Country
CD Review: Summer Rains Have Gone (Channing Eleton)
Up until a few months ago, I always thought of Channing Eleton as one of the best piano players in the business. However, when I heard he released a CD where he not only played but also sang and wrote or co-wrote 6 of the 10 songs, I knew this would be a top notch project. I was not disappointed.
The CD starts with the uptempo “Days,” discussing the importance of prioritizing and focusing on the things that matter. “Starting now, I plan to make the most of every one of those days” pretty much sums it up.
“The Harvest” talks about the seasons of life and how quickly they change. However, no season is unimportant.
Next is Channing’s great new single “Up on This Ridge.” (See video below.)
My favorite is probably still “Is Not This the Land of Beulah?” I love the message of that song but Channing’s arrangement is superb. It starts out pretty typical, a moderate tempo and by the third verse, picks up the tempo, afterward going to an instrumental break where you can especially hear the keyboard.
“Song and Dance” is a song about David, creatively written by Gabe Scott and Andrew Peterson.
“Looking to Jesus” is a Teddy Huffam song I hadn’t heard before but I love it. A soulful toe tapper with a great message.
“Creation Song (Glory to the Lamb)” is a song of praise, which brings you into the presence of God as if you were reading the Psalms or Revelation where the saints are worshiping around the throne.
“As We Wait” is a great follow-up to “Creation Song.” Written by Channing Eleton and Buddy Mullins, this song is about waiting on God and inviting His presence “as we wait.”
“Just This Song” has a 2-minute prelude and is probably my second favorite song on this CD, maybe mostly because it says how I feel much of the time. Nothing I do or say comes close to being enough to thanking God for everything He’s done for me.
Channing recently released his first concept music video. Since it’s also his single off this recording, I thought I’d share it with you. I hope you enjoy it.
CD Review: The Best of Jessica King
Somewhere around the year 2000, the southern gospel community became aware of a Christian country artist by the name of Jessica King. For the last decade, we haven’t heard from her but I’m pleased to announce that she’s back with a new recording of her top hits. The list includes:
“Gift of Grace”
“When He Reigns”
“Come Spring” (one of my favorites)
“Keep Me In Your Will” (another of my favorites). “Remind me, Lord, I’m just a glove that fits into Your hand …. Lord, keep me in Your will so I won’t be in Your way.” Do I hear an Amen?!
“Kiss of God”
“You Don’t Have to Bear Your Burdens Alone” (sung with Jason Crabb)
“No Matter How Long”
“I Can Mend Your Fences”
“Sometimes it Takes a Storm”
There are also three new songs on this project: “Can’t Dream Big Enough,” “Work of Heart” and “I’m Coming Home.”
