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

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

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

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

Advent begins Sunday, November 28. This is a special time to begin “sweeping out your interior stable” in preparation to celebrate the anniversary of the Lord’s coming into the world. It’s a time to focus on the task of making your soul a worthy dwelling place for Jesus coming in Holy Communion and for the reception of His grace which prepares us for His final coming.

The pressure of preparing for the “holidays” – the cleaning, the planning, the lists, the lights and decorations, the baking, the cooking, the parties, the money and the SHOPPING – can be cause of serious distress and distraction from the true purpose of this season.

Maintaining spiritual focus and avoiding Christmas commercial chaos is easy if you do some responsible shopping on the internet from the comfort of your home. CD’s and DVD’s are terrific and affordable stocking stuffers. I’d like to recommend these inspired and inspirational selections for your consideration.

Something About Us by Michael O Brien. You wouldn’t be the first to think that this is Michael Russell O’Brien who recorded Sounds of Medjugorje. This Michael O Brien, former front man of the Christian pop band, Newsong, is quite gracious, even appreciative, of the common mistaken identity with his fellow artist of the same name. Something About Us is lyrical ROMANCE in it’s highest, most sentimental and purest form. “It’s old and new, it’s a classic tale of two, in a perfectly perfect love.” This collection is full of heart-swelling, slow-swaying melodies, beautifully orchestrated strings, smoky jazz club piano and guitar, flawless falsetto and amorous, breathy vocals. Listening to Something About Us with your spouse can be a honeymoon awakening. To read the O Brien’s triumphant marriage testimony as the inspiration behind this album is a bonus blessing. In the words of Michael’s One and Only, Heidi O Brien, “Like the Songs of Solomon we know this work is divinely inspired—both sacred and sensual. We pray that this music will open doors to share the truth of God’s power both to a lost world and our spiritual family in Christ. We also pray it will inspire tender affection—blowing a gentle, concentrated breath on the embers of committed love, igniting sacred passion!” Read, listen, embrace, dance, and love again – deeply. www.michaelo.org

Emmanuel – The Story of Christmas and The Christmas Concert DVD by Tajci –Tatiana.  There is much to be experienced for the human heart and spirit in the gift who is Tajci. The artistry of Los Angeles producer and renowned electronic instrumentalist, Denny Bouchard, spans more than three decades. His inspirational arrangements for prayer and meditation can be found on iTunes and Amazon.com. Emmanuel is the first collaboration of Tajci and Denny. Tajci re-tells the story of Christ’s birth using brief scriptures between fresh and beautifully arranged traditional and original songs. The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child is one of the most beautiful contemporary songs recorded in honor of St. Joseph. www.idobelieve.com

The Christmas Concert Special, available on DVD, is regarded as “one of Tajci’s most remarkable performances of her career.” In the words of director and producer, Jack Gorton, “It is obvious from the opening notes that these very original arrangements have been painstakingly honed to produce what is a near magical effect on the listener. This is not a typical Christmas Special. For Tajci, the Christmas experience is steeped in mystery and resonates with emotion. For someone of faith, the season of Christmas is a path to the very origins of their beliefs. Viewing this concert is a wonderful way to embark on that journey.” Establish a Christmas tradition by viewing this concert every year with your family. www.idobelieve.com

Home For Christmas by Michael O’Brien. This is Michael Russell O’Brien of Sounds of Medjugorje – “Catholic Entertainment’s Best Kept Secret!” Michael was a rock n roll recording artist for Oceana/BMG in the 1990′s. As a “non-practicing Catholic”, an unexpected pilgrimage to Medjugorje changed his worldly and artistic direction. Michael now uses his talent and abilities to bring people back to the faith. He’s since performed and has given his testimony at more than 100 major Catholic conferences and 800 concert events from huge city arenas to small town churches across North America. Click here to visit Michael Russell O’Brien on Facebook. Michael modeled his annual Christmas concert tour after the success of this beautiful Christmas album. Whether a peaceful rendition of Silent Night, a powerful voice on O Holy Night, a dreamy vocal on I’ll Be Home for Christmas, or even the fun filled recordings of Here Comes Santa Clause & Blue Christmas, this Christmas album will become your family’s favorite! www.sacredtown.com

Refuge by Annie Karto is a brilliant, multi-faceted heavenly gem. This is Annie Karto’s most intimate, sophisticated and spiritually edifying accomplishment to date. Words and music flow gently, as a river of mercy, through the listener’s heart. Each arrangement is deeply imbued by the Holy Spirit with such tender and genuine love that settles on the soul like a fragrant, healing balm. Within this work is a pure and beautiful echo of the call of Jesus, Divine Mercy, for all mankind to relinquish their woundedness and pain and make a refuge of His most Sacred and Eucharistic Heart. This album contains Annie’s beautiful tribute, Song for Immaculee, which was inspired by the story of genocide survivor, Immaculee Ilibagiza, and dedicated to her honor and to all the victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. www.anniekarto.com

Cake for Dinner – A Children’s Album by Alexander Fedoryka, Daniel Fedoryka, Larissa Fedoryka and Melanie Fedoryka. This is a family collaboration par excellence! Each sibling is an accomplished and seasoned professional in their own right. Daniel and Alexander are members of the wildly popular Celtic rock band, Scythian. Larissa and Melanie began playing their instrument (cello and violin) at the age of three. Both have performed at prestigious venues such as Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the Kennedy Center. Both Larissa and Melanie have toured nationally with Tajci. Cake For Dinner was written for their 25 nephews and nieces. Daniel and Alexander draw on memories of growing up in an immigrant family of ten kids to create a sonic trip around the world that keeps things interesting and interactive. Kids will expand their world listening to music ranging from Ireland to Ukraine to Americana to Gypsy melodies and more. They’ll also learn sing-along-campfire songs and rounds, a sea-shanty and even a song that will help them clean their rooms! www.scythianmusic.com

+JMJ+

Copyright 2010 Brian K. Kravec

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

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

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

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

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Matt Maher was born in Newfoundland, Canada where his parents fostered his love of music.  He won a music scholarship as a jazz pianist to Arizona State University.  At the age of 20, Matt had a conversion experience that eventually led him to work in music and youth ministry.  He worked in Mesa, Arizona as a youth minister and a music minister where he was able to foster his talent in writing and leading worship music.  In 2008, he recorded his first album, Empty and Beautiful with Essential Records.  Alive Again was released in September of 2009 and peaked at #6 on Billboard Magazine’s Top Christian Albums that year.  Both albums have won several awards including a GMA Dove award, a GMA Canada Covenant Award, Unity Awards and Best Catholic Album of the Year.  Maher has written music with the likes of Chris Tomlin, Tom Booth, and Bethany Dillon as well as other prominent Christian artists.  He has performed with greats such as Kelly Clarkson, Toby Mac, Third Day, and Michael W. Smith.  Maher has traveled the world performing for a wide range of audiences including Pope Benedict XVI.  He has played at world-wide youth events in Toronto, Rome, New York and Sydney.  He is currently on tour with Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road.   He resides in Tempe, Arizona with his new bride, Kristin.

I had an opportunity to speak with Matt following the concert, and I asked about his favorite performance event thus far.  He described his experience at World Youth Day in Sydney where he performed with Hillsong during an event called Receive the Power Alive.   There they lead 150,000 people, many who were non-Catholic in an ecumenical worship event complete with adoration.  Ecumenism is one of his ministry goals so the experience of having so many non-Catholics there to worship ranks this performance as one of his most loved.

For more information about Matt Maher and his music, please visit www.mattmahermusic.com where he shares more of his testimony as well as insight to his creative process.  Also on his site, you will find his blog, upcoming performances and events and his music.  You can find both his albums, Empty and Beautiful and Alive Again on iTunes.  If you ever have an opportunity to worship with Matt and his Band, you will find it to be an incredible encounter with our Lord – an experience you will not want to miss.  At the end of the evening, I had the opportunity to have Matt sign my song book and he wrote “Be God’s”.  Thank you Matt for doing just that.  What a beautiful blessing you are to His Church.

Editor’s Note: I was at this concert too, and somehow Lori and I missed meeting one another!  I thought you might enjoy this short video I took with my iPhone from the concert. Lisa

Video Link

Download Alive Again – Matt Maher and Empty and Beautiful – Matt Maher at iTunes and support CatholicMom.com with your purchases!

Copyright 2010 Lori Miller

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

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

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue Jr.

I am thrilled to share the following conversation with very talented Catholic musician and composer David Isaac. Readers with children who possess an interest in music, please take note of David’s very generous offer at the end of this interview!

Q:  Please briefly introduce yourself and share a little bit about your musical background.

I am a composer who believes that music can change the world.  I write music based upon story and themes of Christianity and ancient myths.

My background?  Growing up, I was an odd kid.  I listened only to classical music, with the exception of orchestral soundtracks.  In high school, I even wrote a paper on the “Mozart effect.”  Music school didn’t work out for me.  (Some professors were dictators.)  I began writing on my own, and now I am a freelance composer, orchestrator, and music copyist.

Q:  How did you begin composing?

I began taking piano lessons again at age 15, and I immediately started to write.  With my allowance, I bought inexpensive music notation software.  My piano teacher wasn’t supportive.  So I began to learn as much as I could on my own, by reading scores, listening to music, and checking out books from the university’s Fine Arts Library.

One of the biggest challenges for a composer is to prove himself to all sorts of people.  Conductors, teachers, musicians, other composers, and audiences.  Other composers are particularly harsh.  Some have told me that my music is “no good” and that I could never succeed as a composer.  “Why are you even trying?”

On the other hand, I have received standing ovations and have met audience members and musicians who really enjoy my music and help me out in many ways.

When you don’t come from a family of musicians, you have to go into the industry from the bottom up.  You prove yourself by writing great pieces of music.  (Harder than it sounds.)

Q:  How does your faith background impact upon the music you create?

In every way.

I write music that inspires people.  A lot of my music doesn’t have lyrics, but I draw upon uplifting poetry and story as a source of inspiration.

I write in the classical style, because I believe this is the music that can affect people on the deepest level.  Unlike Hip-hop, it is not meant for dancing.  Unlike some Pop, it is not cheesy. Unlike Country, it is not meant for singing about your ex.  Excuse my gross-generalizations.

Writing classical music is the best ability we have to describe the everlasting, the great beyond.  And to describe God.

Q:  Who are some of your musical influences and how have they had an impact on your work?

Any sincere composers, who have something important to say.  Some of these are Samuel Barber, John Williams, James Newton Howard, (American), Sergei Rachmaninoff, Dimitri Shostakovich, Igor Stravinski (Russian), Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel (French).  Actually the list is too long.

Q:  Who do you listen to for fun?

Maybe I’m not good at separating work from play, but the above composers are same ones that I listen to for fun.  My iPod has 32 days worth of classical music, and I am always adding more.  Also, I enjoy classical concerts when a.) my works are not being played and b.) I am not trying to meet new musicians.   [Laughs]

Q:  What are your goals for your compositions?

To move at least one person in the audience in a permanent and profound way.

Q:  Where can listeners learn more about your music?

Visit http://www.davidimusic.com.

My album Dreaming is piano solo music inspired by poetry from Shelley, Field, Kilmer, D.H. Lawrence, and Solomon’s Song of Songs.   It is available at  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/isaacryder.

Q:  Are there any additional comments you’d like to share with our readers?

Catholics moms, get your children into classical music.  You can do this in a several ways:

1.  Instrumental or vocal lessons.  (This is the best.)

2.  Expose them to excellent recordings of the best classical musicians of our time: like Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Hilary Hahn, Lang Lang.  If you are curious about who is good, Google “grammy nominations classical.”

3.  Soundtrack music can be an intro to classical music, especially for boys who enjoy movies and games.  Composers like John Williams, Howard Shore, Michael Giacchino, and Dario Marianelli are better than Danny Elfman, Brian Tyler, and Hans Zimmer.  The last three have more “sound design” and less real music.

Classical music can open up a whole new world of experience for all.  It is a tremendous comfort in times of need and a tremendous blessing in times of joy.

If anyone has a child that is interested in writing music, I would be happy to help.  Email me at contactme@davidimusic.com.  Also, if you are interested in getting involved in my music, you can email the same address.

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

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

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

Copyright 2010 Jim Logue

Youth events like this one rarely, if ever, involve the parents of teens and parents need an opportunity to gather as parents for support and regular opportunities to pray together for their teenagers.  There is so much anxiety out there, so many parents who feel that they don’t know how to help their teens negotiate the culture and deal with all the issues out there…  This, I believe is where the church comes in.  Parents can only DO so much, at some point they need to let go and let God…   As parents, we need to turn to prayer more often, God has a plan for our teenagers, a plan we don’t often understand.  This hour of prayer with Sarah Hart in the middle of this exciting day at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, offers parents a time of quiet to gather for support and encouragement from each other and from Jesus.  It gives them permission to pause, disconnect and listen for God’s voice.

The event will feature some amazing speakers and artists, including Matt Maher, Sarah Hart, Addison Road and much more.  Check out all of the details on the Nor Cal On Fire Jam website at http://norcalcatholicyouth.com/.

“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

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

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.

Read more

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

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.

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.

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