ChristianMusicDaily

Mark Weber, a recording artist from Buffalo, New York, has released the song "Haiti, We Hear Your Cry" as a digital download through his website, meetmarkweber.com. A portion of the proceeds will go to efforts to rebuild Haiti after the devastating earthquake hit the island nation recently.

"I have friends in Kingston, Jamaica," says Weber. "I saw both the tropical beauty and utter poverty there when I visited this past April, so I have some sort of idea what Haiti looks and feels like having visited its neighbor. When I saw the 'Hope for Haiti' TV special, I was inspired by fellow recording artists Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyonce to write and record my own song to touch the hearts of people affected by this tragedy."

Weber, who has been the publicist for Kingdom Bound Christian music festival for several years, recently decided to record three albums with producer Joe Secchiaroli (This Day & Age, More Than Me, The Reign of Kindo). "Haiti, We Hear Your Cry" was written on January 24th, and recorded on January 25th in Secchiaroli's Buffalo-area studio. It features Weber on piano and Secchiaroli on guitar, with a unique tropical drum beat.

"I heard there are almost 400,000 orphans in Haiti," says Weber. "And I can't even imagine what it would be like if one day all the buildings collapsed around me, killing my friends and family. 'Haiti, We Hear Your Cry' is a song that came to me quickly, and is meant to let the Haitian people and their relatives abroad know that the rest of the world cares about them and our prayers are with them now, and in the months and years to come."

To see the "Haiti, We Hear Your Cry" video, and/or download the song, please visit meetmarkweber.com.

The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, three-time Grammy winners and the #1-selling Gospel quartet of all time, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in Gospel music with the release of AT THE REVIVAL.  An all-new collection of studio tracks, the 10-song album marks their third effort on EMI Gospel and arrived in stores and online January 26, 2010.

"Rarely comes a time where an artist maintains relevance, let alone continues for half a century," says Larry Blackwell, Vice President/General Manager for EMI Gospel.  "We are honored and privileged to partner with Joe Ligon & the truly iconic Mighty Clouds Of Joy for their first release of the next 50 years."
 
At the Revival is sure to be an instant classic, as the Clouds apply their trademark harmonies to soulful R&B and rock rhythms.  The project was produced by celebrated soul-music producer/songwriters Raphael Saadiq (Mary J. Blige, John Legend) and DeVante Swing (Al Green, Usher).  Both men were huge fans of the Clouds and count the Gospel quartet tradition among their earliest musical influences.

Powerhouse vocalist Coko, whom many of you remember from the secular girl group SWV, unveiled her new music video for her popular hit song "The Winner In Me" on BET's Video Gospel this January.

BET Video Gospel airs nationwide Sunday mornings at 11:00am EST / 10:00am CST. Interestingly, the show is on when most of y'all are in church! But thank God for "DVR's" and old school "VCR's," plus reruns!

The awesome ballad is the title track from Coko's chart-topping sophomore release THE WINNER IN ME.  Coko has been able to move from the secular to Gospel music world and be accepted-- not an easy thing to do!

"The Winner In Me," is a song tailor made for today's times. Relating to everyone's circumstance, the song speaks encouragement and strength. By far it is Coko's most personal and favorite of songs. The song, written by Pastor Kerry A. Smith, Arthur Strong and her husband Michael Clemons, spoke exactly how she felt. 

"I remember when I left SWV, I didn't know where I fit in and didn't know how to move forward ... but something pushed me forward. I realized there is a winner inside of me and His Name is Jesus," says the star.

Soldier Sound Records recording artist Pettidee is releasing his latest project, “Race 2 Nowhere,” January 26th at retailers nationwide. Come out and celebrate the new release from Pettidee Saturday, January 30th, from 4-6pm at a free event at Oasis Church 7533 Lords Chapel Drive, Nashville, TN 37211-7035; for more information or directions please visit www.oasisworship.com

Pettidee's “Race 2 Nowhere” is the sixth album from the Christian Hip Hop veteran and he is still bringing that dirty south sound that fans have come to expect from him; in addition to his original sound, he has also fused styles of jazz, rock, and digital into a new sound he calls “Quad-Rock.”  Pettidee speaks of the new style in this manner, “Quad-Rock will be the new sound for 2010 so get ready we are coming with a sound that will be unmistakable;  it’s not a fad we are the trendsetters this time because it’s all about making music with excellence for the Kingdom!”

Also, Pettidee just completed the new music video for the song, “Fly,” which is also on the new album and will be releasing to television networks across the country very soon. The first single, “The Ghetto” is being added on radio stations across the country and around the globe.

Da Enforcerz – “Boom”

Flynn Adam – “500,000 Boomin’ Watts”

J-Rus – “Bounce”

*Bobby Taylor – “Fall Back”

The Daylights – “Outsider” (Shift and Burn EP version)

Joy Williams – “Golden Thread”

Paul Wright – “Sunset Cliffs”

*Jillian Edwards – “Go Together”

Kendall Payne – “Rollercoaster”

Superchick – “Hero” (Red Pill Mix)

Timothy Michael Wynn – “Future Plans” Original Score

(songs with asterisk * are not included in the film)

“Knowing that you are part of a project that is meant to entertain as well as inspire was foremost in my mind when writing this music,” states Wynn.  “Often times I would sit back and think that if the film and the music I created for it could change one mind or help one person, than it was worth it. High school is a tough time for teens and trying to fit in. This movie tries to shatter the stereotype of what is or what is not supposed to be cool and hip.  I wanted the music for TO SAVE A LIFE to pave the road for the movie’s journey.”

The TO SAVE A LIFE film opened on over 440 screens across the US on January 22, 2010.  TO SAVE A LIFE was created by New Song Pictures and Outreach Films and is distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films.

ABOUT CHARLIE PEACOCK
Charlie Peacock is a singer-songwriter, producer, session musician and author. Included in Billboard's Encyclopedia of Record Producers, he is a Grammy winner, and a six-time Grammy nominee.  Production credits include Switchfoot, Sixpence None The Richer, Jon Foreman, Amy Grant, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Al Green, CeCe Winans, and many more.  Film and TV credits include A Walk To Remember, One Tree Hill, Dawson’s Creek and more.

ABOUT TIMOTHY WYNN
Timothy Michael Wynn is a composer for films, television shows and video games.  This past and current projects included C&C Red Alert 3: Uprising, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, The Simpson’s Game, Red Raction Guerilla, Warhawk, Odyssey: Driving Around the World TV Series, Tiberium, The Punisher, Gun, Supernatural, Dr Dolittle 3, James Dean: Forever Young, and Descendant. Wynn received a G.A.N.G. award for his collaboration on The Simpson’s Game.  Is co-score for Warhawk was recognized as one of the best video game scores for 2008 by IGN and the international Film Music Critics Association.

ABOUT TO SAVE A LIFE
An all-star athlete and his girlfriend find their lives spinning out of control when Jake loses a childhood friend.  Help comes when he reaches out to others who are hurting, and he realizes some people are just dying to be heard.
The movie asks...
How far would you go?
How much would you risk?
How hard would you fight...To Save A Life

Bishop Paul S. Morton, along with the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir, won the award for Traditional Choir of the Year, announced at the 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards January 17, 2010. The golden Stellar statute represents the second consecutive year Morton and the Full Gospel choir were recognized for the inspiring performance captured in their latest release, CRY YOUR LAST TEAR (Tehillah Music/Light Records). While in Nashville, Bishop Morton joined the Gospel and CCM community to record the heart gripping song for Haiti, “A Song For Pain”, by Kirk Franklin. Morton’s voice will be heard throughout the track, first released the weekend of January 23rd. All of the proceeds will go to the relief efforts for Haiti. The Stellars remain a staple in the Gospel community as they congratulate those who share their musical talents with the world. The show is syndicated in over 100 markets as well as on the Gospel Music Channel, which will air it February 28th at 8pm ET/7pm CST.

Canadian Christian Music Artist Juanita Faas has released her new CD "HEALING WATERS." It's a joint project with AngelAID Foundation & Ministries out of Jacksonville, Florida. All tracks on the CD are Juanita's original compositions, with help from Kenny Levine of the Jacksonville Symphony on orchestral arrangements. The music was created to inspire all kinds of healing: physical, mental, abuse, addiction, disease etc. This CD contains an eclectic mix of jazz, Latin jazz, 21st classical, and easy listening styles. Digitally distributed worldwide through www.doodlebugms.com, it's also also available at www.juanitafaas.com. For more info, contact Wayne Faas at 403-580-1029.

ChristianMusicDaily.com gets letters!

From Pastor Chris Harris, Sr.-- As pastor of the Bright Star Church of God in Christ in Chicago, Illinois, I am proud to say that God has done it again and is about to do it again. I would like to congratulate Bright Star’s own anointed Evangelist Shari Addison who took 2nd Place two seasons ago in BET’s Sunday Best Gospel Competition. She just brought home a Gospel Music Stellar Award for “Best Traditional CD of the Year.” We here at Bright Star are so elated at what God has already done, and we believe it’s only a snapshot of what He is getting ready to do all over again. This year, my oldest daughter Chrystal Harris, a phenomenally gifted singer, has entered the Sunday Best competition. My personal request is that you please support my baby by visiting the following link http://www.sundaybestcasting.com/people/ChrystalHarris/videos/21 to watch a two minute video of her singing a marvelous rendition of “Oh How I Love Jesus.” I thank you in advance for your support and prayers. PLEASE NOTE....I need you to visit the website for her numbers to be up for her to be chosen. Each time the site is hit, her numbers rise. --Pastor Chris Harris, Sr. For more information on our church or Pastor, please visit our website--www.BrightStarCOGIC.com.

One of the best events you could attend is Kingdom Bound international Christian music festival, taking place August 1-4, 2010, at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort in Darien Center, New York, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester. Are you ready for great concerts, seminars, rides, and people? Kingdom Bound helps thousands of people experience "God at an amusement park." Get info at www.kingdombound.org or call 800-461-4485 today!

Virginia-based rockers DecembeRadio burst onto the national scene with their self-titled Slanted Records’ debut in 2006. The band was honored with a GMA Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year, earned three additional Dove nominations (including Best New Artist and Song of the Year) and scored a GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.

Their winning streak continued at radio where “Love Found Me” and “Dangerous” heated up rock radio airwaves while “Drifter” and “Find You Waiting” became Top Five hits in the CHR format with “Find You Waiting” hitting the Top 10 at AC. DecembeRadio was named Breakout Band of the Year at the Rock Radio Summit and were the only Christian act touted among Billboard Magazine’s 2006 “Artists to Watch.” Christianity Today named them among their Best Band of the Year and Best New Artist picks. The band's songs even turned up on network television, including the CBS drama series "Cane" and Discovery Channel’s popular series "Hazard Pay," for which “Dangerous” became the theme song.

Charlie Daniels, the country music legend best known for his hit, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” may be around 70-years-old, but the spry singer-songwriter shows no signs of slowing down. Besides having an excellent bluegrass gospel album in stores entitled “Songs from the Longleaf Pines,” the bushy bearded icon continues to be outspoken about religion and politics.

Vicki Yohe decided to record the song “He’s Been Faithful” after adopting her first child in March 2005. When she and her husband, Troy Hodges, were trying to decide what to name her recent CD, they agreed that “He’s Been Faithful” would be the perfect title.

“After being married for 9 years—no children—praying desperately that God would give us a baby,” she says, “my friend Darlene Bishop, from Ohio, who works with teen mothers, called me and said she’d have a baby for us in one week.”

A couple years ago, Christian record labels got bought up by corporate conglomerates who saw another revenue stream and wanted to take advantage of that. Philmont is a rock band that exemplifies how much Christian rock has changed since the days when bands would give altar calls and explicitly say the name of Jesus in their songs. Though they're on a "Christian label," and playing "Christian music festivals" like Ichthus and Sonshine, this band looks and sounds "mainstream" rather than "Christian." But enough about labels...

I like Philmont. I like that song #2 on their new CD has the longest title of any song I've seen in a long time: "To Say They Hit It Off Would Be An Understatement." I like that they combine disco, pop, rock, punk, and harmony into a well-concocted mixture of music. They're a talented, energetic bunch of young guys who have a penchant for writing engaging songs appealing to teenagers and watchers of MTV reality shows.

Christian music fans will want to check out the movie “Hidden Secrets,” which features Rachael Lampa and Building 429. Lampa plays a fun girlfriend in the film, with a couple of lines, and many of her songs, from her self-titled 2004 release (her best to date), are on the soundtrack. Christian rock group Building 429 performs one song as a band in a restaurant, though why their band would be following a 1940s-style swing and boogie band at a swing dance doesn't make sense to me.

Released in 2006, it wasn't until 2009 that ChristianMusicDaily.com got a hold of this movie, because it's from the same people, Pure Flix Entertainment, who just made Rebecca St. James' new film, “Sarah's Choice.” Seems like Pure Flix likes putting Christian music stars into their films, and so far, so good.

“Holyman Undercover” is a new film from Pure Flix Entertainment, which is a Christian-owned company that produces a variety of what I'd deem “cutting edge family-friendly films.” Whereas most Christian films are as sappy as films can get, Pure Flix manages to bob and weave between the secular world and the Christian world such that the average person, saved or not, can find a faith message in the stories that are told.

Case in point-- “Holyman Undercover.” In this campy film, a naïve Amish man, played by David A.R. White, leaves the farm life and heads to Hollywood to be a missionary. While his intention is to lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, he somehow manages to be cast as Satan for a TV show, and he teeters on the brink of the Hollywood “lifestyle” where God is no longer his priority. There's a love triangle involved, involving a busty character named Tiffany Towers who is prone to making cat noises and trying to seduce the Amish guy. And, in the end, our fresh off the farm-turned-Hollywood star comes to realize he has drifted too far from God and his original mission. This self-revelation comes to him while wearing a hot dog suit in the middle of the street, with cops involved. Now that's funny. There's a happy ending that involves a wedding, and this being a comedy, lots of laughs, even at the start of the credits.

If someone you loved was in the hospital, but you were seperated by a great distance, how could you still be there with them, to help them through their tough time? Piano player Dusty Knapp was miles away when he heard the news that his dad was in the hospital. Was it a heart attack? Dusty couldn't rush to his dad's side, since dad was in Upstate New York and Dusty was in Nashville. So he did the next best thing a piano playing son could do. He recorded a CD. If he couldn't be there in body, at least he could be there in spirit.

That CD, titled "Reflections of Worship," features Dusty's expressive, passionate piano playing. It's a beautifully arranged and performed mix of solo instrumental hymns, as well as praise and worship favorites, with a couple originals that will draw you closer to God, soothe your soul, and relax your mind. It helped Dusty's dad get out of the hospital sooner than expected, so if you know anyone who needs to relax and heal, "Reflections of Worship" will help them get through their toughest time.

Red Hammer Records rock band Dreampilots fly into rock radio airspace this week with their debut single "Comedown" from the album of the same name. With the music video already generating attention at top outlets like Gospel Music Channel and JCTV, the radio single debuted at #28 this week on both the Billboard Christian Rock Chart and the CRW Signature Rock Chart.

Glowing reviews are touting Comedown as one of the top releases of the year:

“Dreampilots simply have far more talent than most groups currently on the scene and their debut is, easily, one of the best rock albums released in the Christian market this year.” - Shawn McLaughlin, Christian Musician Magazine

"Rock 'n' roll snuck across U.S. borders with a Norwegian swagger....Future headline: 'Dreampilots Make Rock 'n' Roll Fans Dream Again.'" - Rob Vischer, CBNmusic.com

“Beginning to end, the guys in Dreampilots have created a sound that not only defies the current Scandinavian scene but the Nashville one as well. And therein lies in the beauty of Comedown. This is one of the few purchases worth every penny this year.” – Matt Conner, Soul-Audio.com

“Rock and Roll!! These boys are about to show American bands how its done.” – Carl Johnson, Greater Than Magazine

A CITY CALLED HEAVEN is simply great Gospel music that will stand the test of time. This body of work proves why classic lyrics about salvation, Heaven and Jesus-centered living will always win over trendy production and contemporary turns.  It has been Pastor Shirley Caesar who has been enthusiastically serving up this vintage brand of Gospel music for over 40 years and as one of the genre's true icons, Shirley Caesar exemplifies everything good in Gospel, while staying both timely and timeless. 

Gearing up for the release of his new album early next year, Byron Chambers, better known as “Mr. Talkbox,” is pleased to debut the first single, “Ground Zero,” currently playing on radio stations across the country and available for purchase on iTunes.

“I am overwhelmed by the response to my new single ‘Ground Zero,’” says Chambers. “Being outside the norm is sometimes scary, but the positive reaction shows that people in this day and age are looking for something different and unique! I’m up for the challenge! Just like the people today, I want something different as well! I AM STOKED!”

Toronto's Joy Creed, Winner of the 22nd Annual Canadian Reggae Music Award for "Top female Gospel reggae artist, Canada," recently released her album entitled “Destiny.” Joy brings to the stage the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, with dynamic music featuring various styles of reggae, soca and R&B. There's plenty of toe tappin', hand clappin', head bobbin', and soul stirrin' music on "Destiny" for those who love to praise the Lord.

Austin’s First Gospel Comedienne, MizT, has a debut comedy CD, Back at ‘Ya, Lord!, that you need to get if you need to laugh. You have never heard church bloopers and Bible stories told like this. MizT has been making audiences laugh with her fresh and original Christian comedy that’s rated “I” for the innocent. While comedy is her focus, she's also a worshiper and a singer, and often includes funny songs in her act. ChristianMusicDaily.com recently interviewed this one-of-a-kind lady.

The Hardest Working Woman in Gospel, Vickie Winans, has overcome a lot since her last studio CD was released in 2006. Since that time, Winans’ beloved mother Mattie Bowman passed away and Winans departed from her longtime label Verity Records to launch her own Destiny Joy recording label. After surviving those trying times, Winans has rebounded triumphantly. “God has been good to me,” says the seven-time Grammy nominated singer. “I give Him all the praise. He’s stayed with me and held me up when I couldn’t hold up myself. There are so many great things happening that I just have to say that it’s because of God that I made it over.” Winans is back with new music, and fans couldn't be happier.

Melinda Watts, the season three winner of Gospel Music Channel's popular reality talent search series, Gospel Dream, will fulfill HER life long dream as she is set to release her new debut album this summer.  Signed with Razor & Tie Entertainment for a worldwide multi-album deal, Watt's first project, PEOPLE GET READY, will be released nationwide on July 28th.
 
Born in New Jersey and hailing from Sacramento, CA, Watts began singing at the age of six.  Her powerhouse vocals and warm bravado have captured the hearts of millions of fans, when she won the American Idol-esque show.  Influenced by legends CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant and Shirley Caesar, Melinda shares a love of music and her church. 

PEOPLE GET READY is a bright and dynamic album that showcases Watts' vibrant vocals along with strong contemporary production. The celebratory first single, "So Good," has already made waves at Gospel radio and is upbeat pop track that absolutely defies you to get up and dance.
 
Slick grooves, hopeful lyrics, and an exuberant vibe are interwoven throughout PEOPLE GET READY, which recalls other leading ladies of urban gospel like Mary Mary and Kierra Sheard.  From the explosive, dance-friendly tracks of "Say Yes," and "Happy" to intimate worship songs like "Available To You," a duet with J. Moss, and wonderful rendition of "Faith," there is no doubt as to why Watts won over judges and audiences alike.
 
Watts will be set out on a promotional tour this summer in support of the release with stops in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia.  She's already been chosen to tape an upcoming episode BET's "LIFT EVERY VOICE," and will be a part of the Gospel Music Channel's Gospel Dream 2009 season set to start airing in June.

"I've always had a love of music and I have been singing in church my whole life," Watts explains. "God's grace brought me here.  A lot of faith in God and remembering that it's okay to dream even when you feel you can't."
 
Watts, a former high school English teacher and active member of her Sacramento community, started the nonprofit organizations Project Sunday and Heaven's House to address the great need for mentoring and ministering to young women in her community. 

Who is Tre9? Here is what the intriguing rapper said, answering that question from ChristianMusicDaily.com:

"I'm a hip hop missionary from Houston, Texas who loves God and people. I grew up in the hip hop culture in an inner city neighborhood simply known as the Northside. I loved the hip hop culture so much as a youth that I tried break dancing and DJing, but eventually settled on being a rapper. I guess I should mention graffiti art was never my thing. I used to go in the stores and pick out rap CDs that had the coolest looking CD covers. I enjoyed the most violent and sexually explicit rap, as well as pop rap artists. My hip hop music shaped my attitude and character in so many ways. To make a long story short, I am very passionate about reaching the youth with the truth because I personally experienced how influential music can be on a young person's life. It makes me angry to know how Satan is using the most powerful evangelistic tool in existence, music, while Christianity places more emphasis on exposing sermons over the airwaves instead of youth oriented music such as hip hop. But, I will leave it at that for now."

NewWorldSon can do it all, musically. From jazz to beat-boxing, and reggae to country, this band is unlike most bands out there today. Hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, where they got their start performing Gospel songs in front of a martini bar crowd on a weekly basis, NewWorldSon is the kind of band that manages to connect the Christian message with people who normally wouldn't set foot inside a church.

Kevin Max's wife Amanda has given birth to their third child, Knightly Christobal Max, who came into the world at 9:23 p.m. on March 24, 2009, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Knightly, who joins big sister London and big brother Wilder, measured 20 inches long and weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.

"We decided to name our third child, Knightly Christobal, after both of our affection for medieval art and history," said Kevin Max. "But all in all, he is looking to be the most modern of all our children, being of raven black hair and sharp blue eyes. I believe being a father is my greatest artistic accomplishment, and Amanda and I look forward to watching him grow and connect to his older brother and sister."

With dcTalk, Max accrued album sales exceeding 8 million, as well as numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. In recent years, Max has explored his art and his faith with several critically acclaimed solo projects, and live performances worldwide. His recently released EP, Crashing Gates, is available now at iTunes.

One of Christian music's premiere rock bands, Downhere, is poised to release a brand-new CD on September 23, 2008, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed, "Wide Eyed & Mystified" The new album features twelve new songs, plus the bonus track "How Many Kings" their 2007 hit. All of the songs on the CD were written by Marc Martel & Jason Germain and produced by Mark Hiemermann (DC Talk, MWS), Stephen Gause (Jars of Clay, Derek Webb) and Downhere.

Ending Is Beginning takes the listener to a deeper place in their faith as Downhere's band members, Jason Germain, Marc Martel, Glenn Lavender, and Jeremy Thiessen, speak candidly about how they're handling their struggles of life while also preparing for the triumph promised by their faith. If you visit their myspace page and hear "Here I Am," you'll hear a song ChristianMusicDaily.com calls, "a great song, reminding us of Rush of Fools 'Undo' and Building 429's 'Glory Defined.' Finally, Downhere has a song which could set them apart from all the other 4-piece white male Christian rock groups in Christian music. This 'Here I Am' song could easily become their signature song and up their status in the music industry. This band has been under-estimated for far too long. Their time is now."

Superhero is the debut album from Christian teen/tween band MISSION SIX. The band just returned from Los Angeles where they attended the Teen Choice Awards, and they can be heard currently on Radio Disney (as well as RadioDisney.com) as well as numerous Christian radio stations around the country. The group appeals to Christian music lovers, plus fans of some of today's hottest artists such as the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus.

Now you can preview Mark Weber's new book about Christian and Gospel music artists right here on ChristianMusicDaily.com! Click on 'Read more' to get a glimpse of this informative new book, which features BarlowGirl, Charlie Daniels, and many more established as well as up-and-coming artists!