The Review Zone – COURTNIE RAMIREZ : Perfectly Loved. (Gottee Records)

Courtnie Ramirez is an enthusiastic singer with an effervescent disposition reflects the vibrancy of her Mexican and Guatemalan heritage that America fell in love with on Season 11 of NBC’s “The Voice.” Ramirez is excited and ready to share her original music – something she has dreamed about since she was a teenager. The song begins with her vocals, backed by just occasional guitar sound and percussion. But, the sound explodes when Courtnie hits the chorus. “I’m perfectly made, perfectly loved. You seem something great, that you are proud of.” She says; ““I love that this is my first song, because this is exactly what I imagined coming out of the gate. How the Lord loves us and how He made us was perfect. Even though sometimes we don’t see that in our eyes, He sees that; and I hope this song will be a prayer for other people.” It’s pure pop, in a Jaci Velasquez sort of way and, in my eyes, a great debut.   9/10.

Listen to Pervectly loved now…….

 

John Schlitt & Head East Reunion Concert

Legendary rock vocalist, Grammy and Dove Award- winning GMA Hall of Famer John Schlitt recently joined the popular classic rock band, Head East, for a reunion concert event which was held at the Wildwood Springs Resort in Steeleville, Missouri. The concert gathered all of the remaining original Head East band members and current band members together onstage.

 

“Performing with Head East is a special joy for me,” Schlitt says of the event. “I got my start singing rock ‘n’ roll with Head East in the ’70s. I’ve been blessed to continue singing rock ‘n’ roll for the King of Kings with Petra in 1986, and I’m thrilled to still be singing after all these years.”

Head East exploded onto the music scene in 1974 when its self-produced debut album, Flat as a Pancake, started generating regional airplay. A&M Records signed the band and re-released the album, which was certified Gold by RIAA and produced the monster radio hit, “Never Been Any Reason.”

The song has been featured in such films as Sahara, The Education of Charlie Banks, and Dazed and Confused, as well as TV series such as Friday Night Lights and That 70s Show, and is considered by many to be the Rock ‘n’ Roll National Anthem.

 

In 2011, the band was inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame. Original band members from the A&M era included Schlitt, Roger Boyd, Mike Sommerville, Steve Huston, and Dan Birney, who passed away in 2003.

 

Schlitt’s reunion performance with Head East follows on the heels of a busy year, which has seen the celebrated vocalist performing at events throughout the country and across the ocean. In addition to his solo concerts, Schlitt joined The Jay Sekulow Band for performances at various events, including a Darrell Waltrip NASCAR benefit concert and a televised American Center for Law and Justice benefit concert. He fronted The Union of Sinners and Saints, featuring Billy Smiley (Whiteheart) and Jason Fowler, during the band’s Storyteller tour, and joined fellow Petra alum Bob Hartman for a Scandinavian tour, among other events. Schlitt recently joined more than a dozen classic contemporary Christian music artists, including Phil Keaggy, Jaci Velasquez, Rick Cua, Bruce Carroll, The Katinas, Big Tent Revival, Guardian, Wes King, Al Denson, Tammy Trent, Geoff Moore, Clay Crosse, and others who shared their music and special memories during the CCM United Music, Moments, and Memories concert event held at the historic Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

 

The beloved vocalist is currently in the studio working on his next solo album. For more information about Schlitt, visit johnwschlitt.com.

Worship Songs of Easter

For two millennia, Christians have been honouring Jesus’ sacrifice and celebrating His resurrection in song. Integrity Music offers a modern collection of these songs with The Cross Was Meant For Me: Worship Songs Of Easter featuring All Sons & Daughters, Matt Redman, Darlene Zschech, Paul Baloche, Travis Ryan, Stuart Townend, Jaci Velasquez, Corey Voss, Tim Hughes, Kari Jobe, Worship Central, Covenant Worship, Rend Collective and Seth & Nirva.

Through heartfelt ballads of thanks and victorious songs of praise, the 15-track album echoes the cry of believers around the globe: Christ Is Risen!

THE 2017 ANNUAL NFN AWARDS

Contemporary Album of the Year

	Artist	Album	Label
1	Jaci Velasquez	Trust	Absolute
2	The Ocracy	Ghost Ship	Ulterium
3	Alisia Turner	Alisia Turner	Integrity
4	Throwback Kid	Throwback Kid	7Core Music
5	Philippa Hanna	Come Back Fighting	Resound

The Review Zone – Jaci Velasquez : Trust @jacivelasquez

JACI VELASQUEZ : Trust. (Absolute Marketing : B06VWWPL37)

It’s 5 years since Jaci’s last studio album, and this time it’s a worship orientated release. Saying that, the album is packed with great pop songs that really put a smile in my day. “Trust You” sets the standard high, with some excellent synth sounds, and a superb tune. Her vocals simply soar on “God Who Moves the Mountains,” and “Great is Your Faithfulness.” There’s a strong message in “It’s Never As Dark as It Seems to Be.” It’s basically another “Jesus is the light” song, but it’s done so well. In fact, it was so heart-warming to hear plain and simple truths sung in such a vibrant way. “At the Cross” is a very powerful number. No matter what your problem, worry, or fear, take it to the cross. Here, you will find healing, peace, Jesus, and all that you will ever need. In fact, I get goose bumps just thinking about that song. “Rest” sounds like a 60’s ballad, while “Praise the King” benefits from a well-executed chant, towards the end of the track. This album gives the listener both the chance to worship the Lord, as well as understanding to His many powers. A terrific release. 10/10.