent album hits stores and digital outlets today.

2. Barton Hollow (Sensibility), The Civil Wars
Ever since I saw them perform flawlessly in front of a packed house at the historic Ryman Auditorium earlier this month, I’ve had The Civil Wars on repeat. OK, let’s be honest, I’ve had them on repeat for the past two years. It’s that good. They are the best thing to come out of music in a long time. They debuted their new song with Taylor Swift at the Nashville show, and let’s just say we can’t wait till The Hunger Games releases just so we can hear this song in the movie!

3. Give Us Rest (a requiem mass in c [the happiest of all keys]) (sixsteps), David Crowder Band
DCB is taking their final bow, but not before giving us what may very well be their greatest undertaking yet. With over two hours of music, calling it epic is a bit of an understatement. The band recently gave its final performance at Passion 2012 in Atlanta, Ga., earlier this month. They may have played their last concert, but DCB is leaving us with a lovely parting gift.

4. If It Leads Me Back (Reunion), Lindsay McCaul

This is one of the best debuts I’ve heard in quite some time. McCaul’s soothing alto coupled with her intelligent lyrics make for a beautiful album. (Think Nichole Nordeman and Bethany Dillon.) It’s a shame radio isn’t embracing McCaul’s music. She has a lot to say, and her thoughtful prose deserves a platform.

5. Stories to Tell (Razor & Tie), Dave Barnes

Dave’s new record doesn’t come out till March, but advance copies were serviced to media last week. The GRAMMY nominee wrote many of the songs for the new album after learning his wife was pregnant. Barnes tapped into his paternal feelings on the brink of first-time fatherhood. Lest you think the album is all lullabies, rest assured that Dave’s signature ballads and soulful pop gems are all in tact. New single “Mine to Love” (yes, this is one of the songs for the baby) is a great follow-up to “God Gave Me You.”

**Other albums I’m looking forward to in the coming months: Audrey Assad, Britt Nicole, Christy Nockels, Passion, All Sons & Daughters, for KING & COUNTRY

What are your favorite albums right now?

Acoustic Crowder

Here’s a powerful acoustic performance of “Let Me Feel You Shine” from David Crowder*Band’s final album. Crowder has called this the most personal song he’s written, and it speaks to the struggle he must have faced in closing this DC*B chapter.

2011 Christmas Music Wrap-Up

Looking for some music to get you in the Christmas spirit? Look no further. Here are nine good choices for a soundtrack to the season.

Matthew West – The Heart of Christmas

Matthew West’s The Heart of Christmas feels in some ways like a follow-up to the emotions and individual reflections offered in his most recent studio release The Story of Your Life. Playful originals like “Come On, Christmas” and “Day After Christmas” capture a childlike enthusiasm for the holiday, while “One Last Christmas” deals with loss (and has become a full-length movie on GMC). A highlight is “Leaving Heaven”, featuring Vince Gill, which imagines Christ’s first-person motivation for the incarnation.

Hillsong – Born is the King

When I heard about this project, I was quite curious about what a Hillsong Christmas album would sound like. I think I expected songs like “O Come Let Us Adore Him”, a familiar chorus that’s given a strong rhythm line and room to breathe, but there’s a decidedly upbeat, celebratory nature to most of these tracks. “Born is the King (It’s Christmas)” is a joyous romp.

Kutless – This is Christmas

Familiar songs – “O Holy Night”, “Mary, Did You Know?”, “Breath of Heaven” – get the Kutless treatment on this 6-song set. The latter admittedly sounds a little odd voiced by a male, but the pair of originals is quite strong. If you want a little more electric guitar in your holiday listening, this is a good choice.

Hawk Nelson – Christmas

Hawk Nelson offers an EP of Christmas classics that picks up where Relient K’s Christmas album left off. Band member Jonathan Steingard produced and engineered this one. The band’s characteristic whimsy (“Yeah… wassail!”, and a moment in “Joy to the World” that will make Harry Potter fans laugh out loud) alternates with reverence, culminating in a lovely arrangement of “Silent Night”.

Jadon Lavik – Christmas

Joining Hawk Nelson in the less-than-imaginative album titles club, Lavik offers a gentle acoustic pop set with a hint of blues guitar. “Christmas Time is Here”, the song from the Charlie Brown special, features a soulful sax counterpoint to the piano melody.  And you can practically feel the tropical breezes on Lavik’s delightful version of “Mele Kalikimaka”.

TobyMac – Christmas in Diverse City

Book my flight to Diverse City this year. They’re having quite a Christmas party. This is a fun dose of hip hop, loaded with a great combination of classics and originals. I love the inclusion of the Harry Belafonte classic “Mary’s Boy Child”, a great vehicle for another TobyMac/Jamie Grace pairing. Other contributors include Leigh Nash, Owl City, and Superherose, and longtime band members front several songs. Also, TobyMac thankfully bucks this year’s trend of short 3-to-8-song EPs/albums with this full length 13-song offering.

Jamie Grace – Christmas Together

Not content with her appearance on Toby’s album, Jamie Grace offers her own 4-song EP. It’s like a spin-off show. It’s “Wolverine”. Or maybe “Joanie Loves Chachi”. But I digress. Christmas Together is a fun little set, led off by Grace’s original title track, a warm ode to the family time that highlights the season. Here’s a great lyric: “Unless you got twenty people stuck in an elevator I can’t imagine a time when we’re all this close.”

David Crowder*Band – Oh For Joy

Here’s how Crowder tells the story: the band decided to make their final album in January, but then booked a tour at the same time. They figured they could multitask – Crowder reasons that “Switchfoot puts out six or seven albums while they’re on tour” – but the product of that multitasking was “accidentally” a Christmas album. There are no originals, and the most recent track is a scorching live version of “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo (12/24)”, made famous by Trans Siberian Orchestra in 1996. Nonetheless, the Crowder take on these classics is original, and sometimes quite unexpected. ”Silent Night” wakes up, and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” gets quiet. In fact, the latter is an understated but strangely effective gospel-meets-trance version that I can’t get out of my head.

Jars of Clay – More Christmas Songs EP

A companion to the band’s 2007 full length Christmas Songs, this 3-song EP captures the band that was known from its earliest days for a tune from the season, “The Little Drummer Boy”. This one is a painfully few songs, but they’re noteworthy selections. I know “Someday at Christmas” from the Jackson 5 and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” from Darlene Love and then U2, but I love what Jars has done with them.

Happy listening, and Merry Christmas!

5 Things We Learned About Christian Music at ICRS 2011

The International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) took place in Atlanta last week. Over 4,000 retailers, publishers, authors, agents, media, and Christian bookstore buyers descended on the Georgia World Congress Center in the heart of downtown to check out the latest products for Christian bookstores. The music presence at the annual event has grown smaller each year; however, Christian music popped up in various places throughout the week, providing some artist sightings and some insight into what the rest of 2011 holds.

1. CHRISTMAS MUSIC. Both EMI and Word had booths on the exhibit hall floor boasting cover art of some of their upcoming albums. It looks like EMI will be filling stockings this year with lots of yuletide goodies. Holiday offerings are on the way from TobyMac & Diverse City,  Kutless, Matthew West and David Crowder Band (the very last album ever from DC*B).

2. NICHOLE NORDEMAN & THE STORY. For the singer/songwriter diehards who wonder if Nichole Nordeman will ever return to music, you can rest a little easier. While Nordeman is not making a full return to music and touring, she and award-winning producer Bernie Herms have teamed up with pastors/authors Max Lucado and Randy Frazee to write music for the book release of The Story, a narrative retelling of the Bible. Nordeman and Herms were on hand with the authors to talk about the writing process. All 18 songs on the subsequent album, scheduled to release later this year from EMI, are written in first-person as if the specific biblical character is telling the story from their perspective. Casting Crowns‘ Mark Hall and Megan Garret, Francesca Battistelli and Herms’ wife Natalie Grant each performed a selection from the album. Other artists who contributed to the recording include Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Brandon Heath and Michael W. Smith, among many others. Look for a tour this December featuring a cast of these authors and artists. Check out www.thestory.com for more info on this remarkable concept album.

3. COURAGEOUS. Casting Crowns front man Mark Hall also made an appearance at the Courageous movie screening. Hall and his band wrote and recorded a song for the movie, which is the next installment in a long line of Christian movies from Provident Films following in the footsteps of Facing the Giants and Fireproof . This movie tells the story of five men who pledge to be better fathers and husbands after one dad experiences the unthinkable tragedy of losing his daughter in a car accident. (Speaking of Christian films…Surfer champ Bethany Hamilton was also at ICRS promoting the DVD release of Soul Surfer.)

4. CHAMPIONS OF THE FAITH AWARDS AND BENEFIT CONCERT. Tenth Avenue North‘s Mike Donehey gave a stirring acoustic performance at Sunday night’s benefit concert and awards show. Donehey sang the band’s biggest hits in a stripped down fashion while an aritst painted a moving portrait on a stretch of canvas on the stage. During the awards ceremony, Newsong‘s Eddie Carswell and Billy Goodwin were honored for their longstanding contribution to the Christian community–20 No. 1 hits, founders of Winter Jam (2010′s largest tour in the world), advocates for Compassion International. Goodwin’s daughter-in-law, Francesca Battistelli, performed hit “It’s Your Life” prior to Newsong taking the stage for several songs to round out the evening. Meanwhile, a silent auction was held in the back of the room where attendees could bid on autograhed guitars from Battistelli, Tenth Avenue North, Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band and more.

5. APPEARANCES. Other artists were on hand to do interviews, perform short sets and sign autographs on the exhibit floor. Peter Furler, new artist Adam Cappa and former Jump 5 member Brittany Hargest were among the artists who performed at the “Heart of the Artist” luncheon as part of ICRS. Nicole C. Mullen performed at a Sunday night worship service. Casting’s Mark Hall signed copies of his new book, The Well: Why Are So Many Still Thirsty? (Zondervan); while Ginny Owens, John Waller and Laura Story were spotted on the exhibit hall floor.

Are you a Christian retailer who attended ICRS this year? If so, what did you learn at this year’s event?

David Crowder*Band Announces Next Album Will Be Its Last

The David Crowder*Band has announced that its upcoming album and tour will be its last collectively. For me, I have to accept this news with mixed emotions. I am a bit sad as, for the past decade, I have been blessed by this band’s music. I believe the David Crowder*Band consists of some of the most innovative, creative, God-loving, people-loving minds on the planet. (Check out this YouTube video for a glimpse of their handiwork!) To think they will leave us with a mere collection of six albums seems inconceivable. I know there is much more that has yet to be mined in the hearts and heads of these amazing artists. That as-yet-untitled sixth album is currently in the works, and the band will tour to promote its release. The David Crowder* Band’s last full outing, The 7 Tour, is scheduled to hit the road for three months, and the line-up is stellar. In addition to DC*B, the tour will feature Gungor, John Mark McMillan, and Chris August. In addition, it has been promised that the David Crowder*Band will make one final appearance at Passion 2012 in Atlanta next January. As to the significance of The 7 Tour’s name, the band explained in its announcement, “We’ve always hidden this little number here and there in our music and artwork, sometimes it would appear in the sum of the numerals 3 and 4, and other times it would be sitting there outright, but it’s always been with us. As you know, the number 7 has often been used to represent completion, and that feels exactly where we are as a band.” And, this is where I have to admit that there is much to be excited about with this announcement. In addition to being a fan, I have had the wonderful opportunity to interview these guys on numerous occasions. Wherever they end up individually, I am sure it will be because God directed them there. You can never be sad because someone is following God’s perfect will and direction in their lives. As the band further explained, “None of us is sure what’s next, but we’re not afraid. We’re, in fact, really, really excited! And we’re sure that music will play a role in the future for most, if not all, of us, since, well, we wouldn’t know how to not have it a part of our lives. To what extent that will be, none of us is sure. We are hopeful and expecting, and praying that what is ahead of us deepens our need and experience of redemption and multiplies our ability and effectiveness in expressing the story of God in light of the call he has on each of our lives.” In their inimitable, humble style, the band has expressed its gratitude for the support of their local and extended church communities and continues to ask for prayer as it moves forward. “We’d love your prayers as we endeavor to put a period at the end of this sentence…We would love for you to join us for one last evening together, singing these songs that God has allowed us to carry.” I cannot conceive of a period being put to the end of the David Crowder*Band sentence just yet. I prefer to view it as a semi-colon heading into future clauses for each member, each continuing to craft from the original message in his own unique way. David Crowder*Band Backstage at the 2011 Dove Awards I look forward with anticipation to see where God leads these men. In the meantime, I may have to indulge in two or three visits to The 7 Tour. I strongly suggest each of you do the same. It is sure to be an experience not to be missed.

Passion: Here For You

Giving listeners a glimpse of what it’s like to worship with thousands of college students, Passion: Here for You, was recorded live amidst the voices of 22,000 young people in Atlanta, Ga. and provides more than just an amazing listening experience.  It calls you to worship.  Each song magnifies the name of Jesus and impacts worshippers to live out Isaiah 26:8. 

 

 

Track listing:

 

1. Here For You – Chris Tomlin

2. Symphony – Chris Tomlin

3. Waiting Here For You – Christy Nockels

4. All My Fountains – Chris Tomlin

5. Shadows – David Crowder Band featuring LeCrae

6. Lord, I Need You – Chris Tomlin

7. Set Free – Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

8. Forever Reign – Kristian Stanfill

9. Sometimes – David Crowder Band

10. Always – Kristian Stanfill

11. Carry Your Name – Christy Nockels

12. Spirit Fall – Chris Tomlin

10,000 college students at Passion Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas — Instead of spending the weekend simply hanging out with their friends, shopping or sleeping, nearly 10,000 college students gathered at the Fort Worth Convention Center for three days of worship, teaching, prayer for their generation and committing to honor Christ with their lives.

These students came with expectation — ready to be challenged and to dig deeper into Scripture with main sessions taught by Louie Giglio, Francis Chan and John Piper.

During the opening prayer, Giglio, who is the founder and director of Passion Conferences, reminded students of their true purpose in life — to lift up the name of Jesus and to live for Him.

In addition to main sessions, students and leaders were divided into community groups by color-coded wristbands where they could process and discuss teachings on a smaller scale with their peers.

The event kicked off Friday evening with Chris Tomlin and rapper LeCrae combining forces for an electrifying rendition of “Our God” – which was followed by Christy Nockels ushering worshippers before the throne of God with the soul-stirring “Revelation Song.”

A late night concert with David Crowder and LeCrae energized the crowd and pumped them up for an early morning session the following day. Students arrived bright and early Saturday morning — ready to worship, be challenged and respond to God’s call on their lives.

On Saturday morning, Crowder went back to traditional roots with hymns such as “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and “Because He Lives.”

When Charlie Hall  led the crowd in “Christ is Risen” and Kristian Stanfill led “The Stand,” voices and hands continued being lifted high in praise and adoration. 

Recording artists and worship leaders involved with Passion Conferences are known for their humility while leading thousands in corporate worship. Their desire is to shine the spotlight brightly on God.

“We don’t show up as ‘artists’ at Passion events,” Hall said. “We show up as people who are going to be relentless about looking toward God and making Him the biggest, brightest thing there. I feel like the goal is always pounding in our hearts that we truly want the light to shine on God.”

The setting at Passion Conferences is designed to strengthen a believer’s relationship with Christ, and participants come eager to serve God and seek God’s will for their lives.

By merging a heart for worship with justice, the “Go Center” provided tangible ways to respond to find out more about global causes throughout the world.

As part of the “Do Something Now” campaign, students brought towels and socks for area homeless shelters. Students also donated money to help translate 90 Biblical stories into the heart language of the people in Mali, Africa.

 

For more information about Passion, please visit www.268generation.com

 

 

Get to know: Logan Walter of the band Dutton

The Sound Opinion recently caught up with Logan Walter, lead singer of the Texas-based worship band Dutton, to discuss the heart behind their music and some of his favorite things. For more info about the band, check out www.duttonband.com.

What message do you hope people take away from your music?

We want them to have a bigger view of God after worshipping with us. We want to usher them into God’s presence, because we know that one glimpse of God’s face changes lives forever.

Any interesting stories you would like to share from your events?

We got our start leading in David Crowder’s absence at his home church, University Baptist Church, which is on Dutton Ave. And although we’ve filled in for him countless times, we’ve never played an event with his band, until this summer. We led worship for a youth conference and Crowder did a concert after our last set. Let me tell you, it is not easy to share a stage with a band of six guys, all of whom play seven instruments. But we love them, so it was well worth it.

Logan’s favorite things:

* Worship song: Jesus Paid It All

* Bible verse: Hebrews 12:28

* Pizza topping: Supreme

* Fast food: Whataburger

* Place to visit: Chicago

* Time of the year: Fall

* Color: Green

* Animal: My dog Trampis, half-poodle half-boston terrier

* Ice Cream Flavor: Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

* What words best describe you?

Books. Movies. Popcorn. Macbook. Concerts. Games. Analysis. Loud-laughing. Psalms. Late-night. Goals. Lists. Prayers. Conversation.

* What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Unpunctuality, especially when I am the one who is late.

* If you were stuck on a deserted island, what 3 essential things would you bring?

A Cheesecake Factory. That’s all you’d need. One Cheesecake Factory.

* How can we pray for your ministry?

Pray for the writing and recording of our forthcoming album. It won’t be out until April, but we are already working up new songs and solidifying plans for recording. Pray that God’s people could sing these songs for His glory.