NFN Music Review – CHRIS RENZEMA : MANNA. (Centricity Music)

Chris is a singer/spngwriter from Nashville, who learned to play and sing in churches. His musical style lends itself to pop/rock in my opinion, as on the catchy ‘Not Given Up on You.’ Bright guitars and fx’d vocals reminiscent of Chris Isaak, make this an excellent album starter. From there, we move to the acoustic duet with Jess Ray, called ‘Hereditary.’ The stripped back song is just as attractive to the listener as the previous number. ‘Holy Ghost’ returns to the pop sound as Chris sings of his joy at the three-in-one, Father, Son & Holy Ghost. Driving guitars move this one along at pace, and the overall sound is very pleasing. ‘God & Prozac’ is an interesting and introspective number. Looking at being loved by God, the effect of prescribed medication, and trying to love oneself at the same time. Chris, obviously, sings this one straight from the heart. There’s a similar feel to the laid-back ‘My Heart is a Stranger,’ while the singer, once more, opens his heart and declares that he still struggles with his faith from time to time. Like some other recent review material of mine, this release finds the artist not afraid to ask questions about life in general, as well as his walk with Jesus. In that, I find the subjects just as thoughtful as the general praise and worship releases. The title track finally makes an appearance towards the end of the album. Another acoustic led number, there’s almost a Dylan-esque production about it. Overall, this is not just “another” Christian album. Chris writes with an openness and honesty that many of us find difficult to put into words. With this album, Chris does this perfectly.   8/10.

Mission House : Come and Rest (Live Video Recording)

Born out of a community of friends gathered in living rooms and basements, Mission House is the creative delta formed by North Carolina artists Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt. 

After meeting five years ago in their hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, both Taylor and Jess, folk-rock singer-songwriters on their own accord, became fast friends. Kindred hearts not only in their musical styles and tastes but also on a spiritual level, Jess and Taylor quickly began performing at shows together. It was soon after that they started a weekly gathering with friends around a simple vision: share a meal and worship together. Through these gatherings they began writing songs they felt their community needed to hear, to sing, and to take with them throughout the week. The result was worship music that felt different and yet true to who they are as singer/songwriters.

“What we hope more than anything is that our music brings the reality of Jesus into people’s lives,” Taylor and Jess recently explained. “The first worship records that we really loved were that way for us — they gave us new language for loving Jesus, ways to talk to God we didn’t have before. We hope people catch a glimpse of the love and peace and belonging that can only be found in God.”

The duo has indeed embarked on a new mission: Simple, joyful, folk/rock worship music that creates a tangible space for intimacy, with friends and with their Creator. This is friendship, this is a movement, this is the love of God in the midst of the melody. And it’s just the beginning.

Welcome to Mission House. 

NFN Music Review – FAITHFUL : Daybreak – Psalms of Action. (Integrity Music)

This album was born from the intimate moments of an expanded group of creative women studying the Psalms together and writing music that embodies the freedom and vastness of God’s love. The women behind Daybreak hope to encourage the church and the world to move beyond beliefs toward action. The group consist of many top female artists, including Taylor Leonhardt, Savannah Locke and Jillian Edwards, who join together for ‘True Belonging’ – a song that welcomes people from all backgrounds and situations to join them. There’s a nice, modern, version of the old hymn ‘To God Be the Glory.’ Sometimes, these re-workings don’t mount to much, but this one is really good.  The next track to make me sit up and take note was the acoustic ‘How Long.’ It has, almost, a monastic sound, and I found it very pleasing to the ears. Sarah Macintosh and Jess Ray join Locke for the beautiful ‘A Place for You,’ – “God is a house for you; where you can run; and there’s always enough; There is no fear inside; and you don’t have to hide; there’s only love; and there’s always enough.” Simple and true lyrics, together in a top class song. ‘Take Off Running’ is more of an uptempo number, while ‘Wondrous Things’ sounds like it was recorded  live, singing around a parlour piano. Very sweet. There’s a singalong feel to ‘God is On Your Side’ and a poignant atmosphere as the lyrics rejoice in the Father, Son & Holy Spirit on ‘To Dwell as One.’ Overall, it’s a very nice collection of songs.   8/10.

FAITHFUL Releases New Album To Encourage Action From The Church

On January 12, 2024, FAITHFUL releases their brand-new album Daybreak: Psalms of Action, born from the intimate moments of an expanded group of creative women studying the Psalms together and writing music that embodies the freedom and vastness of God’s love. The women behind Daybreak hope to encourage the church and the world to move beyond beliefs toward action.

The new album features artists Taylor Leonhardt, Jillian Edwards, Savannah Locke, Tamar Chipp, Sarah Kroger, Sandra McCracken, JJ Heller, Janice Gaines, Jess Ray, Leslie Jordan, Ginny Owens, Sarah Macintosh, and Rachael Lampa, with additional songwriting by Trilla Newbell, Ann Voskamp, Patsy Clairmont, Amanda Bible Williams, Lina Abujamra, Amanda Pittman, and Ruth Chou Simons.

Savannah Locke hopes churches bring these songs into their worship sets, allowing room for new voices to be heard. “I also hope people are drawn closer to the purpose of God for the church in this world and are moved to take action that promotes love and justice,” she said. She believes the song “True Belonging” is prophetic and timely as it calls people to live in humility and seek to understand before being understood, saying, “If we could embrace this attitude as the people of God, I think peacemaking would flourish.” Sarah Macintosh’s favorite song on the album is “Take Off Running” because, “It is lyrically fresh, melodically addictive, and when I listen to it, I feel like I have taken a deep deep breath. There is something, as a woman, to thinking that God and God’s love is a wide and open space that is safe for a woman to take off running within.”

NFN Music Review – FAITHFUL : A Place For You. (Integrity Music)

FAITHFUL releases “A Place For You,” a mellow folk track led by Sarah Macintosh, Savannah Locke, and Jess Ray. Carrying their upcoming project’s mission of bringing the Psalms to life – specifically Psalms of action – their second single takes inspiration from Psalm 68:4-8 as an invitation to those feeling broken, weary, and afraid to come to God. A simple guitar introduction greets the listener before the gentle vocals kick in. I liked the way that the vocals took centre stage and weren’t usurped by the instruments. The song itself immediately won a place in my heart, due it’s simplicity and lovely chorus. “There is a place for you; God is a house for you; Where you can run; And there’s always enough. A delightful and touching song.   9/10.

FAITHFUL Releases ‘A Place For You’ ft Jess Ray

FAITHFUL releases “A Place For You,” a mellow folk track led by Sarah Macintosh, Savannah Locke, and Jess Ray. Carrying their upcoming project’s mission of bringing the Psalms to life – specifically Psalms of action – their second single takes inspiration from Psalm 68:4-8 as an invitation to those feeling broken, weary, and afraid to come to God.

Integrity Music Releases | Friday, August 11

Lucy Grimble unveils her second single, “Shedding Skin,” an honest song prompted by the common human experience of self-reflection and the need to change. Finding a space between the hauntingly honest lyricism of Fiona Apple and an ethereal sonic backdrop echoing Radiohead, “Shedding Skin” is a moody, spiritual walk towards the Light.

FAITHFUL releases “A Place For You,” a mellow folk track led by Sarah Macintosh, Savannah Locke, and Jess Ray. Carrying their upcoming project’s mission of bringing the Psalms to life – specifically Psalms of action – their second single takes inspiration from Psalm 68:4-8 as an invitation to those feeling broken, weary, and afraid to come to God.

REVERE introduces their last single, “The Name of the Lord,” before the awaited release of their new live album. Written by Addison Bevere, Dwan Hill, and Mitch Wong, and led by the latter alongside LEELAND and May Angeles, this song centers on the majesty of the mystery of Christ. “The Name of the Lord” is the backbone on which the upcoming album was founded.

Leslie Jordan releases second awaited studio EP

“You Are With Me” is a collection of songs written and released in collaboration with friends, revisited in a fresh format with Jordan’s own voice.

July 28, 2023 – Nashville, TN –  Leslie Jordan releases “You Are With Me,” her awaited second studio EP recorded at Fox Den Studios and co-produced with Jess Ray. Serving as B-sides to her fall 2022 project, “All That I Need To Know,” which took on an aerial view of truths about God, this new batch of songs dives deeply into the raw and visceral nature of God’s presence.

The new EP features five worship-filled songs of significance to Leslie that she previously wrote and were recorded on friends’ projects, such as Sandra McCracken, Citizens, The Porter’s Gate, and Hannah Hobbs. Among the hundreds of songs Leslie has written and collaborated on, occasionally, a song that feels like a piece of herself will rise to the surface. She decided to share a collection of such songs in a fresh format with her own voice, unveiling a central theme of God’s “withness” with His people in every season.

“There is some goodness and truth but also some discovery and some longing,” she says. “My faith journey and my relationship with God is ever changing, and I think you can hear that in these songs.”

From the pains of her experience of waiting to adopt a child, to social justice and the widespread battles of mental health in the Church, “You Are With Me” embodies the closeness of God. Though Leslie approaches complex themes, there is a sweetness and brightness shining through this EP.

Leslie’s compassion and nurturing heart are reflected in the words and melodies of these songs, extending an invitation to be cared for and seen by God to all people – whether in or outside of the church.

NEW ALBUM FROM FOLK WORSHIP FEMALE DUO MISSION HOUSE

“Friend Forever” explores the consistent, sincere, and profound friendship of Christ that spans our every day.

Made up of Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt, folk band Mission House releases their fourth project, “Friend Forever.” The new acoustic-led EP was recorded in the intimate settings of a friend’s home and captures the phenomenal story-telling of both Ray and Leonhardt. Aside from being one of the only female duos in the modern worship space, Mission House sets themselves apart by how they build songs that truly thrive in gatherings.

Inspired by a need in their community for worship in life’s everyday still moments, “Friend Forever” offers prayerful and gentle sounds that meet believers in their most simple daily moments. It is also a nod to the band’s friendship and shared vision, creating a beautiful and tangible space for intimacy.

“Friend Forever” includes revisited versions of some of the band’s most loved songs as well as a cover of “What A Friend I’ve Found” originally by British band Delirious? on an acoustic soundscape. This EP explores the consistent, sincere, and profound friendship of Christ that spans every day of our life of faith and will be present beyond into eternity.

Mission House sets out to create a space of quiet reflection amid a busy, over-stimulating world for the Church to commune with God, walking with Him in the daily mundane beauty of our existence.

SPOTLIGHT ON ANCHOR HYMNS

Anchor Hymns is a brand-new project and multigenerational collective of artists creating songs of substance from both a lyrical, theological, and musical frame. Starting with reaching into the past, the initial releases cover some of Integrity’s most iconic songs and reframe them in a modern and musical way. Anchor Hymns’ first two singles ‘Christ Be All Around Me’ and ‘In Christ Alone’ are out now. The artists and musicians involved in Anchor Hymns are Paul Baloche, Sandra McCracken, Tim Timmons, Andrew Osenga, Dwan Hill, Leslie Jordan, Taylor Leonhardt and Jess Ray (Mission House), Brent Milligan, Garrett Tyler, Brian Eichelberger, Ike Ndolo, Sarah Kroger, Ricky Vazquez, Lucy Grimble, Dee Wilson, Jasmine Mullen, Antoine Bradford, and Chaunda Jefferson.