MaineChristian.com Music Blog

Chasen’s ministry heart revealed in their debut cd

Chris Dilts — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:32:47 +0000

Contemporary music often gets confused with being “of this world”. In this debut cd from Chasen, the message of Christ is there without a doubt. There is no confusion where Chasen’s heart is as he writes music and praise to the Heavenly Father!

Chasen is a worship leader and some one who knows what a life of addiction is like. Chasen Callahan, is now firmly rooted in Christ and raising a family. He leads his church in Worship on most Sundays when not on the road. Chasen writes all of his own music and lyrics

Chasen and Tom Polley

. Recent success has not clouded his love of God. Having a recent opportunity to talk with him, I got to hear the sincerity in his heart as he stated his love to do ministry before music. So with that said….

This new cd has inspirational lyrics, fun beats and rhythms that will get you praising God at the top of your lungs. Many people have debated which song is the best on the cd. My personal favorite is “Castaway”.

“Castaway” is a song about feeling like your Jonah…. out to sea.. no way to get back. We have all been there. That place where we feel like there is no return. Chasen reminds us that He is there always, ready to give us another chance.

“On and On”, shares our lack of trust as humans and the plan God has for us, if we can just trust in Him to show us the way. “But You’re right when you say that You set the time for the plans you make. ”

“Crazy Beautiful” reminds us that no matter how we look, we are beautiful to our Maker. We are His children and He never creates junk. We think that we need the world’s approval for the way we look, Chasen reminds us that we are “Oh so beautiful, you don’t need anyone’s approval!”

From beginnig to end this cd written by Chasen Callahan, is a testament to how much we are loved, and how much we need to cling to Him. God is our Creator and we always have a second chance!

I recommend this cd for anyone who enjoys rock/pop and loves to sing to our God!

CD review: Bebo Norman- Ocean

Chris Dilts — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:47:04 +0000

Bebo Norman’s latest release, Ocean, is a folky journey into one man’s faith, while stripping away all the fluff that some like to add to their music. It was never Bebo’s intention to be a singer/songwriter. He likes his old 70′s Bronco (reflected in the window on the cover art) and he enjoys his family and working on his home. Fortunately, for us he listened to friends who urged him to try music.

Ocean is a great mix of pop and folk that can appeal to a large number of listeners. This is his best work to date. He includes worship in the first two tracks called ” Everything I Hoped You’d Be”, and ”Here Goes”. Then journeys to a place that wraps you in the arms of Christ.

There is no let down on this cd, just changes in tempo. Truley a cd, that can be played over and over with out disappointment.

Bebo’s best writing is when he shares his faith and his longing to see God face to face. Many of us are like Thomas: We wonder and doubt. Bebo shares his ongoing quest to be the man God wants him to be and be pleasing in our Lord’s sight.

Listening to this cd, the contemplative listener will be absorbed into the words, pulled in by the music and fascinated with Bebo’s truthfulness. It’s so rare when an artist is so willing to share their bare bones.

Go get the CD,” Ocean”, by Bebo Norman. Great musicians surround the songs, Bebo’s lyrics will touch your heart and take you to a new understanding of the place you have with God. Prayerful, worshipful and meaningful is what the listener will find when they listen to “Ocean” by Bebo Norman.

JPT lights it up with “The Burning”

Chris Dilts — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:56:53 +0000

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.

Future of Forestry- Travel I and II

Chris Dilts — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:46:01 +0000

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.

CD Review: Matt Maher’s Alive Again

Chris Dilts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:45:46 +0000

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!