Celebrate Grace
Celebrate Grace
© 2006 Thomas Whalen & Others (877569002277)
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Celebrate Grace combines blues, praise and pop with a bit of Celtic flavoring. Throw in some Randy Travis, a little Point of Grace, a dash of Neil Young and the Beach Boys, and dollop of the Chieftains and you have the recipe for Celebrate Grace.
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Celebrate Grace is as diverse an assortment of musicians as you’ll ever see together. Classically trained grandmothers play along side self-taught rockers, mothers sing with daughters, and college kids harmonize with forty-somethings. They all come together to create a blend of original, Scripture-inspired music.
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A very pleasant discovery
author: Daniel O'ConnorI happened across this band in a Google search for Celtic music. While only two pieces fit the category I was searching for, I consider this CD to be quite a find. What makes it a find for me is that it is a breath of fresh air in the repetitive world of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). I used to listen to my local Christian station all the time, but it has ceased to challenge me. On Celebrate Grace, the lyrics are energetic, invigorating, and well crafted; while the music constantly challenges the listener. It is much like the weather here in New England, if you don’t like what you are hearing right now, wait a few moments and it will change. While some may consider that to be a detractor, I consider it to be a huge asset; like a ride down a country road with constantly changing vistas. You can’t get bored. The composer or co-composer of all of the pieces on Celebrate Grace is Tom Whalen. Looking at the band’s website and at his biography, the man has traveled a lot and you can hear the influences from the various regions he has lived. The Celtic songs (Wake Up and Irish Blessing) obviously stem from that Irish surname, but you can hear much of rock and pop music distilled in his writing. Unlike much of what you hear on Christian radio these days, it delivers a message of faith and hope without drumming it into your head a few dozen times. The only exception is on the opening track where various combinations of band members chant “Come Holy Spirit” at various times throughout the piece. Even that is done with enough variation that is it not monotonous. For me there were four gems on this CD. The first comes with “Let’s Go to the House of the Lord.” The singer sounds a bit like Randy Travis, but the band is classic blues and Gospel. The final minute or so is just a party praising God. It will have you tapping your feet and humming along. Then there is “Faith.” The guitar tone sounds like it was lifted right off of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” while the vocals feel like they were sung by some California surfers. It may be a bit short, clocking in a 2:26, but it is a well crafted piece with a nice hook that stays with you. My favorite is “Saved by Grace.” The three female singers intertwine their voices in layers of harmony while the piano and violin add a lushness that one only finds in classical music. The guitar, bass and drum join in for the second verse only to drop out during a piano solo and then return for the finale. The imagery and the arrangement send shivers through me. Finally closing out the CD, “Go Forth” is a powerful male/female duet that challenges the Christian to act on Jesus’ great commission, to “go forth and spread the good news.” The lead guitar drives the piece and the band provides a solid foundation for the singers and their message. In an earlier review, Mr. Murphy stated that the production is at times uneven, which is true. But for me it feels like a production from the Sixties with all the raw energy characteristic of that era. The guitars and violin soar, the piano soothes and voices blend into a delightful mix of pop, rock, praise, gospel and Celtic influences. This work is well worth your time and money.
"Something for every musical taste."
author: Laura Principato"Wow! Sounds like you guys have quite a band. This CD offers something for every musical taste."
Loved It!
author: Harriet BuchananYa know, in spite of my being "not religious" and "never listen to the words" kind of person, I find myself enjoying this CD enormously...and actually listening to the words, as well as the instrumental parts. I'm a bit surprised at myself. You guys have done a terrific job!
A Solid Debut from a Promising New band
author: Ben murphyAt times the joy of this Spokane-based band is worn on their sleeve, and at other times it is more subtle. Even when the music turns a bit dark, there is an element of hope. The diversity of the vocalists (six different members of the band contribute or share a lead vocal on twelve tracks) and the style of the songs will challenge and inspire the listener. The result is a spiritually uplifting musical journey. The journey begins with the soft sound of a wind chime and builds to a call to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength (”Come, Holy Spirit”). The band then rejoices in two Psalm inspired songs. “House of the Lord” is a blues/Gospel celebration of faith, while “Wake Up” turns Psalm 57 into a Celtic song of praise. The Doubting Thomas story is joyfully revisited on “Faith” as the band sounds like 60’s California surfers. Then an interesting exploration of God’s Grace begins. The title track reflects on John 3:16 and the grace of the Savior. “Cry to the Lord” expresses the pain and doubt of modern life while calling on God for mercy and strength. It ends with a verse of hope. That hope is reinforced on “Saved by Grace” as lush female harmonies revel in the wonders of creation. On “Shout Hallelujah,” the voice of the Psalmist again praises the Lord. And finally an old Bible camp song is updated on “Jesus, Oh Jesus.” The CD ends with a joyful trilogy. On “We are Receiving,” the band sings praise to the Trinity. Then a traditional Irish blessing is sung as a benediction and immediately segues into “Go Forth,” a rousing plea to minister with “grace and faith and love.” While the production isn’t perfect, the musicianship and the material is inspired. Several performances sparkle. Teresa Blankenship on violin, Jim Scollard on lead guitar, and Elaine Stephens on piano are noteworthy. Tom Wichman reminds one of Randy Travis, while Monica Zhang, Judy Ottoson and Janna Nicholson could easily be mistaken for Point of Grace. Celebrate Grace is a CD that will return to your player time and again as a source of inspiration and hope.