Jason GrayAcoustic Storytime
There is something totally pure about a singer using nothing but his vocals and instrument of choice to perform for an audience and for the Lord. Jason Gray‘s instrument of choice is a guitar and his project ushers in rich, humble and pure worship for his listeners. Opening up with “Down the River” he sings of surrendering to “something bigger” than us all. What a cleansing experience it is to finally surrender to God totally. Next Gray moves to live tracks where he speaks of being one of a few acoustic artists on a roster but as he performs “This Far” he connects with the audience with ease from the first stroke of his guitar. Through briefly sharing his thoughts and testimony of overcoming stuttering, traveling the country and so on he then connects with the audience even deeper. Other songs to check out are the upbeat “I’m Not Going Down” and the pensive and whimsical love song “If I Were a Dog” there is nothing like the unconditional love from a dog. Smile Acoustic Storytime is a great project of purity from the man singing with his guitar. To learn more about Jason Gray log on to www.myspace.com/jasongraymusic


Various ArtistsBeautiful Faith
A project filled with a collection of uplifting songs sung by 13 women who have been great contributors to Christian music for many years. Beautiful Faith will not only be a CD but there are plans to host Beautiful Faith seminars and concerts to promote the concept of a ministry designed for women. Opening with Angela Michael’s “These Hands” the upbeat track speaks of hands that lift up grace and a heart that glorifies God. A great sentiment for us all. Next is Larissa Lam’s “Listen to Our Hearts” and the crystallized vocals of Lam shine on this track that was a standard for Stephen Curtis Chapman. Jill Welch, a cancer survivor performs the heartfelt “Seeds” which hauntingly speaks of the redemption that Christ paid for us upon his death of the cross and how when we fly to that place and see him face to face we want to hear the words “well done”. The ballad heavy CD could have used some faster tracks but other than that it’s a beautiful project. Other tracks to check out are Rachanee’s “Ordinary Girl”, Bree Nobel’s “Impossibly Beautiful” and Hoi’s “Shine for Me.” Check out this project for yourself at www.beautifulfaith.org


Deborah Hightower Her Name is Deborah
On the sophomore release from this artist, Hightower gives her listeners a basic project that highlights her true love for God. The opening track “Jesus, Savior” comes across a bit shrill on the high notes but the message of the tune is a great one. Singing of Jesus revealing a sweet spirit and being with her Deborah declares that Jesus is truly her Savior. While on most of Hightower’s Soprano offerings her vocals are fragile, it’s on her lower tunes such as “If You Need a Miracle” and “I Turn to You” two of my favorite tracks on the CD, that a rich quality comes through. The ballad heavy project could have also used a few up-tempo tunes however overall Her Name is Deborah is a solid project. To learn more about this artist log on to www.deborahightower.com