December 2000

It never fails.

I get all the gifts for everyone on my Christmas list and start to relax after getting the wrapping paper away from the dog. Then at church, work or school, someone you forgot gives you a gift. You don't want to feel like a schmuck, so it's off to the local 7/11 to buy something quick. I remember when I had to get Doug a beat up fruitcake.( It's not a pretty site, trust me.) Don't let it happen to you! You can avoid it by buying some great Catholic CDs. Hey--even if it doesn't transpire, you got something YOU can use throughout the year! 

I was pulling out my Advent wreath and candles while listening to the new  Lynn Geyer CD, Music Of The Light. Wow! It really helped hearing such songs of praise. This is a mixture of Lynn's own songs as well as covers of those that we are familiar with. Lynn's song Glory Be shines out with a reggae beat, and a very catchy chorus ( It's the Glory Be prayer!).  The title track Music Of The Light continues with an island sound--calypso--offering thanksgiving and glory to God... As the heaven in our hearts meets the Savior of our soul. This is a wonderful, danceable song of praise. Lynn shows she has a wonderful voice as she sings David Hass' song You Are Mine, a beautiful "Magnificat" in contemporary music. It is mainly just her and a piano...exquisite. Also covered are two songs heard at World Youth Days. Holy Is His Name and Dana's We Are One Body. 
My daughter dropped one of the Advent candles and it broke while listening to Lynn's "Holy Is His Name". She was upset, but I had to tell her Advent is a time for us to get ready for His coming--a special time. A time of praise!  Holy is His name. We got another candle! Thanks Lynn! 

We all know Fr. Stan Fortuna, CFR from his many appearances on Catholic TV. He is the rappin' priest with the corn-roll hair. His homilies and music have always touched us. For those of you who are fans or those who never cared for the hip hop style  Fr. Stan's new CD, I Will Worship You, is a departure in a different variety of worship. Through this new contemporary music style and inspirational lyrics, Fr. Stan "sings out" the message that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ loves you totally. Reaching out to the youth and adults where they work, live, go to school and worship, this message comes over loud and clear. 

Different styles include: 
Rock - Lay Your Burden Down
Celtic - Awake O Lord
Children Worship - I Will Worship You
Ambient - Glorify The Lord
Soul - We Will Worship You
World - Canticle of Brother Sun
Jazz/Blues - Alleluia, Jesus Is The Lord.
Coffee House - Worship Jam
And not to disappoint: 
Urban Rap - We Will Worship You

I Will Worship You is a CD for everyone.  "I break it down to them and I speak from the heart--and to their heart--in a language that they can understand," Fr. Stan said. "That's an important thing." 

 Deliver Me From Me is Mark Mallett's debut project, and it's a CD that makes a great last minute gift--or better yet, one that you DID plan. It's unique, rich blend of contemporary Country, Folk,  Bluegrass and Pop. "Deliver Me From Me" has nominated for a Prairie Music Award. The story of the trouble and trials that Mark went through to make this CD goes to show that Satan didn't want this CD to come out. You Are The Same is one of those song that will touch your soul. "See man's treasures turn to dust and blow away, See a friend turn away and betray...but Jesus you are the same, Yesterday, today and tomorrow."   To show what a great artist he is, listen to In Your Eyes. If you like guitar music you will love Mark's playing on this one. Joanne and Rosalyn Petty are backup and the harmony with Mark is fantastic. Christ My All is a nice adaptation of St. Patrick's breastplate prayer, Christ on my right, Christ on my Left.  Mark said about the CD "These are God's songs. And I wanted them to be as beautiful for you as they could be...."

The new CD by Romans, Come To Life, is a great collection of the best of contemporary music used in Sacred Liturgy. All the songs on this CD are familiar through the use in Holy Mass. The only exception is the chanted opening intro, Venite Ad Vitam. With an open like that you know that it is Catholic! After the Chant we are graced with a excellent rendition of Gather Us In.  This version sounds like a cross between Rick Wakeman (of Yes) and Emerson, Lake and Palmer. The keyboards are that good!  Save Us, O Lord is another song where the groups harmony and the music mix well. Never thought of this as a rockin’ tune when I sang it in Mass last week.  That goes double for City Of God. The acoustic guitar and bass give this song a unique and intense  beat that you will want to hear again and again. I will say this, keep your eyes on this group! The harmony and the keyboards of Romans will make this group a favorite among many Catholics!