Born to Play Barry D

Playing the piano without any formal lessons at the tender age of eight, Barry D proves that God given talent needs no training. On his sophomore follow-up to the Dove Award winning "Handprint" D. delivers a project that is smooth and should serve notice that he can serve up the goods the second time around. Full of lush jazz and funk driven rhythms this is a pop in your car stereo and take a long drive CD. Putting his own spin on the standard "God of Wonders" D. states in a recent press release "When you grasp hold of that truth, you can't do anything other than just stand in awe of Him and cry." Well this project won't make you cry while it's a little slow on some tunes I'm sure we can listen to it in awe and enjoy it real easy. To learn more about Barry D log on to www.taqarecordsusa.com

The Song Within Phil Keaggy

Making an acoustic guitar speak beautifully has been the trademark sound of any Phil Keaggy CD and this one is no exception. Opening with the honky-tonk yet hauntingly beautiful track 'Water Day", Keaggy stokes the McPhearson guitar that has become his standard instrument of choice, with such clear precision that it makes the average listener wonder..."How does he do that?" On track after track he gives us that pure quality of sound and you can hear each stoke of the strings clearly and fluidly. Listening to this project it is easy to see why he has been named one of the 100 Greatest Guitarist of the 20th Century by Musician Magazine. I'm sure many guitarists want to be just like him when they grow up but in reality there is only one Keaggy...only one master. Keep up the good work and I will keep listening. To learn more about Phil Keaggy log on to www.philkeaggy.com

Christmas SongsJars of Clay

For over 12 years Jars of Clay has been giving us good music and now their first Christmas project "Christmas Songs" is exactly what we would expect from this stellar group...good music. Filled with their twists on such classics as "Wonderful Christmas Time", "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and my favorite "Christmas Time is Here", Dan Haseltine and the guys deliver a simple rock-based and heart-touching rendition of each tune. They also add a few songs that they pinned themselves with "The Gift of St. Cecilia" and "Winter Skin" to name a few. Although the CD could have used a few up-tempo songs...even "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" seems to drag, this is a strong project and should be a Christmas classic for all Jars of Clay fans. Check out Jars of Clay at www.jarsofclay.com