This past weekend (Saturday, 9/19), Family Life Network brought in Point of Grace and Mark Schultz for the sixth stop of their Come Alive Tour. The concert was being hosted at First Baptist Church of Johnson City, in their brand-spankin' new facility, and as soon as we heard they were coming, we started lobbying to see if we could score an in-store appearance. First B is SO close to us, and these are dearly loved artists in our region that we knew would be well received by the local community of believers. What I didn't understand was that in-stores have become about as common as eight-tracks in our industry. Fortunately, our reputation preceeded us and some friends in high places put in a good word for us. Our vision for the in-store was a bit outside the box as well; we wanted to host a casual and informative Q&A session in our conference room, similar to Heart of the Artist events I've been able to attend at Gospel Music Week in Nashville each spring. Opportunities like this do a great deal to humanize the artists, brushing away some of the dazzle and distance ,and replacing it with relatability and the genuine connection. Our vision was met with enthusiasm, but that didn't quell my nervousness about whether it would actually work.
Saturday morning came, and all the pieces were in place. Publicity had been implemented, including shout-outs on Family Life Network radio. Questions had been gathered and prepped. Aggressive sale prices had been negotiated, and eye-catching quantities brought in. Staffer Kim Seavey had beautified the conference room such that the cast of The View would have found it inviting. The artists arrived without delay, but all the planning and good intentions in the world wasn't going to change what happened next- everything went great. (Sometimes I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop before the first one has even been untied!) I began to relax and enjoy myself, even though I was MCing. There was a great spirit is the room, and beautiful sharing from Mark, Denise, Leigh and Shelley. My favorite moment personally was when we spontaneously echoed back to the artists a litany of song titles that had touched our hearts and ministered to us in special ways- "I AM...For All You've Done...When You Come Home....Keep the Candle Burning....I Have Been There....No More Pain....He Will Carry Me....Day By Day.....Child of Mine....More Than Anything....Walking Her Home....God Is With Us....Back In His Arms Again....Who Am I....He's My Son....You Will Never Walk Alone....Letters From War....Jesus Will Still Be There....Closer To You.....Any Road, Any Cost..."
It was only a minute or two, but it was a spine-tingling one for me, keenly aware that God had shown up in a very special way. You could see tears in the eyes of many attendees, knowing that every song title uttered carried with it a very personal memory of how God had met them in those lyrics at a time of deep need. I don't know what the artists were thinking, but it was apparent to me that they were touched. I led the exercise in a desire to bless them, and remind them again of the power God imbues into their music. Denise was away from her husband on their 17th anniversary; I would imagine that the life on an artist entails many missed birthdays, recitals, play-off games and just-because gatherings with family and friends. It's my prayer that they will be fortified to continue forward in their artistry and that God would continue to lavishly pour Himself out of them, as they carry the Good News in song to parched audiences night after night.
The concert itself was amazing! First B has been entrusted with a stunning new facility, the results of hard work, perseverence, sacrifice and vision. I'm thankful that they opened their facility to our community for this event, and am so proud of the passion they have to reach people for Christ and grow them in deeper relationship. I hope this will be the first of many packed-out concerts I get to attend there; moreso, I pray that God would allow them powerful ministry in the years to come. Point of Grace has matured and refined their craft beautifully in their 15+ years of active ministry. (Note to Word Music: Start planning now for a stellar 20th anniversary project, perhaps with other artists covering some of POG's many chart-topping songs) Both their roster, their life roles and their sound have changed through the years, and it has only gotten better. Heather and Terri, you are missed greatly, but Leigh is a stellar addition and fits like a glove. They played some new songs from their highly-anticipated Spring 2010 album, and we're in for a real treat.
Mark was humble, engaging and entertaining. His story songs move me to tears every time (admittedly not a hard task- I'm a softy and chronic blubberer), even when I know what's coming and try to steel myself against the inevitable choke. The finale, with the whole venue booming with celebratory lyrics we lifted together, was another spine-tingling moment. May we never, ever forget the truth- "Every Knee Shall Bow, Every Tongue Confess That God Is Love, And Love Has Come For Us All, Every Heart Set Free, Everyone Will See That God Is Love, And Love Has Come For Us All." Amen and Amen. -MJB
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Buy the Book! (or Be Woefully Unfulfilled)
Andrew Peterson's "North! (or be eaten)" is the rollicking second entry in the Wingfeather Saga, which I find myself hoping will be far more than a trilogy. Peterson's writing is intelligent without being pretentious, captivating without being formulaic and positively brimming with adventure, whimsy and characters you'll find yourself rooting for. As a father of six young children, my time to read is at a premium, but the tales of Janner, Tink & Leeli Igiby are treasures to us all.
The first book, "On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness", was hungrily devoured by the Brink tribe in nightly family readings that ended all too soon. My kids were consumed by the cliffhangers and possibilities- I wasn't far behind. The wait for the second book was agonizing, and I plowed through it on my own in a weeks' time, under the auspices of writing this grown-up review. It was a wondrous roller coaster ride, characterized the exhilarating twists, turns and obstacles that are to be expected, but never fully anticipated. It was over far too quickly, leaving me breathless and with my mind spinning with the possibilities of where things might head in the third book. Now, reading it aloud with my own brood, I'm getting to savor the finer nuances and clues that were masterfully tucked away here and there.
Book Two expands the scope of its storytelling in two very important ways. First, the scope of the story enlarged, getting our beloved trio of siblings and their supporting cast out of Glipwood and away from the lizard-like Fangs. They encounter new locales, new perils, new cultures and formidable new adversaries. Some characters thought dead returned, others dearly loved died valiantly and new characters are introduced who greatly enrich the story. Secondly, and more importantly, the scope of the characters hearts expand as they discover deeper reservoirs of courage, hope and loyalty, but also wrestle unflinchingly with darker emotions like betrayal, compromise, jealousy, despair, regret and remorse. Several characters undergo significant physical changes, but more powerful is the metamorphosis of character that is set forth without apology.
Peterson's writing is rich and well-paced, inventive and never heavy-handed. Breaking away from the ensemble feel that characterizes much of the narrative, one character is isolated from the others for several harrowing chapters. Peterson's portrayal of their ordeal shows admirable restraint, but the resolve and strength of character that ultimately emerges had me both weeping and cheering on the public bus I was riding. I was so lost in the plight and the triumph that I had momentarily forgotten that it was mere story. Books of this caliber are a rare treasure, and I have every confidence that Andrew has a myriad of great stories to share with us in the future. I for one simply cannot wait! -Michael J Brink
The first book, "On The Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness", was hungrily devoured by the Brink tribe in nightly family readings that ended all too soon. My kids were consumed by the cliffhangers and possibilities- I wasn't far behind. The wait for the second book was agonizing, and I plowed through it on my own in a weeks' time, under the auspices of writing this grown-up review. It was a wondrous roller coaster ride, characterized the exhilarating twists, turns and obstacles that are to be expected, but never fully anticipated. It was over far too quickly, leaving me breathless and with my mind spinning with the possibilities of where things might head in the third book. Now, reading it aloud with my own brood, I'm getting to savor the finer nuances and clues that were masterfully tucked away here and there.
Book Two expands the scope of its storytelling in two very important ways. First, the scope of the story enlarged, getting our beloved trio of siblings and their supporting cast out of Glipwood and away from the lizard-like Fangs. They encounter new locales, new perils, new cultures and formidable new adversaries. Some characters thought dead returned, others dearly loved died valiantly and new characters are introduced who greatly enrich the story. Secondly, and more importantly, the scope of the characters hearts expand as they discover deeper reservoirs of courage, hope and loyalty, but also wrestle unflinchingly with darker emotions like betrayal, compromise, jealousy, despair, regret and remorse. Several characters undergo significant physical changes, but more powerful is the metamorphosis of character that is set forth without apology.
Peterson's writing is rich and well-paced, inventive and never heavy-handed. Breaking away from the ensemble feel that characterizes much of the narrative, one character is isolated from the others for several harrowing chapters. Peterson's portrayal of their ordeal shows admirable restraint, but the resolve and strength of character that ultimately emerges had me both weeping and cheering on the public bus I was riding. I was so lost in the plight and the triumph that I had momentarily forgotten that it was mere story. Books of this caliber are a rare treasure, and I have every confidence that Andrew has a myriad of great stories to share with us in the future. I for one simply cannot wait! -Michael J Brink
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Great Summertime Reads
Yes, I do know that this primarily a music-themed blog, but sometimes I just can't help myself- I like to read, too! :) So, if you enjoy reading as well as jamming, here are a few recommendations:
1) www.tenthavenuenorth.com, journal entries by Mike Donehey: Mike is the lead singer for Dove New Artist of the Year winning band, Tenth Avenue North. But don't let his tender years or tween-heart throb looks throw you, this young man is a deep thinker and a passionate lover of his God. While I likely have sneakers under my bed that have more mileage on them than does young Donehey, he is a compelling communicator, whether in song, between songs or on the printed page. Great stuff!
2) Andrew Peterson, The Wingfeather Saga: It's been a long wait since Book One, "On The Edge of The Dark Sea of Darkness", released in March 2008. Peterson, another songwriter who is as proficient with the words as he is with the song, dazzled me completely with this enchanting foray into fantasy. Following the adventures of the three young Igiby siblings -Janner, Tink and Leeli-, The Wingfeather Saga is a addictively page-turning romp through a land of oppression, innocence, adventure and whimsy. My kids and I read it together, a chapter a night being the intended plan, are found ourselves frequently in trouble with momma, who frequently found bedtime twarted by pleas of "One more chapter- PLEASE!!!" (and then the kids would get started!). Book Two, "North! or be eaten", is slated to release at the end of August.
3) Robin Parrish, "Offworld": I'm in the final chapters of this wonderful book, written by former CCM journalist turned white-knuckle inducing novelist Robin Parrish. The book is a thoughtful blend of summer blockbuster-esque action sequences, likeable characters and a mysterious underpinning that keeps the whole thing moving along quite nicely. This has been an excellent read, and I'll be sorry to see it come to an end. For a tease, visit www.somethingiswrongwiththeworld.com
1) www.tenthavenuenorth.com, journal entries by Mike Donehey: Mike is the lead singer for Dove New Artist of the Year winning band, Tenth Avenue North. But don't let his tender years or tween-heart throb looks throw you, this young man is a deep thinker and a passionate lover of his God. While I likely have sneakers under my bed that have more mileage on them than does young Donehey, he is a compelling communicator, whether in song, between songs or on the printed page. Great stuff!
2) Andrew Peterson, The Wingfeather Saga: It's been a long wait since Book One, "On The Edge of The Dark Sea of Darkness", released in March 2008. Peterson, another songwriter who is as proficient with the words as he is with the song, dazzled me completely with this enchanting foray into fantasy. Following the adventures of the three young Igiby siblings -Janner, Tink and Leeli-, The Wingfeather Saga is a addictively page-turning romp through a land of oppression, innocence, adventure and whimsy. My kids and I read it together, a chapter a night being the intended plan, are found ourselves frequently in trouble with momma, who frequently found bedtime twarted by pleas of "One more chapter- PLEASE!!!" (and then the kids would get started!). Book Two, "North! or be eaten", is slated to release at the end of August.
3) Robin Parrish, "Offworld": I'm in the final chapters of this wonderful book, written by former CCM journalist turned white-knuckle inducing novelist Robin Parrish. The book is a thoughtful blend of summer blockbuster-esque action sequences, likeable characters and a mysterious underpinning that keeps the whole thing moving along quite nicely. This has been an excellent read, and I'll be sorry to see it come to an end. For a tease, visit www.somethingiswrongwiththeworld.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A Sunny Preview of the Summertime Music Forecast!
July will bring great new music from Robin Mark, Project86, PureNRG, Mark Schultz and Glory Revealed II (including artists like Mac Powell, Casting Crown's Mark Hall, Jason Crabb, Brandon Heath, Kari Jobe, Matt Maher, needtobreathe's Bear Rinehart, Laura Story and Tenth Ave North frontman Mike Donehey). Mark your calendars for July 14th- street date for all 5 of these great projects!
August 4th brings the latest from Phillips Craig & Dean, and well as the debut from worship band 1000 Generations, whose first single, "Fail Us Not", has been embraced by radio. Britt Nicole releases her second full-length album, "Lost Gets Found" on August 11th, while Manic Drive makes their major label premiere on August 18th. August 25th is the date to watch, though, with a wide array of highly anticipated projects hitting the streets from artists like Leeland, needtobreathe, Steve Petree, Selah, Aaron Shust, Skillet and American Idol alum Phil Stacey.
September will bring new music from Barlowgirl, David Crowder, Bethany Dillon, Matt Maher, Pillar and Thousand Foot Krutch, while October will be highlighted by tunes from Todd Agnew, Casting Crowns, Fee and many more. Just a little glimpse of what the future holds for all those craving some great new music!
August 4th brings the latest from Phillips Craig & Dean, and well as the debut from worship band 1000 Generations, whose first single, "Fail Us Not", has been embraced by radio. Britt Nicole releases her second full-length album, "Lost Gets Found" on August 11th, while Manic Drive makes their major label premiere on August 18th. August 25th is the date to watch, though, with a wide array of highly anticipated projects hitting the streets from artists like Leeland, needtobreathe, Steve Petree, Selah, Aaron Shust, Skillet and American Idol alum Phil Stacey.
September will bring new music from Barlowgirl, David Crowder, Bethany Dillon, Matt Maher, Pillar and Thousand Foot Krutch, while October will be highlighted by tunes from Todd Agnew, Casting Crowns, Fee and many more. Just a little glimpse of what the future holds for all those craving some great new music!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June Staff Picks at Arrowhead!
While the summer months can be slower in terms of music releases, it's a great time to catch up on great music that you may have missed. Since opinions are like bellybuttons, we've all got one, so here are our opinions on great music that you simply don't want to miss out on!
Dave's Top Pick is Mike Farris' "Shout Live", an infectious blend of blues, gospel and classic Orleans jazz. Dave is also enjoying the music of Decyfer Down, newworldson, Robert Randolph and Red, and is looking forward to new tunes from Leeland and TFK.
Christy Nockel's triumphant return with "Life Light Up", a new batch of fresh worship tunes given texture by her passionate vocals, earned her accolades as Abby's Top Pick. Abby is looking forward to new music from Selah and Aaron Shust, and is enjoying current tunes from Mat Kearney, Newsboys and Rachel Scott.
Josh's Top Pick is the self-titled $5 intro EP from alt/rock act Abandon. Josh is also digging the sounds of Devil Wears Prada, Drawing Room, Emery and Philmont, and is looking forward to fresh tunes from Neon Horse and Project 86.
Jars of Clay's "Long Fall Back to Earth" is the Top Pick of music dept receiving diva/den mother Ellen. She's also enjoying the diverse sounds of Capital Lights, Charlie Hall and Laura Story, while eagerly anticipating the audio goodness of Robin Mark and Ginny Owens.
"Let the Road Pave Itself" an organic, no-frills project by Phillip LaRue is Mike's Top Pick. Mike is looking forward to new projects from 1000 Generations, Britt Nicole and Steve Petree, while CD's from Lanae Hale, Kari Jobe and Jason Allen Rich are keeping uplifting melodies running through his head.
Well, there you have it! More great music than you can shake a stick at! Hopefully, you found a name or two that are unfamiliar to you, that you can give a listen to online or here in the store, and find some great new tunes for your summertime travels. Peace. -Mike & the crew @ Arrowhead Parable Music
Dave's Top Pick is Mike Farris' "Shout Live", an infectious blend of blues, gospel and classic Orleans jazz. Dave is also enjoying the music of Decyfer Down, newworldson, Robert Randolph and Red, and is looking forward to new tunes from Leeland and TFK.
Christy Nockel's triumphant return with "Life Light Up", a new batch of fresh worship tunes given texture by her passionate vocals, earned her accolades as Abby's Top Pick. Abby is looking forward to new music from Selah and Aaron Shust, and is enjoying current tunes from Mat Kearney, Newsboys and Rachel Scott.
Josh's Top Pick is the self-titled $5 intro EP from alt/rock act Abandon. Josh is also digging the sounds of Devil Wears Prada, Drawing Room, Emery and Philmont, and is looking forward to fresh tunes from Neon Horse and Project 86.
Jars of Clay's "Long Fall Back to Earth" is the Top Pick of music dept receiving diva/den mother Ellen. She's also enjoying the diverse sounds of Capital Lights, Charlie Hall and Laura Story, while eagerly anticipating the audio goodness of Robin Mark and Ginny Owens.
"Let the Road Pave Itself" an organic, no-frills project by Phillip LaRue is Mike's Top Pick. Mike is looking forward to new projects from 1000 Generations, Britt Nicole and Steve Petree, while CD's from Lanae Hale, Kari Jobe and Jason Allen Rich are keeping uplifting melodies running through his head.
Well, there you have it! More great music than you can shake a stick at! Hopefully, you found a name or two that are unfamiliar to you, that you can give a listen to online or here in the store, and find some great new tunes for your summertime travels. Peace. -Mike & the crew @ Arrowhead Parable Music
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Jimmy Needham's "Firefly" Video!
Hey! If you're not yet a fan of the spirited Jimmy Needham, here's a great way to see what all the fuss is about- visit www.hearitfirst.com and check out the new video that has just posted for his song "Firefly", a fun and free-spirited love song for his wife Kelly! Jimmy has two albums out, the stunning debut project "Speak" and "Not Without Love", his delightful $9.99 full-length follow-up. Jimmy is probably the happiest singer-songwriter you'll ever encounter, swirling insightful lyrics and invigorating melodies together with reckless abandon. The result is music that is simultaneously candy for the ears and nourishment for the soul. Check it out!
Monday, June 1, 2009
New Releases for 6/2/09!
Can you believe its June already?! Where is 2009 going in such a hurry?
Tomorrow has a couple of great new releases:
Emery's "In Shallow Seas We Sail" -their fourth album- is a marvelous return to passionate form for these masters of Christian emo-core. With 14 tracks coming in right under 3/4 of an hour, you'll get a lot of musical goodness for your $13.99!
Some are familiar with the vocal prowess of Christy Nockels from her work with Passion and for her time with husband/producer extraordinaire Nathan Nockels in the duo known as Watermark. If you fall into this group, it probably won't take much to convince you to sample this noteworthy offering. If you've never heard of Christy before, tomorrow's solo debut, "Life Light Up" is a worship-driven tour de force. If you feel guilty getting 11 great songs for $7.99, you probably should- inspo radio has never been so inundated with great content. Christy's gutsy and emotive vocal deliveries have made her a perennial member of my personal Top 3 female vocalists list since Watermark first arrived on the scene, and she has never, EVER sounded better. If you miss this expectation-defying album, God will forgive you, but you may not forgive yourself!
Also hitting tomorrow is a best-of collection from the incomparable Nicole C Mullen, with a ridiculous 20-songs for only $13.99! If you've listened to Christian music at all in the last decade, you probably know her song, "Redeemer", arguably one of the most awe-inspiring ballads ever penned- if this song don't move you, betta check your pulse, baby! :) Nicole is an artist of incredible stylistic range and contagious devotion to her God. There are few artists in our industry that could legitimately boast a 20-song best-of without padding and cheating a bit, but Ms Mullen is just such a rarity. If you've never purchased a Nicole C Mullen CD before, this is a great way to remedy that grievous oversight, and gain some infectious summertime grooves to send your spirit soaring.
Peace! -Mike & the Crew @ Arrowhead Parable Music
Tomorrow has a couple of great new releases:
Emery's "In Shallow Seas We Sail" -their fourth album- is a marvelous return to passionate form for these masters of Christian emo-core. With 14 tracks coming in right under 3/4 of an hour, you'll get a lot of musical goodness for your $13.99!
Some are familiar with the vocal prowess of Christy Nockels from her work with Passion and for her time with husband/producer extraordinaire Nathan Nockels in the duo known as Watermark. If you fall into this group, it probably won't take much to convince you to sample this noteworthy offering. If you've never heard of Christy before, tomorrow's solo debut, "Life Light Up" is a worship-driven tour de force. If you feel guilty getting 11 great songs for $7.99, you probably should- inspo radio has never been so inundated with great content. Christy's gutsy and emotive vocal deliveries have made her a perennial member of my personal Top 3 female vocalists list since Watermark first arrived on the scene, and she has never, EVER sounded better. If you miss this expectation-defying album, God will forgive you, but you may not forgive yourself!
Also hitting tomorrow is a best-of collection from the incomparable Nicole C Mullen, with a ridiculous 20-songs for only $13.99! If you've listened to Christian music at all in the last decade, you probably know her song, "Redeemer", arguably one of the most awe-inspiring ballads ever penned- if this song don't move you, betta check your pulse, baby! :) Nicole is an artist of incredible stylistic range and contagious devotion to her God. There are few artists in our industry that could legitimately boast a 20-song best-of without padding and cheating a bit, but Ms Mullen is just such a rarity. If you've never purchased a Nicole C Mullen CD before, this is a great way to remedy that grievous oversight, and gain some infectious summertime grooves to send your spirit soaring.
Peace! -Mike & the Crew @ Arrowhead Parable Music
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