- Home
- Media
- Music Reviews
- "Under the Covers" Music Nov/Dec07
"Under the Covers" Music Nov/Dec07
- By Music Reviewers
- Published 02/3/2008
- Music Reviews
-
Rating:
FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning Dreams of a Christmas Night—A four-track EP of moving music full of Johnson’s trademark Celtic stylings. The galloping instrumental “Down the Chimney” features the Choir’s Derri Daugherty on acoustic guitar; ethereal trad carol “Noel Noel Voice L’Enfant” is perfect for Christmas Eve. (arkmusic.com)
Jaci Velasquez Open House: Christmas EP—After taking a lengthy sabbatical to deal with her divorce, depression, and then new marriage to Nic Gonzales (Salvador frontman) and a baby on the way, Velasquez returns with three holiday-themed tunes. Includes an insightful audio interview that details what’s happened to her over the last several years.
Keith L. Cooper A Guitar’s Carol—A mixed bag of acoustic six-string instrumental pieces. Cooper’s flamenco flair on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” feels out of place, as does his jazzy rendition of “We Three Kings;” his gentle version of “The First Noel” rings true, though, as does his beautiful cover of “Carol of the Birds” and his country-ish “Away in a Manger.” But “Silent Night” doesn’t need Cooper’s sonic embellishments—his acoustic all alone would’ve been just fine.
Various Artists Bethlehem Skyline—Centricity Records trots out its tiny roster of young, left-of-the-dial artists and scores big. The 11 tracks here are a smart combo of well-known Christmas songs—e.g., “What Child Is This?” (Daniel Kirkley), “Joy to the World” (Circleslide), and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” and “Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuele” (both by Jaime Jamgochian)—and original tunes celebrating the season.
Michael W. Smith It’s a Wonderful Christmas—Recorded at famed Abbey Road Studios (think the Beatles, ’kay?), Smith’s formidable Christmas album features nearly all original music backed by a 67-piece orchestra, four choirs…and if that weren’t enough, American Idol finalist Mandisa lends her prodigious pipes to the proceedings (“Christmas Day”).
Bebo Norman Christmas: From the Realms of Glory—The fact that Norman covers Jackson Browne’s pointed, church-critical “The Rebel Jesus” (…if any one of us should interfere/in the business of why there are poor/They get the same as the rebel Jesus…) says a ton about his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what Christian artists record for Christmas albums. Bravo.
David Phelps One Wintry Night: A David Phelps Christmas—Given that Phelps has sold out his Christmas tour over the last nine years, it seemed a Christmas album was finally in order. And the soulful crooner definitely makes up for lost time, with 15 tracks of mostly original material along with standards such as “O Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Stylish and conceptual.
Diamond Rio A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines—The popular country outfit, recently signed to Word Records, is as good musically as you might expect a Diamond Rio record to be. While the fellas should be applauded for including three spiritually focused tunes (“O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and the excellent title track), the fact that the remaining nine songs are of the less-inspiring “holiday” variety is disappointing.
Jars of Clay Christmas Songs—The veteran outfit, having weathered a dozen years in the public spotlight to finally form its own vision in relative independence, has recorded their very first Christmas album. (To Jars freaks: Drummer Boy is an EP!) The 14 tracks here are a fine, alt-rocky mix of carols (e.g., “God, Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”), original songs (“Winter Skin”), and the expected swath of smarmy ditties (“Christmastime Is Here”).
A FRESH ANGLE ON THE JESUS MOVEMENT
Frisbee: The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher
(DVD documentary and official soundtrack—www.lonniefrisbee.com)
If you want to blow your kids’ minds—or just your own—run (yes, legs, feet—the whole ball o’ wax) to your computer and order this fine pair of artifacts conceived, created, and lovingly compiled by indie director David Di Sabatino.
What’s the big dealio, you might be asking?
First, the DVD. Via insightful, compelling, emotional, poignant (and sometimes downright hilarious) interviews with aged ex-Jesus “freaks,” Di Sabatino sheds invaluable light on the nearly forgotten impact that one Lonnie Frisbee had on the Jesus movement of the late ’60s and early ’70s, specifically in southern California. Frisbee, a bearded longhair often pegged for “trying to look like Jesus,” came from a lifestyle of heavy drugs and smacked the church upside the head with an undeniably anointed and authentic preaching style that reached thousands of kids and young adults in the psychedelic era. Among those who took notice was Chuck Smith, who took Frisbee on staff at Calvary Chapel—a pairing that shook both the mainstream church and counterculture, as evidenced by Calvary’s explosive growth at the time.
While Smith isn’t interviewed for the DVD, what’s so eye opening is that among the impressive list of interviewees is Smith’s son, Chuck Smith Jr., because Chuck’s kid is often critical of Calvary Chapel and his dad, especially with regard to how poorly Frisbee was often treated. Indeed, Frisbee leaves Calvary in frustration to raise the ground floor of yet another iconic branch of the Jesus Movement—the Vineyard. John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard, was as taken with Frisbee’s charisma and effective preaching as Smith. And again, the paring of Wimber with Frisbee leads to explosive growth and ministry at the Vineyard until the pair parted ways.
But there’s more to this tale than a hippie Christian disgruntled with authority and the institutional church. Turns out Frisbee’s main thorn in the side wasn’t drugs, but homosexuality—an issue he (understandably) kept mostly to himself. No surprise that neither Calvary Chapel nor the Vineyard readily speak of Frisbee despite his untold contributions to each church’s growth. Following his stints with churches, Frisbee later concentrated on the world of international mission work—and then went to the doctor one day complaining of various ills when he learned he’d contracted the HIV virus. He died of AIDS in 1992.
In the end, Frisbee: The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher is much, much more than an interesting church history lesson burnished by snippets of very cool (and obscure) Jesus Movement-era tunes; it’s an expose of how those in authority in the church tends to throw away rebels and rabble-rousers who push and prod it to better places; it’s a tale of the great strides the church can make if it’s willing to take risks; and it’s a cautionary tale about the wonder of creativity and the bad taste that cluelessness leaves in your mouth. (Oh yeah—did I fail to mention the DVD is full of ideal material for endless youth group gatherings?)
The Official Soundtrack is a thing of beauty. Di Sabatino doesn’t corral the usual suspects (i.e., Larry Norman, Love Song, etc.); instead he goes the extra 100 miles, tracking down the underground, often controversial darlings of the early ’70s Christian music scene, such as it was. All Saved Freak Band, Agape, Gentle Faith, Stonewood Cross, and Joy fill 11 tracks with an impressive onslaught of tuneage that your kids are likely to dig because of their natural retro qualities. But unlike today’s Christian music that has become predictable, prepackaged, and perfectly produced on sterile computer programs, these songs are fresh breaths of organic air. Crank up Agape’s “Wouldn’t It Be a Drag” and its brazen Thin Lizzy-inspired licks and watch your kids’ eyes widen; play the somber “Sower” by All Saved Freak Band as a closer to a talk on evangelism and watch your kids’ eyes tighten and tear up in prayer.
So…what are you waiting for? Get up and run!
Over the Rhine
The Trumpet Child
(overtherhine.com)
I understand completely that even your favorite bands must move on and recreate themselves. Sometimes it works (U2’s Achtung Baby), sometimes it doesn’t (when Jefferson Airplane skinny-tied themselves up as Jefferson Starship). That said, I’m not completely taken with OTR’s newest creation—not yet, at least. The Trumpet Child is devoid of the band’s delicious foundational atmospherics, instead favoring a decidedly terrestrial, up-close-and-personal feel (which is probably why I’m more discovering this collection of 11 tunes rather than doing cartwheels in time with them). In this new sonic territory Karen Bergquist and hubby Linford Detweiler drift from completely stripped down (e.g., upright bass, piano, nylon-string acoustic, drum kit on the provocative “Trouble”) to melodic construction with strange materials (e.g., trumpet and valve trombone on “I Don’t Wanna Waste Your Time”). I don’t think I’ve ever heard brass on an Over the Rhine album—which may or may not have something to do with the title—but I have a feeling that The Trumpet Child and its earthy spirituality will grow on me.
SHORT JABS, GLOVES OFF
Plumb Blink—Typically I’ve been impressed by singer Tiffany Arbuckle’s approach to modern rock. But this effort feels like modern lounge. Not that there’s anything wrong with languid mellowness—but 10 tracks in a row? May Tiff (who now refers to herself as “Plumb”) rock once again soon.
Mitch McVicker Love Will Rise—The Rich Mullins protégé has most definitely come into his own, creating a multifaceted sound here (check out the lonely piano on “Come to the Well” and the cool harmonica flourish on “Honest of Heart”) that’s equal parts pop, folk, alt. rock, and even some country. Love Will Rise is a triumph.
Jeff Johnson Selah: Meditations 2—A lil’ 19-minute melodic and spoken-word compilation that includes eight prayers from J. Philip Newell’s Celtic Benediction and Celtic Prayers from Iona, supported by Johnson’s ethereal keyboard-based music. Nice.
Paul Baloche Our God Saves—Does Baloche ever do anything of the mediocre variety? I think not. The prodigious worship leader and singer-songwriter outdoes himself on Our God Saves, turning a 14-song stunner that was recorded live at his home church, Community Christian Fellowship, in Lindale, Texas. Moving and inspiring—and sonically fab…not always the case with live albums.
MercyMe All That Is within Me—Only a band with MercyMe’s talent could turn in an album of this quality with only three weeks to write the songs. Indeed All That Is within Me sounds like a project that had time to percolate for a while. The intense U2-ish feel of “Sanctified” will slay audiences in concert while album closer “Finally Home” is a tear jerker in waiting.
Casting Crowns The Altar and the Door—Not given to undue hype or fanfare, Casting Crowns would rather keep things simple and unaffected. Such is the direct, heartfelt message behind The Altar and the Door—10 tunes focused on the realities of ministry, pain, struggle, community, and a life of faith. Funny how the simple stuff can go so deep.
David Crowder Band Remedy—Crowder & Co. just keep getting better and better. Mixing alt. rock sonics with worshipful lyrics, this new collection of tunes contain a nice mixture of the riot-inducing, widescreen ditties that get crowds shaking auditoriums (among them the unironic “We Won’t Be Quiet”) along with more meditative selections. Another winner.
Sara Groves Tell Me What You Know—Groves continues to slay the studio speakers here, leaving her trusty piano (for the most part) deep in the background and letting her rocking band provide the fuel for her introspective (even “socially conscious”) lyrics. Thoughtful and challenging.
The Cross Movement HIStory—A sad day for Christian hip-hop: HIStory is the final album for the Cross Movement. The Philly-based rapping collective goes out in style, though, with a rousing splash of rhymes undergirded by rousing beats and melodies. History, indeed, will always view these fellas as innovative and true to their Maker.
Verbs The Groundwork Theory—The veteran rapper previously known as Knowdaverbs continues his vision of raw, streetwise rhymes that stare frivolity in the face and laugh—Verbs has too many important things to work out, too many kids to guide in the right direction, too many souls to speak to. Enlightened, creative, and endlessly musical. A hip-hop record, in fact, for those who never listen to rap.
WORTH A MENTION
VeggieTales The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s—More youthful fun from Big Idea
Audio Adrenaline Live from Hawaii: The Farewell Concert—DVD and CD comes with
Parachute Band Roadmaps and Revelations—Footstomping worship from New Zealand
Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning Dreams of a Christmas Night—A four-track EP of moving music full of Johnson’s trademark Celtic stylings. The galloping instrumental “Down the Chimney” features the Choir’s Derri Daugherty on acoustic guitar; ethereal trad carol “Noel Noel Voice L’Enfant” is perfect for Christmas Eve. (arkmusic.com)
Jaci Velasquez Open House: Christmas EP—After taking a lengthy sabbatical to deal with her divorce, depression, and then new marriage to Nic Gonzales (Salvador frontman) and a baby on the way, Velasquez returns with three holiday-themed tunes. Includes an insightful audio interview that details what’s happened to her over the last several years.
Keith L. Cooper A Guitar’s Carol—A mixed bag of acoustic six-string instrumental pieces. Cooper’s flamenco flair on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” feels out of place, as does his jazzy rendition of “We Three Kings;” his gentle version of “The First Noel” rings true, though, as does his beautiful cover of “Carol of the Birds” and his country-ish “Away in a Manger.” But “Silent Night” doesn’t need Cooper’s sonic embellishments—his acoustic all alone would’ve been just fine.
Various Artists Bethlehem Skyline—Centricity Records trots out its tiny roster of young, left-of-the-dial artists and scores big. The 11 tracks here are a smart combo of well-known Christmas songs—e.g., “What Child Is This?” (Daniel Kirkley), “Joy to the World” (Circleslide), and “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” and “Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuele” (both by Jaime Jamgochian)—and original tunes celebrating the season.
Michael W. Smith It’s a Wonderful Christmas—Recorded at famed Abbey Road Studios (think the Beatles, ’kay?), Smith’s formidable Christmas album features nearly all original music backed by a 67-piece orchestra, four choirs…and if that weren’t enough, American Idol finalist Mandisa lends her prodigious pipes to the proceedings (“Christmas Day”).
Bebo Norman Christmas: From the Realms of Glory—The fact that Norman covers Jackson Browne’s pointed, church-critical “The Rebel Jesus” (…if any one of us should interfere/in the business of why there are poor/They get the same as the rebel Jesus…) says a ton about his willingness to stretch the boundaries of what Christian artists record for Christmas albums. Bravo.
David Phelps One Wintry Night: A David Phelps Christmas—Given that Phelps has sold out his Christmas tour over the last nine years, it seemed a Christmas album was finally in order. And the soulful crooner definitely makes up for lost time, with 15 tracks of mostly original material along with standards such as “O Holy Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” Stylish and conceptual.
Diamond Rio A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines—The popular country outfit, recently signed to Word Records, is as good musically as you might expect a Diamond Rio record to be. While the fellas should be applauded for including three spiritually focused tunes (“O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and the excellent title track), the fact that the remaining nine songs are of the less-inspiring “holiday” variety is disappointing.
Jars of Clay Christmas Songs—The veteran outfit, having weathered a dozen years in the public spotlight to finally form its own vision in relative independence, has recorded their very first Christmas album. (To Jars freaks: Drummer Boy is an EP!) The 14 tracks here are a fine, alt-rocky mix of carols (e.g., “God, Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”), original songs (“Winter Skin”), and the expected swath of smarmy ditties (“Christmastime Is Here”).
A FRESH ANGLE ON THE JESUS MOVEMENT
Frisbee: The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher
(DVD documentary and official soundtrack—www.lonniefrisbee.com)
If you want to blow your kids’ minds—or just your own—run (yes, legs, feet—the whole ball o’ wax) to your computer and order this fine pair of artifacts conceived, created, and lovingly compiled by indie director David Di Sabatino.
What’s the big dealio, you might be asking?
First, the DVD. Via insightful, compelling, emotional, poignant (and sometimes downright hilarious) interviews with aged ex-Jesus “freaks,” Di Sabatino sheds invaluable light on the nearly forgotten impact that one Lonnie Frisbee had on the Jesus movement of the late ’60s and early ’70s, specifically in southern California. Frisbee, a bearded longhair often pegged for “trying to look like Jesus,” came from a lifestyle of heavy drugs and smacked the church upside the head with an undeniably anointed and authentic preaching style that reached thousands of kids and young adults in the psychedelic era. Among those who took notice was Chuck Smith, who took Frisbee on staff at Calvary Chapel—a pairing that shook both the mainstream church and counterculture, as evidenced by Calvary’s explosive growth at the time.
While Smith isn’t interviewed for the DVD, what’s so eye opening is that among the impressive list of interviewees is Smith’s son, Chuck Smith Jr., because Chuck’s kid is often critical of Calvary Chapel and his dad, especially with regard to how poorly Frisbee was often treated. Indeed, Frisbee leaves Calvary in frustration to raise the ground floor of yet another iconic branch of the Jesus Movement—the Vineyard. John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard, was as taken with Frisbee’s charisma and effective preaching as Smith. And again, the paring of Wimber with Frisbee leads to explosive growth and ministry at the Vineyard until the pair parted ways.
But there’s more to this tale than a hippie Christian disgruntled with authority and the institutional church. Turns out Frisbee’s main thorn in the side wasn’t drugs, but homosexuality—an issue he (understandably) kept mostly to himself. No surprise that neither Calvary Chapel nor the Vineyard readily speak of Frisbee despite his untold contributions to each church’s growth. Following his stints with churches, Frisbee later concentrated on the world of international mission work—and then went to the doctor one day complaining of various ills when he learned he’d contracted the HIV virus. He died of AIDS in 1992.
In the end, Frisbee: The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher is much, much more than an interesting church history lesson burnished by snippets of very cool (and obscure) Jesus Movement-era tunes; it’s an expose of how those in authority in the church tends to throw away rebels and rabble-rousers who push and prod it to better places; it’s a tale of the great strides the church can make if it’s willing to take risks; and it’s a cautionary tale about the wonder of creativity and the bad taste that cluelessness leaves in your mouth. (Oh yeah—did I fail to mention the DVD is full of ideal material for endless youth group gatherings?)
The Official Soundtrack is a thing of beauty. Di Sabatino doesn’t corral the usual suspects (i.e., Larry Norman, Love Song, etc.); instead he goes the extra 100 miles, tracking down the underground, often controversial darlings of the early ’70s Christian music scene, such as it was. All Saved Freak Band, Agape, Gentle Faith, Stonewood Cross, and Joy fill 11 tracks with an impressive onslaught of tuneage that your kids are likely to dig because of their natural retro qualities. But unlike today’s Christian music that has become predictable, prepackaged, and perfectly produced on sterile computer programs, these songs are fresh breaths of organic air. Crank up Agape’s “Wouldn’t It Be a Drag” and its brazen Thin Lizzy-inspired licks and watch your kids’ eyes widen; play the somber “Sower” by All Saved Freak Band as a closer to a talk on evangelism and watch your kids’ eyes tighten and tear up in prayer.
So…what are you waiting for? Get up and run!
Over the Rhine
The Trumpet Child
(overtherhine.com)
I understand completely that even your favorite bands must move on and recreate themselves. Sometimes it works (U2’s Achtung Baby), sometimes it doesn’t (when Jefferson Airplane skinny-tied themselves up as Jefferson Starship). That said, I’m not completely taken with OTR’s newest creation—not yet, at least. The Trumpet Child is devoid of the band’s delicious foundational atmospherics, instead favoring a decidedly terrestrial, up-close-and-personal feel (which is probably why I’m more discovering this collection of 11 tunes rather than doing cartwheels in time with them). In this new sonic territory Karen Bergquist and hubby Linford Detweiler drift from completely stripped down (e.g., upright bass, piano, nylon-string acoustic, drum kit on the provocative “Trouble”) to melodic construction with strange materials (e.g., trumpet and valve trombone on “I Don’t Wanna Waste Your Time”). I don’t think I’ve ever heard brass on an Over the Rhine album—which may or may not have something to do with the title—but I have a feeling that The Trumpet Child and its earthy spirituality will grow on me.
SHORT JABS, GLOVES OFF
Plumb Blink—Typically I’ve been impressed by singer Tiffany Arbuckle’s approach to modern rock. But this effort feels like modern lounge. Not that there’s anything wrong with languid mellowness—but 10 tracks in a row? May Tiff (who now refers to herself as “Plumb”) rock once again soon.
Mitch McVicker Love Will Rise—The Rich Mullins protégé has most definitely come into his own, creating a multifaceted sound here (check out the lonely piano on “Come to the Well” and the cool harmonica flourish on “Honest of Heart”) that’s equal parts pop, folk, alt. rock, and even some country. Love Will Rise is a triumph.
Jeff Johnson Selah: Meditations 2—A lil’ 19-minute melodic and spoken-word compilation that includes eight prayers from J. Philip Newell’s Celtic Benediction and Celtic Prayers from Iona, supported by Johnson’s ethereal keyboard-based music. Nice.
Paul Baloche Our God Saves—Does Baloche ever do anything of the mediocre variety? I think not. The prodigious worship leader and singer-songwriter outdoes himself on Our God Saves, turning a 14-song stunner that was recorded live at his home church, Community Christian Fellowship, in Lindale, Texas. Moving and inspiring—and sonically fab…not always the case with live albums.
MercyMe All That Is within Me—Only a band with MercyMe’s talent could turn in an album of this quality with only three weeks to write the songs. Indeed All That Is within Me sounds like a project that had time to percolate for a while. The intense U2-ish feel of “Sanctified” will slay audiences in concert while album closer “Finally Home” is a tear jerker in waiting.
Casting Crowns The Altar and the Door—Not given to undue hype or fanfare, Casting Crowns would rather keep things simple and unaffected. Such is the direct, heartfelt message behind The Altar and the Door—10 tunes focused on the realities of ministry, pain, struggle, community, and a life of faith. Funny how the simple stuff can go so deep.
David Crowder Band Remedy—Crowder & Co. just keep getting better and better. Mixing alt. rock sonics with worshipful lyrics, this new collection of tunes contain a nice mixture of the riot-inducing, widescreen ditties that get crowds shaking auditoriums (among them the unironic “We Won’t Be Quiet”) along with more meditative selections. Another winner.
Sara Groves Tell Me What You Know—Groves continues to slay the studio speakers here, leaving her trusty piano (for the most part) deep in the background and letting her rocking band provide the fuel for her introspective (even “socially conscious”) lyrics. Thoughtful and challenging.
The Cross Movement HIStory—A sad day for Christian hip-hop: HIStory is the final album for the Cross Movement. The Philly-based rapping collective goes out in style, though, with a rousing splash of rhymes undergirded by rousing beats and melodies. History, indeed, will always view these fellas as innovative and true to their Maker.
Verbs The Groundwork Theory—The veteran rapper previously known as Knowdaverbs continues his vision of raw, streetwise rhymes that stare frivolity in the face and laugh—Verbs has too many important things to work out, too many kids to guide in the right direction, too many souls to speak to. Enlightened, creative, and endlessly musical. A hip-hop record, in fact, for those who never listen to rap.
WORTH A MENTION
VeggieTales The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s—More youthful fun from Big Idea
Audio Adrenaline Live from Hawaii: The Farewell Concert—DVD and CD comes with
Parachute Band Roadmaps and Revelations—Footstomping worship from New Zealand
