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PRESS, REVIEWS, & BLURBS: Congregational-friendly worship that's reminiscent of Matt Redman, Coldplay, Death Ending Is Beginning again demonstrates the band's deft balance of artistry and ministry with songs that reveal new depths in music and lyricism.Their best album so far? In many ways, yes, though each Downhere album has had its share of pop/rock highpoints. At the very least, Ending Is Beginning further cements the band's place in Christian music for their artful expressions of our faith. Downhere has hit their stride with this album, and assuming that their following continues to grow, it appears that we can expect continued excellence from them for years to come. Pop/R&B singer/songwriter Michael Warren was in Nashville finishing up tracks for a new CD, due out this month. Bass and drums were cut at Bletchley Park Studios; all other tracks were cut at producer Stephen Gause's home studio, Invertigo Productions. Gause produced and co-engineered with Jimmy Jernigan The eleven-track long album is a cavalcade of smashhits and a lovely production….. Just listen to a song like "Beautiful" and "Just Friends". The album’s title track, “Only Chance,” really shows off a deep-South sound. The beat is a real foot-stompin’, Robert-Johnson-dragging-himself-through-the-crossroads sound mixed with today’s pop. The raw vocals and lyrics pull the eclectic single together.A pop sound reminiscent of Maroon 5 and Gaven DeGraw breaks out on the single “Gone.” The song has the potential of becoming a radio theme song for cautious lovers everywhere. “Love Takes Time” shows off Kale’s vocals. It’s a mixture of R&B and pop. There’s definitely a Justin Timberlake, Brian McKnight influence to the single. The song was recently released as a BMI showcase single. Paul Reeve's "Winter's Over" is a solid collection of heartfelt Brit-infused pop that seamlessly mixes faith and life experiences with compassion and hope, tying it all together with the sweeping melodies of guitars and keyboards.The biggest compliment I think I can give is the soothing calmness that washed over me the first time I listened to the album on my way home from a rough day at work. To me, that speaks volumes. The rapid-fire lyrics of Jason Mraz, the acoustic honesty of Ryan Adams, and the looping artistry of Howie Day; Cathartic songs that will live on in your head, your heart, and your throat. Acoustic soul brewed pop from Nashville…..Means has that Berklee sound in which pop flirts with jazz. The guitar licks are tasty, the rhythm section has a percolating groove, and Means uses his phlemgy tenor to caress his sensitive, romantic lyrics, occasionally jumping into a falsetto note unexpectedly. P.W. Gopal produces Christian rock melodies. They have an inspirational jet stream flowing through the emotive vocal currents and a pop/rock ambience in the music compositions. P.W.’s rich vocal timbres have warmth in their caresses with a likeness to Edwin McCain and Dean Taylor, drizzled by specks of country tones in the lap steel and rootsy bluegrass shakers and rattles trailing beside rock rhythms of the acoustic guitar strums and swigs of drum swells. The songs have a sage-like quality, conveying tales about everyday struggles tooling an uplifting spring in the vocal deliverance. P.W.’s voice projects pain and suffering and a spirit that rises above the torment. Before returning to school in Fall 2002, Laura recorded her debut solo album in Nashville, TN, under producer Stephen Gause. This highly anticipated project truly showcases Laura’s talents as a songwriter and musician was independently released in November 2002. 'Monster with Flower'. This is a great new 11 song project recorded in Nashville with producer Stephen Gause and engineered by Dave Hall. You will definitely end up wanting this release. Brandon Walden's 'Plenty of Room'. Staff pick. Creative guidance from producer, Stephen Gause paid off on this blissful project, as it floats along evenly, illuminating only what’s needed to keep each song pure and tasteful. "Kanon caught my attention right from the first listen...everyone of the ten exquisite tracks is a winner. Kanon's music is pleasing to the ear and nourishing to the spirit. Easily one of the finest, freshest projects. I've heard in the past year." Produced by Stephen Gause, Kanon offers a fresh voice and moving melodies in an impressive debut. Origami's eponymous debut is modern pop at its absolute best: melodic vocals and harmonies, luscious guitars, songs rife with musical hooks, interesting arrangements, and impassioned lyrics. Did we mention how beautiful and edifying the CD is? You'd think the big boys would have snatched up all of the indie acts that have proven to be hot propterty by now. Not so. There are several artists who've been around the block , yet still remain indies. Barring any desire to stay that way (and I whole-heartedly respect that decision), I fail to see why many artists aren't already household names in this business....An artist who fills the bill is Stephen Gause & the Sol Gratis Project, returning with Beautiful Time. This modern melodic excursion reiterates the band's ability to make potent pop that rocks and sticks to one's soul. Along with frontman Gause, the group ecompasses Jars of Clay's Aaron Sands, ex-Plumber Matt Stanfield and Sarah Jahn/She Daisy drummer Ben Phillips, all Nashville session aces and Belmont University alumni who surely know their craft.
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