May 2006 Vol. 15.7
Table of contents
Editorial
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Geoff: After reading the letter from Superhero's Tim Cheshire a couple of month's back, re your review of the band's latest album, I'd just like to say "Well done" for being honest in your opinion. Just because you didn't happen to like the band's music, there's no reason why you should say the opposite just to please anyone else. I've bought a few CD's over the past two years on the strength of NFN reviews. In that time, I've only disagreed with the review once - you're usually spot on. My latest purchase is the Rebecca St James album, "If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something". You gave it 10/10, and I bet you would have liked to give it more! It's a sensational album and I just can't stop playing it. Please keep the reviews coming, they're great.
C.Walmsley, Essex.
Geoff replies: Thank you for your kind words and support, they're very much appreciated. And, by the way, I'm still playing Rebecca's album too!
Dear Geoff: It may be the last page of NFN, but I find the Prayer Requests so sad of late. There seems to have been so many deaths and illnesses. Do you think that musicians and their families are being spiritually attacked more than ever at the moment? I pray for them all, but I wonder if my prayers are really answered.
T.Kwouk, Australia.
Geoff replies: I'm afraid that I do not have the answer to your question. It would seem that of all the prayer requests I receive, a vast majority of them have been because of illness or death. As far as your own prayers go, then we often pray without knowing the result. I've always been a great believer in the power of prayer, and I know that we would be a lot worse off if we ever stopped.
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APPLETREE STUDIOS
24 Track Digital/ 16 track Analogue. Digital editing, mastering and duplication facilities. Tel: 01844 237916.
www.appletreestudios.com
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CROSS RHYTHMS
Radio, Festival, and more! Probably the UK's biggest CCM Resource & Information Centre
www.crossrhythms.co.uk
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DIVERSITY MUSIC - Manchester
Independent Christian recording & music publishing.
Tel:01254 777380 bt@hismusic.co.uk
www.hismusic.co.uk
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ETERNAL SOUND &LIGHT, HULL.
Available for your event
PA (upto 2k), Lights & FX.
Church Services, concerts, theatre, disco.
Contact: Paul Ganney Tel:01482 212216
www.ganney.net/esl.htm
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FIERCE!
Buy Christian music & exclusive clothing online. Great prices and free UK delivery.
www.fierceshop.com
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INTEGRITY MUSIC
For the latest in worship, contemporary and gospel music from Integrity, Provident, Essential, Gospo Centric, Verity and much more visit www.integrityeurope.com
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NEW CHRISTIAN MUSIC
NCM PROMO-DISC is Christian music performers' own platform to get their music out to 500 radio stations and key media people (in the UK, Europe and beyond) on a monthly basis. www.newchristianmusic.co.uk
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PHOTOGRAPHY
www.markpierce-photography.co.uk
Yorkshire based freelance photographer with a contemporary style.
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REVELATOR
Invest in good Design - web; print; photography
www.revelator.co.uk
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SPIRIT MUSIC
Christian Distribution for all styles of music & clothing. www.spiritmusic.co.uk
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THE GOOD NEWS
Bringiing the UK Christian online community together.
www.thegoodnews.co.uk
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TOLLBOOTH MUSIC - DONCASTER
Digital multi-track recording & production studio.
www.tollboothmusic.com
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NEVER FOR NOTHING is published by GEOFF HOWLETT
E-Mail the Editor
NEVER FOR NOTHING is a faith ministry and gratefully acknowledges gifts of support.
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The Happening
GARETH DAVIES JONES releases his new album "Only For A Short While" on May 5th. The songs are a mixture of ones featured in his live shows for the past year or so and a few that are fresh to the world. The subject matter ranges from being inspired by a survey looking at people's deathbed regrets, through the Asylum situation in the UK, and the state of peace-making globally to a small moment shared with his youngest son looking at the night sky in the mid-winter. You can hear samples and pre-order your copy at http://www.headingwestmusic.com/media/index.html
Singer/songwriter GARETH TAYLOR has announced that his new website is officially open for business. It follows the launch of his new promo CD entitled "Lose Myself" after his Kingsway-published song of the same name. www.gentlecutter.co.uk
An, as yet, untitled project will be the first all new studio album for Celtic fusion band IONA since 2000's "Open Sky". Set to be released in July, the album is currently being mixed. Meanwhile, a DVD called "Iona: Live In London" has been issued.
THE ZEPHANIAH TRUST, based in West Yorskhire, has announced that John Froud and Cath will take to the road this autumn for an extended concert tour, provisionally entitled "Outside Paradise". Meanwhile, it wouldn't be Christmas without the ubiquitous Christmas tour from John Froud andMark Greenwood. December will see the duo taking their festive presentation of the gospel around the UK. An evening full of laughter and music, the tour is an excellent way to introduce people to God's story for the first time. More details at www.zeph.org.uk or telephone 01274 580817.
AUTHENTIC MUSIC release "Heart of Worship Vol.6", in May. Featuring a congregational choir, the Cd will include well known songs from the likes of Matt Redman, Third Day, Darlene Zschech and Tim Hughes.
MARTYN JOSEPH continues his never ending series of concerts with two dates in West Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. On 26th May, he plays a date at the Otley Courthouse, while on 28th he visits the Carnival Inn, in Barton upon Humber. Full details in the gig guide.
INTEGRITY/PROVIDENT RELEASES
"Wow Worship Aqua" is the latest in the hugely successful "Wow Worship" series. It features 30 more p&w songs performed by artists such as Third Day, Michael W Smith and Casting Crowns....."The New Sound of Gospel" is a double CD collection featuring a wide range of genres and positive messages from artists including Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, and Hezekiah Walker.....PHIL WICKHAM is a new artist with an intimate cry to God through his unique voice. The appealing blend of driving up-tempo pop/rock and worshipful moments broadcasts a are gem that shines in all facets.....MERCY ME's new album, "Coming Up To Breathe" saw the group pour out their hearts to focus on a record that is a testimony to God's sustaining grace.....And 19 year old ANA LAURA makes her debut with an album that has rich pop-orchestral sounds that weave a beautiful background for her soaring vocal style.
A tribute video/DVD to ANTHONY BURGER is to be released by The Gaithers. The project began last year with Anthony himself giving interviews and giving special performances. The cameras have also captured his work behind-the-scenes on the Homecoming events as well as at solo projects. Sadly, no one knew that the video, which was to be a 'Best Of…' would actually become a tribute to the pianist. Anthony died of a heart attack whilst playing the piano on the Gaither Homecoming Cruise of the Caribbean, he was just 44.
SHANE LYNCH, formerly of Boyzone, will be appearing on GOD TV's 'Dream' programme on 15th and 22nd May. He became a Christian several years ago after being in one of the most popular boy-bands ever.
In the year 2005-6 Hulls LABEL OF LOVE ministry has worked in more schools, seen more young people, and communicated the gospel to a far wider audience than ever before. A Partner's Evening is to be held at the New Life Christian Centre, Bridlington Avenue, Hull on Thursday 16th May at 7.30pm. If you would like to see first hand what the ministry actually does in schools, churches and youth groups around the local region, you are very welcome to attend. For more details telephone 01482 211379 or e-mail j_flavell@lycos.com
New Scarborough based band BIGKID, play a concert at the venue known as Liquid, on Thursday 8th June. The line up includes guitarist Nick Kinsella who released a an EP in 1997 under the name Mumble.
If you live in the Yorkshire are of the UK and would like the chance to sing with a Touring Gospel Choir, then here's your chance. Auditions are being held at the Beverley Methodist Church, Toll Gavel, Beverley on Thursday 18th May from 6.30pm. The organisers are hoping to put together a choir that will be Yorkshire's answer to the London Community Gospel Choir. Each audition will last for 5 minutes, and you will be asked to sing: a) Your own version of the first verse of Amazing Grace, and b) A short section of a song of your choice. Available parts are soprano, alto & tenor. Minimum Age 16 years. For more information please contact helen@helenjane.fsnet.co.uk
JULIET TURNER will be playing with Carnival Saloon at special gig for the Terri Byrne Charity on 7th May.It will be held in Radio City, Store St. Dublin. Doors are at eight, tickets are 20 euro through ticketmaster outlets or at the door.
Where are they now? Anyone remember the mid-90's band BEYOND JORDAN, who played at many Christian festivals in the UK? Well, it was good to hear that one time member Howard Cross and his wife Jane, now live in New Zealand, where Howarsd is the new Baptist youth minister at Kati Kati Baptist Church.
UCB have announced the launch of UCB2GO, formerly known as UCB Direct. Supported by a brand new web site, it is hoped that the ministry will help you grow with inspirational books, music, DVDs and Bibles. Find out more at www.ucb2go.co.uk
Singer/songwriter AARON FERRIS from Ballyclare has released a five-song EP. 'A Round Of Silence' was recorded at Einstein Studios by Frankie McClay.
Robin Thomspon reports that J. BRIAN HILL's visit to the UK went very well. It was a very busy week for all concerned including 7 gigs, 3 recording sessions, 1 radio appearance and a meeting - and still time to chat and have fun! Robin goes on to say that, "Brian's visit touched many hearts and we are sure that we will be seeing him on these shores again. What is more, God was good and sent Brian back with his costs covered so we are truly grateful and thankful".
Wirral based JANIS ENGLISH says that she is still working on her next album. Once the instrumental side of things is complete, she will then begin to add her vocals.
Following the personal loss of three members of his extended family, singer/songwriter MICHAEL CARD has recorded a new album, 'The Hidden Face Of God'. On it the singer explores the questions that arise out of anger and grief, reflecting on Jesus' own darkest hour. The 11 songs are performed in a folk-orientated acoustic style.
Dimitri's guitarist CONRAD HARPHAM has released an album of guitar instrumental tracks called "Reflections". In 2000 Conrad came fourth out of 15 finalists in a national guitar competition.
Hull's husband and wife duo LIVING HOPE have teamed up with singer/songwriter GEOFF HOWLETT to play concerts at churches and related groups in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Any interested parties should contact geoff@geoffhowlett.co.uk
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Gig Guide
The NFN Gig Guide is on a page of it's own.
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The Reviews Zone
With grateful acknowledgement to: AUTHENTIC, EMI, ICC, INTEGRITY/PROVIDENT, KINGSWAY, SPIRIT & VERITY MEDIA ORGANISATIONS.
ALBUM OF THE MONTH
NEWSBOYS : He Reigns. (Sparrow : SPD 36364)
The Newsboys have certainly moved on since the mad-cap days of "Take Me To Your Leader", back in the 90's. After a series of top selling albums, this is the definitive "Worship collection". For me, the album stats at a very gentle pace with worshipful "It Is You" and the uptempo simple praise song "He Reigns". Then, the album simply explodes with the kind of songs you could only dream of writing. "You Are My King" contains everything that a contemporary praise and worship song should have. It's just absolutely mind blowing. "Presence" is very similar, as is the power of "Strong Tower". I really felt pulled into a sense of God's embrace during "Blessed Be Your Name", although I didn't rate the hit single "Devotion" quite so much. It's one of those things that you just can't put your finger on, but the Newsboys have the knack of creating some of the finest worship music for today's kind of people. 9/10.
BIG DADDY WEAVE : What I Was Made For. (Fervent : 4300672)
Singer and main songwriter Mike Weaver says that all of the subject matter of the band's previous two albums has been based on their relationship with God. This new release was recorded just as band members had survived Hurricane Ivan, bringing recroding engineers to them rather than going further afield themselves. On a personal note, I didn't find 2002's "One and Only" release much to write home about, scoring it only 2/10. But, this new release certainly is a big improvement. Classy pop songs such as "Just the Way I Am", comfortably sit side by side with the more rocky title track. "You're Worthy of My Praise" sees the guys duet with the members of Barlowgirl, and the "marriage" works well. Pick of the bunch, for me, has to be "His Name Is Jesus". It has such a simple set of lyrics, yet it's so well delivered and produced - it will certainly be on my radio playlist. I wasn't moved so much by the funky sounds of "Give Up, Let Go" or "Killing Me Again", but the slower praise numbers like "Without You" make this album a good listen. 8/10.
AVALON : Stand. (EMI : SPD 74733)
Avalon are an American foursome that have hit the 3 million sales mark and achieved their 20th number one radio single. Jody McBrayer, Melissa Green and Janna & Greg Long make up the group, and this is their 7th studio release. The album opens with two outstanding and exciting songs. "The Other Side" is about reaching out to God, while "Love Won't Leave You" tells you that with God's love, you'll never be alone. Then, comes a powerful pop ballad in the shape of "Orphans of God", featuring a terrific vocal from one of the girls. Mid-album comes a dip in quality were I thought there was nothing particularly wrong with the songs, but they failed to live up to the openers. "Jesus", is a great pop song and should guarantee another radio hit for the group, but the rockier "I Survive" just doesn't work. The vocal quality of the band is built around warmth and harmonies, and the rock style is way off the mark. I think that Avalon have made better albums, but this should satisfy their band of followers. 7/10.
LOUNGE WORSHIP Vol.3 : Chill Out Celebration. (Spark : SK7184)
The sleeve notes on this CD describe it as "Songs of worship and inspiration to help you find a quiet space and time in the fast paced and noise filled world of today" It's full of dreamy synth pads, saxophones, and boring vocals. To be honest I've heard more inspiring lift music. This CD is a complete bore from start to finish. The choice of songs is a bit strange
too, "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers, and "I Belong To You" which is a Lenny Kravitz song to name a couple, but the really strange one is Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" not the kind of track you'd expect on a CD like this, and it doesn't work at all. It's a long CD too running in at well over an hour
long, and if there was any real variation between the tracks it wouldn't be so bad, but it just seems to drag on forever. I fell asleep listening to it twice before making it all the way through, so I guess as chill out music it does have the desired effect. At one point I was wondering when the first
track was going to end, when I looked at the CD player I realised that we had actually made it to track three and I hadn't noticed, as there was no noticeable change of tempo, style or choice of instruments at all. There is no band name to be found anywhere on this album, just a list of the musicians who played on it. So I'm guessing that it's probably an idea that
originated in a church somewhere, which is fine, a lot of good worship CD's have been produced that way. I'm just not sure that this is one of them though. 3/10 Andy Sayner.
IONA : Open Sky. (OPENVP8CD)
There's probably nothing new that I can tell you about Iona, that hasn't already been said over the past few years. I remember buying their debut album, and seeing them live at both a Christian festival, and concert setting. It had been a long time since I had played this album, so I wondered how I would find this re-release. The nine and a half minute "Woven Cord" begins proceedings and, as you would expect, it's full of Celtic rhythms and numerous pipes. Two thirds of the way through, they're joined by some searing guitar sounds, and the scene for the rest of the album is set. "Wave After Wave" sees Joanne Hogg step into the limelight, and her melodic vocals shine through. From then on, I'm afraid that one piece of music seemed to run into the next. I thought that "Song of Ascent (Part One)" was very peaceful in sound but the rest failed to move me at all. Perhaps I've moved on from when this was originally released. There again, perhaps so have others. I guess there must have been enough interest to warrant re-releasing all the Iona back catalogue but, for me, it all sounds very dated. 4/10.
BARLOWGIRL : Another Journal Entry. (Fervent : 8864462)
Their last album saw Barlowgirl perform songs very much in the style of Avril Lavigne, so credit them, this time, for moving on. This time, there's a more typical US rock feel to the album. Take, for instance, "Grey", it's more in the mould of one time pop/rock goddesses, Vixen. The girl's harmonies work really well on the mid-paced "enough", while the acoustic led "Porcelain Heart" is quite mellow. To me, the production is quite messy at times although I got a feeling that they've been listening rather too much to the Manic Street Preachers for their own good. "Take Me Away" and "Psalm 73" would fall into that category. Sadly, I didn't think that the songwriting was as strong as their last album, and this really lets the album down. "5 Minutes of Fame" is a pleasant enough rocker, but things just seem to fizzle out, rather like a damp firework. Lots of promise, but fails to deliver. 4/10
IONA with the All Souls Orchestra : Wovern Cord. (Open Sky : OPENVP6CD)
This album appeared again late last year as part of the re-issue of the Iona back-catalogue. With excellent sound quality, here we have a live concert incorporating a selection of Iona compositions recorded in May 1999 at The Royal Festival Hall London. I have criticised Iona's music for not moving on and usually being based upon a fairly limited range of minor chords, but the excellent orchestral setting somehow puts it into context. I have always loved Joanne Hogg's vocals - even though I often have little idea what the songs mean, especially when Gaelic! The album begins with long instrumental chords that remind me of a mixture of Delius and Debussy, then Joanne sings mystically in... err... Gaelic. Enthusiastic drumming begins the third track, a superb thirteen minute 'symphonic poem' version of 'Man' - marvellous lead guitar set against the orchestra, interspersed by Joanne's vocals (in English). What continues often sounds like a 70's 'concept album' combining progressive rock, jazz and folk. Stand-out tracks for me were 'Murlough Bay' and 'Encircling'. Most accessible of all is the beautifully crafted folk-pop 'Dancing on the wall'. The nature of Iona's music becomes an advantage in this setting as the album has a cohesion that you wouldn't usually expect from a collection of earlier compositions. Getting better with each repeat listen, it has just reached ... 9/10. www.iona.uk. Dave Deeks
MIC - Re-Invention. (All Access Records : SARCD110)
This is the 12th album from the South African based trio MIC (although, rather confusingly, there are four in the band on this album). The first track "Re-invention" is pretty good, and has a Duran Duran meets Depeche Mode sound to it. This is by far the strongest track, the rest unfortunately not really reaching the same standard. This album is strongly rap oriented, but lacks the catchy hooks and melodic influences that characterise the current direction of this genre even though they make a valiant attempt with "Bottlerocket". Lyrically it's good, but musically it doesn't excite. The band took a different approach to this album and I'm left with the feeling that in this case, it didn't quite work. 4/10 Robin Thompson.
ZOE GIRL : With All of My Heart - The Greatest Hits. (Sparrow : SPD11572)
Zoegirl's self-titled debut album scored an impressive four Top 5 radio hits, back in 2000. Now, with more than a million albums sold world wide, the trio have released this "Greatest Hits" compilation. And, it's interesting to note just how the girl's music has changed over the years. From the sugary Steps type of disco, they've gone through a little Rnb, mellow pop, and edgy pop/rock. The dance feel comes through on "I Believe" and "Unchangeable", both singing the praises of our Lord. "About You" sees them move into Avril Lavigne type territory, and is quite a good song, too. "Dismissed" is the RnB number on offer, while "Beautiful Name" scores the highest with me. The song is quite rocky, and well produced. Zoe Girl make no apology about their approach as missionaries to today's youth culture, especially young girls, and this album should win them lots of new fans. 8/10.
Brian is a singer songwriter and worship leader based in Chicago, Illinois. This is his second of three recording projects all of which are now available in the UK following his recent mini tour. This cd gives you 13 songs, all written by Brian and produced by Mark Pay, who also plays guitar on the album. Brian's first project was recorded in the "Gaither Studios" and influences of that can be heard here - stacked backing vocals and lush keyboards being two examples. But it isn't overdone and the arrangements are very effective at highlighting the strength of the songs. There is quite a variety too, from the heartwarming "Tapestry of Memories", a song about seeing your children grow up, to the guitar driven closer "Walking with Jesus" which leaves you feeling on a high and ready to take on the world! Brian here has managed to achieve what is usually quite difficult to do, that is create an album that will appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Strong melodies, insightful lyrics, sensitive production and excellent performances are all evident here and the end result is a very good package. 9/10. Robin Thompson.
Born in Zimbabwe, but now residing over here in the UK, Matt committed his life to the Lord shortly after his 13th birthday. His early songs were used to bless his local church, and he has appeared on both South African TV and radio. This album, recorded at Appletree Studios, sees Matt present us with 11 songs, ably assisted some competent musicians. Instantly getting you singing along is "Cling to You" - a nice opener. Matt's acoustic guitar playing has a touch of David Gray style about it, and it's most noticeable on the worship song "Wait Upon You". The song also features some lovely backing vocals from Nancy Sawyer. It's a very personal collection of songs, which seems to depict the singer's own relationship with God, warts and all. The title track tells of "flying" to God's, loving arms, and it's a song that grows on you the more you listen. Matt tries something a little different with the piano led "I Fall Down", but I personally found this to be one of the weaker moments. On the whole, Matt proves that he can not only sing well, but writes some very good songs, too. His hardest task will be to match this quality in the years to come. 8/10.
AFTER THE FIRE : Live at Greenbelt...Plus (CD from www.angelair.co.uk)
This was a very difficult CD to review - it's essentially the soundtrack to the DVD "You had to be there", and I was. After the Fire's triumphant return to the Greenbelt festival after 25 years (during most of which the band didn't exist) is captured here exactly as it happened - complete with the odd bum note, missing words and not-quite-there-in-time mixing. You therefore have to listen to it twice - once to get used to the fact that it's not a mega-polished studio outing, and then again to enjoy it for all the energy and memories that AtF evoke. There are some storming tracks - Joy, Gina 2004, Starflight, Dancing in the Shadows - and the odd "hmmm…." (Der Kommissar) but mostly it's a real pleasure. Then there's two bonus tracks recorded the following year in an "unplugged" session in the Christian Aid tent. The sound here has been lifted from a video camera, and is very good. "Forged From Faith" is the better of the two, but that's being picky, really. Knowing that the whole of this CD comes from live tapes which couldn't be edited, overdubbed or re-done just goes to show how good this band are live. Buy it if you're already a fan - even if you've already got "You should have been there". Otherwise the CBS double CD would be a better bet. 8/10 (for pure energy!) Paul Ganney
DISAGREE WITH THE REVIEWS?
Write & tell me!
e-mail geoff@geoffhowlett.co.uk
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Prayer Table
MATT McCHLERY is starting to write a book about songwriting. He asks for prayers for God's inspiration, guidance and protection
Keep in your prayers WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN from the Oak Ridge Boys, who lost his house recently in a tornado. William's home was in Summer County which was struck by a major tornado.
FRED CASERTA, founder of Kingdom Bound Ministries has died at the age of 65. Kingdom Bound is one of the longest running Christian music festivals in the USA and was conceived back in 1984 after Fred gave his heart to the Lord. He died after a short illness, surrounded by his family and listening to a Bible tape on Palm Sunday. Please keep his wife CINDY and their family in your prayers.
THE ZEPHANIAH TRUST would value your prayers for guidance from God as they look to the future and making visions a reality.
THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE JUNE ISSUE OF NFN IS:
15TH MAY 2006
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