the Lighthouse
vol2#4  Shining Light on Today's Christian Music  April 1993

GLENN KAISER/DARRELL MANSFIELD
Most people are familiar with Glenn Kaiser through his position as a 
founding member of REZ BAND, one of Christian rock's earliest forays 
into the heavy metal arena.  What a lot of people may not realize, 
however, is he has a great love of blues music.
This love started back when he was a teenager.  His family split up 
when he was nine, and he ended up living in Milwaukee with his mother.  
He started getting involved in music, and was playing guitar and 
singing in his first band by the time he was thirteen.  When he was 
fifteen, a new station came across his radio, playing only blues, 
rhythm and blues, and soul music.  That was all he listened to for 
several years.  When he was eighteen, he accepted Christ, and 
eventually became involved with Jesus People USA (known as JPUSA for 
short.)  REZ BAND is an outreach of  JPUSA where Kaiser is also 
pastor.
What appealed to him then, and still does now, is the ring of 
reality about blues music.  "As I and many before me have said, blues 
is typically about truth,"  Kaiser wrote recently.  "It is a style of 
music that is down-to-earth, unpretentious.  It is about sadness, it 
at times laughs at the situation, and it usually shrugs and says, 
'Like it or not, that's the way it is.'  I love the potential for 
reality in that."
He went on to add, "There are a lot of folks who don't want to know 
about the blues any longer.  They've suffered poverty, discrimination, 
racism and exploitation far beyond anything I have.  Blues is a 
reminder.  They want to forget.  That's understandable.  But it's 
pretty interesting that the largest topical category in the book of 
Psalms is songs of 'lament' (57 of 100).  God truly knows our plight.  
Peter and the writer of Hebrews both remind us; 'Here we have no 
continuing city...we ARE strangers and aliens in this world.' 
[Emphasis added.]  It's a fallen world, a hard world, yet a world 
without hope.  That hope is Jesus Christ!"
Fortunately, some others in the Christian community seem to be in 
agreement with Kaiser about blues music, as evidenced by the 
proliferation of blues and blues-oriented recordings in the last few 
years, from such artists as LARRY HOWARD, CHRIS LIZOTTE AND SOUL 
MOTION, and the CORNERSTONE BLUES JAM, VOL. I, recorded last summer at 
the Cornerstone Festival.   Now, Kaiser has gone back to the studio 
with his friend and brother in Christ, Darrell Mansfield, to record a 
follow-up to TRIMMED AND BURNING, a raw, blues album done several 
years ago.  The new project, SLOW BURN, differs from the first one in 
that most of these tunes were written by Kaiser, while many of the 
cuts on the first were covers of artists that Kaiser and Mansfield 
admired.
Mansfield and Kaiser have been friends for a number of years, and 
share a deep love of blues music.  Kaiser explains how they met, "As 
REZ began touring, we ended up on the west coast, probably around 
1973, and I'd heard some of his albums and just knew about GENTLE 
FAITH, the band he'd been in.  As time went on, I started to hear this 
harp [harmonica] player, this guy just going crazy playing harp.  I 
thought, 'Whoa, I love it,' because I love the blues.  I knew of him.  
We ended up doing a set together, sharing the same stage at 
Disneyland.  That was the first time that I actually really heard him.  
They just seemed to have such hearts after the Lord, really committed-
-the people in the band, and Darrell in particular...  One thing led 
to the next and we kept ending up doing concerts here and there 
together and we invited them out to Cornerstone.  Live, it was way 
more of a blues vibe than you ever got from Darrell on albums.... As 
time went on, we just became friends."
"So, I [was] praying about doing a blues album.  Well, the easy 
thing would have been to do an electric blues album first.  That's 
probably what I play best, I probably sing Rhythm & Blues best, and I 
probably play guitar, real rough Rhythm & Blues best.  I started 
praying about it and it seemed that the Lord was saying 'I want you to 
do an acoustic blues album first.  Strip it all the way down and take 
your time.'  I was going, 'That might be just a little outside of my 
ability,' but I really like that challenge... the more I prayed about 
it, I thought, 'I think Darrell needs to be on this album.  I don't 
think I should do the harmonica, well, maybe a little.  I think he 
needs to be heard.'  He's a great vocalist, he's a great singer.  I 
don't think a lot of people realize what a great singer he is.  So I 
invited him to do it, prayed about it, shared it with the pastors 
here, and talked with him, and the Lord just brought us together.  
It's like two peas in a pod.  I can't tell you how much fun.  Plus, 
jamming together with Darrell and LARRY HOWARD at Cornerstone 
Festivals over the years--that's been an absolute blast.  So, we have 
so much in common.  That's how it happened.  I talk to Darrell 
probably every other week anyway."
Darrell Mansfield makes no bones about it; he is an evangelist 
first and a musician second.  Life hasn't always been this clear-cut, 
though.  Before Darrell gave his life to Jesus in 1971, a near-
successful suicide attempt left him unable to play the guitar.  After 
he became a Christian, he left music behind and studied at Melodyland 
School of Theology for two years.  At this point, Darrell was 
persuaded to join up with GENTLE FAITH, an early "Jesus rock" band, 
not as the guitarist he used to be, but rather as a harmonica player.  
Later, he founded the Darrell Mansfield band.
In comparing the two albums, Kaiser explains the different aims he 
had for each.  "I suppose that I wanted to, on the first album, [was 
to] expose a lot of people to BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON and REVEREND GARY 
DAVIS, who are older black bluesmen who loved the Lord.  Both were 
basically preachers.  GARY DAVIS was actually an ordained minister.  
Both happened to be blind, both happened to be black, had gone through 
a lot of poverty and struggle, grew up in the south.  Both saw a great 
deal of struggle, even in doing gospel music.  GARY DAVIS, at the end 
of his life, his voice was just shot from singing in the street.  They 
lived  for a while, he and his wife, in the New York City area, he 
would be down off of Times Square with his guitar banging away and 
singing and sharing the Gospel.  He had to literally sing at the top 
of his lungs to be heard over the traffic and the street noises.  
These were men who really loved God, who really had grown up in the 
land in the fields and then in the cities in the south, had gone 
through an awful lot of struggle with bigotry and poverty and racism."
"When I discovered them I was really not even a Christian.  I 
started to realize that bands like [LED] ZEPPELIN and the [ROLLING] 
STONES were covering a lot of these older Blues guys.  I didn't 
realize at the time that they were Christians.  GARY DAVIS and BLIND 
WILLIE JOHNSON really did preach the Gospel and worked a lot in 
churches, worked a lot in the streets, they would go out into parks, 
they would be invited to play at picnics, and as time went on, a lot 
of the young white rockers,  like CLAPTON and JEFF BECK and some of 
those guys really started to discover them and that's how I found out 
about them.  Here it is, years later, I'm a Christian, REZ BAND's been 
on for a while, we've started to play more and more of these guy's 
songs at home.  That's the music that I play in my house a lot.  I 
wanted people to hear that.  When it came time to write this album, I 
thought, 'Well, I think I have one more acoustic blues album in me.  
I'd love Darrell to be involved and I want Rob [Glickman] to be a 
little more involved than he was last time, let's come up with 
something different.'  So on this album, I've written all but three 
songs.  There are only three traditionals: 'This Little Light of 
Mine,' 'Jesus on the Mainline,' and the third isn't a traditional, but 
it's the third one that I didn't write, it's a Mark Heard tune that I 
think is one of the best songs that he ever did off of THE ASHES AND 
LIGHT called 'Threw it Away.'  I was then listening to the other songs 
I'd written, thinking, 'It's time to get into something more modern.'  
So other songs like the title cut, "Slow Burn" is kind of a JOHN LEE 
HOOKER thing.  GARY DAVIS and BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON would have never 
done that kind of thing.  It's a little bit more contemporary.  
'Sliding,' which I originally slated for an electric blues album 
(which I'll do in the future) ended up on the album.  Then there's 
other very traditional-sounding songs that I've written.  I've liked 
how it's turned out and I'm really excited about the album."
While blues may be his personal favorite, Kaiser does not limit his 
listening to one type of music, nor does he feel anyone needs to.  
"Over the years, I have been encouraged by a very wide array of 
artists" he explains.  "Frankly, music to me, apart from the lyrics, 
is kind of like a bunch of clothing on, and when it feels right and it 
fits and you like it and you enjoy it and you relate to it--you wear 
it.  But, the lyrics are the heart of the matter.  I've just been so 
edified and so encouraged by such a wide array of solo artists and 
bands and music styles, I really love a lot of different styles and a 
lot of different artists.  I could go down a really long list of 
albums that have really touched me....I like music where the lyrics 
are scriptural.  I'm talking BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON, REVEREND GARY 
DAVIS, DAN SMITH.  I play everything from VENGEANCE RISING to DANIEL 
AMOS.  I could just go on for days.  I love thrash and hardcore.  I 
enjoy music that I relate to.  I'm a little different as a listener 
than I am a player.  I might seem a bit eclectic as a player and as a 
writer.  But, I'm far more eclectic as a listener."
While Kaiser is interested in exposing others to the blues music 
that he loves, it is a quote in the promotional material for Slow Burn 
that speaks most eloquently about his heart.
"A lot of people wanna shine bright and fast.  Live fast, die 
young, make your mark and impress millions of people.  Make sure you 
get your big moment in the sun.  And a lot of people finally get to 
that place where they think they've really accomplished something.  
But what did they sacrifice to get there?  In some cases, their soul.  
I'll take it slow.  Tortoise and the hare.  I'll be the tortoise... 
I'll take my time... I'll get serious about things that are biblically 
important."
--BETH BLINN

Letters:
I loved the issue I received in the mail yesterday.  I did, in fact, 
feel like it was I talking to the groups themselves. Something we have 
in common, Mr. Soditus, is that I too would like to pull Christian 
music off the shelves of the brain as "church music."  I believe that 
there is much more to it than the hymns I sing in church.  It's time 
for a change and it's time to open up new minds.  Hope to hear from 
you soon.  Please send me a copy of the Writer's Guidelines.  Thanks!
In Christ's beautiful and Holy name,
     Fawn Zimmerman
     Kentwood, MI

Dear Mr. Soditus:
Thank you for sending a recent issue of THE LIGHTHOUSE.  I enjoyed 
reading it and I'm writing to see if you would please continue to send 
copies of your publication to us as they become available on a 
donation basis.  I'll be reading your reviews and observations, and I 
am confident that the inmates here will, as well.
Unfortunately, because of budgetary constraints, we are not in a 
position to pay for a subscription to THE LIGHTHOUSE.  I'm sorry, 
especially in light of knowing that you've put so much of your own 
funds into the publication.  I know giving away copies of THE 
LIGHTHOUSE must be expensive.  Still...I'm hopeful you will be able to 
send me donated copies...knowing that the inmates here will also have 
access to your publication through those copies.
Thank you for your consideration of my request.  May God continue to 
bless you and the ministry entrusted to you.
Blessings....
     Frank E. Tipton II
     Chaplain II
     Illinois Department of Corrections

I live in Hawaii now (born in Oklahoma) and I was so used to just 
going up to Mardel's (Christian bookstore) whenever I wanted a new CD.  
But here, there's one store for Christian music and it's on the other 
side of the island.  I appreciate your newsletter so I know what's 
coming out and what's good...  Since I have to order stuff, it's hard 
to know what something's like just by the cover or title.
I heard about your magazine through your ad in CCM Magazine.  It seems 
like I just sent off for it and it's already here!  I would love to 
subscribe, but I don't know how much longer I'll be at this address.
Christian music is my life.  I listen to it, sing it, write it, and 
love it.  It's the only music that really makes you feel good.
[List of favorites]... I was happy and a little surprised you had 
articles on such artists.  Julie Miller was the most surprising.  Most 
magazines don't really do much on her.  But, she's wonderful.  I'm 
glad you have variety.  If I find a house that we'll be in at least 6 
months, I'll send for a subscription.  Would love to see you grow.
Thanks,
     Sarah Gordon
     Kailua-Kona, HI
ED: WELL, I HOPE THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SETTLE DOWN.  BY "TO SEE YOU 
GROW" I HOPE YOU MEAN FOR THE LIGHTHOUSE TO GROW, AND NOT ME 
PERSONALLY.  IF THAT'S THE CASE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH (I DON'T NEED TO 
GAIN ANY WEIGHT).

Dear Warner:
I have been doing a lot of thinking about that letter in last 
month's issue from the man in prison.  I would like to pay for his 
subscription.  From his letter it appears that your magazine is aiding 
in the rehabilitation.  I consider it Therapeutic Recreation, a 
positive source of leisure and a source of strength and inspiration.
     Vikki Gottfried
     Recreational Therapist
     Queens, NY

Dear Brother Soditus:
Greeting, and peace be to you, in the Name of the LORD JESUS 
CHRIST.
I am the Vice President of our prison's Jaycee chapter.  It is 
concerning both Christianity and the Jaycees that I am writing this 
letter.
This is a very large prison, but Christian activities here are few 
and far between.  Most of the programs in here center around Islam and 
the like.  There is a desperate need for these men to hear the truth 
about JESUS CHRIST and eternal life.
Our organization has received permission from the administration to 
present to the population special Christian programming.  Since they 
will not let just the inmates put on a program, we are trying to get 
outside guests to come in.  And now that we have this chance to let 
the WORD of GOD be sent forth to so many men at one time, we are very 
eager to set something up with believers on the outside.
What we would like to know is if you can tell us of anyone out 
there who are strong GOD-fearing BIBLE-believing saints who might be 
willing to come in and proclaim the good news of salvation. From your 
newsletters it is obvious that you know many Christian entertainers.  
We are focusing on speakers who teach the WORD of GOD, but Christian 
musicians are also welcome.  We just want to hear the pure WORD of GOD 
presented in truth from a sincere heart, and we thought that a 
ministry such as yours would be able to help us find such people.
On behalf of the Jaycees and all the Christians in this prison, I 
thank you for taking the time to read this letter.  I pray that the 
LORD will bless this institution with a special presentation of HIS 
WORD.  Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated. May 
all you do be done for HIS glory.
Sincerely,
     Gene Anderson
     Jackson, MI

From the Editor
Howdy!  Unfortunately I got this issue together a little late to 
include an April Fools joke.  For some reason, I always love April 
Fools day.  I guess it just gives me a day to goof off a little, and 
it reminds me not to take things too seriously.  Hope you enjoy it 
too.
This month I featured two people that might be unfamiliar to you.  
I found Karyn List to be very unique in Christian music and Roc-T to 
be a very on-fire brother (although a little long-winded at times), so 
I wanted to share a little about these new artists with you.  I have 
also decided to occasionally add a "lost album review."  Sometimes we 
get so tied up with the new albums that sometimes a good album gets by 
without notice.  I hope that you will like this addition.
I've been getting a lot of encouraging mail.  I want to thank y'all 
that have written and I encourage everyone else to drop a line.  Also, 
please include comments for how to improve THE LIGHTHOUSE, since I 
know it's not perfect--there's a lot of room for improvement.
I am very excited about my new electronic distribution list.  I've 
had the pleasure of "meeting" some people via E-mail (computer mail) 
that are interested in THE LIGHTHOUSE.  I welcome these people and ask 
you that if you know anyone that might be interested in receiving an 
electronic copy (that has an E-mail address) to ask them to write me 
at: JWS@SABINE.PSU.EDU .
I'm still checking into becoming a registered non-profit 
organization, so please keep that situation in your prayers.  Another 
situation that's important to me right now is that I may be able to 
move into another apartment in the beginning of May with greatly 
reduced rent, leaving me, hopefully, with more funds for THE 
LIGHTHOUSE.  The plans are a little shaky as to whether I get it or 
not, but, if you would, please say a quick prayer for this to be 
resolved successfully and quickly.  I hope to be giving out a new 
address with the next month's issue.  
If you happen to miss the Dove awards and really want to know who 
won, send a self-addressed-stamped-envelope, and ask for my list of 
the winners (it may not quite be complete, but it should cover most 
categories).
You may notice a new logo in the lower right-hand corner--THE 
LIGHTHOUSE is now a member of the Gospel Music Association!
As spring begins, I'm doing some cleaning around here both 
materially and spiritually.  I encourage you to take some time as well 
to do some spiritual "spring cleaning."  God Bless and I hope to "see" 
you next month.
--J. WARNER SODITUS, EDITOR

Executive Editor/Publisher: J. Warner Soditus
Copy Editor: Neal Guilmette, J. Warner Soditus
Contributing Photographer: Patty Masten
Contributors: Beth Blinn, Brad Mattern, La'Tonya Matthews, Jean Patty, 
Keith A. Valentine
Subscription Information:
$1.00 per issue $8.00 per year
The Lighthouse is not for profit and is published monthly
Copyright: the Lighthouse copyright 1993 by Polarized Publications, 
all rights reserved
Writers guidelines are available upon request.
The Lighthouse will not be responsible for any products or services 
offered in advertisements.

STEVE CAMP
Steve Camp is not a stranger to Christian music.  His list of albums 
is almost astounding.  When he called to talk with me (after several 
failed attempts to mesh schedules) I really didn't know much about 
him.  I knew he has been around Christian music a while, that he 
believes in no-compromise Christian lyrics, and that he is quite an 
avid reader of the great theologians, but that was about it.  So, I 
wanted to talk a little with him and find out a little bit more about 
this great Christian artist and what his plans are for his upcoming 
album.  Since he was quite complete with his answers, I can't find 
anywhere to fit my comments or observations, so here it is, with 
slight editing.
I WANTED TO START BY TALKING ABOUT WHY YOU GOT INTERESTED IN DOING 
CHRISTIAN MUSIC.
I was writing songs in high school after I had really committed my 
life to the Lord as a junior in High School--that was in the early 
1970's.  That was when the Jesus movement was at the height of its 
movement around the country.  It was making a lot of impact among the 
youth of this nation, especially those who were the refugees of the 
peace revolution movement from the late 1960's.  There wasn't much 
Christian music that was of a contemporary nature being made back 
then.  You had a few people.  You had THE SECOND CHAPTER OF ACTS, 
LARRY NORMAN, ANDRAE CROUCH, ... there were a few.  Really, when so 
many people were coming to Christ and literally getting their lives 
right with the Lord, Christians that had lived disobedient lives 
coming to repentant lives.  Then all of a sudden what you were faced 
with was a situation that needed worship music, needed encouraging 
songs to work with.  Because there wasn't much done, I started writing 
songs for our youth group.  [I] didn't really think that I would be 
doing this for my livelihood or my vocation.
WHAT WERE THE EVENTS THAT LED YOU TO DECIDE THAT CHRISTIAN MUSIC 
WOULD BE YOUR VOCATION?
Some friends encouraged me after high school to get in touch with a 
few record companies, send my material around, and see if people would 
be interested in signing me.  I kind of did it not out of a dare, I 
wanted to be involved in music, but I was surprised when I got my 
first recording contract and they actually wanted me to sing my own 
songs.  I kind of approached record companies back then as a writer.  
Really, it was out of the prompting and out of the Jesus movement that 
things really took shape and the encouragement from my friends back 
home and LARRY NORMAN was very instrumental back then.  He really 
taught me the art and craft of songwriting.  It was through his 
encouragement, as well, that I started sending some tapes around.  
Those are fun days.  They were early days, but they were fun days.
YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU BECAME A CHRISTIAN IN HIGH SCHOOL.  WHAT LED 
YOU TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN THEN?
It was only the Father's Divine sovereign choosing.  None of us 
make up our mind in and of our own selves.  The point and time of our 
own salvation, if you believe in the depravity of man that man is 
incapable of saving himself and figuring the evidence on his own, it's 
that time that the Lord chose through all kinds of ways in my life to 
bring me to His saving knowledge in Jesus Christ.  I was like a lot of 
church kids who made a profession of faith at the age of five but, 
literally, did not really go through any real spiritual growth.  As a 
little child, I always loved the Lord and loved the faith that my 
family and my parents taught me.  It was my older sister, Judy, who 
really introduced me to Christ at the age of five.  But, as an adult, 
some people might call it the age of accountability, as an adult, I 
had not really made a profession of faith.  I had backslid into some 
terrible prodigal son sort of behavior.  I was kind of like the rich 
young ruler.  [I] kind of said, 'Hey, I've been this nice kid most of 
my life.'  Still, I had to come to Christ, not on my terms, but on His 
terms.  So, it was really at the age of seventeen that some people may 
call it 'rededicating my life to the Lord.'  But that's where I really 
feel the Father drew me to Himself, according to the Gospel of John 
and that's where I made a profession of faith in Christ.  It 
completely changed my life at that time.  Nothing I did led me to that 
conclusion.  I can point you to circumstances: the Jesus movement and 
all kinds of things and there was a revival in our youth group; but it 
was through God's sovereign choosing and will at that time in my life, 
when I came to know Him as my Lord and my Savior.
WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THE NEW ALBUM?  WHAT'S THE TITLE, AND WHAT 
CAN YOU LET US IN ON?
The new record will be my first release with Warner Alliance... the 
album is due out May 12.  The title is TAKING HEAVEN BY STORM.  It's 
out of Matthew, Chapter 11:12, where Jesus says, 'From the days of 
John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and 
violent men take it by force.'  Now, there are two translations or 
interpretations.  One is that the 'from the day of John the Baptist 
until now,' those really weren't many days.  John the Baptist had 
really only been on the scene about eighteen months.  So there was not 
a long period of time.  Some commentators feel that that verse means 
that taking heaven by force is that men were persecuting these early 
repentant believers and they were literally taking the kingdom of God-
-taking the believers by force.  Most of the commentators [believe] 
that the kingdom of God suffers violence, meaning, when we are saved, 
Jesus radically has translated us out of the kingdom of darkness into 
the kingdom of light.  When this takes place, the Kingdom of God 
suffers violence against our flesh and it is forcibly entered into.  
Luke goes on to say that we press ourselves into the Kingdom of heaven 
and as you know, every day, it's a battle--every day.  So, this album 
is based on a little book called Heaven Taken by Storm by Watson, a 
great puritan writer who literally says that we must give Holy 
violence to matters of our Christianity.  How I have stripped it down 
is to say that we must be more sold out to Jesus Christ than the world 
is to its sin--we must take heaven by force.
Now, what some people have said when they've heard the title, they 
say, 'Don't you mean we should take hell by force.'  I say, 'What do 
you want to take hell for?  Once you've got it, what do you have?'  
It's literally, forcibly pushing our way into the kingdom that, again, 
Jesus mentioned in the parable of the plowshares that we put our hand 
to the plow and we don't look back and we keep pressing on.  This is 
the theme of this album.  It's Holy violence or Holy vengeance or 
forcibly entering the Kingdom...  When trials come our way, are we 
willing to be more dedicated, more sold out, to Jesus Christ with a 
Holy vengeance than the world is passionately sold out to sin?
I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE QUITE AN AVID READER, SO I FIGURED THERE 
HAD TO BE BOOK BEHIND THE ALBUM.  WHAT ELSE ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
The thing that we've been studying in my Sunday School class that 
I've been teaching is on spiritual warfare.  So the last eight or nine 
weeks I've been reading Christian in Complete Armor, which I would 
highly recommend as well as Remedies Against Satan's Devices.  The 
book that I'm kind of inching my way through, my daily reading, is a 
book called The Farewell Sermons.  This is a group of sermons that 
were collected by the ejected non-conformist ministers of 1652.  In 
fact, that day is called St. Bartholomew's Day.  It was on August 24th 
that it happened.  Over 2,000 of England's finest ministers and 
teachers were ejected from their pulpits and lecterns for refusing to 
conform to the mandates and dictates of the act of uniformity, 
sponsored, as it were, by the Church of England at that time.  Many 
pastors were killed, many were imprisoned, many were separated from 
their families and exiled and literally, they were torn away from 
their pastoral flocks as shepherds.  This is their last sermon that 
they ever preached to their churches before they were either executed 
or exiled or separated from their churches.  This is a book that is 
bathed in a lot of persecution and suffering for the Gospel.  It kind 
of gives me hope.
Going through these sermons, little by little, [I] never hear these 
pastors slamming the English government, that's interesting, or the 
Church of England.  Today, if this were going to happen, we might 
rally the church for a major civil disobedience march across the 
country.  The church today, is so politically astute that it's 
spiritually dead.  These dear brothers in Christ surrendered to the 
authority quoted in Romans 13 but they trusted God's sovereign will 
for their life.  They did not fight this, as it were, on a political 
battle.  These are the wonderful brokenhearted sermons of these dear 
men who were forced from their congregations.
CONTINUING ON THOSE IDEAS.  I READ THE ARTICLE THAT YOU DID IN THE 
BOOKSTORE JOURNAL ABOUT THE PROPOSED BOYCOTT OF THE TIME WARNER 
COMPANY (INCLUDING WARNER ALLIANCE) OVER MADONNA'S BOOK SEX.  WITHOUT 
REALLY GETTING INTO SPECIFICS, COULD YOU SAY A LITTLE ABOUT IT?
I don't know if any official national boycott actually took place.  
I think people were talking about it.  Although the Bookstore Journal, 
[was] gracious to print the article, they retitled it 'What do we do 
with Madonna?'  My original title was 'Fighting Spiritual Battles with 
Carnal Weapons.'  I feel that's really the theme of that whole 
article.  Madonna just happened to be the case in point at that time.
Literally, I feel that the church has retreated to using carnal 
means to fight a spiritual battle.  The old phrase ties in 
beautifully, 'You can't legislate morality.'  There's an element of 
truth to that.  The only mandate to morality that we know of is the 
Holy Scripture.  Now, the problem is, the absolute truth of God's Word 
has become obsolete.  So, people today are living in what I like to 
call a moral vacuum...
So, when we come to a shocking book like Madonna put out, rather 
than understanding that the two offensive weapons and the only two 
weapons we have in the Scripture for the believer is prayer and the 
Scripture, we immediately retreat to the process rather than what our 
Church of Jesus Christ should do--resort to spiritual weapons, we 
resort to carnal weapons backed by prayer, but not using those as our 
weapons.  I think  what you've seen is a church that has been left 
impotent, ineffective, dormant, stagnated, paralyzed against society.  
That is a tragedy.  So, I think, rather than the Church becoming the 
fourth arm of the political process,  what we need to become is the 
spiritual force and truth of this country.
Now, that doesn't set well because it's easier and much more 
pumping up for our flesh to organize millions of Christians around 
this country in a massive national boycott.  That is much more an act 
of our distrust than it is a matter of Holy vengeance...  We have a 
problem with abortion, let's boycott the clinics.  Rather than back up 
to where it's legal to pray and to preach the word and to graciously, 
with humility, witness to these young gals, go on in and witness to 
the doctors and people at the clinic in a legal way--do it on the 
sidewalk.  I talked to a member of Operation Rescue last week and he 
said to me, 'Steve, if you honestly believe that abortion is murder 
(which I do believe), then why don't you act like it's murder?'  I 
said, 'I would say the same thing to you, if you're going to talk on a 
pragmatic level.'  He said, 'But we are.'  I said, 'Let me ask you a 
question.  If someone broke into your home and was threatening to 
murder your wife and children, would you call your friends and 
neighbors and have them surround the house and lock arms and boycott 
the door, or would you break down the door and stop that man from 
killing your child?'  He said, 'Well, I see what you're saying.'  I 
said, 'Listen, the government of our country has not made it a mandate 
that they execute unborn children.  They have allowed it, but they 
have not commanded it.  Until they command it, our war's not against 
the government--the battle's against the consciences and the hearts of 
those mothers and the men that got them pregnant plus with the doctors 
that are doing the abortions.'
There's a girl named Carol Everett who's put out a wonderful book 
called Blood Money--this is a gal that was a former abortion doctor.  
She performed 35,000 abortions in many years.  She tells the horrific 
stories of inside the clinic.  But what changed her heart was not the 
picketing or the boycotting or the sit-ins.  What changed her heart 
was coming to Jesus Christ.  When she met the Savior, she left the 
practice and is now an advocate to the pro-life agenda.  So, that's 
case-in-point.  Her life was changed by the wonderful transforming 
power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not a political picket or 
boycott.
I think we need to take that example and really shout it from the 
rooftops that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God and 
salvation, not these other human means that really have zero effect.    
Out of 40 to 43 thousand arrests in the year that Operation Rescue 
has, there was only 300 babies saved.  That's about eight tenths of 
one percent of all the people that were arrested translated into the 
actual saving of babies.  Praise the Lord for those 300 babies that 
were rescued, however, the organization should really change its name.  
They are more successful getting arrested than they are saving babies.  
So really, it should be called Operation Arrest, not Operation Rescue.
Now, let me show you what Carol has done.  She has been involved in 
a group of Crisis Pregnancy Centers.  Rather than do what Operation 
Rescue is doing in reacting to the problem, she is proactive in 
dealing with this problem.  Last year, Crisis Pregnancy Centers saved 
300,000 unborn children.  Is that amazing?  That's just one year--
300,000 children at an average of $200 per abortion, that's 
$60,000,000 that the abortion doctors did not receive in the taking 
the life of unborn children.  Not through sit-ins, not through 
boycotts, not through protests, but providing the godly alternatives 
in Crisis Pregnancy Center counseling and through adoption and through 
the care of these young babies.
So all I'm saying is Christians have to really wake up at this 
point and not be so reactive to the culture and not give into the 
carnal, fleshly means of the political, legislative process by which 
we can only fight a spiritual battle.  Abortion is a spiritual battle 
and the only way to see that changed is through the Gospel of Jesus 
Christ.  So, that's the nexus of the issue.  Are we going to retreat 
to carnal weapons when it's a spiritual battle?  That was the purpose 
of that article.
YOU HAVE SAID THAT YOU WANT TO BECOME A PASTOR.  I WAS WONDERING IF 
YOU WERE TAKING STEPS TO PURSUE THAT.
Put it this way.  I have a strong desire, as 1 Timothy 3:1 says, 
'If a man desires to be an overseer, he desires a good thing.'  It's 
an unrelentless, strong, overwhelming, desire that has not let me go 
for a few years now.  I have not pursued seminary education at this 
point... I have not sought the common route to someday, maybe, step in 
as a pastor of a church, but I'm daily involved in the work of an 
elder although I'm not, officially, one of the overseers.  That is 
still a love and a joy and I don't know when the Lord will yank me out 
of Christian music and put me into this or if I can do both or what it 
will be--[I'm] just taking it a step at a time.
I ASSUME THAT YOU USE SOME OF THOSE SKILLS AT CONCERTS?  ARE YOU 
PLAYING FOR MOSTLY CHRISTIAN AUDIENCES?
Even the crossover artists, today, that we have within the Church, 
most of their audiences are still Christian.  They're not drawing a 
vastly non-Christian audience, although they may have a larger 
percentage of non-Christians.  For the most part, all of us draw a 
predominantly Christian audience.  I'll rephrase it this way, because 
we don't know who's saved and who's not saved.  We would all draw a 
predominantly churched audience or a predominantly religious-
affiliated audience.  We've seen tremendous amounts of salvation 
through our concerts.  The concerts are Christ centered and, Lord 
willing, Spirit controlled and honoring to Him.  I try to keep the 
Lord prominent and up front through the entire evening but have a 
great time of enjoyment.  It's okay for us to have some fun and 
celebrate our life in Christ.  The concerts have a lot of energy, a 
lot of fun to them.
But, at the end of each concert, I do about a half hour of teaching 
time in the Word before giving the invitation.  Because, I really want 
people to be confronted with the reality of a few things.  Number one, 
of their own depravity.  Number two, the reality of sin.  Number 
three, the reality of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and why He came and 
who He is as God in human flesh and what it cost Him at Calvary for 
the penalty of our sins.  And, number four, the wonderful victory and 
glory that He has in the cross if we come profess our faith in Jesus 
Christ, placing no confidence in ourselves but solely abandoning 
ourselves in Him and His saving grace.
Music has such a powerful emotional element, that I don't want 
people to simply make a response on that night due to their emotions 
were kindled, due to the fact that they've given an emotional 
response.  I did that for a long time until I really woke up to that 
fact that that's not really the Gospel.  I can get several people down 
front at the drop of a hat, if you push the right buttons.  But when 
you simply present the hard truth and the wonderful truth of the 
Gospel according to Jesus, then the fruit is of the Lord.
So I try to make it as hard as possible for people to respond, but 
when they do, you know it's genuine and we can rejoice in that.  I 
just feel that comes not by having your emotions pushed through the 
evening and at the right time, say, 'If you want to respond and 
believe in Jesus, raise your hand and come down.'  ...most of those 
people are not true converts at all and in a short time they'll drift 
away because they came out of an emotional response.  As soon as that 
emotional hype wears off and cools, their love for whatever that 
emotional response represented will also cool.  So that's why there's 
a teaching segment, so the ministerial work comes, I guess, in that 
teaching segment at the end of each concert on the Gospel and what it 
means.  So, on TAKING HEAVEN BY STORM, again, I'll be working on new 
teachings for that about what it means to truly press onto the Kingdom 
of Heaven and the response to that will be a chance for people to 
respond to the Gospel as well.  But I feel like for, at least what I 
do, that's terribly important.
I WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO GET NAMES AND AGES OF YOUR CHILDREN.
My wife Kim and I have been married for a little over five and a 
half years now and we have a little boy, Maxfield Stephen and he will 
be four years old April 20.  Our little boy, Johnston Daniel, just 
turned two, and then we have a little girl.  Her name's  Jordan Ruth 
and she just turned one in January.  About a month ago we discovered 
that our fourth child is on the way.  She is due some time in 
September.  It's interesting, while the world is slaughtering its 
children, that there a lot of Christians having tons of kids.  MICHAEL 
W. [SMITH] has five kids.  BROWN BANNISTER, I think, has four or five 
kids.  AMY [GRANT] has three kids.  STEPHEN CURTIS [CHAPMAN] has three 
kids.
YEAH, WHAT'S IN THE WATER DOWN THERE?
[Laughter] Nashville's a family town, and we're adding to it.  All 
these young warriors for the Lord mean more raised up in Christian 
families.
WELL, I HOPE TO GET THERE--SOMEDAY.
Well, it's not good for man to be alone.
WELL, I'M IN NO RUSH.
Well, my Mom told me, 'There's one thing worse than being single--
that's wishing you were.'  So it's good to take your time--I did.  I 
didn't marry until I was 32.  I was engaged a time before that.
I WAS WONDERING THAT IF YOU WERE TO HAVE TO GIVE UP CHRISTIAN MUSIC 
TODAY, WHAT WOULD YOU REMEMBER THE MOST?
I don't know.  Always being astonished by the miracles of 
ministering that God chooses imperfect people for His perfect work and 
that He would use the frailty of my own experience and my singing and 
my writing to somehow communicate His purpose and eternal truth 
through song and that we've seen people won for Christ and dedicating 
their lives to the Lord.  Somehow the music can be used to do that.  
That blows my mind.
Remember the movie Chariots of Fire where the one runner is 
communicating to his sister who wanted him to leave it all and be a 
missionary to China?  He said, 'When I run, I feel God's pleasure.'  
That's how I feel when I sing, or when I preach.  I feel His pleasure.  
I feel like He's pleased when His truth is being rightly divided.  
That's where I feel His pleasure, So whatever mold or method that 
takes, I want to know that I'm pleasing the Lord and receiving His 
pleasure, hopefully, for a job well done.  Not always, but by His 
faithfulness, I can do it.
--J. WARNER SODITUS

Roc-T
Presently touring with WHITECROSS is rapper Roc-T.  Roc was able to 
spend a great deal of time with me recently in a cold basement 
dressing room after a show.  Despite the dreary surroundings, Roc was 
cheerful and friendly and most noticeably, very talkative.  So 
talkative, that what follows is a heavily edited version of our 
conversation to give you a little background on Roc-T.
COULD YOU GIVE ME SOME BACKGROUND ON YOU?
I was born in 1968.  I was born in Germany because my Dad was in 
the military.  I'm the youngest boy.  I have two sisters, one brother.  
I wasn't really raised in the church--the regular dysfunctional, 
middle income family or something like that.  I ended up spending most 
of my time on the streets.  [In] the late 1970's and early 1980's I 
got interested in rapping.  So I started to do different types of rap 
and break dancing.  I thought I was going to go big, if I was good.  
When I really started to get serious about it, I was in a contest and 
I won a contract from Tommy Boy Records.  My folks never signed the 
contract because I wasn't old enough to sign it myself.
I eventually got saved one night, at church.  I think, what 
happened, I really didn't have a full understanding of a relationship 
with the Lord.  I thought it was all about works: going to church, 
serving in the church, and doing all that.  That became a burden and a 
ritual in my life and it became so ritualistic that it started to 
oppress me.  I just felt trapped.  So I literally backslid.  I met a 
guy there who was selling drugs.  So I got into selling drugs in 
Washington D.C.  There wasn't really a lot of money out there because 
too many people was doing it.  So I decided to leave.  I moved to 
Greensborough, N.C.  We started making like $30,000 a week selling 
drugs.  Because I was new to Greensborough and making that much money, 
you're obviously taking somebody's business because you're not 
creating no new markets, trust me.  They found out it was me and boom 
boom [gun gesture].  They wanted to kill me.  But, the thing was, 
'Well if you're going to leave, then you're cool.'  I wasn't going to 
leave, but they shot me in my right leg and I still have the bullet in 
my leg today [gesture to leg].
I was in the hospital for about a week.  My Dad and my brother and 
Reverend Bobby from the church I was going to, they came down and got 
me and I was put into the Codac house, which is a house that our 
church put together.  It's spelled Codac, Conquerors Over Drugs 
Alcohol and Cigarettes.  Although I never used drugs, I was seriously 
addicted to the money.  I had this obsession with money.  I was 
materialistic.  I had to have money.  They wanted to remove me from 
the streets, so I stayed there for like 8 months.  While I was there, 
I really got to find out that it wasn't about the works, it wasn't 
about how many times you could be in church each week, it was about 
that personal relationship with the Lord.  I found out it's about that 
intimacy.  The Lord wants one-on-one with me.  God really wants to be 
an active participant in my life, not somebody taking the back seat.  
He really wants to be my buddy.
We [church] would go out and do crusades in the streets where we 
would have our vocalists and different things like that.  We knew 
everybody was into the rap thing.  People knew, 'He can rap.'  Then, 
when my pastors came to me about it, I was kind of saying to myself, 
'You can't rap for God.  That's the devil.'  Then I heard a guy like 
STEPHEN WILEY and it was like, 'They're rapping for Jesus, and it 
sounds alright.'  Because rap is not of the devil, rock music isn't of 
the devil, they're just different means of communication that God uses 
to reach people where they are.  Paul said, 'I become all things to 
all people that I might win some.'  The devil didn't create 'jack.'  
God created everything, the devil perverted everything that he could 
get a hold of.
So I got to writing things and putting some things together.   I 
came to find out, there ain't nothing wrong with having a record deal 
and touring and doing shows to minister, to communicate a positive 
message.
YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE A NEW RELEASE WITH CYD ON R.E.X.  WHAT'S 
GOING TO HAPPEN NOW?
The scheduled release date with R.E.X. was March, but as you know, 
Spectra went under.  So  a lot of things were put on hold.
The album's been done.  We're going back [into the studio], because 
we have some interest from Epic Records, Capitol Records, BMG--a lot 
of secular interests right now.  They know the message that I have, 
they heard what I'm saying because I'm not shy about anything.  The 
album is extremely hard.  People say it's ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT with an 
ICE-CUBE type of feel, as far as the tracks being hardcore.
CYD and I are cool.  He's not on the album.  A lot of changes were 
made.  We'll probably do some things together later if he continues to 
pursue what it is he's pursuing.  The bottom line is it's getting 
released on the secular side with major mainstream distribution.
TELL ME ABOUT THE NAME ROC-T?
People call me Roc for short.  Hard as a rock.  My real name was 
Roc-T-Nasty, which stood for Righteousness Of Christ is Too Nasty.  
That's where I was.  God is awesome and nasty is just one of those 
words.  It's not always good to have to explain, 'Why do you call 
yourself nasty?'  So before we even got too deep in the public's eye, 
I dropped the nasty and kept the Roc-T.  It was pretty convenient to 
say that.  The C is the C in Christ and the dash is Christ will be 
what to you what you want Him to be and the T is the T in Christ.  I 
never wanted to say, 'My name used to be Roc-T-Nasty,' and then give 
this big long spiel.  Some people liked that, but it was not the 
majority.  That was my personal feeling, it could be Roc-T-Awesome.  
The Righteousness Of Christ is Too Awesome.  Not many people would've 
said anything about that, it was just nasty.  There's just so many 
negative things associated with that, so I can understand dropping 
that.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?
We're doing some things this summer.  We pick up with them 
[WHITECROSS] in the fall to do Europe and some dates like that.  
Depending on when this album is released, I'll be working on the next 
album and I'll be doing a secular tour next year which will be with 
somebody like NAUGHTY BY NATURE or ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.  I'll also be 
getting a Christian tour.  I don't know who will pick me up, but I'll 
be there--ready to minister.  It doesn't matter what venue I'm at.
HOW DO YOU STAY ON TOP?
I'm always talking to God.  It may not be verbal where everyone 
else can hear, but Him and I are always having communication going on.  
I'm always giving Him praise and thinking about this, analyzing this, 
and asking Him questions about this.    So He and I are always in 
constant communications.
I'm always getting into my Word and have my different Bible 
studies.  As you can see, right here, [holds up Bible] it's down here 
with me.  I sleep with my Bible.  I fall asleep with my Bible curled 
in my arms like some people go to bed with their teddy bears.  That's 
just how I am with my Word.  It's not like if I fall asleep, the 
wisdom is going to spill into my brain while I'm asleep.  I cherish 
the Word of God like that.  It's interesting being on the road and 
being in the Word.  If this is what you're called to do or if it's a 
lifestyle you chose to live, you got to pay the price for it.
SO WHO IS ROC-T?
I'm a Christian psychopath maniac--I'm a lunatic.  I'm a Christian 
on a psychopath.  If you want, I'm a demon killer.  I'll slay a demon 
in a heartbeat.  
WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Everything's gonna be alright.  A lot of us are experiencing a lot 
of rough times.  You got to stick there with the Lord.
I want to leave on the fact that God wants to bless us.  Just 
because circumstances come up against us and challenge us and seem 
like it's taking us out, does not mean that God is not with us.  They 
can read my favorite book, Isaiah, Ch. 41: 10-13, Ch. 43: 1-3, 5-6, 
10-20, Ch. 41: 18-20.
--J. WARNER SODITUS

KARYN LIST
Karyn List might seem an unlikely candidate for having her own album 
(ONLY LOVE) in the Christian market.  She's not a songwriter.  She 
doesn't do music full time--she's a marketing assistant for a real 
estate development company.  In fact she'd rather do background vocals 
("There is nothing I love doing more than singing really incredible 
backup vocals.  There's is nothing I like more than singing backup 
vocals--bar none.")  And, probably on any other record label, she 
would be an unlikely candidate.  But, Intersound Christian Music is 
not like most other labels.
Intersound is a new label under Intersound Entertainment, and they 
have gathered quite diverse talent for their entry into Christian 
music.  List explains her introduction to Intersound, "I did some 
studio work for a producer at Intersound on a different album--on an 
album of songs from animated movies.  He took it in and they were 
looking for some artists.  It's a new Christian label.  They were 
looking for artists and that's how it started.  He was a good friend 
of mine and he took it in to them and let them listen to it and they 
were immediately interested.  I feel like it's pretty miraculous the 
way it all came about.  It's not something that I pushed for and 
intended on happening.  I've always hoped for it, but nothing that was 
forced at all."
She has been very pleased with her experiences with Intersound, and 
enjoyed recording for them.  "I've had an incredible experience.  
Nothing but good things.  They've been totally supportive.  They're 
great--the real things that impact you: how they treat you personally, 
not so much as an artists, but as a friend."
But, who is Karyn List?  Well, I decided to ask her this point-
blank: "I'm a real person.  I have a real job.  I work nine-to-five 
and deal with the things that most people deal with--stress.  As I was 
thinking about this, before you called today, I thought, 'I'm just not 
prepared because it's been such a crazy day.'  That's what I am.  
Things are crazy, things are stressful.  I feel like the album speaks 
to a lot of these issues; God is a friend and God is real and you can 
be a living witness just by the things that you do and the things you 
say to people.  [By] being a real person, you can make a difference.  
If I can make a difference, being who I am, anybody can make a 
difference.  If Jesus is the reason for everything you do, it's all 
going to be worth it.  It [album] just speaks to the person out there 
that deals with all the struggles and deals with all the 
disappointments in self and in world and still wants to make a 
difference, somehow.  That's the kind of album that I think [it is]."
List grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma and was her hometown's 
representative to the Miss Oklahoma pageant.  She explains, "After the 
interview section of the pageant [for Miss Lawton], I was tenth out of 
ten contestants.  But after performing, the judges couldn't believe I 
was the same person--I ended up winning the contest!"
With a diverse history of music performance, List has been drawn to 
music all her life.  "It's been more like a magnet drawing me to it... 
I got real serious about it [music] in college," she explains.  "[I] 
did a lot of Classical music.  Of course, in college, most of your 
training music, or vocally, is in Classical.  I got real turned on to 
that and I still love it and I still pursue it a little bit on the 
side.  I went into THE SPURRLOWS and did that for several years and we 
did churches and convention shows.  We did a secular program and a 
church concert.  I worked for Disney for several years in the Voices 
of Liberty [where she also met her husband].  I did some dinner 
theater here in Atlanta and I do a lot of studio work here.  A 
sprinkling of studio work all along the way, which, as you get better 
at this, you get to do more of that.  [I have] always [been] singing 
in church.  I don't want to give you the impression that it's been a 
totally secular background because it hasn't.  It's been pretty-much 
Christian-based music most of the time."
It was some of her experiences doing secular music that reaffirmed 
her desire to stick to Christian music.  "In singing some secular, and 
positive secular environments, and feeling no reward in the music and 
no reward in the response, not that I'm looking for reward, but I want 
to feel like I'm making a difference.  I want to feel like I'm 
encouraging and challenging people.  I didn't feel like I was doing 
that.  I didn't feel like I was using my gift and my talent in the 
most effective way that I could.  I felt like singing for the Lord 
would be, it's the most rewarding for me because I'm giving it to Him 
and I don't have to have anybody come back to me and say, 'You were 
really good,' or 'You really weren't.'"
List also sang backups for LARNELLE HARRIS for over a year, which 
she thoroughly enjoyed.  "I admired him very much.  I loved working 
for him--with him.  It's not us and them, it's all of us together."  
Now, List does studio work, sings in churches, and sings at crusades, 
since she is a big fan of praise-and-worship music.
This, however, is not the only music that she likes; her taste is 
much more diverse.  "I'm influenced by keyboard-based performers," she 
states.  "We [her and her husband] have a pretty broad collection.  I 
have a husband who's into Jazz.  I like a little bit of Country, a 
little bit of Jazz, a lot of things I hear on the radio--pop music.  I 
don't listen to a lot of metal or rock, but I do have an appreciation 
for some of it."
With these musical influences, she doesn't really like to describe 
the music on her album.  "It's tough for me to describe.  I get more 
out of what other people's opinions have been."  But, after some 
prodding, she squeamishly admits, "I put it in an adult contemporary 
vein, but that's pretty broad.  I think it's high energy and positive 
and it's really hard for me to sit back and describe it."
While her musical tastes are broad, her Christian beliefs are 
rather focused.  "I sent myself to church when I was about six.  My 
parents divorced and I suppose at six years old you wonder what your 
motives are for things, and I don't remember what they were at the 
time, but I remember church being a very loving, caring, encouraging 
environment that I was drawn to and then I gave my life to the Lord 
when I was about ten.  I grew up in a Methodist church in my hometown.  
There's been no question about it.  It's a faith that I don't 
question.  I believe it.  You couldn't sway me.  I'm pretty adamant 
that.  That's the only way to go and there are no other options."
"[Everyone] can make a difference.  I really want [people] to know 
that.  As I pray about this album and what the Lord really wants to 
do, how He wants to speak with it, at this point, that's what I'm 
feeling.  He wants me to know that you can make a difference just by 
being who you are, you don't have to be somebody else, just get out 
there and get involved with people.  Try to impact them right where 
they are, not pull them to some other place.  Make an impact on them, 
right where they are, that's what I want to do, and that's what I want 
to encourage other people to do."
--J. WARNER SODITUS

REVIEWS
Rachel Rachel: YOU OUGHTA KNOW BY NOW (Dayspring)
Brynn, Cheryl, Sparky, Heli, and Jennifer--that's right, Christian 
rock's only all-female band, Rachel Rachel, is back!  These ladies 
really know how to resurface.  YOU OUGHTA KNOW BY NOW, the follow-up 
to their self-titled debut album left me in awe with my mouth hung 
open and jaw dragging.
Their spiritual maturity and enrichment can clearly be seen.  Their 
music seems to have a new found power, both musically and lyrically.  
The song writing talents of Brynn Beltran and Cheryl Jewel have 
reached new heights, as have Cheryl's vocal abilities.  She seems to 
have developed to the point where she can confidently belt out the 
vocals for those really rocking songs yet still give the ballads that 
touch of gentleness and compassion.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW BY NOW contains ten Rachel Rachel originals, nine of 
which were written or co-written by the group.  Along the way they 
received help from producer Billy Smiley of WHITE HEART, who the band 
is also presently touring with.  For help on guitars, the band 
utilized the talents of Dann Huff of GIANT.
The album reminds us over and over of the assurance, of the safety, of 
the comfort which we can find in our Lord.  This can clearly be seen 
in even the titles of several of the songs: "You Are Always There," 
"You Comfort Me," "In Your Arms," and "Only Heaven Knows."  My 
personal favorite from this album is "In Your Arms," the only song on 
which Heli Sterner sings lead, with the backing vocals of Jewel, the 
magic of the band, and the guitar mastery of Dann Huff.  This song 
reminds the Christian that there is only one place where we can be, 
where we should be, and that is in the arms of our Savior.  We are 
also reminded that those arms are always there.  If we should happen 
to stray, they will always be there to catch us, if we let them.
I really have to commend Rachel Rachel on their latest effort--it is a 
tremendous album.  I hope that they keep up the good work and I hope 
that you check them out.
--KEITH A. VALENTINE

Phil Keaggy: CRIMSON AND BLUE (Myrrh)
Keaggy fans are usually split into two camps--while all admire his 
skill with a guitar, there is usually a preference for either electric 
or acoustic.  I happen to be one of the former, which is why I was 
itching to get this recording into my CD player.  Having gotten a 
taste of what was to come during his performance last summer at the 
Creation festival, and hearing rumors that this was going to be his 
most rocking recording to date, my expectations were high.  I wasn't 
disappointed.
The album kicks of with "Shouts of Joy," a Scottish-flavored song that 
rocks, nevertheless.  The next several songs are his homage to THE 
BEATLES, the best being "Love Divine."
One of the album's highlights is "When Will I Ever Learn to Live in 
God," a tune written and recorded a few years ago by VAN MORRISON, the 
Irish singer and poet.  Keaggy's version is a gem.  His singing and 
playing evoke Celtic images, and the song offers a mellow interlude.
The last part of the album shows Keaggy really cutting loose, with 
some of the best material.  "John the Revelator" and "Doin' Nothin'" 
show him at his best, drawing out some incredible riffs and guitar 
work, with a slight nod to ERIC CLAPTON.
Keaggy is backed by drummer John Sferra (whom Keaggy has known since 
grade school), Wade James, Lynn Nichols from CHAGALL GUEVARA, and Phil 
Madeira on keyboards.
The whole album is a little longer than 70 minutes.  And if that 
wasn't enough, there is also a specially-priced EP entitled REVELATOR.  
This offers another 40 minutes of Keaggy, featuring remixes of a few 
of the songs, as well as a jam session between Keaggy and Sferra.  At 
$5.99, it's a steal.
Since it is unlikely that Keaggy will be doing another album like this 
anytime soon, these 110 minutes will have to suffice, and for me--they 
will.
--BETH BLINN

Children of the Consuming Fire: COME HOME PHLUBBER (THE PRODIGAL SON 
EPIC) (New Breed)
In this follow-up to their debut album, the CHILDREN explode with 
some exciting, powerful, alternative grooves.  This album contains 
twelve songs which I guarantee will not disappoint any fan of 
alternative music.  Although I, myself, have not had an opportunity to 
hear their first album, I have talked to those who have and I know 
that they have not been the least bit let down.
If you are not at all familiar with these guys, they are Tom 
Curiel-drums, Jon Bestwick-guitar, Skeddie Arizmendi-guitar, and Marc 
Rivera-bass and leading vocals.  Upon first impression, the CHILDREN 
reminded me of the NEWSBOYS' latest release, only grittier and far 
more alternative. 
As far the message they portray, it is one which greatly applies to 
each of us at one time or another.  As is seen in the title, the album 
is THE PRODIGAL SON EPIC.  The band has this to say about that, "We 
feel that in everyone's life there has been a time when they have felt 
far from God.  We feel the songs on this album will let people know 
that they're not alone and that their situation represents the call 
God has for them."
One particular song , "Father Take Me" portrays the only thing that 
we can do, the only thing we should do when committing our lives to 
Christ.  The chorus states the cry that we as Christians should be 
crying out to our Lord--"Let me be your hands/Let me be your 
voice/Father take me/Father take me."
Basically, I'd say that COME HOME PHLUBBER, is a killer album.  It 
is definitely one that any alternative fan should add to the list of 
"must gets" and one that I would also recommend to anyone who is 
interested in the "Seattle sound."
--KEITH A. VALENTINE

Brainchild: MINDWARP (R.E.X.)
In this follow-up to their debut album, the CHILDREN explode with 
some exciting, powerful, alternative grooves.  This album contains 
twelve songs which I guarantee will not disappoint any fan of 
alternative music.  Although I, myself, have not had an opportunity to 
hear their first album, I have talked to those who have and I know 
that they have not been the least bit let down.
If you are not at all familiar with these guys, they are Tom 
Curiel-drums, Jon Bestwick-guitar, Skeddie Arizmendi-guitar, and Marc 
Rivera-bass and leading vocals.  Upon first impression, the CHILDREN 
reminded me of the NEWSBOYS' latest release, only grittier and far 
more alternative. 
As far the message they portray, it is one which greatly applies to 
each of us at one time or another.  As is seen in the title, the album 
is THE PRODIGAL SON EPIC.  The band has this to say about that, "We 
feel that in everyone's life there has been a time when they have felt 
far from God.  We feel the songs on this album will let people know 
that they're not alone and that their situation represents the call 
God has for them."
One particular song , "Father Take Me" portrays the only thing that 
we can do, the only thing we should do when committing our lives to 
Christ.  The chorus states the cry that we as Christians should be 
crying out to our Lord--"Let me be your hands/Let me be your 
voice/Father take me/Father take me."
Basically, I'd say that COME HOME PHLUBBER, is a killer album.  It 
is definitely one that any alternative fan should add to the list of 
"must gets" and one that I would also recommend to anyone who is 
interested in the "Seattle sound."
--KEITH A. VALENTINE

Scott Blackwell: ONCE UPON A TIME (MYX)/Zero: RAVENOUS (Wonderland)
This past year has seen quite a push from Christian labels into the 
Dance/House/Techno/Rave marketplace.  These two new albums continue to 
push the limits of Christian music.
Scott Blackwell, former New York mastermixer, has put his skills to 
what I would argue is his best work to date.  He has taken a slight 
step backward and produced an overview of the club music sound of 
today.  The cover shows the various genres shown on the album: Rare 
Groove, House, Techno, Jack Swing, and others.
The music on Blackwell's project is as excellent as always, but 
where I feel he has made a quantum leap is in the lyrics.  Here, he 
has gone way past social commentary ("Love is Not a 4 Letter Word") 
into praise ("Never Ending Love") and hard-hitting Christian messages 
("You Must Surrender," "All You Madonnas," "Once Upon a Time," and 
"Never Too Late").  The message is straight-up, no-compromise from 
keeping love pure to finding happiness and satisfaction in Christ to 
surrendering one's life to Christ.  This might be a bit to bold for 
many non-Christians, but I think it's about time that there's some 
music of this type with strong Christian lyrics.
Blackwell also lightens up the album with some excellent 
instrumental tracks ("XYZ" is an excellent Rave track) for dancing in 
celebration.  He packs around 64 minutes into this very satisfying 
project.
Zero's debut release is billed as funk-industrial-tekno-rave-
hiphop-soul-R&B-club-dance noise--they also deliver.  This is some of 
the most energetic music in these genres.  It's fast paced, filled 
with samples and very danceable.  All the songs top the 124 beats per 
minute (BPM) scale.  Musically, this is probably the best Christian 
release in the rave-tekno type genre to date.
Unfortunately, lyrically it disappointed me.  It carries a positive 
message, but I could only find one slight and very subtle mention of 
Christ.  The first page of the CD jacket states, "Zero believes in 
analog, fat bass, funky loops, tweaked hihats, 808 kicks, 909 snares, 
a sense of humor and a personal relationship with God."  Well, I think 
it's a shame that this is where the mention of God essentially end.  
While the message is encouraging and positive, it certainly isn't 
centering around Christ.  I enjoy the music on this album, but I had 
hoped for a strong Christian message to match the quality of the 
music.
While Blackwell heads more in the swing/R&B area with slower 
grooves and strong Christian messages, Zero takes the rave-tekno 
approach with louder, more energetic tunes without any clear mention 
of Christ.  I loved them both, but would have liked some kind of 
message from Zero, but I can't really complain--both pack great club 
music.
--J. WARNER SODITUS

Kaiser/Mansfield: SLOW BURN (Grrr Records)
This past year has seen quite a push from Christian labels into the 
Dance/House/Techno/Rave marketplace.  These two new albums continue to 
push the limits of Christian music.
Scott Blackwell, former New York mastermixer, has put his skills to 
what I would argue is his best work to date.  He has taken a slight 
step backward and produced an overview of the club music sound of 
today.  The cover shows the various genres shown on the album: Rare 
Groove, House, Techno, Jack Swing, and others.
The music on Blackwell's project is as excellent as always, but 
where I feel he has made a quantum leap is in the lyrics.  Here, he 
has gone way past social commentary ("Love is Not a 4 Letter Word") 
into praise ("Never Ending Love") and hard-hitting Christian messages 
("You Must Surrender," "All You Madonnas," "Once Upon a Time," and 
"Never Too Late").  The message is straight-up, no-compromise from 
keeping love pure to finding happiness and satisfaction in Christ to 
surrendering one's life to Christ.  This might be a bit to bold for 
many non-Christians, but I think it's about time that there's some 
music of this type with strong Christian lyrics.
Blackwell also lightens up the album with some excellent 
instrumental tracks ("XYZ" is an excellent Rave track) for dancing in 
celebration.  He packs around 64 minutes into this very satisfying 
project.
Zero's debut release is billed as funk-industrial-tekno-rave-
hiphop-soul-R&B-club-dance noise--they also deliver.  This is some of 
the most energetic music in these genres.  It's fast paced, filled 
with samples and very danceable.  All the songs top the 124 beats per 
minute (BPM) scale.  Musically, this is probably the best Christian 
release in the rave-tekno type genre to date.
Unfortunately, lyrically it disappointed me.  It carries a positive 
message, but I could only find one slight and very subtle mention of 
Christ.  The first page of the CD jacket states, "Zero believes in 
analog, fat bass, funky loops, tweaked hihats, 808 kicks, 909 snares, 
a sense of humor and a personal relationship with God."  Well, I think 
it's a shame that this is where the mention of God essentially end.  
While the message is encouraging and positive, it certainly isn't 
centering around Christ.  I enjoy the music on this album, but I had 
hoped for a strong Christian message to match the quality of the 
music.
While Blackwell heads more in the swing/R&B area with slower 
grooves and strong Christian messages, Zero takes the rave-tekno 
approach with louder, more energetic tunes without any clear mention 
of Christ.  I loved them both, but would have liked some kind of 
message from Zero, but I can't really complain--both pack great club 
music.
--J. WARNER SODITUS

AVB: CELEBRATE AND PARTY (Word)
If you like music with a good beat and strong vocals that don't 
have to compete with guitars and keyboards, this is a good one for 
you.  AVB, otherwise known as Acappella Vocal Band, has a clean, jazzy 
sound with first-rate harmonizing that lifts your spirit.
The album's title is a fair indication of the contents.  These are 
songs about our reasons to rejoice and the rewards of a life lived for 
Christ.  More specifically, themes include God's love ("I Still Don't 
Understand It" and "No Love Like Your Love"), our commitment to God 
("Anything 4 U" and "My Heart"), the satisfaction of the Christian 
life, and God's faithfulness ("Nothing in the World," "God Will 
Provide," and "Celebrate and Party").
A few of the songs have a definite get-up-and-dance feel such as 
"Celebrate and Party," "Anything 4 U," (which both feature a rap 
interlude) and "Goot Foot."  Throughout all, the group shows 
considerable versatility in style.  The bass is solid and appealing in 
"Anything 4 U" as well as in the soothing narration near the end of 
"Nothing in the World."  About the only disappointment  is "Tell Me 
the Story of Jesus," which starts out with great promise and is 
basically fine over-all, but is a little too repetitive with the 
chorus.
Throughout the album, the harmony stands out the most to me, making 
the last song my favorite.  The CD ends appropriately with "I Delight 
in the Lord," which celebrates through praise in true acappella 
fashion, with no background rhythms to detract from the simple beauty.  
Based on Isaiah 61:10a, this is a song to sit back and let yourself 
enjoy...
--JEAN PATTY

Deliverance/Tourniquet INTENSE LIVE SERIES (Intense)
     This was a great idea from Intense records.  The series of 
live in the studio recordings, is a must for fans.  Do not be 
expecting the best sound, though.  The live series includes 
Deliverance, Tourniquet, Mortal, Rose, and Die Happy.
Deliverance kicks off with STRYPER's "Surrender," which sounds a 
lot like the original.  This tune is certainly the greatest tune on 
this collection.  "No Love" off of their debut album shows up next, 
which is a great thrashing tune.  The drums sound a little weak in 
places, and are hard to hear.
"The Present Darkness" from WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE appears here, 
also.  It starts off with a really stupid intro, which I got tired of 
hearing after a couple of times through.  There's a lot of scratching 
on the guitar, so it doesn't sound its best.
The introduction on "Stay of Execution" is also lacking, with Jimmy 
messing up on vocals a few times but he kind of makes up by showing 
his vocal ranges.  Overall, their live EP is great, hopefully we'll be 
seeing a full length release in the near future.
Tourniquet's EP is stupendous--I loved it.  They have Les Carlsen 
of BLOODGOOD doing vocals on "Phantom Limb" and "The Messiah."  "Ark 
Of Suffering/Stereotaxic Atrocities" is the greatest tune available on 
this disc.  The vocals are much different then the original, and 
really show the vocal ranges of Gary, and Les.
"The Skeezix Dilemma" is another great tune, enough to get you up 
and moshing.  This tune is pretty much flawless, along with most of 
the rest of the EP.  "The Tempter" one of TROUBLE's old tunes is also 
presented here, and sounds even heavier and better then the original--
in some places it shows a small resemblance to older VENGEANCE RISING.
I have nothing bad to say about Tourniquets EP.  I can't wait to 
collect the whole series of these live EP's.
--BRAD MATTERN


LOST ALBUM REVIEW:
Nicole: WISH ME LOVE (Frontline)
This talented, former studio singer for AMY GRANT, creates a 
smashing, R&B/pop sound that vibrates with careful thought, 
intelligence, and groove.  Nicole's voice is somewhat similar to the 
tradition of artists like MARIAH CAREY and WHITNEY HOUSTON.  The album 
contains a dance-type melody called "Miracles," which features Fred 
Lynch from the rap group P.I.D.  It expresses God's love wrapped up as 
a bundled gift for the unloved, victims of abuse.
Nicole penned most of her lyrics and they will definitely put you 
on your feet as well as enlighten your faith in Christ.  The ultimate 
desire to change this cruel, devastating world is what Nicole sings 
for.  While her sensibility is deeply portrayed in all her music, this 
young lady's lyrics are geared toward the teens and the victims of 
domestic violence.  The spiritual insight of her album is to present 
Jesus' message of love in the simplest form possible--tearing down the 
walls of self-destruction and low-esteem are the stepping stones to 
victory.
If you are experiencing the emotions of depression, hurt, or 
unforgiveness, this is an album for you.  Once I caught it, I couldn't 
put it down.  Nicole's voice is one you will never forget.
--LA'TONYA MATTHEWS

CONCERT REVIEW:
Dick & Melodie Tunney: Kettering, OH
The admission was free for this concert--aside from a love 
offering--making it hard to pass by (and I'm glad I didn't!).  The 
concert was a great introduction for me to two of perhaps the finest 
writers of Christian music today.  Besides being accomplished 
songwriters who have been involved in the ministries of SANDI PATTI, 
THE IMPERIALS, and others, Dick and Melodie proved to be truly capable 
performers in their own right.  His mastery of the piano and her 
beautiful voice made them a joy to listen to.  More importantly, both 
seemed to thoroughly enjoy sharing their love for Jesus through their 
songs.
The Tunneys began the evening with numerous praise songs, some of 
which were familiar to me such as "Let There Be Praise" and "O Magnify 
the Lord."  I found that, for the most part, even the songs which were 
new to me were immediately  enjoyable.   A highlight among the "new" 
songs was one titled "When I Look at You (I See Forever)" with 
meaningful lyrics of a very loving marriage dedicated to lasting 
through good times and bad.   The concert's pace was smooth and well-
planned, and even with just the two of them on the platform to watch 
(accompaniment tracks "filled out" the sound), there was rarely a dull 
moment given their energetic personalities.
Taking breaks in the singing, the couple introduced their two 
daughters and shared a little of what a "typical" week is like in 
their home.  (One of the girls played an enchanting piano duet with 
Dad--and incidentally, I didn't hear any mistakes!)  Sometimes it's 
good to be reminded that even those we admire as Christian examples 
are very human and have basically the same stresses as everyone else.  
A delightfully peppy song called "Puttin' on My Sunday Best" was no 
doubt born from these common feelings; the song is a humorous look at 
a particularly horrible grocery trip--an example of many situations 
when patience and holiness seem worlds away from us!
I knew very little about the Tunneys prior to this concert, but I 
left very impressed by their obvious dedication and enthusiasm for the 
Lord.
--JEAN PATTY


NEW RELEASES
MICHAEL ANDERSON  SAINTS & SINNERS
KEITH BROWN  THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN
D.O.C.  PULLIN' NO PUNCHES
PHIL DRISCOLL   THE PICTURE CHANGES
GAITHER VOCAL BAND  PEACE OF THE ROCK
PHIL KEAGGY  CRIMSON AND BLUE
KEONI  WORLD VIEW
RACHEL RACHEL  YOU OUGHTA KNOW BY
     NOW
SACRED WARRIOR  CLASSICS
ZERO  RAVENOUS

APRIL RELEASES
STEVE & ANNIE CHAPMAN  ROMANTIC  LOVE IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
D.B.D.  SODOM & AMERICA
DIG HAY ZOOSE  UNTITLED
MICHAEL ENGLISH  HOPE
RICK ELIAS  FAITH AND FORGIVENESS
E.T.W.  LET'S STAY TOGETHER
GUARDIAN  MIRACLE MILE
JACOB'S TROUBLE  JACOB'S TROUBLE
LIZZ LEE  LIZZ LEE
DEREK LIND  SLIPPERY GROUND
DAVID MEECE  ONCE IN A LIFETIME
SHACK OF PESANTS  CLASSIC
     BLUES VOL. 1
PETER SHAMBROOK  LOVE
     UNSEEN
RANDY STONEHILL  THE SKY IS  FALLING
T-BONE  REDEEMED HOODLUM

MAY RELEASES
STEVE CAMP  TAKING HEAVEN
     BY STORM
PRAYER CHAIN  PRAYER
     CHAIN

Top Albums (February 1993)
1.     FREE AT LAST, D.C. Talk, ForeFront
2.     CHANGE YOUR WORLD, Michael W. Smith, Reunion
3.     THE GREAT ADVENTURE, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Sparrow
4.     THE BASICS OF LIFE, 4Him, Benson
5.     THE SHAPE OF GRACE, Out of the Grey, Sparrow
6.     MERCY, Bryan Duncan, Myrrh
7.     HYMNS: A PORTRAIT OF CHRIST, Steve Green, Sparrow
8.     A HEART THAT KNOW YOU, Twila Paris, StarSong
9.     HOW TIME FLIES, Wayne Watson, DaySpring
10.     MICHAEL ENGLISH, Michael English, Warner Alliance
11.     ANGELS OF MERCY, Susan Ashton, Sparrow
12.     ADDICTED TO JESUS, Carman, Benson
13.     THE COLLECTION, Amy Grant, Myrrh
14.     PETRAPHONICS, Petra, Star Song
15.     MOMENTS FOR THE HEART, Ray Boltz, Diadem
16.     HEART IN MOTION, Amy Grant, Myrrh
17.     SEASONS CHANGE, Ray Boltz, Word
18.     LIFT HIM UP WITH RON KENOLY, Hosanna! Music
19.     MASTERPIECES, various, Benson
20.     UNSEEN POWER, Petra, Dayspring