It is amazing how things turn around. In 1998 I saw a little known guitarist
named Jennifer Knapp open for dc Talk. Now, after only three albums, she is
on a who-knows-long sabbatical from music and has released a greatest hits
collection, reviewed below. The most amazing part, though, is her short and
recent career being one of the main inspirations for new artist Bethany
Dillon, whose debut releases this week. Whoa, I've only been following
Christian music for six or seven years and I feel old!

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THE COLLECTION - JENNIFER KNAPP (2003)
by Rick Foux

Six years ago, "Romans," a simple look at Christ's death on the cross and
how it changed all of our lives, hit Christian radio. It was sung by a woman
with a raspy, yet beautiful, southern flair, accompanied by excitable
strumming and fiddles blazing. For many of us this was the first time
Jennifer Knapp came into our lives, and since then we've been treated to
enriching, rootsy music with leagues of personal depth. Three albums later,
Gotee Records has released a two-disc set entitled The Collection, which is
just that: fifteen of Knapp's best tracks selected by appreciative fans and
friends across the globe.

The Collection is without a doubt the definitive Jennifer Knapp record. The
ultimately satisfying tracklisting includes her latest hits, including "A
Little More," "The Way I Am," and the eternally beautiful "Say Won't You
Say." Following those up are other stellar cuts such as "Undo Me," "Breathe
on Me," and the almost Dixie Chicks-like "Diamond in the Rough," after which
the second disc is named. If you're familiar with Knapp and her music,
you've most likely already picked your favorites, but for newcomers,
highlights of the record include the emotional "Hold Me Now," the surreal
folk experience "Martyrs & Thieves," and "Whole Again," an upbeat,
enthusiastic prayer of searching and strength. Rounding out this must-have
collection are "Into You," "Lay It Down," and of course, "Romans," among a
few others.

The Collection's second disc, entitled A Diamond in the Rough, doesn't offer
much in the way of new material, but Knapp's avid fans will appreciate the
previously unreleased demos from each of her three albums. These demos are
very stripped down compared to material featured on the first disc, and yet
they're still effective, showing a depth to Knapp's songwriting we haven't
previously seen. One such example is with "Martyrs & Thieves." Without the
bells and whistles of the recorded version, the demo is cut back to merely
Knapp and her guitar, giving the song a highly reverent, worshipful air.
Amidst the many unreleased demos, A Diamond in the Rough also includes
Knapp's previous collaborations with other artists, such as Grits
("Believe"), Audio Adrenaline ("It Is Well With My Soul"), and Mac Powell
and Nichole Nordeman ("Sing Alleluia"). Finally, a previously unreleased
version of "Say Won't You Say" featuring Michael Tait stands as the most
notable collaboration. The liner notes say it was recorded for a movie that
was eventually scrapped, which is a shame since Knapp and Tait's intertwined
vocal harmonies are flawless. Production is also stepped up a notch over the
original version, making this already endearing song even more beautiful.

With her status listed as "on hiatus," we really can't tell whether or not
this is the last we'll hear of Jennifer Knapp. If not, then The Collection
is a fine starting point for new listeners to jump in, and it also makes a
decent "best of" album for her current fans. Should Knapp decide to leave
the recording industry, however, The Collection not only serves as a fine
tribute to her tenure as an artist, but also as the beginning of her legacy.

Find out more about Jennifer Knapp on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/jenniferknapp


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http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/cathedralofsound

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http://cMusicWeb.com/features/meanderings/elves1.shtml

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http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/inthenameoflove


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, APRIL 20 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

PURCHASE THIS MUSIC AND MORE AT GRASSROOTSMUSIC.COM:
http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/?associateid=249

BETHANY DILLON - BETHANY DILLON
With today's PICK OF THE WEEK, folk music goes pop. Sparrow's next big thing
is 15-year-old Bethany Dillon. Citing inspirations such as Sara Groves and
Jennifer Knapp, Bethany's career is given a huge debut with the help of
Christian folk heavyweight Ed Cash and Caedmon's Call wonder kid Josh Moore
in the producers' chairs. And never before has such a youngster been so
honest and inspiring.

DOVE HITS 2004 - VARIOUS
How does this differ from WOW Hits 2004? Well, it's only one disc, probably
has some of the same songs, and has the word "WOW" replaced with "Dove". Now
that's value! (Note heavy use of sarcasm.)

THE END IS HERE - FIVE IRON FRENZY
Yes, Five Iron Frenzy finished up their reunion tour this past fall and are
no more. Yet, this is your chance to get the last word from the band. This
two-disc set includes their last studio disc, The End Is Near, which was
previously only available online and at shows, as well as a live disc
featuring a recording of their last ever concert.

REVERSE THEN FORWARD AGAIN - DOGWOOD
Quite simply, this is Dogwood's best-of album. There are a couple new songs
as well as everybody's favorites.

TWO HORIZONS - MOYA BRENNAN
Moya Brennan is one of the foremost names in Irish music behind her sister,
Enya. For over 30 years she has been the lead singer of Irish pop group
Clannad as well as enjoying a modestly successful solo career. Although this
disc has been available in Europe for a while now as well as in mainstream
stores for a couple months, it finally hits Christian stores with a look at
one of Ireland's most prized Celtic symbols, the harp.

UNDONE - MERCYME
Apparently, some people out there like MercyMe. Well, if you fall into that
distinction, you will like their latest, Undone. The rest of us will
continue to enjoy P.O.D. and Switchfoot impacting the mainstream, thank you.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- First Ever Christian Concerts Coming To Morocco
- And more!

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