The Catholic TV network, EWTN, has started a new show called Backstage. It highlights concerts by many artist that are featured here at CMN. You can now see Denis Grady, Donna Lee, Terry Paul Broadhurst, Donna Cori Gibson, John Robert Hanna and many other artists. Remember,  come back to CMN to order your CD.  Artists Angelina and Fr. Stan Fortuna will be on Life On The Rock, this month. Indeed, September is a great month for Catholic music.

If you have ever seen any of the films or TV shows about the Highlander, you may remember his cry of "There can be only one." I can't help, but think of that when I listen to the Celtic sounds of Danielle Rose. Her new CD Defining Beauty is, well, beautiful. Danielle has a soft and pleasing voice that has a mix of Enya, Loreena McKennitt and Paul Cole. The roots of her music are very obvious, but do not write this off as another Celtic/Folk CD. It's not. There are many different styles underlined in each song, as well as solid lyrics. "One body, one offering, one cross to prove, so that thousands upon thousands can find endless love," sings Danielle in "Bleed To Heel." In this song, Christ speaks to us about how He knows of our suffering, for it became His suffering when He entered into humanity. Danielle commands this song by taking on not just the vocals, but the acoustic and high string guitar. In writing the song "Lullaby For My Savior," Danielle says  "My relationship with Jesus was transformed, as I began to contemplate the mystery of Christ as a newborn baby. Not only do I trust God, but Baby Jesus trusts me to hold Him." This is a nice, rockin' tune of love. "I am rocking you in my soul's embrace, sweet dreams, Baby Jesus." The next song on the CD is a natural. It's about the Annunciation. "One Day Love Came To Me" is perfect, as Danielle takes just her voice and a guitar and sings Mary's song of becoming the first disciple. "Black Hole Of Truth" is one of my favorites on the CD. Danielle takes on an Alanis Morissette sound (from her song "Ironic")."If we point fingers and condemn others for what they believe, then we have failed to love. Yes, we can disagree, but we must never assume we have nothing to learn from another person. Faith is communal," says Danielle. The CD's opening song, "God Is," brings me back to the Highlander's saying of "There can be only one." The one true God is everywhere and in all things, as the song lists the many people, things and feelings that He is in. "God is in all things that are beautiful and true," said Danielle.  Defining Beauty is full of love for God and all His creations.

Ed Bolduc has praise for God. His CD titled, The Face Of God, says it all. The title song, "The Face Of God," lets you know that God is NOT dead. Energetic vocals tell you what Ed believes. "I believe in God, the God of love and mercy, I believe that I have seen the face of God in the land of the living."  Reggae is on the menu when the  song "The Lord Is Kind And Merciful" hits the groove. The beautiful  vocals of Ed's wife Karen and calypso beats make this a praise song worth hearing. Karen is on most of the songs, either in lead vocals or background. She has a great voice and in my opinion should have shared the credit. "If Today" has always been one of my favorite psalms that we sing at Mass. Ed has turned this into a wonderful song. "If today you hear His voice, harden not your heart." If you take the sounds of the group The Average White Band or The Ohio Player you will get the idea of "In Every Age." Great horns and sax playing shine on this cut. Karen again makes the background vocals terrific. The lead guitar deserves a round of applause.  A great tune! The music of The Face of God explores a variety of emotions from tender psalm settings to upbeat, energizing songs.  Ed Bolduc has a true love of God is this CD.

John Angotti's CD Rise Up My People had me hooked the minute I put the disk in the player.  It's full of contemporary Christian, positive pop songs. I was very impressed. John's vocal power and charisma will astound you. His message and spirituality will bring joy to your heart with much enthusiasm. The title track "Rise Up My People" is incredible!  Great electric guitar and drums blend with John's powerful voice and those of the background singers. "Prepare ye, the way of the Lord". Get ready for the Risen Lord to come!  "He Is Risen," another great song, tells us that Jesus is alive and with us in everything we do. He is alive in the word, and we must overcome division. John sings about Christ being alive in the Eucharist.  "He's alive when we break the bread...share the cup, the food that makes us whole".  The great thing about this CD is the medley of "Mass Of Rejoicing." It contains many of the songs we sing at Mass. The Kyrie, Holy Holy, Great Amen, and the Lamb of God are all there.  John said about the CD, "In writing this music I tried to capture the young at heart. Not just the young in age. The motivation was to give people something they could listen to in their cars and radios, as well as sing in a church worship celebration of life and the Risen Jesus. We all have troubles in our lives and sometimes we need to hear something that reinforces the fact that God forgives us and that with love everything will work out. Music is the only art form that immediately touches the soul and creates action in our lives. I hope that this recording makes us all act with love and compassion for one another."  I think Rise Up My People does a great job of making us bring that one step closer.
As for my love for God--There can be only one!