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music
Stephanie Smith
Not Afraid | 3 stars out of 5
Christian music is almost a decade removed from an era where it seemed afraid to let women rock. From Jennifer Knapp (Where have you gone?) to Fireflight's Dawn Richardson and the BarlowGirls and Superchicks in between, the Christian market has gotten used to hearing a woman's voice in front of a hail of guitars, to the point that it doesn't make headlines.
So why is Stephanie Smith a headline?
First: She was spotted by Gotee Records impresario Toby McKeehan — you might know him as TobyMac. In the past, the man has spotted acts such as Knapp, Family Force 5 and Grits, so if he's interested, you want to give it a listen. That would lead to second: He put a lot of support behind her. At least, that's what her debut, Not Afraid, sounds like.
Jamie Moore's production is a collection of high-energy anthems seemingly perfectly tailored to launch Smith into the summer festival season, where she'll be a big presence at events such as June's Ichthus Festival in Wilmore. Smith sounds ready for it with a voice warm enough for the Miley Cyrus crowd but strong enough to draw in the fist-pumpers waiting for Skillet.
If there's a weakness here, it's in material. Some of the opening tracks, such as Beauty and Superstar, feel like they've been done before, both in title and execution. The album starts showing artistic maturity in grittier rockers such as Over It and the reflective ballad What If I Made a Mistake? With a winning first effort and clear label support, Smith should enjoy success this go-round and time to grow.
RICH COPLEY, rcopley@herald-leader.com
Bethany Dillon
So Far: The Acoustic Sessions
It's been a busy spring for Christian singer-songwriter Bethany Dillon. In March, she got married and released In Christ Alone: Hymns of Worship, a collaboration with Matt Hammit of Sanctus Real.
Last month saw the launch of Dillon's fourth solo LP, So Far: The Acoustic Sessions, which expands on last year's online-only EP of the same name.
Both titles offer fresh creative takes on oft-played singles like All I Need and Beautiful. Dillon also seeks to replicate the feel of ”what happens in my room at 2 a.m.,“ through quiet, contemplative versions of Hallelujah and The Kingdom.
Producers Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks make sure that the 10-track LP is more than a ”girl with guitar“ release, complementing Dillon's distinctive alto with piano, cello and mandolin, plus guitar, percussion and vocals.
The one misfire is the sparse cover of the Beatles' classic We Can Work It Out, which would have benefited from the fuller arrangements accorded to terrific cuts like Dreamer and When You Love Someone.
Helen Daly, The Dallas Morning News
Clint Brown
Fall Like Rain
It's probably not often that the pastor of a 6,000-member megachurch is referred to as a ”blue-eyed soul singer.“ Then again, there aren't many pastors with the voice and background of Clint Brown releasing CDs.
The three-time Dove Award nominee and pastor of Faith World Church in Orlando, Fla., has released his 17th CD, Fall Like Rain, and it's already burning up the charts. If Brown weren't a gospel preacher, he probably would have no problem earning a decent living as an R&B crooner.
Among his legion of fans are legends Natalie Cole and R&B producer Rodney Jerkins, and one of the hit singles from Fall Like Rain — I'm Forgiven — includes a hook from an Earth, Wind & Fire classic. With more than 300 compositions, however, Brown is an entrenched gospel performer.
Rain features the former gas pipeline worker's soulful, raspy voice — think a gospel version of Joe Cocker — and easily moves listeners into a full-scale worship and praise moment.
The title of the 16-track project will naturally evoke thoughts of gentleness, but with Brown's moving vocals, listeners will be flooded with a full range of joyful emotions.
Selwyn Crawford, The Dallas MOrning News
WEB
www.housechurchresource.org
This site is one of many that offers information about the house church movement, in which Christians share leadership and gather in homes or other informal places to worship, study and visit.
To learn more about the concept, start by reading ”Finding Organic Church“ under the What's New heading. If that's not enough, the site suggests dozens of resources — books, articles, audio links. To find a house church or church planter in your area, submit contact information through the site. Even those not interested in joining the movement might be interested in the Ex-Pastors Section, with essays by former ministers on why they left the pulpit and suggestions for new careers (real estate agent, dog walker, car salesman, teacher).
Tyra Damm, The Dallas Morning News
