CatholicMom.com » Jim Logue

Kevin Heider: To Whom It May Concern – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Kevin Heider’s debut CD “To Whom It May Concern” is one that I’ve wanted to review for sometime. I recently received Kevin’s latest CD “The Salzburg Revolution” and realized that I was way behind in my CD reviews! It is high time that I give Kevin the review that he deserves and that I’ve been slow to write, and I promise that I will be adding reviews for his other CDs shortly.

I think part of my hesitation in writing this review is that Kevin Heider and his music strike a deep chord within me that I’ve had a hard time expressing. I am blessed to have the opportunity to hear lots of great music from a variety of artists, but “To Whom It May Concern” has stood out from the beginning. It is personal. I think that’s the best way to describe this album. Ever since my first listen – putting the CD on makes me feel like I’ve just invited Kevin into my living room, my cubicle, or the seat next to me on the airplane and am getting a personal performance.

Kevin’s lyrics are deep, he writes from the heart and he touches a wide variety of topics. I am very impressed with his songs that address topics that the current generation of musicians seems afraid to tackle. When one looks social justice concerns of the 60s and early 70s, many people believe that it was the music that changed how Americans felt about topics like race and the War in Vietnam.

You can’t help but to be saddened when you hear songs like “Christmas Without Brian”. Kevin’s tackles other social justice themes as well – the title track of To Whom It May Concern is an answer to John Mayer’s song “Waiting on the World to Change”. In his own words – Kevin states: “I wrote this song in response to John Mayer’s Grammy-winning song, ‘Waiting on the World to Change,’ which claims to represent the views of his (and my) generation with the defeatist and hopeless message that nothing we can do will make a difference. But I don’t believe that, not for one second.”

Now, I don’t want you think that this is a protest album, or that all the songs are depressing. There are plenty of optimistic songs – Kevin’s rendition of “An Irish Blessing” and “No More Tears” are both songs of hope with uplifting messages.

Overall, this album ranks high on my “must have” list. You will not be disappointed. Some listeners may wish that this album had a little more instrumentation and more variation in tempo. This album is exclusively Kevin and piano. When I first listened to the album, those were my thoughts as well. But then again, I feel like that simplicity is part of the appeal for this album. And, not to give any spoilers away, but Kevin takes the instrumentation up a notch in his next album.

I encourage everyone to go to www.kevinheider.com and check out “To Whom it May Concern”.

LINKS for this review:
Kevin Heider website

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Vocare: Long Have I Waited – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:19 +0000

Pat Ciavarella is answering God’s call, and accepting a vocation to enter the Benedictine Nuns of St. Scholastica Priory in Petersham, Massachusetts. She is working with the Laboure Society to raise the funds needed to do so. This CD is a project they are using to help raise the needed funds.

The CD itself is a wonderful representation of the birth, life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. There are Advent songs, Christmas, classic hymns, a true collection of songs that touch on many aspects of the Catholic faith.

The songs are well-produced and are a delight to listen to. The music is very professional, and the instrumentation is excellent. There is a mix of uptempo songs and the slower ballads.

I do recommend this CD, not just because it’s a good CD, but because it helps support vocations. You can’t go wrong with that!

Track Listing:
1. O Come O Come Emmanuel
2. Ave Maria
3. Silent Night
4. Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella
5. What Child Is This
6. Earthen Vessels
7. Jesus Is the Vine
8. Amazing Grace
9. Hosea
10. O Sacred Head Surrounded
11. In the Breaking of the Bread
12. Jesus the Lord
13. Breathe On Me
14. One Faith
15. Breath of Heaven
16. Blessed Be Your Name
17. O Come All Ye Faithful

LINKS for this review:
Vocare Website
The Laboure Society

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Rev. Robert Galea: God Does Not Make Rubbish – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:00:19 +0000

Rev. Robert Galea, a newly-ordained priest, as of November 5th in Malta, has released this single, “God Does Not Make Rubbish”. The song is available on his website (see below).

The song was written by Galea and Bishop Joe Grech, who is featured on the song. The main theme of this song is that we should have a better appreciation of ourselves. Sometimes we tend to put ourselves down. Humility is one thing, and a very important thing, but having a negative opinion of ourselves is contrary to God’s Will for us.

Production-wise, this song is very well-done. The instrumentation is excellent, and Robert’s voice is very professional.

This song is available for digital download from iTunes or from Robert’s website – see below for the link.

LINKS for this review:
ThatsWorship.com – official site for Rev. Robert Galea

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Rolando Rivas Band – My Prayer – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:00:21 +0000

Texas certainly has its share of very talented Catholic singers and musicians. You may add the Rolando Rivas Band to that list. Their debut CD is called “My Prayer”, which they describe as “a collection of songs that tell of our hopes and prayers as we learn to walk with Christ.”

The songs on this CD speak to the heart of one who is looking for Jesus or looking to build on their faith. Songs like “Jesus, I Trust In You”, “Hold Me In Your Heart”, “How Magnificent You Are” are songs that were written for that very purpose – to express faith in Christ and how much we need Him.

The Rolando Rivas Band is made of up of Rolando Rivas, Angela Geis, and Kevin Lira. Rolando wrote all of the songs for this project and performs the music, while all three provide the vocals.

Track Listing:

1. What Else is There to Sing About?
2. When I Am Weak, I Am Strong
3. Jesus I Trust in You
4. Nothing But You
5. Hold Me In Your Heart
6. This is Our Time
7. So Good to Me
8. You Have Pierced My Heart
9. Peter on the Water
10. How Magnificent You Are
11. I Will Seek You
12. No Need to Be Afraid
13. I Adore You

LINKS for this review:
Rolando Rivas Band website
Rolando Rivas Band on ReverbNation
Rolando Rivas Band on Facebook

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Sacred Songs of Mary – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:00:28 +0000

From the CD: “Devotion to Mary through the ages has inspired an outpouring of music in her honor. This compilation is a unique bouquet of sublime pieces from the 12th century to the present, most of them not found in other Marian collections, exquistely performed by some of the world’s best artists.”

This CD is an incredible project that features some of the most beautiful songs every performed for our Blessed Mother. The music is from the classical and world music genres, and features a variety of artists and groups.

Among my favorites, Schubert’s “Ave Maria” peformed by Sweden’s Elisabeth Andreassen and the late Jan Werner Danielsen; world music singer Ashana and her original composition of the “Ave Maria”; The King’s Consort recording of Claudio Monteverdi’s “Ave Maris Stella”, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Wind Orchestra’s performance of Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque”. While these are my favorites, all of the songs on this CD are true masterpieces, as they should be to honor Mary.

1. “O Maria, Stella Maris”, performed by Trio Mediaeval
2. “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert, performed by Elisabeth Andreassen & Jan Werner Danielsen
3. “Viridissima” by Hildegard Von Bingen, performed by Jocelyn Montgomery
4. “Et Lidet Barn Saa Lystelig” by Anonymous, performed by Anne-Lise Berntsen & Nils-Henrik Asheim
5. “Magnificat” (excerpt) by J. S. Bach, performed by Miah Persson, Yukari Nonishita, Akira Tachikawa, and Bach Collegium Japan.
6. “Cavatina: Se D’un Dio Fui Fatta Madre” by G. F. Handel, performed by Anne Sofie von Otter & Musica Antiqua Koln
7. “Ave Maris Stella” by Claudio Monteverdi, performed by The King’s Consort
8. “Pavan: The Cradle” by Anthony Holborne, performed by The Rose Consort of Viols
9. “Ave Maria” by Ashana, performed by Ashana
10. “Regina Coeli” by Nicolas Gombert, performed by Huelgas Ensemble
11. “Nesciens Mater” by Jean Mouton, performed by the Monteverdi Choir
12. “Lux Arumque” by Eric Whitacre, performed by UNLV Wind Orchestra
13. “Ave Maria” by Charles Gounod, performed by Anne-Maria O’Farrell & Aisling Drury Byrnie

LINKS for this review:
Valley Entertainment website

Help Ceili Rain With Their New CD by Jim Logue

Jim Logue — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:00:36 +0000

Ceili Rain is looking for your support for the upcoming CD, “Manuka Honey”.

According to Bob Halligan, Jr, “I know it’s a quirky name, but that’s me and this project is filled with songs about radical and healing love. There are more love songs, and songs to make you love. There are more hot button issues, and buttons that shouldn’t be issues at all. It’s a different Ceili than you’ve ever heard before! We’re taking a new approach, however, to getting this one out there once it is complete. Of course we’ll have a “suggested” price (for those who can), but for those with no dough, who need this CD, we’re going to send it to them for whatever they can give us. This gives new life to your role as a sponsor. No preset donation limits this time. Donate via Paypal for ease and convenience. Give little change or big change but most importantly… BE the change and be hip to the love.

We’ll set up a webpage (as we did for CR6) so you can follow our progress and every contributor will be recognized for their “love” offering. Every donor will have an opp to pre-purchase advance copies for a “significant” discounted price off the suggested for a limited time (probably just after the New Year). We expect the CD to release mid February 2011. Shorter timeframe, so we gotta act now.”

LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE:
Ceili Rain Official Website

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Fr Stan Fortuna – Seraphic Wanderer – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:00:38 +0000

The lastest album by Fr. Stan Fortuna is a mix of R&B, jazz, and world music. This is truly an international album, as the title may suggest; not just because of the songs, but because of how this album was recorded.

In an interview I did with Fr. Stan, he related to me that in the back of the church in the Bronx where he lives, he has a small studio with all kinds of professional equipment. With his hectic schedule, he finally had about a week and a half to work on the new project, and then his computer crashed. So he ended up getting an old laptop computer he had, and he worked on the project on the road, recording parts of it in Portugal, London, Africa, Canada, and other places. He wasn’t sure about how the quality would be, but the engineer at Sterling Sound in Manhattan told Fr. Stan that he felt it as some of the best music Fr. Stan had ever brought him.

This project is indeed one of the best albums I have heard, not just from Father Stan, but from all of Catholic music. It is important that when we put our time, efforts, and money into albums, that we make sure that the album is of a quality that represents Catholic music well. “Seraphic Wanderer” does just that. But it’s not just a “nice sounding” album. The message of the music is important, too.

The project kicks off with a quote from Pope John Paul II, whose reflection on Leviticus 25:23 “You are strangers and sojourners with me.” The message of this reflection is how Abraham’s descendents viewed themselves as wanderers and strangers on this earth. That is the message of this album. The rest of the tracks reflect this message.

Track Listing:
1. JPII “Wanderer” Text
2. Everything Will Be Alright
3. Fresh Eggs and Fish
4. Uganda Are You Ready
5. Stretch Me
6. Wings of Love
7. 1-11-04
8. 7 From Heaven
9. Immigrant Soul
10. Something About Love
11. Morning Offering
12. Lift Up
13. Love Giver
14. SW Outro

LINKS for this review:
Francesco Productions – Fr. Stan Fortuna

Fr Charles and Laurie Mangano – Gods Unbelieveable Love – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:00:33 +0000

Brother and sister team Fr. Charles Mangano and Laurie Mangano present their seventh album of praise and worship songs that reflect their own faith and that they hope will help your faith.

This album is a wonderful collection of inspirational songs from a variety of songwriters. There are contemporary songs like MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine”, and classical selections like Puccini’s “O Blessed Child”. There are songs like “Some Flowers” that talk about a child’s questions about why people die, and songs like “A Baby’s Prayer”, a song written from the perspective of a child that was aborted.

If you like inspirational songs of faith and love, this is the album for you.

Track Listing:
1. Unbelievable Love
2. Enough Grace for Today
3. Be Still My Soul
4. I Can Only Imagine
5. If You can See Me Now
6. Do You belive
7. Some Flowers
8. Thank You
9. A Mother’s Kiss
10. O Blessed Child
11. A Baby’s Prayer
12. The Gentle Visitor
13. My Sin

LINKS for this review:
Fr. Charles and Laurie Mangano – official website

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Various Artists – AfterMass Records Vol 2: Haiti Relief – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:00:49 +0000

After Mass Records has put together an excellent multi-artist project to benefit the ongoing relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. All proceeds go to Catholic Relief Services to benefit the survivors in Haiti.

The project itself is an eclectic mix of Catholic artists and music, an excellent resource for anyone who wants to listen to songs from some of the best artists in Catholic music. The songs are well-produced and are geared towards the youth of the Church. It’s also a great project for anyone just starting to listen to contemporary Catholic music and looking for some great songs. You can download from their website (see link below)–with the download, you get the music plus some high-quality videos. Give this album a try–you won’t be disappointed!

AfterMass Records exists to produce diverse relevant music for the youth and young adults of the Church.

Track Listing:
1. Flip Francis, Sammy Blaze & Yung PK – A Dedication
2. Popple – We’re Getting Loud
3. Last Day – Midnight Shadows
4. Holy Soul Movement – It’s OK
5. Move Merchants – Get Over (Re-run)
6. Lee Roessler Band – Mile Away
7. Chris Padgett – I See You Breathe
8. Rich Dittus – Ship
9. Joia Farmer – Until the Sun
10. The Thirsting – Ocean of Mercy
11. Popple – Salt & Light (Mt 5)
12. Last Day – Calling in the Night
13. Rich Dittus – Simple Song
14. manuel3 – 40 Dayz & 40 Nites
15. Sammy Blaze – Four Marks

LINKS for this review:
After Mass Records website

Danielle Rose Returns to Music

Jim Logue — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:00:26 +0000

In August 2007, Danielle accepted Jesus’ invitation to enter the convent to discern a religious vocation. Immediately before her entrance, Danielle recorded her fourth album, Pursue Me
, which describes the journey of accepting the call to discernment.

After more than two years of formation in the convent (it’s a six to ten-year process of discernment before final vows), Danielle came to a successful discernment with her community: the Lord was calling her to follow Him in a different way. Seeking at every turn only to heed His voice and to do His will, Danielle left the convent in November 2009.

This journey of surrender and obedience taught her more deeply than ever that loving God and doing His will is more important than anything else. With this new understanding, Danielle has joyfully accepted Jesus’ invitation to continue sharing His Song for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE:
Danielle Rose website

Order Pursue Me and Support CatholicMom.com with your purchase

2010 Unity Awards Presented in Calgary

Jim Logue — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:00:52 +0000

It was a night of praise, worship, and music as the United Catholic Music & Video Association handed out the Unity Awards during its 10th annual gala, held this year at Southside Victory Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Love Movement, Greg Walton, and Ceili Rain each garnered four awards, with Santiago Fernandez, Renee Bondi, Sarah Hart, and Matt Maher each receiving two.

The Love Movement, a choir out of Trinidad-Tobago, won awards for International Album of the Year for “I’m Forgiven”, International Artist/Group of the Year, and International Song of the Year as well as overall Song of the Year for their song “I Will Carry You”.

Spring Hill, Tennessee resident Greg Walton’s CD “Tune of Ignorance” won Modern/Rock Alternative Song of the Year. Album producer Jeff Thomas won Producer of the Year for his contribution, and Greg also won Male Vocalist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year (Songwriter of the Year was a tie between Greg Walton and Bob Halligan Jr of Ceili Rain).

Celtic/Catholic band Ceili Rain won the awards for Group of the Year and Artists of the Year, and their album “I Made Lemonade” won Modern Rock/Alternative Album of the year, and Album Packaging of the Year went to Zora Puskacova and Alyson Bleistine Graphic Designers for their work on “I Made Lemonade”. Bob Halligan Jr, lead singer, tied with Greg Walton for Songwriter fo the Year.

Santiago Fernandez won Spanish Album of the Year and Spanish Song of the Year for “Un Canto Nuevo”, for the album and title track. Renee Bondi took the two seasonal awards with her Christmas album, “My Christmas Wish” and the song “Mary Did You Know”.

Sarah Hart took two awards: Devotional Album of the Year with her project “Saint Songs”, and Female Vocalist of the Year. Matt Maher won Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year with “Alive Again” and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for the title track, “Alive Again”.

Brian Flynn took three awards: Devotional Song of the Year for “You Are A Priest Forever”, Liturgical/Sacramental Song of the Year from “Panis Vere”, and his album “Beyond the Veil” took the award for Praise & Worship Album of the Year. Brian’s ministry, MercySong, also had another winner–Vinny Flynn & Still Waters was awarded the Spoken Word Recording of the Year with their Mother of Mercy Scriptural Rosary.

The 2011 Unity Awards will be held in San Antonio, Texas. Singer and songwriter Dan Duet and his Two-Twelve Ministries will be the host of next year’s event.

The Unity Awards are presented each year by the United Catholic Music and Video Association for excellence in the area of Catholic music and broadcasting. Only members of the UCMVA are eligible to vote for nominees and for the final winners.

To join, visit their website at UCMVA.org today.

Full List of Winners:

International Album of the Year: The Love Movement: I’m Forgiven
International Song of the Year: The Love Movement: I Will Carry You
International Artist/Group of the Year: The Love Movement
Spanish Song of the Year: Santiago Fernandez: Un Canto Nuevo
Spanish Album of the Year: Santiago Fernandez: Un Canto Nuevo
Seasonal Song of the Year: Renee Bondi: My Christmas Wish
Seasonal Album of the Year: Renee Bondi: Mary, Did You Know
Modern Rock/Alternative Song of the Year: Greg Walton: Tune of Ignorance
Modern Rock/Alternative Album of the Year: Ceili Rain: I Made Lemonade
Devotional Album of the Year: Sarah Hart: Saint Songs
Devotional Song of the Year: Brian Flynn: You Are a Priest Forever
Praise & Worship Album of the Year: Brian Flynn: Beyond the Veil
Praise & Worship Song of the Year: Tom Booth: You Stand Knocking
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: Righteous B: How a Wound Bleeds
Country Song of the Year: Katrina Rae: I Call It Home
Liturgical/Sacramental Song of the Year: Brian Flynn: Panis Vere
Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year: Matt Maher: Alive Again
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: Matt Maher: Alive Again
Spoken Word Recording of the Year: Vinny Flynn and Still Waters: Mother of Mercy Scriptural Rosary
Song of the Year: The Love Movement: I Will Carry You
Songwriter of the Year: TIE: Greg Walton for “Tune of Ignorance”, and Bob Halligan Jr for “I’ll Find You”
Male Vocalist of the Year: Greg Walton
Female Vocalist of the Year: Sarah Hart
Group of the Year: Ceili Rain
Artist of the Year: 2 winners: Ceili Rain and Matt Maher
New Artist of the Year: Chris Bray
Producer of the Year: Jeff Thomas, for Greg Walton’s “Tune of Ignorance”
Music Video/DVD of the Year: Life is the Only Choice – Producer David MacDonald, Director Andrew David Harry
Special Event Album and/or DVD of the Year: Rocking Roman: The Best of New Catholic Music 2009
Best Religious Television/Radio Presentation: The Catholic Music Express, producer Jim Logue Jr
Album Packaging of the Year: Zora Puskacova/Alyson Bleistine Graphic Designers for Ceili Rain’s “I Made Lemonade”

LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE:
Albie Entertainment
Renee Bondi
Tom Booth
Catholic Music Express
Ceili Rain
Santiago Fernandez
Vinny Flynn & Still Waters
Sarah Hart
David MacDonald
Matt Maher
Righteous B
Rocking Romans
United Catholic Music & Video Association
Greg Walton

eXaudio, Jesse Manibusan to Appear in Hartford, Conn.

Jim Logue — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:00:49 +0000

BLOOMFIELD – When some 2,000 young Catholics process onto the spacious grounds at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary on Sept. 12, they will be singing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” along with a Christian band called eXaudio. It will be the opening of the fifth annual Catholic Youth Spectacular, and will feature music by eXaudio and Christian singer Jesse Manibusan, said Shawnee Baldwin, coordinator of the event.

“We used eXaudio last year for the first time,” said Ms. Baldwin, who coordinates youth and young adult ministry for the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Office of Religious Education. “They have a song about Mother Teresa that is on a CD of theirs. They write a lot of their own music, and they’re local.”

Cathy Hartley, promotional agent and sometime vocalist and tambourine player with eXaudio, said the group was formed about five years ago when Steve Kibbe, of Hampden, Mass., was looking for a way to get people to hear some Christian songs he had written. “He wanted to sing about the Lord and our Catholic faith,” she said.

Music is one reason the Catholic Youth Spectacular attracts teens and young adults from all over the Archdiocese of Hartford. Last year, 1,700 young people represented 67 parishes for a day of fun, food, song and worship at New Britain Stadium.

Ms. Baldwin said this year’s theme is “Empowered by the Spirit: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives” and focuses on the saints. There will be a saint scavenger hunt and saint Stations of the Cross. Other attractions will include a giant picnic, field activities, a rosary walk, a “Catholic Idol” talent show and, of course, entertainment with Mr. Manibusan and eXaudio. The day will end with reconciliation and a Mass with Archbishop Henry J. Mansell as the principal celebrant.

The Catholic Youth Spectacular will be held rain or shine from 2 to 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield. The registration deadline is Aug. 27.

Read the entire article by clicking HERE.

LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE:
eXaudio’s official website
Jesse Manibusan’s official website
2010 Catholic Youth Spectacular website

Article Submitted by Jim Logue

Free Music

Jim Logue — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:00:41 +0000

FREE… It’s what’s for dinner.

So a recent google search for reviews of my latest solo turned up literally over a thousand links to websites where the album could be downloaded for free. now on one hand that’s flattering and definitely allows my music to be heard by a much wider audience, which is, of course, one of the big reasons i make it in the first place. on the other hand, it’s somewhat frustrating, primarily because the label I’m signed to, End of Earth Records, is an official non-profit organization, meaning that proceeds from all music sales go to benefit a number of different charities. this means that every time someone downloads my album illegally they are, in essence, stealing from a good cause. now many of you on this list may have purchased the album through some legal means, so thank you and i apologize if I’m coming across as preachy. however, i wanted to personally send out a link to where it can be directly downloaded as a thank you to those who don’t have the album, but refrained from downloading it illegally, especially since it’s so readily available. also, if you’re someone who did download it illegally, i offer the link as an olive branch, thanking you for your interest and providing you a way to obtain it guilt-free. anyway, enough from my soapbox… for a digital version of my latest solo album, paradox – “Called To Mind,” featuring sev statik, othello, propaganda, playdough, kaboose, and others, click here: http://www.paradoxhiphop.com/called_to_mind/Paradox-CalledToMind.zip.

if you prefer to download or listen to streaming versions of individual tracks from the album, click here:
http://www.paradoxhiphop.com/called_to_mind

in return for the download, I just ask that you do one of two things: either forward this message on to a friend who you think might dig the album or click by the album’s iTunes page to drop a little feedback:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/called-to-mind/id334082447?uo=4

peace be…
paradox

www.paradoxhiphop.com

Content contributed by Jim Logue, gvonline.net

Catholic Woodstock’ will Rock the Prairies

Jim Logue — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:00:11 +0000

When Roman Catholic priest Father Krystian Golisz moved to St. Rita’s parish in the Rockyford area about a year ago, he was struck by one thing.

It was the open spaces found in the village located northeast of Calgary, about halfway between the city and Drumheller.

“I was looking at the parish and I saw the open space. I said ‘what a great idea to have a Woodstock here — a Catholic Woodstock in Rockyford.’ I was sharing it with other people and others started to think about it,” says Golisz.

From there was born the idea of having the One Rock festival out there on Saturday, Aug. 21 — in the open space where people could gather and celebrate their faith together with music. The first-ever Young Adults Catholic Music and Concert Festival in the Calgary area is geared toward 17 to 35-year-olds and features 12 hours of music, fellowship, worship, speakers and seminars.

“We always look for new ways of evangelization. And today I believe the louder music is speaking the loudest,” says Golisz, of reaching youth and young adults.

“When you keep in mind Jesus Christ Superstar and the youngsters don’t want to have the traditional understanding of faith, it is not anymore the time just to ask them to come and to sit and to listen. They rather hope for something else. They like to be together to see each other and to celebrate and to know they are not alone.”

One Rock takes place Aug. 21 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It includes eucharistic adoration, taize prayer and a mass with Bishop Fred Henry. Musicians performing include Matt Maher, Steve Angrisano and Ceili Rain. There will also be speakers. For more information, including ticket info, go to www.onerock.ca.

Thanks to Jim Logue of www.grapevine.net for sharing this story.

Critical Mass to perform at Voices of the Nations Concert

Jim Logue — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:00:12 +0000

TORONTO – It started as a vision for Peter Ruparelia, and the rest, he says, he’s just leaving in God’s hands.

His vision, Voices of the Nations, is a multi-denominational, multicultural concert and celebration of faith to be held Aug. 14 at Toronto’s Mel Lastman Square. This year’s concert will mark its third year of serving as an outreach to Christians across the city, supporting Christian music, embracing diversity and aiding those in need.

“The idea is to unite us all for at least one day, put aside our differences and praise God who is Jesus Christ,” said Ruparelia.

The concert, which will run all day, will feature 29 different acts including Catholic praise and worship band Critical Mass and award-winning vocalist Jimmy Lee Howard. All acts, ranging from choirs and bands to dance teams and solo artists, are performing as volunteers.

“Whenever you have a vision,” said Ruparelia, “it always expands.”

The event began in 2006 with a concert designed to promote Christian artists. After returning in 2009, Voices of the Nation is now holding a food drive as part of the event. While admission is free, those who attend are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item that will be donated to Cafe Adonai, a Hamilton, Ont., lounge and outreach centre that hosts Bible studies, counselling programs and youth nights. All donations will be used by Cafe Adonai at its free weekly community meals.

Plans for a 2011 Voices of the Nations at Dundas Square have already begun.

Like the acts that will be performing, Ruparelia’s role is voluntary. He and his wife have been working together to book performers, find sponsors and manage the schedule.

“It’s been a struggle, but God has given me the grace to battle through,” said Ruparelia.

Voices of the Nations runs from noon to 9 p.m.

LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE:
MusicInTheSquare.com.

Excellent Website for Catholic Worship by Jim Logue

Jim Logue — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:00:01 +0000

Catholic Worship leaders, Catholic sings, Catholic musicians, ALL Catholics for that matter, will enjoy this website.

Tom Lelyo is a music minister in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and runs a site called TheCatholicWorshipBlog.com. The site features a wide variety of resources for Catholics, including podcast, music, tips for musicians, and many other resources.

The site features a variety of videos for musicians, and features the CW Podcast. Visit TheCatholicWorshipBlog.com.

Video Link

Ceili Rain on the Road

Jim Logue — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:00:01 +0000

Bob Halligan, Jr. and Ceili Rain are making the rounds in July and August.

Bob Halligan Jr will perform as Paul McCartney in the Beatlemania Stage Show on July 3rd at the B’Ville Diner (bvillediner.com) at 8:30 pm. Admission is free.

Bob Halligan Jr will perform as Paul McCartney in the Beatlemania Stage Show on July 28th at the Manalapan Recreation Center in Englishtown, NJ at 8:00 pm.

Ceili Rain will perform in concert on Friday, July 30th at the Sellersville Theater 1894 & Washington House Restaurant, 24 W Temple Ave, Sellersville, Pa (st94.com). 8:00 pm. Opening act is Na’Bodech.

Ceili Rain will perform in concert on Saturday, July 31st, from 7 to 11 pm, at the St. Patrick’s Irish Fest, 216 N Lowell Ave, Syracuse NY. Call 315-475-2185 for information.

Ceili Rain will perform in concert on Monday, August 2nd, at Kingdom Bound Festival, Darien Lake, NY (KingdomBound.com), in the Worship Tent at 4:30 pm.

Bob Halligan, Jr. & Ceili Rain Website.

For those looking for a test of Ceili Rain, enjoy this video.

Noelle Garcia – Set the World on Fire – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:00:01 +0000

I’ve seen Noelle Garcia’s name in prominent places winning awards for her music and writing, however, I had never actually heard her music…until now. As I sat down to listen to her newest CD entitled “Set the World on Fire” I came to realize that this artist has the capability to do just that!

Noelle (who recently became Noelle Garcia McHugh) resides in Michigan where she and her husband are immersed in youth ministry. It is with this focus that she writes and shares her music to teens and adolescents regarding depression, self-image, cutting, and peer pressure. She has found that these are some of the biggest challenges to faith, family life, and personal development that they are facing day to day.

There is a great variety in styles throughout this CD ranging from meditative prayer in to jazzy, upbeat songs that make you just have to move in their rhythms in joy of our Lord and His goodness.

There were a few songs in particular that drew my attention. I felt as though Noelle was speaking for me in “Stay by My Side” where she is calling for God’s guidance and love in her weakness. The delivery is very powerful.

Another song “Song for Our Soldiers” is a song of dedication to our men and women who put their lives on the line every day for our safety and freedom. I, too applaud all of those persons who have dedicated their lives in these efforts. Having a nephew in Afghanistan, it hits close to home.

The visual of a small child in Noelle’s “Like a Child” drew me into this song. It depicts a child leaving their crayons aside as their father comes home, the center of their life, and they run to him. In our fast paced world, we forget about the humble simplicity of a child and seeing the world through pure eyes.

Lastly, as I eluded to at the beginning, is the title track “Set the World on Fire.” Noelle challenges us all to follow our Lord and put ourselves out there to make a difference in this world for love of Him. Noelle has the gifts to be a key player on this front. I highly recommend this CD to all ages, but know that it will be a draw for the teens that she works with on a regular basis.

This CD is available through World Library Publications at WLPMusic.com to get your copy today!

Visit Noelle Garcia’s website at NoelleGarciaMusic.com.

Reviewed by Sally Bolderson

Katholicus – The Calling – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:00:37 +0000

By far, this is Katholicus’ best album to date. If you love that classic rock sound, this is the CD for you. They mix their love of classic rock, progressive rock, with a touch of 80′s metal to make them the Petra of Catholic music. One noticeable thing with this album–you can hear the words. Sometimes with rock, the music overpowers the lyrics, even with some Christian bands. But the words are important, and Katholicus wants to share their message, and they do so very powerfully.

“The Narrow Road” – Katholicus kicks off their newest album with this song about taking the narrow road to Heaven, rather than the “easy” road to hell. Adam Miller is by far one of the best guitarists in Catholic music, and his talents are quite evident here. This one will liven up that Altar & Rosary Society meeting!

“There’s a Home” – In this world where we can think we have no place to go, we have a home–The Church is our home on earth. A lighter-tempo song with great melody and harmony. And I think I hear a Peter Frampton-like guitar solo towards the end. Love it!

“Where Have the Angels Gone” – “Where have the angels gone? Where are the miracles? How can we carry on? There’s alot that can go wrong.” We need faith in order to do God’s Will, and sometimes it’s frightening. But we are called to help others, so we need to trust in God. Great melody, great lyrics.

“Do You Hear Me” – Do we hear God calling us, or do we shut Him out? That’s the message of this song–listening to God calling us. I can imagine this being sung live in concert.

“Pull Me Through” – A fast-tempo song, driving beat, great guitar and vocal harmonies. “We need Your grace to carry on, to pull me through”. We need God’s grace to do anything. Otherwise, we’re lost.

“Carry on My Friend” – “Carry on in love, carry on in charity, that’s the way it’s meant to be.” A song reminding us to live our lives faithfully to God and to each other, to carry on faithfully to the end, until we meet God face to face.

“Follow the Light” – I love the orchestral opening to this, then it expands to a powerful rock anthem. This song reminds of St. Paul saying that he ran the race, running towards the prize. Keep your eyes on the goal – follow the Light.

“Fire Life” – Great acoustic guitar solo starting off this song, a slower-tempo song. Fire means several things to us – the Fire of God’s mercy, the fire that cleanses us in Purgatory, and the Fire of God’s love that will never end. That’s the fire we want to experience–His love for us.

“Reconciled” – ballad dealing with reconciliation and confession. This was Jesus’ message throughout His ministry on earth–the Kingdom of God is at hand, and we need to repent and turn back to God. As with the other songs, the harmonies are tight, and the instrumentation is excellent. There’s a little Spanish touch to the acoustic guitar on this song.

“The Crusader-Pilgrimage” – an instrumental track that highlights the excellent musicianship of Katholicus. This band can go from quiet ballads to all out rock anthems. Indeed, this song does that. A great example of people using their talents to serve God and His people.

“Heaven Forever” – start off with a quiet electric guitar solo with acoustic guitars guiding it. Then the vocals come in, singing about Heaven. Seek the Lord and His Kingdom, and you will live forever. That’s what we’re all aiming for! Katholicus brings this album to a close with a powerful song that will remind us that we need to keep our eyes focused on Heaven, our eventual Home.

Visit their website at Katholicus.com to get your copy today!

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Annie Karto – Refuge – Catholic CD Review

Jim Logue — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:00:01 +0000

Annie Karto’s third full CD project is called “Refuge”. On this project, she gets help from some very talented musicians. Donna Cori Gibson, Kati Mac, and Victoria Faiella help with the background vocals. John Two-Hawks provides some Native American flute on the title track, “Refuge for You”. Annie’s producer, Barry Hartglass, also lends help with a number of different instruments. Violinist Abe Appleman and Cellist Dave Eggar also lend their talents several tracks.

There are several dedications on this album. “Song for Immaculee” is dedicated to Immaculee Illibagiza, who has drawn world-wide attention as a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. “Into the Air” is dedicated to Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN. “Pilgrimage of Love” was written for Father Peter Mary Rookey, OSM. “Refuge for You” is dedicated to Annie’s sons, Pete and Ben. Annie also recorded Christine McVie’s “Songbird” in honor of her husband, David Karto. The CD also includes three instrumental tracks of “Song for Immaculee”, “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”, and “Into the Air”.

I am deeply impressed with the quality of the music and the faith of the lyrics, whether they are songs written by Annie herself (Give Thanks, Christ is Passing By, Refuge for You, Song for Immaculee, Pilgrimage of Love, Eyes of Mercy, and Into the Air), or other artists’ songs she recorded (Hail Mary Gentle Woman, Songbird, Let it Be, Prayer of St. Augustine). This is an album of faith – faith in God and the faith of us who are trying to be the best people God wants us to be. If you’re looking for some time to spend in meditation with God, this CD is an excellent resource.

Track Listing

Give Thanks
Christ is Passing By
Refuge for You
Song for Immaculee
Songbird
Prayer of St. Augustine
Hail Mary, Gentle Women
Pilgrimage of Love
Let it Be
Eyes of Mercy
Into the Air
Song for Immaculee (instrumental)
Hail Mary, Gentle Woman (instrumental)
Into the Air (instrumental)

Annie Karto: “Refuge” – is available on Annie Karto’s website at www.anniekarto.com.

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue