Mick@Sparrow

Tim Hughes Holding Nothing Back on New CD in Stores April 3

Tim Hughes, the artist-worshiper and two-time Dove Award winner best known for writing the current #1 CCLI song, "Here I Am to Worship," will release his third album, HOLDING NOTHING BACK, on April 3 via Sparrow Records.

"Worship is about surrender, holding nothing back and giving all of ourselves to the One who gave His everything for us," Hughes says in describing the theme of his new album. The set is led by first single "Happy Day" and also includes "The Highest and the Greatest," "Clinging to the Cross," and "Almighty God" among others.

Hughes led select worship sessions and seminars at the recent Passion 07 conference and is well respected among worship leaders and artists. Presently, 40 million people sing "Here I Am to Worship" each week in thousands of churches worldwide according to the CCLI church performance monitoring system. The song has also been popularized in recordings by Michael W. Smith and others. Another act, By the Tree, reached #2 on the Christian adult contemporary radio chart with a version of the Hughes song "Beautiful One."

HOLDING NOTHING BACK is the follow-up to 2004's WHEN SILENCE FALLS about which CCM magazine wrote, "Hughes has succeeded in bringing his listeners somewhere special." Worship Leader magazine said the project "consolidates the young UK singer and songwriter's reputation as one of the most accessible and accomplished artists in today's worship arena."

Stay tuned to SparrowRecords.com  and TimHughesMusic.com for developing details on HOLDING NOTHING BACK.

TobyMac Brings the Party on PORTABLE SOUNDS

TobyMac talks with ChristianMusicToday.com this week about his new album, PORTABLE SOUNDS, in stores everywhere February 20 via ForeFront/EMI. Describing his latest mix of feel-good rock, rap, and pop faith jams, Toby says, "If there's anything we're short of in Christian music, it's a party."

Fans know TobyMac will also offer a strong dose of spiritual depth on PORTABLE SOUNDS just as he did on his gold-selling predecessors MOMENTUM and WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY.

"The biggest fight we have as musicians is to wake up in the morning and go to the studio or your piano or your guitar and truly believe that God can move something through you that moves people-connects with them, challenges them, causing them to dialog about who God is," he says. "I really believe that can still happen . . . that's how I believe we'll stay relevant."

Read TobyMac's complete interview with ChristianMusicToday.com here.

Pre-order PORTABLE SOUNDS via iTunes and get immediate access to the #1 single "Made to Love."

Pre-order PORTABLE SOUNDS at PortableSounds.tv and receive a cool TobyMac wristband.

In related news, HearItFirst.com users are receiving a free TobyMac song download this week.

Five Questions with Chris Tomlin

Minnesota's St. Paul Pioneer Press recently interviewed artist-worshiper Chris Tomlin prior to his local appearance on the How Great Is Our God Tour for a story called "Five Questions with Mr. Hymn."

"Tomlin's songs are sung more often in U.S. churches than any other contemporary artist," the newspaper reports. "His catchy, acoustic guitar-driven Christian rock songs such as "Famous One," "We Fall Down," "Forever," and "Holy Is the Lord" are sung by millions of Christians who attend contemporary worship services every Sunday."

Answering a question about this huge response to his efforts, Tomlin says, "It so overwhelms me that God uses these simple little songs of mine, that he uses somebody like me, who is far from perfect or having it all together."
 
The Pioneer Press later reported on the concert: "Rolling through one hit after another, Tomlin and his band's tight, power-packed performance was a testament to the power of God's music to move the masses. The crowd drowned out Tomlin on many of the songs, shouting out the lyrics, arms thrown skyward in praise and hands clapping to the beat."

The How Great Is Our God Tour also features a spoken message from Passion worship conferences founder Louie Giglio and a performance by Matt Redman. Learn more at ChrisTomlin.com.

Worship leaders and other musicians will also want to check out the new special edition songbook for Tomlin's Grammy nominated album, SEE THE MORNING. Click here for more details.

Chris Tomlin Special Edition Songbook

The See The Morning Special Edition Songbook includes Sheet Music, Chord Charts, Overhead Text Masters, Stories Behind the Songs plus NEW and EXCLUSIVE Acoustic Guitar Tab Transcriptions for all the songs on See The Morning plus the 5 bonus songs on the special edition CD.

The Special Edition CD includes 4 additional recordings...acoustic versions of "Made To Worship", "How Can I Keep From Singing" and Chris' classic song "Enough", a raw, original demo of the never recorded song. "Over Me", plus a video feature interview with Chris and his producer, Ed Cash talking about the songs and making the record!

Get the Special Edition Songbook here.

Switchfoot’s OH! GRAVITY Tour Begins Feb. 13

Just back from a sold-out concert run through Europe, Switchfoot begins the 41-city Oh! Gravity Tour of the United States and Canada on February 13 with another sold-out show at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California.

Fans looking forward to a local Switchfoot appearance can actually vote online now for the songs they'd like to hear when the five-man band comes to their town.

Posting at Switchfoot.com, lead singer Jon Foreman writes, "As a way of saying, ‘thank you!' to everyone who has joined into the conversation with our music over the years we're going to be openly democratic about our set-list. So pick a song any song and we'll see what happens. If something's not on the list, you can still vote for it, we'll learn it if we can!"

Indeed, Switchfoot has a knack for surprising cover tunes; the band recently turned heads with its creative rendition of "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce.

Of course, concertgoers will want to hear the band's breakthrough hits "Meant to Live" and "Dare You to Move" as well as hit-bound songs from the hugely acclaimed new album, OH! GRAVITY, such as the frenetic title track, the full-throttle rock of "American Dream," and the melodic anthems "Awakening" and "Head Over Heels (In This Life)."

Media reviews for OH! GRAVITY suggest the album is Switchfoot's best to date:

"This is an outstanding record in every sense," writes the Associated Press.

"OH! GRAVITY (is) a sparkling, focused album bursting at the seams with giant hooks and even bigger ideas," says Alternative Press.

Drum Magazine declares, "This perhaps more than any other Switchfoot album showcases the band's range and talent for tightening its grip on the alt rock/pop mainstream mantle."

"OH! GRAVITY is a triumph for this band and should be enough to prove that Switchfoot is more than a passing phase or a one hit wonder," says Outburn.

Get a Move On with TobyMac’s PORTABLE SOUNDS e-card

"We've got portable sounds to lift you up; portable sounds to take you higher." Get the full scoop on TobyMac's new PORTABLE SOUNDS album, in stores February 20, at http://www.portablesounds.tv/.

There you'll launch a new e-card that includes a pop-up player with multiple skins, a MySpace theme generator, and nine behind-the-scenes videos Toby filmed especially for PORTABLE SOUNDS. There's also a stylin' pre-order deal that includes a free wristband.

Following up his gold albums MOMENTUM and WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY, PORTABLE SOUNDS is sure to excite listeners. In addition to the island and urban flavors of the #1 single "Made to Love," the set features bombastic funk and hip-rock on "Boomin'," the soulful throwback of "One World," and a pop/worship anthem in "Lose My Soul" featuring Kirk Franklin and American Idol finalist Mandisa.

The Portable Sounds Tour kicks off March 15. Check out the concert dates at http://www.tobymac.com/.

"Worship Not Just About Songs" Says Matt Redman

From "The Heart of Worship" to "Blessed Be Your Name," Matt Redman has written some of today's most popular worship hits. But in an interview with ChristianMusicToday.com, while discussing his acclaimed new album, BEAUTIFUL NEWS, the British musician says that what he does is about more than a song.

"When we lift up the name of Jesus in worship, it overflows into evangelism. My hope is this new album might do that," he tells the site. "With a song like ‘Beautiful News' where Christians can celebrate the gospel, I hope it might also speak truth to those who don't know Christ. But remember, worship is not just about songs. It's our lives, so one of the main ways our worship to God can shine in this world is through lives lived out in service and devotion."
 
Back in December, ChristianMusicToday.com compared the sound of BEAUTIFUL NEWS to acts including Coldplay and Tree63 and gave the project a near-perfect rating of 4.5 stars, declaring:

"It's not often that a worship album provides a consistent theme through most all of the songs, but BEAUTIFUL NEWS delivers a stirring message of hope for a troubled world, revitalizing Matt Redman's sound and songwriting in the process-his best original album in years."

BEAUTIFUL NEWS was produced by Doubledutch (TobyMac, Mat Kearney). The set features collaborations with Delirious? frontman Martin Smith ("Take It to the Streets," "All Over the World") and the popular first radio single "You Never Let Go." Learn more and spread the news with this e-card.

David Crowder*Band Keeps the Beat at Hot Hearts Event

David Crowder*Band returned to its roots over the weekend in a concert for more than 4,000 teens and adults at the annual Hot Hearts worship event at First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. That's where Crowder grew up and discovered his interest in musical performance thanks to an inspiring youth minister.

"He was willing to put some kids up there and let us have a good time," Crowder told the Texarkana Gazette. "Who knew it would turn out to be something I was interested in and be able to do for a long time."

Indeed, David Crowder*Band has become one of the most commercially and critically acclaimed Christian music acts in recent years. Debuting in 2001, the six-man group has since opened tours for Michael W. Smith, Third Day, and MercyMe and has gone on to become a headliner in its own right. In the wake of its recent hit album, A COLLISION, the band was voted 2006 Artist of the Year at MSN.com over the likes of Christina Aguilera and Kenny Chesney.

Despite the escalating success, the group's goal remains exactly the same.

"It's really simple, and it might sound like we're over-simplifying it, but it's just church music to us," says Crowder. "We try to be in the middle of a roomful of people and express ourselves to God. It just feels like a natural thing to do. Music is how we are put together and how we bring people together."

Read the complete Texarkana Gazette story here.

Up next, David Crowder*Band continues work on its next studio album that is scheduled to release later this year. Popular Christian music site JesusFreakHideout.com lists it among the 25 New Projects We're Plain Stoked About and says, "Why can't all worship music be this artful and worshipful? Crowder gives us plenty to be excited about for 2007."

Also online: www.myspace.com/davidcrowderband

GIFTED: SEASON ONE in Stores February 20

In stores February 20, Sparrow Records will release GIFTED: SEASON ONE on CD and DVD in association with the popular TBN Christian music talent search program of the same name.

The "Gifted" television show highlights eight aspiring singers who stood out among 16,000 hopefuls. Hosted by Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell, contestants vied for a recording contract with EMI Christian Music Group. The panel of judges includes EMICMG Publishing president, record label veteran, and former performing artist Eddie DeGarmo, gospel music legend Andrae Crouch, and Stryper lead singer Michael Sweet.

On CD, GIFTED features ten performances of well-known Christian pop and worship hits by the show's finalists, including two from season one winner Da'Quela Payne ("I Will Find A Way" and "Here I Am To Worship"). Other songs performed on the set are "Blessed Be Your Name," "Forever," "His Strength Is Perfect," "Take You Back," "In the Light," "Strong Enough," and "How Great Is Our God."

A single from the disc, "Amazing Love (You Are My King)," showcases all eight finalists and is now playing at Christian radio stations around the country.

On DVD, GIFTED includes three hours of programming consisting of the two-hour television special (with performances by Littrell) and behind the scenes bonus footage.

Click here for more exciting details.

Steven Curtis Chapman Loves His Family Jam

"I got a band of teenagers, and I'm having the time of my life," says five-time GRAMMY Award winner Steven Curtis Chapman about his headlining gig on the 2007 Winter Jam Tour Spectacular with a back-up group that includes his sons Caleb (17) and Will Franklin (15) on guitar and drums respectively.

More accustomed to performing his own two-hour concert events instead of being part of a multi-artist traveling festival, Chapman told the Cincinnati Post that he jumped at the chance to play a nightly 40-minute set with his sons on the Winter Jam Tour.

"I've dreamt about someday taking my sons on tour with me," he explained. "There is an energy and passion that I don't think I've had on stage for 15 years."

Beyond the music, Chapman wants this special opportunity to send another message. "I hope it says something cool to a lot of kids and dads about what families can be and should be. Certainly we haven't done everything perfectly. Just interview my boys and they will tell you. But this has been a great relationship builder for us to work together."

To learn more about the father-son onstage dynamics, read the entire Cincinnati Post feature here.

Elsewhere, Indiana's Fort Wayne Journal Gazette recently interviewed Chapman about balancing faith, fame, and family.

"When I get home, my wife says, ‘I know they love you because you sing, but today I'll love you if you take the trash out,'" he tells the paper.

Read that fun and humbling story here.

Next up, Chapman will continue tracking a new studio album scheduled for release later this year. In a feature on noteworthy 2007 releases leading site JesusFreakHideout.com names the forthcoming set among its Top 25 "projects we're plain stoked about."

"This man is one of Christian music's greatest songwriters, so it's a bit tough not to get excited about anything he puts his hands to," writes editor John DiBiase. "So far Chapman's just been getting better with age, so we're quite interested to see what direction Steven Curtis will be going in musically."

TobyMac #1 @ iTunes; PORTABLE SOUNDS in Stores Feb. 20

Following two gold certified albums (MOMENTUM and WELCOME TO DIVERSE CITY), TobyMac is back on February 20 with his third solo set, PORTABLE SOUNDS. First single "Made to Love" is currently the #1 song at Christian Hit Radio stations and the top downloaded Christian track at iTunes.

If you pre-order PORTABLE SOUNDS right now through iTunes, you'll get immediate access to "Made to Love," followed by the full album download on street date, plus a bonus acoustic song, a behind-the-scenes video, and other cool extras.

PORTABLE SOUNDS is sure to delight and surprise listeners. TobyMac said, "Passion for my art drives me so long as I feel the Most High breathing new songs through me. I committed on this project that when writing and recording I will never rely on what has worked in the past and never fear what hasn't. The canvas is blank and the colors are endless."

In addition to the island and urban flavors of "Made to Love," PORTABLE SOUNDS features the bombastic funk and hip-rock of "Boomin'," the soulful throwback of "One World," and a pop/worship anthem in "Lose My Soul" featuring Kirk Franklin and American Idol finalist Mandisa.

TobyMac will launch the Portable Sounds Tour on March 15 with special guests Thousand Foot Krutch, Building 429, and Family Force 5. Check the concert dates and developing information about PORTABLE SOUNDS at http://www.tobymac.com/.

Vicky Beeching Joins Delirious? Tour, Unveils New Album

Coinciding with a special guest slot on the Delirious?/Rebecca St. James Worship Revolution Tour this spring, British worship artist Vicky Beeching will release PAINTING THE INVISIBLE, her second album with Sparrow Records, on April 3.

Vicky stood out from a pack of new artists last year as a graduate of England's prestigious Oxford University. CCM magazine editor Jay Swartzendruber said, "If you haven't heard her debut, YESTERDAY, TODAY & FOREVER, you're missing out. The modern worship gem would be a unique complement to any CD library. Beeching's worshipful art is immediately accessible-think thought-provoking pop."

PAINTING THE INVISIBLE was produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman) and Nathan Nockels (Passion) and is led by the just-released radio single, "Join the Song." Other tracks on the project include future single "Hallelujah, What a Savior," "You Have Won My Heart," and "The Wonder of the Cross."

Explaining the new album's unique title, Vicky said, "Trying to describe the Eternal using earthly words is like trying to scoop up the whole ocean into the palm of your hand. Yet, we joyfully struggle for words and continue on our worshipful quest of expressing the inexpressible; describing the indescribable; pronouncing the unspeakable; painting the invisible."

For developing news and forthcoming concert dates, check out www.myspace.com/vickybeeching.

Switchfoot Covers Beyonce Hit

As if there were any questions left about how diverse Switchfoot could get following rave reviews for the band's dynamic new disc, OH! GRAVITY, the multi-platinum San Diego rock act takes its talent another step further with a cool rendition of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" now playing at Yahoo.com.

The unique performance choice is part of Yahoo's ongoing CoverArt^TM series sponsored by Pepsi. Other recent participants have included Daughtry covering U2 and Matisyahu covering a classic by The Police. Switchfoot's fresh take on the Beyonce hit is full of great musical surprises. Watch the guys rock it here.

For the complete lowdown on OH! GRAVITY ("An outstanding record in every sense," writes the Associated Press), including five exclusive interviews, audio samples, and upcoming U.S. tour dates (many already sold out), visit Switchfoot's page at HearItFirst.com.

Win an Autographed Guitar from Chris Tomlin!

Subscribers to the free service HearItFirst.com have an exciting new contest to enter. The popular Christian music site will give away one Taylor acoustic guitar personally signed by the industry's 2006 Artist of the Year and current GRAMMY nominee Chris Tomlin.

The contest runs from January 31 through March 6, and you can enter once per day to increase the odds of coming away with that guitar in your hands. Register here.

At the site, you'll also get links to Tomlin's HearItFirst "firsts" interview, where he recalls his first job, first car, first time as a worship leader, etc. There's also a great page for the MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE MOTION PICTURE AMAZING GRACE, featuring his new version of "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)."

Next up, Chris headlines the How Great Is Our God Tour with Passion founder Louie Giglio and sixstepsrecords label mate Matt Redman. Check the concert dates and get complete information about his GRAMMY nominated new album, SEE THE MORNING, at http://www.christomlin.com/.

Delirious? Voted Among Best Bands of 2006

British rock/worship act Delirious? has achieved a rare triple-play of honors at ChristianMusicToday.com. In addition to placement among the year's Best Albums (THE MISSION BELL) and DVDs (NOW IS THE TIME), the editors of the industry-leading site are now calling the quintet one of the Best Bands of 2006.

"Delirious? has shown remarkable consistency in the ten years since their major label debut, and seem as energized as ever with last year's release of THE MISSION BELL," the site reports. "Few Christian bands sound as authoritative as this one does, and you can see it in the first class production of NOW IS THE TIME. That they can pull it off for the sake of worship is all the more impressive. These guys aren't done yet-not by a long shot."

Indeed, Delirious? is gearing up for another very busy year. The band has just announced plans for the Worship Revolution Tour of the United States with Rebecca St. James and Vicky Beeching that will run March 15 through April 12. And you can read more about the group's other plans for 2007 in this lengthy exclusive InfuzeMag.com interview with Delirious? bass player Jon Thatcher.