July  2002

Being a convert to the Catholic Faith, I was not raised with the guardian angel prayer. It is a simple, yet powerful prayer to the one who God has given to watch over us. Nicholas Abraham has used this prayer as an anchor for his CD “Angel of God.” What do you expect from a licensed professional counselor, theologian and author with more than 20 years' experience in teaching, counseling and organizational development. Yeah, I have to admit that my first thoughts were this is either going to be boring, or be so deep that I will have to get out the Catholic Encyclopedia to understand it. I was wrong! Dr. Nick has turned this children’s prayer in to song of thanksgiving to the one who watches over us. The entire CD is filled with enjoyable with easy to be inspired songs of praise and worship. Dr. Nick’s strong vocals are the driving force, but they are mixed with a chemistry and beautiful music. One the songs “Standing On The Promise” is the best example. The piano and violin could stand alone as awesome, but add the good doctor’s voice and it equals extraordinary. It is a love song for the Mass.  “Answer Me” is song based on Isaiah 6. It is a light jazz reflection on what we must do when we hear His voice. The answer is sung in a wonderful duet with Nicholas Abrahams and Laurie Whitney, “Hear I am Lord. I will go where you send me. I am Yours.”  The saxophone shines in the song “On The Wings Of Eagles.”  This song is about how God protects us under his wings. Other songs include Dr. Nick’s versions of songs from the Mass, “Glory To God,”  “Alleluia,”  “The Great Amen” and “The Lamb Of God.”  Add “Angel Of God”  to your collection.

As the “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack sweeps the competition away in the secular world by winning numerous Grammy's and remaining  Billboards top money gainer.  Why? Because it has a raw country sound and not the suburban country everyone has been conditioned in listening to over the years.  We are proud to bring you the Catholic alternative “Jimmy Brown - The Newsboy”, by Fr. Edward James Richard “The Banjo Priest.” Many young (and not so young) people are finding out about Bluegrass music.  What makes this CD even better that most, is the trio of instruments used, they are the banjo, violin, and mandolin.  For any parent teaching music appreciation there is an especially significant track called “The Bells of St. Mary.”  The reason I say this is because it not only demonstrates the sound of each instrument in a splendid form and how they can accompany each other, but then blends them together in this instrumental piece to demonstrate how three separate instruments can be brought together to form a beautiful harmony.  As for the vocals, I would have to say they most closely resemble the Stanley Brothers, an old time singing group.  Even, if you aren’t a big country or bluegrass fan you can’t help but find the lyrics to “Bread of Life: John 6” anything less than inspiring and remindful of the presence of  Jesus in the Eucharist. The song recaps the Gospel of John Chapter 6 which tells us that Jesus himself is the bread from Heaven and we must eat His flesh and drink His blood.  Titles like “In That City,”  “White Robe,” and “Over In Glory Land,” make you long for heaven even more. They remind you of what’s to come when we reach heaven. One can't forget, however, the title track "Jimmy Brown The Newspaper Boy ."  It’s a wonderful tells of a young fatherless boy selling newspapers to earn his daily bread. Yes, this CD is bluegrass at it's best, but more than that it's inspiring, hopeful, remindful and just plain fun. If you like the soundtrack to "O Brother Where Art Thou?" - pick up Jimmy Brown - The Newsboy  - you will not regret it.

You know country music depends on what part of the country you are from. Listening to the first song from the debut CD by Shanita Akana,  really let’s you know that . The CD is called “My Soul Sings” and starts off with a Hawaiian hymn her parents used to sing called "Ke Hea Nei O Jesu La (Jesus Is Calling.)" Do not expect to hear ‘hula’ music on this CD – no Don Ho here. "My Soul Sings" is like making a musical spiritual retreat. The arrangements range from the exquisite simplicity of a single voice and acoustic piano to a multilayered choir and expansive, powerful orchestra. A single voice song that is touching is "Moments Of Grace". The song deals with the moments of heartaches that we have and how we have to turn it over to Our Lord. Shanita’s vocals one this will stir your soul.  “Seeking God” is a song that was inspired by the students of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School where Shanita volunteers. It tells of what children learn from those around them. We as adults must put forth an effort teach our children well. One of her favorite songs on the CD is "You'll See God," which she wrote on an airplane napkin while in the sky between Kauai and Oahu.  Staring out the window as the early morning Hawaiian Airlines flight gained altitude, she saw the bright orange sun breaking though the fluffy white canopy of clouds. It is an inspired song about Heaven and the angels. Other songs include the Bach classic “Ave Maria” and "Creed," by Rich Mullins  the popular "Let the River Flow,"  by Darrel Evans and John Michael Talbot’s “One Faith.”   The one song that everyone will talk about off the CD is "Give Me Jesus."  Written after the killings at Columbine High School in Colorado, several years ago, it prophetically resonates with the feelings of post-September 11 America.  Some of the lyrics read, "What do we tell these kids, when they come here for an answer? What do we tell these kids, when their hearts beat just like thunder, who've been victims of a terror, who're afraid and left to wonder?  What do we say to them when they want to strike back, to see there's a battlefield in our country's pride and shield?  What do we give to them?  We're gonna give 'em Jesus…,"  “My Soul Sings, “  is a fantastic debut for Shanita Akana.  It is reflective and inspirational, prayerful and personal.

 Take a trip “down under” with the group Portico. The songs from “Restoration” reflect our daily Christian lives and affects anyone who’s searching and wants there faith to grow. This Australian  band is named Portico from the entrance to King Solomons’ Temple.  It evolved out of the joyful feedback from those attending the celebrations Portico played. Talk about joyful, the CD starts out with the poppy - feel good sounds of the song “Road to Emmaus.”  It is based on the Luke 24:1:37 passage where Jesus appears to the disciples. It has almost a carefree jubilant sound like Jo Kennedy had on the Australian musical “Starstruck.”  “Take Me As I Am,”  slows down to a gentler floating sound with wonderful acoustic guitar and vocals. It is a song about giving it all to God and letting him fill your empty soul. After letting God take you, you need to know Him better and that is what “Lord Of Life” is about.  “…Help the ones who are weaker than you; for in giving you receive...”   This is a head shaking, toe tapping song to make you want to get up and do for others. “Always True,” is about having Jesus as your true friend, one who is always there for you. Jesus is still calling us just like He did His disciples, that is the message that “Wait For You” is telling us. It is almost a dance song with a nice beat to it. Other songs on the Restoration include “In God’s Hands, ”Child Of Jesus,”  “My Spirit,”  and more. Portico will take you on a journey spiritually and musically with “Restoration.”