Advancing

Built To Spill Hits #1 In "Reverse"

I just stumbled upon this band tonight.  Coincidently, tomorrow afternoon I'll be delivering a Honda Odyssey to a client flying in from Boise ID, BTS's home town.  Their new CD, You In Reverse, was recorded between gigs in Portland, OR.  The project took a full year to complete and has been very well received.  Boise Weekly journalist Amy Atkins recently interviewed fellow high school alumni and lead singer Doug Martsch.  If you enjoy the 60's sounds of psychedelic, guitar driven pop/rock check out their my space site!  If not, the least you can do is visit their cool homepage and play with the fly.  Try it! 

Jose Gonzalez Reaches UK Top 10

At 28, Jose Gonzalez has a bright future ahead of him.  His critically praised new release, Veneer, is winning him worldwide acclaim as the simple, nylon guitared troubador from Sweden.  His father's Argentinian upbringing most likely contributed to Jose's latin feel.  In an NPR interview he shared that he uses "open tuning" on many of his songs.  Open tuning allows a guitar player to strum a major chord without employing any of the frets with the left fingers.  On top of the great bio info and touring dates you'll find samples of Veneer at his website.

John Van Deusen in EMP Sound Off Finals

John Van Deusen (left) is a teenager with a vision.  Our family had the pleasure of hosting the Blue Tree Recording artist last December while he was in Moses Lake playing at the Noon Moon Coffee House and Desert Bar.  His playing was raw and passion filled, even extraordinary at times with thoughtful lyrics.  It wasn't surprising to learn that John's band, John Van Deusen and the Lonely Forest, made it to the finals of this years Experience Music Project (EMP) Sound Off competition.  Sound Off is the Pacific Northwest's biggest battle of the bands for musicians 21 and younger.  To get to this point the band had to win their respective semifinal round.  Now it's down to 3 bands.  The prizes are huge.  The finals are tomorrow!  John, we're rooting and praying for you guys!

Have a great weekend everybody!

(UPDATE: 02-25-06)  

Props go out to the band, the families who supported them, the fans, and EMP!  Support the band Labor Day Weekend at Bumbershoot 2006 in Seattle!!!

Imogen Heap

She's the 6 foot tall London based singer/songwriter with the cool Dickensian name.  A self proclaimed geek, she enjoys merging melodic compositions with computer generated soundscapes.  This makes her interestingly unique.  NPR World Cafe recently interviewed Immi, recording a cross section of her latest CD, Speak For Yourself. 

Heap Factoids:

1.  Her live debut was pinned between Clapton and The Who before 150K.

2.  Mortgaged her London flat to finance Speak for Yourself.  Produced it!

3.  Has opened for Coldplay and Norah Jones.  Was in Seattle last month. 

(HT:  KC)

The Hidden Land

Bela Fleck, Victor Wooton, and John Coffin (great surname!)comprise the Flecktones.  Their new CD/DVD, The Hidden Land, will be available in stores tomorrow.  After only a couple listens I recommend it highly to Dave Matthews fans or those who can imagine enjoying skilled jazz improvisation with a banjo fuse.  A few years ago Deea and I were fortunate to see Michael Card in Spokane.  Michael told us a story of meeting Bela as a young man.  The DVD side of the disc will probably be worth the price tag for any church serving musician who just "might" be reading this.  It features a short, "Long-Way Home:  A Flecktone Journey" as well as a full-length concert video.  Based on the price we shouldn't expect much.  Still...a nice bonus!

The pic is of Bela pickin' in what appears to be an Asian airport.  Click on it.

O Sister, Where Art Thou?

I still remember being introduced to her music in the living room of good friends, Les and Sue Stierwalt.  The Stierwalt's cozy two bedroom/1 bath had one huge draw:  a kickin' stereo!!!  The speakers themselves were worth a couple "large." You remember her debut album, Kansas, don't you?  It starts acapella.  There I was.  Eyes closed.  Just me and those speakers.

Nearly four years ago Jennifer Knapp slipped off into a highly publicized sabbatical/retirement.  Why did she feel the need to change careers?  I've heard rumors.  I hope she's OK.  I hope Jennifer's continuing in the grace of God she so poignantly wrote and sang about.

In the wake of unanswered questions comes a welcome surprise.  A live album has surfaced thanks to producer/guitarist Mark Townsend.  If you're a JK fan I highly recommend this collection of 2001 concert recordings as it reveals aspects of her personality and character that only a great live performance can.  My favorite "Knappsters" are here with fresh arrangements.  This album rocks.  Hear why Christianity Today calls Jennifer "one of the most important singer/songwriters Christian music has ever had."  I couldn't agree more.

Back To A Reason

Many of you are already familiar with the Christmas rock-opera phenominon, Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  I recectly posted a video of a house set to music by one of their popular songs, Wizards in Winter.  Click here for TSO's bio. 

I was really touched a couple days ago by a haunting song on the same CD, The Lost Christmas Eve, called Back To A Reason.  The lyrics collided with some of my feelings of loss and hope this holiday season.  Click below for the lyrics. 

John Van Deusen at the Noon Moon

Our family was blessed last night with the opportunity to host 18 year old John Van Deusen.  John opened for Late Tuesday, a fantastic Bellingham trio at the Noon Moon Coffee House and Dessert Bar.

What impressed me most about this talented young man's story was the dedication of his father.  Rusty Van Deusen, who also stayed with us, is on the leadership council for North America Indian Ministries.  Until recently he also managed his son's blossoming music career.  Sitting at the kitchen table this morning and then later at the show I had a chance to visit with Rusty about NAIM and John's music.  This father-son team has driven to somewhere between 60 and 70 gigs in the last couple years.  Rusty has decreased allowing his son to increase!  John has benefited greatly from the network of relationships Rusty has built over his long career in youth ministry.

 

Christian is a Switchfoot Word

It appears Switchfoot will be wearing the "Christian" label for years to come.  I see pros and cons.  It's great to see them shining their lights, respected in both secular and sacred markets as a Christian band.  I just wish Rolling Stone and others would retract the implied disclaimer when they review Christian artists:

ROLLING STONE DOES NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THE WORLDVIEW OF THIS BAND.  WE WOULD PREFER THEM TO WORSHIP SATAN AND EAT LIVE ANIMALS WHILE SINGING SUICIDAL SONGS OF HOPELESSNESS, DEATH, VIOLENCE AND SEX.     - THE EDITORS

Read the review via Justin Ross.

Fuller on Culture

The Newsboys are in high stride.  The bands U2ish longevity combined with Fuller's (right) pastoral heart make this a band worthy of the genre "Christian."  Just got back from CWF in Wenatchee, WA with the Newsboys, Rebecca St. James and Salvador.  Jose Zayas was the host evangelist for the event and did a fantastic job preaching the Gospel.

But the evening belonged to Fuller who gave an excellent teaching (with musical accompaniment, of course!) on engaging culture without compromise.