Kari Jobe
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Marty, your post compelled me to look into some music in my library. Here's a few ditties on Jesus. Not exactly Christian bands though. Chuck Prophet on Jesus Tom Waits on Jesus Jim White on Jesus Cake on Jesus Damn, no video or link to share for one of my favorites: "Thank You Lord", by Hellwood (a Jim White collaboration) Back to the Christian bands, I'd point once again to two in particular if you are a fan of female vocals. These are two of my favorites. Your post prompted me to go on a video hunt: Innocence Mission live from back in '95 when they used to open for The Cowboy Junkies, and a more current video (less acoustic and more produced, but Karen Peris voice is no less beautiful. If you've never heard Over The Rhine, and you are a fan of female vocals, you are in for a treat. Suitcase (short lead in giving some brief background) The gorgeous song, Latter Days, with some homemade video (sorry, no official version online) |
Hey Marty - Alejandro Escovedo made up for having to listen to a few verses of Michael Jackson before I had to stop him. Indeed, quite a contrast. They are from different planets. I was intrigued about Escovedo; when I did a search on YouTube I saw he did a duet with Chuck Prophet who I do like very much. Anyway, yeah, definitely more pop driven. Nothing wrong with that...hey, it's short for "popular". But none of this is very, well, Christian. Christian pop music - Anyone mentioned the band, Live. Always liked this video from them. Can't get much more mainstream pop MTV than that - I used to like that band...whatever happened to them? By the by, Stacy is Richard's beautiful wife, so you don't want to be calling her Mister. |
Marco, You made for a very funny "YouTube" moment. I inexplicably (maybe compulsively) switched from the Woven Hand link you provided for "Ain't No Sunshine" to the Michael Jackson link that sits in the border next to the video. While I kinda like Michael Jackson, there's a lesson there: If you ever want proof of the old adage "It's the singer, not the song", I advise you to try that comparison. Marty PS - A thought for you and Mr. Stacy. Have you ever heard any of Alejandro Escovedo's early solo material. (Particularly "Gravity" and/or the live CD "More Miles Than Money". While my taste includes a fair bit of more mainstream "pop driven" material than does Richard's, I think that both of you guys may dig that stuff. |
I listened to a little bit of 16 horsepower on line. Pretty interesting. Here are a couple of good 16HP videos. The first by the Brothers Quay, is a favorite. Black Soul Choir Haw And a couple of Woven Hand to give you a sense of Edwards other (current) project: Blush (with the dance company, Ultima Vez) Ain't No Sunshine You will not hear a darker version of this tune. |
Though Woven Hand clearly does reveal a founding signature in Edwards' genius, and is an extension of 16HP in that respect, I find those two bands very distinctive from each other. I can take Woven Hand in much smaller doses. 16HP I could listen to all day. Woven Hand is darker, more cerebral, more complex and brooding, and at times even a bit abstract. You won't hear as much of the roots of folk, Appalachia, gospel, bluegrass and rock, that makes the music of 16 Horsepower such a unique and distinctive fusion of sounds. Woven Hand is also a highly unique fusion of sounds but definitely not hot the same or even similar to my ears - you can hear Edwards lead, yes, but he's using a different musical vocabulary. But there is no mistaking Edwards presence in both bands - Yes, "Intense" most certainly describes him very well. He reminds me a bit of Nick Cave in some respects, who also uses uses lots of religious references in his music/lyrics, and is also a very theatrical and intense performer. No, 16HP are definitely not your grampa's Christian Rock band - good call on that Marty. Other 16HP band members went on to do a project called Lillium which I don't care for at all. It sounds nothing like 16hp. |
This isn't a recommendation, since I've never heard any of the music. However, the musician (Caleb Quaye) behind this organization, is a monster guitarist who used to play for both Elton John and, later, Hall & Oates. Might be worth investigating. http://www.newworldmusic.org/ Marty PS Marco's suggestion of 16 Horsepower is a great one, but this isn't your grandfather's Christian Band. These guys are intense! |
Susan Ashton - mid 90's stuff Jim Cole - voice and guitar sound like James Taylor mid 90's album Merciful God is great (small label, you can find him online) Van Morrison has a number of discs with great songs Enlightenment, Hymns to the Silence not sure if he found was he was looking for but make for great records of faith most contemporary Christian music just doesn't measure up |
I am surprised no one has mentioned Bruce Cockburn or Phil Keaggy. I recommend Phil's "The Wind and the Wheat" 1985 or so.. instrumental guitar highly underated by the music press due to Phil's religion. Also quality audiophile recording. I have all the Bruce Cockburn albums on vinyl up until 1987 or so, the Canadian pressings, superior to the U.S. pressings. After 1989 or so I lost interest in him. His best recordings, IMO are "In the Falling Dark" 1976, "Dancing in the Dragon's Jaws" 1977, "Humans" 1979. Audiophile quality recordings. I am a Christian, but for over 20+ years have never been able to bring myself to listen to this Christian "Pop" music stuff out there... I am primarily a Jazz and Classical listener, and perhaps the only Christian in the West who prefers Bob Marley to Amy Grant? Now dat be a righteous riddem mon! "Jah Jah watch over I, evil, whatch gonna do?" "Wicked abortion deciples of lucifer, get behind me satan!" --Steel Pulse |
Depending on the type of music that you like, here are several I recommend; The group Selah has a few albums out with great harmony and each individual artist in the group released a solo CD late last year. Steven Curtis Chapman has an Abbey Road CD/DVD combo. Jim Brickman and John Tess have christian albums out. An older recording of Jerry Williams & Harvest called Mighty River is good. Amy Grant is has come out with some good CD's. I second Third Day for a more modern rock sound and the group 4Him has a few good albums. Enjoy and be blessed |
One of my favorites, and has been for a long time is Steve Taylor's "I Predict 1990" The sound is great, and the songs are typical of his sense of humor and sense of the world. The first Sara Groves CD sounds very good too. I'd also recommend Amy Shreve's Harp and Willow. Micheal Card's Starkindler (I think that's the name) sounds very good, also has a real Irish flavor to it. If you want something more Bluesy or Gospel check out Babbie Mason's cd with "Wade in the Water" I can't think of the name of it off hand but I have it at home. I lied, the name is Timeless. I've played it for several audiophile friends who liked it inspite of the real Gospel. Steve Camp has a good CD called Justice, sounds good with good material. Bob Dylan's "Saved" is a fun gospel LP with great material and back up singers. I love it, but I'd argue that Dylans Christain phase was not a phase. Read the book reastless pilgrim! |
Drubin - well, yes, I guess it is that the content of much of her lyrics contain so many Christian references, and spiritual overtones that I assume that it is part of the message she wants to bring to her music. As far as her own personal beliefs, I have no idea, if that is what you are questioning. I guess the question you may be posing is, what exactly constitutes a "contemporary Christian recording"? Marco |
Anything by Gillian Welch. Ditto the The Innocence Mission. Mindy Smith, One Moment More (not quite as saturated with Christian lyrics as the above). The Blind Boys of Alabama (the new one with Ben Harper is great)! Bob Dylan had a Chritian phase with three or four CD's devoted to that theme. I'm assuming you are looking for Popular Music and not for Classical, but if the latter as well, you may want to add that to your query. Marco |
Sarah Jahn 'Sparkle' It's her only CD. Available on ebay. Sara Groves 'The Other Side of Something'. I think this is her best effort. Haven't heard her new CD but it's supposed to be pretty good. Available from her website. Ross Wright Band-check out the "Will Play For Change" Tour on the website. Chance to check out a variety of bands in different locations. |
