Informing and entertaining thousands of Christian music fans, execs
and musicians around the world with news and views since 2001, it's
Mark Weber's Christian Music Monthly
April 2006, Part II

(((Welcome)))
Hello from Mark Weber. This is CMM.

In the span of three days, I interviewed more than 60 artists
(including Hyper Static Union, Falling Up, Annie Moses Band, Marty
Stuart, MercyMe, Anthony Evans, Hawk Nelson, Eowyn, Tony Terry, Take
6, Mainstay, Circleslide, etc.) at Gospel Music Week in Nashville
recently. It was a wonderful time/I was in heaven—the folks at the
Gospel Music Association really know how to put on a great multi-day
event!

I also recently enjoyed concerts by ball-of-energy Kirk Franklin, the
magnificent Mary Mary, the smarter-than-Kanye West rapper Da
T.R.U.T.H., Britain's Delirious?, South Africa's Tree63, the seasoned
veteran Lulu Roman, the vocal powerhouse Katie Giguere, biker babe CC
Jones, and the Ric Blair Band, with their compelling Celtic sounds.
God sure did do a great thing when he created music! I can
wholeheartedly recommend all of these artists to you.

In other news, I am now a monthly contributor to Greater Niagara
newspapers, writing about Christian concerts and events, so that's
keeping me busy. And now that the snow has been replaced by sunshine,
my skis are put away, and some friends and I enjoyed our first game
of soccer this season.

Did you know that Christian Music Monthly's cousin, Christian Music
Daily, is where I'm posting TONS of Christian music news now? If you
want to be in the know, you gotta subscribe, for free, by sending a
blank email to:
christianmusicdaily-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

May all your days be blessed beyond measure. For Christian Music
Monthly, I'm Mark Weber…

(((Cover Story: Greatest Hits from Lovely Ladies)))
Word Records is launching three "best of" projects May 9 featuring
award-winning female vocalists Jaci Velasquez, Nicole C. Mullen and
Rachael Lampa.

Despite a decade's worth of top-selling albums and chart-topping
hits, there has yet to be a best-of collection from Jaci Velasquez…
until now. On My Knees: The Best of Jaci Velasquez is a 17-song
career retrospective spotlighting songs from the Platinum-selling
debut, Heavenly Place, which established her as one of the fastest
selling solo debut recording artists in the Christian genre, to her
most recent project, Beauty Has Grace. With over three million career
album sales, Velasquez' successful music career is further emphasized
by seven Dove Awards, a Billboard/Latin Billboard Award and multiple
Grammy, Latin Grammy and American Music Award nominations.

On My Knees: The Best of Jaci Velasquez includes 12 No.1 career
singles: "On My Knees," "If This World," "Every Time I
Fall," "Imagine Me Without You," "Speak For Me," "We Can Make A
Difference," "Un Lugar Celestial (Heavenly Place)," "God So
Loved," "Adore," Just A Prayer Away," "Show You Love" and "Center of
Your Love" plus other rarities and fan favorites.

Redeemer: The Best of Nicole C. Mullen includes 17 songs from 2000's
self-titled debut through 2004's Everyday People, in addition to the
2006 End of the Spear soundtrack. Beginning with her "Song of the
Year" Dove Award in 1998 as the writer for "On My Knees," Mullen
released her Word debut and quickly became a fan-favorite with her
2001 No. 1 single and "Song of the Year" Dove Award-winning
hit, "Redeemer." She has collected eight Dove Awards thus far,
including "Female Vocalist of the Year" in 2002 and 2005, and
received a "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year" Grammy nod in 2003
for Talk About It.

Along with the Dove Award-winning songs, Redeemer: The Best of Nicole
C. Mullen features the radio favorite, "Call On Jesus," and current,
chart-climbing single, "Always Love You," from the End of the Spear
soundtrack. Also included are two bonus tracks, unique live versions
of "Redeemer" and "Call On Jesus," previously unavailable until now.

Blessed: The Best of Rachael Lampa is a 17-song collection featuring
songs from each of Lampa's hit albums: Live For You, Kaleidoscope,
Blur and her awesome self-titled, fourth studio project. The Dove
Award-winning artist instantly hit the spotlight in 2000 when, at
only 15 years of age, she launched her debut, Live For You, by
performing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." That same year she
was nominated for "Best Young Recording Artist or Musical Group" at
The Hollywood Reporter's Fifth Annual "Young Star Awards," along with
fellow nominees Mandy Moore, Charlotte Church and Billy Gilman. Lampa
has also been featured before millions of fans through such outlets
as CBS' broadcast of the 2000 Miss Teen USA Pageant, at Pope John
Paul II's 2001 "World Youth Day" in Rome, and at Billy Graham and
Franklin Graham Crusades throughout the U.S.

You need to get this disc, because of "Blessed," "Shaken," "God Loves
You" and "Live For You" plus "My Father's Heart," "No Greater Love"
and other rarities and fan favorites.

For more information on these artists, visit www.WordRecords.com.

(((Brief Bits)))
*"The Annual McCain & Co. Guitar Pull" kicked off GMA (Gospel Music
Association) Week 2006 with an intimate concert by some of today's
top musicians in a relaxed "living room" setting. The informal jam
session, held at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, Tenn., featured
legendary guitarist, Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner Phil
Keaggy, innovative designer of McPherson Guitars and Autumn Records
recording artist Matt and Sherry McPherson, Music for Life Alliance
founder, National Finger Picking Guitar Champion and classical
guitarist Muriel Anderson, veteran guitarist, Grammy Award-winning
producer and songwriter Tom Hemby and Dove Award-nominated Fervent
Records singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson. The event offered media
like yours truly a look behind some of the artists' most memorable
and upcoming songs. The evening began with a devotional from author
and Christ Community Church senior pastor Scotty Smith. Guests were
also treated to a surprise performance by President George W. Bush
impersonator and speaker John Morgan, and even he played a guitar!

And just so ya know…Phil Keaggy's Jammed! will be available May 2,
2006 through TAG Distribution. Matt and Sherry McPherson's Slow Down
will be available on Autumn Records in summer 2006. Muriel Anderson's
Wildcat is currently available in the mainstream market and will bow
in the CBA market in summer 2006 through Burnside Distribution. Tom
Hemby is working on a new album scheduled to release later this year
on Exalt Music Group. And Andrew Peterson's The Far Country is
available on Fervent Records. Excellent.

*A TV show called "JC Rocks" was filming at GMA Week. They're intent
on "making God famous throughout the world." One of the great things
about this show is that it's seen on major secular TV stations in
many markets at reasonable, even important time slots (like 5pm).
With that in mind, please contribute financially to this show so it
can continue to take Christian music to places it needs to go. Here's
the link to show your support: http://jcrproductions.org/cmm

*One of Christian music's coolest cats, Shawn McDonald, recently
experienced some amazing successes, not the least of which is the
release of RIPEN, his sophomore release which hit the ground running
with a #1 spot on iTunes, #2 debut on Billboard Heatseekers and #116
on Billboard's Top 200. Now, McDonald can add a well-attended, well-
received, well-crafted first headlining tour to his list of firsts.
The RIPEN tour enjoyed sell-outs across Washington and six straight
sell-outs in California, including two packed out shows at Pepperdine
University in Malibu.

The unique concept of the RIPEN tour introduced Shawn and his peeps
to clubs and colleges across the country. The concert integrated
Shawn's friends Warren Barfield and Alli Rogers, two exceptional
musicians and writers, along with Scott Erickson, a Seattle-area
painter who crafted brand new art on canvas throughout the show every
night. The art created by Erickson was auctioned off each night after
the show with proceeds being given to the Transpire Project.

McDonald's players casually meandered from instrument to instrument –
electric upright bass, harmonica, cello, bass, drum and a cahon -
often finishing one instrument and moving to another in the middle of
a song. The movement created a relaxed, meandering flow. In
addition, McDonald formed the concert set list loosely, wrapping his
characteristically honest, disarming dialogue around each song intro.
Rogers and Barfield were also wrapped into the concert, coming back
to join McDonald for songs later in the night. Cool, huh?

*You probably won't believe this, but God is working overtime in New
York City, Connecticut, and New England. Seriously! Find out more by
visiting one of the main organizations bringing Christian music to
these places: Rock The Sound. http://www.rockthesound.com

*Inpop Records just announced the signing of pop/rock band Foolish
Things. They're the former winner of the Gospel Music Association's
Estes Park talent competition, and they've garnered an extensive and
enduring fan base over their last eight years of recording and
touring. Well known on the independent circuit with over 10,000 CDs
sold prior to signing their label deal, Foolish Things expects good
things with their Inpop Records debut, Let's Not Forget The Story,
releasing June 20th. The band's catchy and well-crafted first
single, "Spirit Come," is getting played on the radio right now.

"I was introduced to Foolish Things last fall when I came back to
Inpop," says Inpop Records President Dale Bray. "The buzz around
Nashville was great, and we were fortunate they chose Inpop as their
label home," he comments.

"From the beginning, we've used music as a tool to strengthen and
challenge the body of Christ, as well as to reach out to the lost,"
says Foolish Things bassist Nate Phillips. "We will stay true to this
mission by loving people with music and writing songs that are
relevant and real. Our relationship with Christ is a journey with ups
and downs, and the songs will reflect our journey," he says.

Foolish Things, comprised of Isaac Jorgensen (vocals/guitars), James
Rightmer (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Mark Labriola (vocals/guitar),
Phillips (bass) and Shaul Hagen (drummer), formed the band after the
departure of a friend who typically led worship for their church
youth group. After learning to play worship songs, it wasn't long
before the band was leading the weekly service, as well as playing
coffeehouses and area youth events in Denver.

In 2000, the band got a major break with a win in the annual Estes
Park "Seminar in the Rockies" competition. Following the competition,
the band worked with Ronny Cates, former bassist with Petra, to
record a four-song demo of their own material. From there, the band
booked a tour and hit the road to take their music to the masses.

Foolish Things' catchy pop/rock sound, clear message of faith and
tireless work ethic attracted the attention of record labels,
including Inpop Records. Inspired musically by a steady diet of U2,
Coldplay, and other British rock bands, Foolish Things' guitar-fueled
approach provides the perfect backdrop for their message. The band's
music is tailor-made to encourage and challenge believers.

Putting action behind their conviction, Foolish Things also developed
a tour called "Three Who Need," designed to equip the body of Christ
to reach non-believers in their cities and provide a non-threatening
environment where Christians can comfortably invite friends and co-
workers. Foolish Things is challenging Christians to pray for and
invite three friends, family members, or co-workers who need to hear
the Gospel. At the concert, each person will have the opportunity to
hear and respond to the Gospel.

"We're passionate about the Gospel, and we want to encourage
believers," Jorgensen says. "Our goal is simply to reach as many as
we can with the Gospel and to fire up the body of Christ, whether
it's with our CD or our concerts," he says.

*Kingdom Bound Christian music festival will celebrate its 20th year…
with four top-notch headliners: MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Third Day,
and Newsboys. The annual event, which attracts some 70,000 people
from all over the U.S. and Canada to Six Flags Darien Lake amusement
park and camping resort near Buffalo, NY, has tickets and campsites
available right now for the Aug. 6-9, 2006 celebration—call 800-461-
4485 or visit itickets.com. This one's big folks! For more info,
please visit www.kingdombound.org.

*Ardent Records/SRE Recordings' artist Todd Agnew has been recognized
yet again for his songwriting, this time by ASCAP. On the heels of
being awarded Best Scripture Song for his song "Isaiah 6" from
Worship Leader magazine, as well as BDS Awards (Nielsen Broadcast
Data Systems) for unprecedented spins at radio, and being lauded for
the impact his current single, "My Jesus," is making nationwide, the
performing rights organization ASCAP recently awarded Agnew for his
song "Grace Like Rain" as one of the 25 most performed Christian
songs of 2005. Agnew and Christopher Collins wrote the No. 1 radio
single.

Agnew received this honor in person at the Annual ASCAP Christian
Music Awards held during GMA Week, where Agnew was also one of the
busiest artists that entire week. Not only did he attend the ASCAP
dinner, but he performed at numerous other concerts and events, such
as the World Vision Concert, the GOA/Greg Oliver Agency luncheon and
the CMB/Christian Music Broadcasters Tuesday morning worship
breakfast where he played an acoustic version of "My Jesus" before
hundreds of GMA attendees. Agnew also participated in a plethora of
radio and media interviews, including one with Christian Music
Monthly—natch!

And there's good news for Todd Agnew fans who will soon be able to
hear a few of his songs recorded acoustically. Ardent Records/SRE
Recordings is re-releasing Agnew's current project, Reflection of
Something, on May 16th, and this limited edition re-release will
include a special bonus disc with five added tracks, as well as
including the original 12 cuts on the initial project released in
August of 2005. The additional songs were recorded live in Memphis
at Ardent Studios.

Of course, Agnew's current radio single, "My Jesus," is continuing to
impact listeners everywhere, thanks to support from radio stations
nationwide.

A continuous supporter of World Vision and touring, Agnew is
continuing to headline World Vision's "The Name Of Jesus Tour,"
sharing the stage with Big Daddy Weave, Nate Sallie and Jason
Morant. For more information about Todd Agnew and if he is appearing
in a city near you, please visit www.toddagnew.com.

*Baseball + Faith + Reading? Want to see a Toronto Blue Jays game on
May 22nd for a great price and also learn about Read For Life, a
Canadian initiative to get kids reading books by Christian authors?
Visit www.readforlife.ca for details.

*The wait is over for fans of newcomer Darrel Petties and his 38-
member choir Strength In Praise. The newly signed group just released
their highly anticipated album, "Count It All Joy."

Darrel and his choir masterfully manage the merging of up-to-the
minute R&B with urban influences and true-to-tradition, classic
Gospel. One of the albums powerful vocal performance tracks, "Mighty
God," is a full-tilt shout of praise that kicks off in overdrive and
only builds from there. Then there's the Gospel radio hit "Yes Lord,"
a high-energy homage to old-school Gospel that packs a powerful,
modern punch.

In recent months, Petties has established an increasingly high
profile, participating in two top-selling releases and sustaining a
rigorous performance schedule. "Yes Lord" was featured on the "Look
Up Sing Out" CD, receiving nationwide airplay on Gospel radio, while
his remake of "Glory Hallelujah" was featured on "WOW Gospel 2005."
In addition to his success as an artist, Petties also remains active
in numerous community outreach programs, visiting nursing homes,
foster homes, and hitting the streets to win souls for Christ. Amen?
Amen!

(((CMM goes LULU)))
Hear interviews with Matt Maher, Pee Wee Callins, Billy Buchanan
(Fusebox), Anointed, Katie Giguere, Mark Hall, Chuckie Perez and many
other Christian artists at http://www.lulu.com/christianmusic That's
also where you can download songs for 99 cents from artists like One
Foot In Heaven (pop-rock) and God's Fam (hip-hop)!

(((The End)))
Read interviews with Judd & Maggie, Tree63, Take 6, Martha Munizzi,
Cindy Morgan, BarlowGirl and plenty others at
http://www.christianmusicmonthly.com

This issue of CMM is sponsored in part by Cristina Meier's new
book "A Story of a Knight," available by visiting
http://www.outskirtspress.com/knightstory, and Women of Faith
Conferences—WoF comes to Rochester, NY, June 9 & 10th. Find out how
to get discount tix by emailing primopr716@... today!

Christian Music Monthly's "cousin," ChristianMusicDaily.com, is now
online at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianMusicDaily/
For more Christian music news than you ever thought possible, for
FREE, you should subscribe to this email list by sending a blank
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"Each one, reach one." If each of the 2,500 people reading this got
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Copy/paste this and send it to one person you know loves Christian
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I get a monthly e-zine in my email called "Christian Music Monthly."
I thought about how you like Christian music, and figured you might
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