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 Tess
offers exclusive sneak-peak at upcoming album
Tess offers a sneak preview at her up and coming
second album
Take Me Back. Following her first
release, "The Only One We Need" which charted #2
on CatholicMusicNetwork.com and "Jesus My
Everything" which has been the most downloaded
song on CMN in 2010. Tess has been joined by her
band "The Blessing" on this CD and is appearing
with phenomenal responses from fans and sales.
"The Only One We Need" was produced by John
McFee of the Doobie Bro's and Joey Stec of the
Blues Magoos and The Millennium. Tess was also
joined by Carlos Rios and Sharon Celanti of
Fleetwood Mac and The Stevie Nicks band. "Take
Me Back" is produced by Joey Stec for
SPMRECORDS.COM. Give her a listen (written by:
Stec/Lawson, BMI).
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MORE
 New
artist Mark Mattheiss launches powerful
three-song EP
Mark J. L. Mattheiss’ (mjlm) first EP
Something More passionately communicates
that there is a fulfillment of our great, and
sometimes desperate, desires. Finding that our
misery is actually God’s gift to us is the
surprise that birthed the song “With a Love That
Satisfies.” “She Looked into the Black” is a
song about devastating heartbreak and betrayal,
and the One who can heal that depth of pain.
Finally, “Set My Soul on Fire” is the heart cry
of mjlm to his Lord and Maker, in response to
the great need of our times.
The songs are contemporary Christian Rock in
style and were recorded by Dove Award winning
Producer/Engineer Plink Giglio. It’s the hope of
mjlm and his prayer partners that these songs
will turn the hearts of their listeners to God;
Father, Son and Spirit for salvation and
encouragement along the Way.
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MORE
 Long
break proves inspiration for Ellen Soukup and
new CD
Singer/songwriter
Ellen Soukup’s latest CD called
Jerusalem, which came out in November of 2009,
is her first album since “The Truth is There”
was released in 2003.
“I would have done this probably sooner, but my
husband and I decided to use the money to redo
our kitchen,” she laughed.
There were advantages to the delay. Ellen said
she wrote most of the songs between 2003 and
2005. So, by the time she sat down in the studio
to record them, everything came easily.
“During the hour-long drive to the recording
studio, I prayed the rosary, and when I got
there, I could just sing like crazy,” she
recalled. “I was able to record piano and vocals
for eight songs in one day.” Her producer, J.
Scott Gaeta, was astounded. Typically, a singer
might only be able to record one or two songs in
a day. Ellen is eager to give the credit to the
Holy Spirit, and not only for her successful
recording session. As she analyzed her
songwriting process, she admitted to relying
heavily on the Holy Spirit as she develops a
song.
“Sometimes I come up with words first, or a
statement…other times I start with the melody,”
she said. “I totally let the Holy Spirit take
over...I don’t feel I’m equipped and good enough
at doing it on my own.”
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MORE
 Soulful
Music With a Message
Based in San Antonio, Tony Martinez’s
commitment to Christ along with his enthusiasm
for music and his willingness to help the needy
have always been an inspiration to everyone that
knows him. His first self-titled album CD raised
thousands to help with the construction of St.
Anthony's Children's Hospital in Umanama,
Nigeria, Africa, which opened in August of 2002.
Now Tony is back with a second album entitled,
A Walk in Faith. “The CD was inspired by
my wife Charlotte who is a breast cancer
survivor,” Tony says. “Not only did she inspire
me, but my son Matthew showed great strength,
composure and calmness during this ordeal. He
was my ROCK.” “Through music God comforted me
during this journey,” he adds.
“Working as a Physical Therapist Assistant in an
Orthopedic clinic, I am exposed to countless
people who are struggling daily with their own
problems. Many of my patients ask me to pray for
them, their family members or a dear friend who
is going through a tough period in their lives.”
Out of these experiences come the songs that
fill this powerful new CD, produced by
Multi-Grammy Winners, Bobby Flores, Marius
Perron. The CD also features Mike Kennedy,
drummer for George Strait, Fred Mandel, keyboard
player for Elton John, Alice Cooper and Pink
Floyd, and Monte Montgomery, voted one of the
"Best Acoustic Guitar Players" By Acoustic
Guitar Magazine. “I call my music ‘Soulful Music
With A Message’,” Tony says. “I truly believe
that the music has captured the importance of
Faith, Family, Friends and Community when life
often seems so hopeless.”
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MORE
 New
artist Ike Ndolo's record brings faith to youth
in powerful and emotion-filled songs
We Are the Beggars boasts a collection
of songs that lend themselves to full-band
arrangements as well as the simplicity of a
single singer and acoustic guitar. With the
piercing honesty of his voice and unique
accessibility of his music,
Ike Ndolo addresses our human frailty by
drawing attention to the joy of how deeply we
are loved and accepted by God.
The album's opening title track grabs hold of
you with its driving guitars and refuses to let
go. Possessing an irresistible hook, "At the
Sound" is destined to become a praise and
worship mainstay. The emotional "I Am Saved"
speaks to the human experience of suffering and
coming face-to-face with one's own shortcomings
and failures. Listening to "Heaven," one can't
help but picture a crowd jumping in unison. And
"We Are the Beggars II," a stripped-down,
alternate version of the title track, provides
an unconventional, inventive close to the album.
Alongside 11 powerful originals, Ike also offers
up three refreshing covers: a roots-laden take
on "How Can I Keep From Singing;" a booming drum
interpretation of "Wade In the Water;" and a
recording of "In Christ Alone" that seamlessly
transitions into an unforgettable original
praise song.
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MORE
 New
Angrisano release catalogues his own journey of
faith
His most
collaborative album yet,
Inescapable Love features songs
Steve Angrisano has co-written with
Sarah Hart, Marc Byrd, Audrey Assad and Dwight
Liles. Steve delivers a wide array of songs sure
to become liturgical and praise and worship
classics... as well as a couple of surprises.
Elements of bluegrass really come through with
fiddle and dobro (yes, dobro) making appearances
on an album that pays subtle homage to Steve's
Southern roots.
Comprised of 12 diverse originals and a cover
fans will instantly recognize from his live
shows, Inescapable Love builds upon Steve's
ability to capture the profound, common
experiences that we all struggle to put into
words.
"One Step Away" reminds teens that no matter how
far they may feel from God, they truly are just
one step away. The down-home country feel of
"Plow Your Row" features a beautiful duet with
newcomer Audrey Assad. "Living God" -- with its
old school 70s rock guitars -- takes you by
surprise with a couple of head-banging moments.
In his cover of Jared Anderson's "Amazed By
You," you can't help but imagine Steve smiling
as he sings "Lord, I'm amazed by you. How you
love me."
While best known for his contemporary songs of
praise, Steve is also committed to providing the
Church with inspiring and valuable liturgical
pieces. That commitment is wholly evident in
"Many and One" and "We Remember, We Believe,"
two unforgettable Eucharistic songs.
“Inescapable Love” typifies the totality of
Steve's ministry, preaching hope and the
closeness of God in our lives.
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