Song: "God Is"
Album: "R.W. Schambauch: Live In Brooklyn"
Artist: R.W. Schambauch feat. Lance Palmer
This is an oldie, but goodie. A redo of the traditional gospel song by Reverend James Cleveland. Lance Palmer is the one doing all of the (male) singing. A truly strengthening and empowering song about allowing God to be your everything, and committing yourself fully to Him.
Enjoy.
Showing posts with label steadfastness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steadfastness. Show all posts
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Friday, April 15, 2011
"Change" - Merlon Devine
You know, I've heard it said that instrumental music can't be called "Christian." Why? "Because it doesn't have words, so how can you know it's Christian?"
Well, aside from the obvious glory that the early classical composers attributed to The Almighty, there is no reason to say that instrumental music isn't Christian.
My example? Soprano sax artist Merlon Devine.
Now, one thing I feel that all Christian instrumental music must do is communicate the message in an effective way. The inflection, emphasis, and nuance must work together to make whatever point of inspiration the artist wishes to bring home. Let me just say that Merlon's music does all of that and more, as is demonstrated on the track "Change," from the album "Breathe."
We all understand that life is going to involve change, and that change, often times, is not easy. As "Change" begins, Merlon uses his saxophone to communicate that yes, things will change, and they may be changing right now, but that part of our process of growth in Christ involves leaving some old things behind, and letting the past become the past (yes, I got all of that from the opening sax line.)
As he takes us into the chorus, Merlon tells us that things are gonna be alright, and that, as we follow God, things are only going to get better, which is the point of the change. Seasons come and seasons go, but in the end, God remains faithful, and will not stop being God.
As we come to the bridge, there's a moment of pause, a moment of reflection. It serves as an opportunity for the listener to reflect on the message and say, "You know what? You're right!" The music then takes the listener along a natural progression, where we now look forward to the future with excitement, which is well underscored by a timely modulation.
I will say that I've had the pleasure of seeing Merlon minister this song live, and you can honestly see the power of God working through him as he plays his saxophone. It is quite the thing to be a part of, especially once you know his story. As we feature him in the future, we'll share more and more of that story.
All of that to say this: "Change" is quite the masterpiece of Christian communication, even though it has no words; that's what makes it so powerful. I hope you enjoy it.
You can listen to "Change" on the YouTube video below:
As always, we hope you enjoy all of the music that you find here at Christian Music Discovery, the place for good Christian music.
Well, aside from the obvious glory that the early classical composers attributed to The Almighty, there is no reason to say that instrumental music isn't Christian.
My example? Soprano sax artist Merlon Devine.
Now, one thing I feel that all Christian instrumental music must do is communicate the message in an effective way. The inflection, emphasis, and nuance must work together to make whatever point of inspiration the artist wishes to bring home. Let me just say that Merlon's music does all of that and more, as is demonstrated on the track "Change," from the album "Breathe."
We all understand that life is going to involve change, and that change, often times, is not easy. As "Change" begins, Merlon uses his saxophone to communicate that yes, things will change, and they may be changing right now, but that part of our process of growth in Christ involves leaving some old things behind, and letting the past become the past (yes, I got all of that from the opening sax line.)
As he takes us into the chorus, Merlon tells us that things are gonna be alright, and that, as we follow God, things are only going to get better, which is the point of the change. Seasons come and seasons go, but in the end, God remains faithful, and will not stop being God.
As we come to the bridge, there's a moment of pause, a moment of reflection. It serves as an opportunity for the listener to reflect on the message and say, "You know what? You're right!" The music then takes the listener along a natural progression, where we now look forward to the future with excitement, which is well underscored by a timely modulation.
I will say that I've had the pleasure of seeing Merlon minister this song live, and you can honestly see the power of God working through him as he plays his saxophone. It is quite the thing to be a part of, especially once you know his story. As we feature him in the future, we'll share more and more of that story.
All of that to say this: "Change" is quite the masterpiece of Christian communication, even though it has no words; that's what makes it so powerful. I hope you enjoy it.
You can listen to "Change" on the YouTube video below:
As always, we hope you enjoy all of the music that you find here at Christian Music Discovery, the place for good Christian music.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
“Grace” - Ed Kowalczyk
Just in case you didn't know, Ed Kowalczyk, the former frontman of Live, went solo, and with a holy vengeance at that.
On his debut single, Ed shows a passion that we've never heard from him before. Ed works hard to get his message across, that, no matter what you look at or what you have to say, his faith is real. It's the kind of intensity that makes you want to stand up and shout “Yeah, that's right, I do still have faith; so put a sock in it!”
Okay, maybe holy vengeance was the wrong term to use. How about a holy passion? Yes, that will work.
This is quite the contrast from his days with Live. I went back and listened to two of Live's most loved songs: “I Alone” and “Heaven,” songs of similar tempo where Kowalczyk sings in a similar range, and I was shocked at the difference in the intensity of his voice on “Grace.” Whereas, with Live, it almost sounded easy (even on “Heaven,” which is another faith declaration), Kowalczyk works hard to make sure that you know that he means and believes every word he's singing.
Now, if a line a ever existed between alt-rock and alt-metal, EK sure found it on “Grace.” The song starts out nice and easy, and doesn't immediately give the impression of a smashing power-song, but once the drums and EK's voice kick in, you get the impression that you're in for something good, and something intense. The chorus rolls along nicely until the whole song finds a new level when, on the bridge, we get some distortion scratching and those metal-esk guitar riffs. The change is subtle, though, and only serves to tie the whole song together into one extremely heartfelt message.
In four words: “I love this song!”
In three more words? “You will too.”
You can listen to "Grace" using the YouTube video below:
Like what you've heard so far? Stay tuned for more great finds at Christian Music Discovery, the place for good Christian music.
Don't like what you've heard so far? Let me know! Click my profile link on the right, and shoot me an e-mail to let me know about an artist, album, or song that you think we should feature at Christian Music Discovery.
Afterthought: After hearing this song, my wife better understood what many of Live's songs were about. I'm sure some of you can appreciate her epiphany.
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