Carman - Passion For Praise - Volume I
(Sparrow Records)

Carman has a distinctive beat in his heart and his music which invariably pumps up the Blood in your heart. He starts with the memorable 'Lord I Lift Your Name On High' and breathes into it love and thanksgiving. 'Let The Fire Fall' and 'I Feel Jesus' are emotive. In 'Now's The Time / Hosanna' he lets out all the stops and is joyous in his celebration. The islands flavour with whoops of delight, drum beats and the lovely Caribbeaan music will have you swaying. 'The Prayer Anthem' is the "Our Father" to music which is authentic Carman - reverential but robust and rousing. The Don Moen 'Give Thanks' showcases his tender tenor voice. He wide repertoire includes 'Jesus Is The Light' which is sung to County and Western right down to the twang on the guitars. 'I've Been Redeemed/ I Love Jesus' has a beat and tune you'll identify with when you are on a picnic. This outdoors feeling will get you knocking on the Door. 'Shout To Lord' is a remarkably different interpretation where he starts intimate but ends by literally goading everyone to SHOUT. The Rich Mullins hymn, which was voted song of the decade, 'Awesome God' has him stating Bible truths right from Genesis onwards to the back ground of a full throated choir singing. This is a very different interpretation from the original but yet remarkably touching. The last track, 'Bless The Name Of Jesus', will have you swinging once again shouting "Glory to His name". Carman will leave you passionately praising to a quick tempo where you'll be literally jumping up and down with joy. The wide range of music in this offering is remarkable.



STORIES FROM THE HEART - Bob Carlisle
(DMG/ Y-Music)

Carlisle sings straight from his heart heartfelt messages which will bring a change of heart in you. He starts with lovely classical music which is woven into contemporary notes and a children's choir in an outstanding track which will tug at your heart -- 'We Fall Down'. Check the lyrics, "And the saints are just the sinners, who fall down …. and get up." 'I Will Shelter You' which follows is comforting. 'Fathers Love' is intimate wherein the background score is contemporary with its light piano, delicate fiddle and deep bass. 'International' is a fusion of oriental strains in the strings and the background female vocals set to a contemporary beat. 'Lately (Dreamin' about Babies)' has tender touching lyrics set to modern arrangements.
The flip side starts with some crazy guitar riffs which melt into a superb contemporary pop dance track as the tender tenor turns raw as he rocks you with the 'Power Of Love'. The mellifluous malleable tenor voice then flows into a great duet with Kathy Mattea 'Somewhere'. 'All Of Me' is a peek into the soul and what one has to offer. 'In The Hands Of Jesus' is R&B influenced with Bob baring his soul. The offering closes with a bonus track, 'Father's Love'. However this time around the background music is classical orchestra.
This album follows close on his 1997 mega-selling album, Butterfly Kisses. He has another winner here with lyrics and melodies which will touch a raw nerve as it exposes you to God's Love.
MC distributed in India Y-Music, Pune (020) 4262103, Mumbai - Salvation Seva Kendra 4303626, and all Christian book shops.