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April 12, 2004
Essential
Christian Music
By
Karen Harding
In a society saturated with
choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.
I chose these CDs to review
because it’s what I am listening to right now. Four of the artists are southern
gospel, one is rock, and the other is contemporary. I love all styles of
music and just wanted to tell you about these.
The Crabb Family - The
Walk
This group of brothers and sisters are an incredible bunch of kids! Their
voices blend, and their message is full of truth and encouragement. All 13
songs were penned by their dad, Gerald Crabb, who is a fantastic writer and has
numerous songs recorded by the Crabb Family and other artists in the Top 20. He
penned the song “Through the Fire,” which has become a favorite of many. You
will not be disappointed by this CD if you are a southern gospel music fan.
David Phelps -
Revelation
Phelps is
well-known to many as the tenor in the Gaither Vocal Band. This is his second
solo project and is very different from what he sings with the Gaithers. The
title cut, “Revelation,” is a unique song done in a kind of “Broadway musical”
style. It is a story song, quite different from the norm. Phelps fans will not
be disappointed. His vocals are crystal clear, and you can’t deny this guy can
sing!
Kanon - Kanon
This group of guys sing modern worship and God-centered rock. They have an
earthy edge somewhat like
Third Day and Caedmon’s Call. They are worth checking out. (They were the
winners of CATS (Christian Artist Talent Search) Group division in 2002.) Their
first single, “Taste and See,” is getting them some recognition on the radio.
LordSong - Acappella
These Daywind
artists are fantastic! This album delivers some incredible, usable arrangements
of old standards and, soon-to-be new favorites. They are on tour right now with
Mark Lowry and are getting rave reviews. The “Blood Medley” is one of my
favorites.
The Hoskins Family -
Places to Go, People to See
What a
fabulous southern gospel group! I love the soprano, Angie Hoskins’, voice. The
title cut from this new project is penned by Gerald Crabb and is swiftly moving
up the southern gospel charts. All of the songs are usable for a group in your
local church and tracks are available.
Gerald Crabb - Roads
That I’ve Traveled
This is the
first solo project by this incredible songwriter and father of the Crabb
Family. He gets help on this project from some heavy hitters, including Michael
English, Ricky Skaggs, the group Greater Vision, and his son-in-law Mike
Bowling. One of my favorites is, “You Wouldn’t Know Me Now.” Then he gets some
help from Angie Hoskins and his son Jason Crabb singing his standard hit
“Through the Fire.” This is a must have!
Mark Lowry - Some
Things Never Change
This has got
to be Mark Lowry’s best! The song selection is great! For instance: Mark
is joined by LordSong to sing an old Dottie Rambo favorite called “I Call Him
Lord;” he does all four parts on one song and calls it the Lowry Vocal Band;
(Full Disclosure: I was privileged to sing background vocals on Geron Davis’
song “Isn’t It Amazing?”); then the Isaacs join Mark on a song called “Jesus
Laughing.” If you have ever heard Mark, you love him, and this is his best yet!
ninetyandnine.com
Ó
2004, Karen Harding
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Karen Harding
is the Minister of Music at Revival Tabernacle in San Diego, CA. She also
travels and sings in many churches, singles conferences, and ladies ministry
meetings. She
recently signed a recording contract with Daywind Records and will begin
recording her new project in April. | 
