New Jersey rockers, JPT, recently released “The Burning”. A Nashville produced and nationally distributed disc. Things came together for JPT in 2008, when they won the independent artist award for “Rock Band of the Year” 2008 at the Momentum awards. It was shortly after that they met with “Whiteheart” member, Billy Smiley. Billy Smiley quickly signed them to his record label ”Cul-De-Sac”. JPT then spent the next several months making trips from NJ to Nashville to forge a new rock cd.

It wasn’t long before experienced names in Nashville started pitching in on the project. As soon as it was completed, The Burning was grabbed by Infinity distribution and started showing up in stores.

“The Burning” is an eclectic mix of cover songs and originals. Although, the re-make of the 80′s song” Tainted Love” is extremely well done and sure to be a concert favorite, “Let’s Take  Heaven” , I feel is going to be the most enjoyed song on the cd. Hard rockin, worship strong and contemporary flair makes this a cd to enjoy for all those who enjoy loud music.  the first release, called “Deeper Than” is now spinning on over 25 radio stations across the US. This shows the appeal that JPT has, and the determination that they will spread God’s message to all who will listen, and loud enough to be heard by those who prefer not.

Mookie’s vocals leave the listener with an new inspiration, while guitarist Eli Endres, Bassist “Gigs” and drummer Ron Leejack, provide the consistent and well timed strength needed to solidify the line up. The newest effort by JPT is pure fun and excitement that we have come to expect from these “Garden State” rockers.

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Future of Forestry is a band from California started by singer/songwriter Eric Owyoung. Having been a fan of deep rich lyrics and outside – the -box composing, I have just reveled in his writing. This group has been one deeply overlooked by the music industry because the music is not real radio friendly. Having said that, I assure you that it is music for the more musically interested and maybe not so much for the pop lover. Intricate harmonies, melodies mixed with unique rhythms, makes this a musicians favorite. Rich beautiful lyrics makes this passion food for the romanticist and daydreamer alike. Now this might sound like a contradiction to what you might think Christian music should be. While the likelihood of one of Eric Owyoung’s songs showing up in worship service is remote, I do very much know that God is reflected in the lyrics.

The 2007 release called “Twilight” is one of my all time favorites to listen too. So here is my advise, like it or not, find some down time, pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, go to your favorite chair with a blanket and play these 2 ep’s from Future of Forestry, Travel I and II. Then once your hooked, you will be ready for Travel III to be released in July 2010.

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Matt Maher records a gem of a worship cd! Alive again is everything you want from a worship disc!
I bought the cd at Lamb’s Book and Bible in Bangor while giving away meet n greet passes in the store. I popped it in as soon as I got in my Jeep. Why on earth did I hesitate to buy this cd? I have truly enjoyed every track on this cd! Matt Maher starts the disc proclaiming God’s name in “Alive Again”,and rolls through the tracks exalting glory to God! It’s not often that I can laugh sing and cry all on the same cd. Matt co-writes some great songs that are sure to become worship favorites. An all-star list of writers joins Matt for this effort. Matt Redman, Paul Moak, Chris Tomlin, Michael Gungor, Jason Ingram and Sara Reeves all join in on the co-writes. The cd hits a beautiful point when it reaches “Flesh and Bones”, “Remembrance” and “Letting Go”. The first time I heard “Letting Go” the tears fell like the rain that was falling on my windshield that rainy afternoon. Go get this cd, or download it… what ever you do.. get it!

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