MUS:Rock online magazine 2/89

"Lead me to the 'Rock' that is higher than I" (Ps 61:2)
 
          THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE
 Christian Music Magazine
          (C) Copyright 1989
 
        
         Editor-Publisher:
         Diane Gambino
 
        All Rights Reserved.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
 
VOLUME 3, #2            FEBRUARY 1989
_____________________________________________________________________
  FROM THE EDITOR'S COMPUTER...
 
 
//New Look...New Year//
 
Happy New Year Everyone! There are so many new features and services that THE
'ROCK' ON-LINE has in store for you for 1989 that I am really excited about and
hope that you will be as well!
 
Before I tell you about them, I just want to thank all of you for reading the
magazine and data base echo conference and for telling your friends about it. 
Within the last few months our distribution network has tripled in number and
many more are asking to carry the magazine and echo.  
As you can tell, our format is different. This is in answer to the messages I
have received.  This will accomodate more online readers, as well as those who
might want to download the current issue.
 
 
WE'RE GROWING DAILY!
 
 
Not only is THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE accessed in England, but also in 4 Canadian
cities. Here in the United States, the magazine can be read on computer
bulletin board systems in New York, Arkansas, Tennessee, Maryland, Illinois,
Indiana, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, etc. - the list keeps growing.... **Please
remember that no matter how large we get, we'll still be as cozy on our
fellowship echo as we have always been!
 
This month's issue remembers the old and welcomes in the new. Please read
what's in store in the months ahead. I've read your comments and opinions and
have added new features and monthly columns that will be better serve the
Christian music community. After reading this issue, please drop me a line and
let me know what you think.

Don't forget - next month's issue includes another >Behind the Scenes<
Interview with a top music executive from REUNION (Michael W. Smith, Rich
Mullins, Kim Hill, Gary Chapman) RECORDS.  Any questions you would like asked
should be put on the echo >now<.  -- Next month's issue will also include a
large feature on >Chrisian Heavy Metal< featuring concert (White Cross) & music
(Rez Band's "Silent Screams") reviews.
---------------------------------------------------------------

THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE
Remembers
THE TOP 25 LPS OF 1988
 
 
 1.   TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH Scott Wesley Brown (Word)#*
 
 2.   REAL LIFE CONVERSATIONS Steven Curtis Chapman (Sparrow)* 
 
 3.   KIM HILL Kim Hill (Reunion)
 
 4.   WINDS OF HEAVEN...STUFF OF EARTH Rich Mullins (Reunion)*
 
 5.   CAN'T STAND TOO TALL Rick Cua (Reunion)%
 
 6.   RICHEST MAN IN TOWN Bruce Carroll (New Canaan)+
 
 7.   SAY SO Sheila Walsh (Myrrh)[]
 
 8.   SLICE OF LIFE Buddy Greene (Fortress)*
 
 9.   FOR EVERY HEART Twila Paris (Star Song)#
 
 10.  SHOUT Larry Howard (Refuge)*<>y
 
 11.  IN GOD WE TRUST Stryper (Benson)@
 
 12.  FACE THE MUSIC Mylon & Broken Heart (Star Song)[]
 
 13.  THE RECKONING Margaret Becker (Sparrow)%
 
 14.  PRESENT REALITY Michael Card (Sparrow)#*
 
 15.  ROCK SOLID ABSOLUTELY LIVE DeGarmo & Key (Benson)%
 
 16.  I 2 EYE Michael W. Smith (Reunion)[]
 
 17.  A PLACE TO STAND Geoff Moore & The Distance (Sparrow)%
 
 18.  THE REGATHERING John Michael Talbot (Sparrow)W
 
 19.  CARRY ON Babbie Mason (Word)#

 20.   GO AND TELL THE WORLD Tim & LaDonna Johnson (Benson)#
  
 21.  DOIN' IT BY THE BOOK The Whites (NewCanaan)+
  
 22.  RADICALLY SAVED Carmen (Benson)#%
  
 23.  WHY SHOULD THE HEART NOT DANCE? Jeff Johnson (Ark Records)!
 
 24.  HEAVEN BeBe and CeCe Winans (Sparrow) #[]
 
 25.  HAMMER AND NAIL White Cross (Pure Metal Records)@
  
#=Inspirational @=Heavy Metal [] Pop
!=Instrumental %=Rock *=Adult Contemp. +=country gospel W=Worship <>=R&B
_______________________________________________________________
 
>WHAT'S NEW IS THE TOPIC<
 
Taking into consideration >your requests<, this year the magazine will feature
 
    *more* interviews with the Chrisian artists
    *more* coverage of heavy metal Christian music
    *more* updated concert schedules
    *news* on Christian music radio stations
    *more* concert reviews!
    *information that YOU need to know
    *news about Music for Worship
 
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome 2 newcomers: from Baltimore,
Maryland contributing writer KC Mulville, and from Chicago, Illinois
contributing regional reviewer Dom Giampaolo. KC will be handling reviews and
commentaries for one of our new features: PRACTICAL MUSIC or MUSIC IN WORSHIP.
Dom will be doing some concert and music reviews in his area. In addition to KC
and Dom, Craig McCourt, from Indiana, will be keeping us posted as to what's up
in his area.
 
Sure! Of course! Tom Z. and Ken N. are still here!  TROL's contributing writers
Tom Zerucha and Ken Norian will be handling new features as well. Tom will
still be covering concerts in the Detroit area, as well as continuing with his
CD Column. In addition, he will now handle ALL Christian >heavy metal< music
reviews. --  Ken, whose review of the new "Sam Phillips" lp is in this issue, 
will also be involved in handling another new feature called Radio Services.
Any information you have about any radio stations in your area that play
Christian Music should be addressed to Ken on the echo. 

>MORE NEW FEATURES/SERVICES>
 
Within the coming months, TROL will introduce 2 new services. Both will be
available for any sysop who would like to carry them, as well as the updates.
 
All previous and future lp/cd/video reviews (from back and future issues) will
be available in a text file in alphabetical order by the artists names. This
service should help to make life a bit simpler for you when you are considering
making a record purchase.
 
If any of you have a favorite lp/cd/video in your record collection and would
like to share your thoughts on it, send me a message on the echo or % the sysop
on the bbs you are reading this on....if wedon't already have a review on it,
I'll let you know. (P.S. You will receive a byline!)
 
The next service will list concert information and schedules, as well as news
of when a certain artist will make a tv appearance, etc.
 
<><><><COMMENTARY><><><>
 
....is the name of a new feature of the magazine. If you have something to say
about the music...about a particular artist..a song - let me know.
 
Over the past several months, many of you who use the echo have written your
comments about people who have influenced you or touched a positive nerve.
Names mentioned have included Carmen, Michael Card, DeGarmo & Key, Rich
Mullins, Rez, Russ Taff, Phil Keaggy, Keith Green, Stryper, Jeff Johnson, Steve
Taylor, Michael W. Smith, White Cross, etc. 
 
Some of you have told us little snipets of what it was like the night of the
Stryper concert, how it felt talking to Mike Card, meeting Carmen before the
concert, knowing Rich Mullins, the day you saw Mylon and Broken Heart...well
this is the type of thing that the rest of us are interesting in reading
about....and this is what I would really enjoy adding to each issue.
 
<><><REACHING OUT TO HELP><><>
 
.....and helping others is what a Christian is all about. There are many music
minstries around today who do just that...they reach out in music, in
song...with their instruments, with their voices, and their testimonies -
reaching out with the Word of God. THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE will from time
to time share with you the music ministries of Christians whose music and/or
names might not be that familiar to you...

<>THE MUSIC EXCHANGE<>
 
is something like a classified ads section. If you have an instrument for sale,
if you are looking for a specific record, if you'd like to sell some of your
old lps...here's the place to put it.
 
THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE is always looking for people who would like to be
contributing writers from their area...you'll be sure to get a byline for it.
If you are interested, let me know (and tell me a qualification or two).

Currently, I am looking for someone who would like to write a column that will
feature news on how new artists/songwriters or singers might be able to get
into the music ministry. You might be helping yourself while you are helping
others. If you think you are interesting in volunteering time to help us out,
please let me know.
 
I am also looking for anyone who would like to keep us informed on what's
happening in Contemporary/Gospel Music in the following areas: Tennessee,
California, Canada, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, England, Virginia. - If you're
interested, tell me a bit about yourself, your musical/writing background, and
what you would be interested in covering for the magazine.
_______________________________________________________________
 
>>BEHIND THE SCENES>> MUSIC EXEC INTERVIEW
 
The 'Rock' On-Line Magazine gives its readers the opportunity to learn more
about the Christian music industry by bringing your questions to those 'BEHIND
THE SCENES' MUSIC EXECUTIVES whose names may not be as familiar as are the
fruits of their labor.
 
Meet GREG MENZA, President of >GREG MENZA ARTISTS<, the artist management and
booking concert production company, as well as Ministry Coordinator of >MYLON &
BROKEN HEART<.
 
Greg's career in the music business began while he was still in high school
where besides singing with and managing his own group, he worked in concert
production and record promotion. After earning his college degree, Greg's
interests turned towards social services. He merged his knowledge of the music
business and love for young people with the sociology skills learned in college
and helped to develop what was considered to be one of the nation's most
successful youth alternative programs. As a result he was asked to coordinate
several special projects for the President's Special Action Office on Drug
Prevention, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare's National
Institute on Drug Abuse, and dozens of other state, county, and municipal
programs.
 
While in Californian in 1976, Greg met singer Barry McGuire who was
instrumental in re-awakening Greg's interest in spiritual matters and a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Upon returning to the eastcoast Greg
began an intensive program of Bible study and discipleship and from there went
on to build a career in Christian Music field. Greg who had hosted three
nationally syndicated radio programs before moving down South, has managed many
recording groups as well as being ministry coordinator for Mylon & Broken
Heart.

MUSIC EXEC INTERVIEW with GREG MENZA
 
T'R'OL: Why did you choose to work with "Christian" recording artists as
opposed to secular ones?
 
MENZA: "Working with Christian artists in management and booking is something
that I chose to do several years ago. During the last 10 years I have also
worked with a few "secular" artists who happened to be good friends but I feel
that my work in music ministry is a definite calling and a privilege. I have
been in music, one way or another, all of my life. After accepting the Lordship
of Christ I prayed that God would give me a ministry so that I could use all of
my time and energy for something that would be of eternal value. He graciously
chose to redeem all of the skills and talents which I had learned in the world
and use them for His purposes. To me, there is no greater sense of fulfillment
than assisting the growth of those music ministries which He has entrusted to
me."
                        
T'R'OL: What is the most common reaction you get when people learn that you
work in a Christian ministry job?
 
MENZA: "The most comment reaction from people who ask what I do is "Oh, that
must be very interesting." Rarely do I get a negative response and often it
provides an opportunity to share about what Jesus has done in my life and why I
chose this ministry over a successful secular music career."
_______________________________________________________________
 
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!                                !
!                                !
! ISSUES                         !
!            by                  !
!                SPECIAL REQUEST !
!                                !
!                                !
! Thanks for all your requests   !
! It will now be possible for    !
! for you as well as your non-   !
! computer accessing friends     !
! to keep up with the latest in  !
! Christian music.               !
!                                !
! Current issues as well as      !
! back issues will be made       !
! available in computer print    !
! out copies for a small charge  !
!                                !
! Full details next issue!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THOMAS ZERUCHA'S
"CREAM OF THE CROP" LIST THE BEST OF 1988
 
Category: <>HEAVY METAL LPS<>
 
 1. In God We Trust  Stryper
 2. It won't Be Long Shout 
 3. Rock In A Hard Place Bloodgood
 4. Atomic Arena Barren Cross
 5. Whitecross Whitecross
 6. Live to Die Bride
 7. Silent Screams Rez Band 
 
Category: <>CONTEMPORARY LPS<>
 
 1. This Means War Petra
 2. On Fire Petra
 3. Lead Me On Amy Grant
 4. I2(eye) Michael W. Smith
 5. Shoulder To Shoulder  Allies
 6. Fade To White Matthew Ward
 7. I Predict 1990 Steve Taylor
 8. Say So Shelia Walsh
 9. Just Another Injustice Mark Farner
10. For Every Heart Twila Paris
11. Face The Music Mylon & Broken Heart
12. Free The Fire Imperials
13. After God's Own Heart Steve Camp
14. Something Takes Over  First Call
15. First Step Solveig
16. Time and Again Kim Boyce
===============================================================
 
DOM GIAMPAOLO'S
"CREAM OF THE CROP" LIST
THE BEST OF 1988
 
<>Single Recordings<>
 
 1.  Awesome God Rich Mullins
 2.  Find Me Margaret Becker
 3.  Isn't it Amazing Mark Farner
 4.  Pray For Me Michael W. Smith
 5.  Rock Solid DeGarmo & Key
 6.  Watercolour Ponies Wayne Watson
 7.  This Means War Petra
 8.  He Died Sacred Warrior
 9.  Rain Dance Rez Band
 10. Saved by Love Amy Grant
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ATTN: SYSOPS! INTRODUCE US TO YOUR BBS
 
If you are a sysop (sytems operator) of a BBS (Bulletin Board System) that
carrys THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE - the magazine would like to tell the rest
of its readers WHO YOU ARE and what your BBS is all about. 
If you would like to "introduce yourself" to the rest of us please send me a
few paragraphs about your system. To make it easier for you, I have written a
outline or guide that you can use.
 
OUTLINE FOR WRITING THE 'BBS OF THE MONTH' SPOTLIGHT'
 
Please include the following:
 
BBS name, baud rate, hours of operation, sysops name, affiliation (if any).
How long system has been in operation.
In Sysop's words, why/how the bbs came into being. What purpose it serves.
An approx. # of users in general (registered vs new) (if # is under 100 users
please omit).
Types of information that can be accessed from bbs.
Any pertinent info on BBS.
Any information you might want to add.
Why sysop/bbs is carrying The 'Rock' On-Line. What responses (if any) the
system has received since carrying it.
 
P.S. Sysops: Don't forget to tell us something about yourself!
 
[Editor reserves the right to edit the information received.]
_____________________________________________________________
 
The AIDS Crisis and Christian Today (A.C.C.T.)
 
A benefit Christmas concert featuring Christian musicians raise more than $10,
000 for an AIDS patients relief fund in December 1988. The concert, which was
held in Nashville, TN, was sponsored by A.C.C.T. (AIDS Crisis and Christian
Today). A.C.C.T. is a Nashville-based organization formed for the purpose of
challenging American Christians to take a compassionate approach to the AIDS
epidemic.
 
Keynote speaker Tony Campolo, a sociologist and author well known in
evangelical circles, urged the standing room only crowd to "see AIDS patients
in a new light," declaring that A.C.C.T.'s purpose was to "change the church --
from a hard, mean body to a loving, compassionate fellowship." Citing that
evangelicals have been known for their rejection of AIDS patients, Campolo
reminded the audeince that victims are "not dangerous, but hurting", and
challenged Christians to "be known by their love" for hurting people.

During the concert, benefit organizer and A.C.C.T. chairman Steve Camp gave an
emotional premiere performace of "Do You Feel Their Pain", the first single
from his latest Sparrow release, >JUSTICE<. The song features guest artists
BeBe Winans, John Lawry, Marty McCall, Margaret Becker, and Steve Green, and
was written as a theme for A.C.C.T. (Royalties from Camp's recording of the
song will be donated to AIDS patients). The concert ended with the audience
joining the chorus of "We Will Stand", a modern anthem of Christian unity and
brotherhood.
_____________________________________________________________
 
*BASS PLAYER NEEDED BY GEOFF MOORE*
 
Longtime bassist for Geoff Moore and The Distance >Arlin Troyer< is departing
the group to pursue mission work. Troyer's position will be vacant beginning
Feb of '89. Touring for Geoff Moore & The Distance will cover much of the US,
Canada and Australia in the coming year. Professional caliber bassists
interested in full time touring and recording are asked to send an audition
tape, photo and brief resume to Geoff Moore & The Distance, PO Box 210356,
Nashville, TN 37211. Serious inquires only please.
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<><><><>CLASSIFIEDS<><><><>
 
Do you have some lps in your collection that you would like to sell?
 
Are you looking for a particular item that you cannot find?
 
Whatever the reason - use THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE classifieds and help support the
magazine that brings you the latest Christian Music news fast and free of
charge!
 
############################
# Classified Advertising   #
#         Rates            #
#                          #
# $1.00 per word. Ten word #
# minimum. All ads must be #
# paid for prior to issue  #
# deadline of 15th of each #
# month. Special headers:  #
# add $3.00 to total.      #
############################
 
\\+\\MUSIC as a MINISTRY\\+\\
 
If you have a <>MUSIC MINISTRY<> that you would like to tell the rest of the
readers about...you can now do it HERE in The 'Rock' On-Line Magazine. For more
information and rates, please write or send private netmail to DIANE GAMBINO at
Fido net/node address 107/139, or % the Sysop on the BBS you are reading this
on. Include your name, address,  and phone number.

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********************************
//                            //
//       SPECIAL REVIEW       //
//             by             //
//       SPECIAL REQUEST      //
//                            //
********************************
 
[Ed. note: Due to the amount of messages in the data base about the new lp by
the old Leslie Phillips - THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE presents the following
review of her latest lp. drg]
 
THE INDESCRIBABLE WOW  - Sam Phillips (Virgin Records) [Review by Ken E.
Norian]
 
For Leslie Phillips fans "The Indescribable Wow" by "Sam"  Phillips is, at the
same time, rewarding and frustrating. For  those not familiar with Sam
Phillips, it is a "nom de plume" for  Leslie Phillips. If you are not sure why
she changed her name -  you are not alone. If anyone knows, they are not
saying. But, it is not just her name that has changed. The lyrical content as
well as the style of the album is different as well. Even visually, the album
has a sort of "new wave" look to it. 
 
At first listen though, the album is clearly Leslie Phillips - musically at
least. As is most material that T Bone Burnett  produces, "The Indescribable
Wow" is excellently done. If Leslie  er, Sam is attempting to penetrate the
secular market the quality of production is certainly on a par with most other
music  hear on any rock radio station. 
 
Lyrically, I found "The Indescribable  Wow" elusive. Unlike all previous Leslie
Phillips albums, there are no words for any of the songs in the liner notes. I
have always had a hard time with artists who do this, especially when they want
people to really understand their music. It's as though they feel that everyone
can understand what they are singing as clearly as they can.  Unfortunately,
with "The Indescribable Wow" - you can't. I listened to the album twice, and
was still not able to pick up many of the words to the songs. The titles and
chorus helped to give a general impression of what the songs were about, but
I'm  sure (at least I hope) that there are nuances of meaning that were lost to
me. The Song titles are: "I Don't Want to Fall in Love", "I Don't Know How to
Say Goodbye to You", "Flame", "Remorse", "What Do I Do?", "I Can't Stop
Crying", "Holding On To the Earth", "She Can't Tell Time", "What You Don't Want
to Hear", and "Out of Time". I didn't pick up on any specific Christian themes,
or any consistent message for that matter. I did find it interesting that the
words "can't" or "don't" appear in five of  the ten song titles. 
 
Musically, this is great material. While no two albums ever sound the same,
"The Indescribable Wow" has a similar feel to other Leslie Phillips albums,
especially "The Turning" which T  Bone Burnett also produced. 
 
Fans looking for a Christian album will find nothing here for them. But I can
envision some non-Christians turning on to Ms. Phillips via "The Indescribable
Wow" and then introducing themselves to some of her previous material as a good
introduction to Contemporary Christian Music. 
_______________________________

CLASSIFICATION: WORSHIP/CHURCH
THE LORD'S SUPPER - JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT (Sparrow) [Review & Commentary by KC
Mulville, S.J.]
 
There are 8 selections on this album, which essentially includes the Ordinary
for the Roman Catholic Mass. Talbot's liturgical collection is a "composed
Mass", in the tradition of the masters of classical music. Mozart, Beethoven,
Haydn, and many others (even the Protestant Bach) composed Masses. 
 
TALBOT Review continued...
 
Since Vatican II, we have lost touch with that tradition, and only now are
composers beginning to return to the composed Mass as a valid aesthetic form.
 
First, we ought to say a word about the artistic genre in which Talbott's album
must be understood. A composed Mass has three normal "voices". There is the
voice of God (expressed through the readings which are the Word of God). There
is voice of the priest. Finally, there is the voice of the people of the
congregation. The voice of the congregation is expressed through what we now
call "responses": these are the memorized prayers which the people recite at
various times throughout the Mass. In past times, we referred to these
responses as "The Ordinary" of the Mass. A composed Mass is the music by which
the Ordinary is sung. The composer crafts his music to make an artistic point. 
 
The Catholic Mass is supposed to be a drama, in many respects. It is not merely
a re-telling of the drama of Christ's own life: more importantly, it is a drama
which lives out the relationship between the individual believer, Christ, and
his community. The Catholic liturgy is structured with the relationship between
individual believer and the whole Church community in the forefront. Rather
than remember Christ of 2000 years ago because the story soothes us, we are
called to find the living Christ with each other, in the midst of the Church
assembled together. The drama of the Mass is our attempt to accomplish this.
 
Therefore, what is most important on this album is the evolution of the single
voice of the composer (Talbot) and its relationship with the chorus. 
 
Despite the fact that this is a "Mass", this music is better suited for
spiritual meditation than for use in an actual Sunday Mass. The hymns are not
easily sung by a congregation, and a normal Sunday choir wouldn't be able to
handle such sophisticated changes of pace. The album should be understood
accordingly.
============================================================
____________________________________________________________
THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE
 
Editor/Publisher: Diane Gambino    
 
Regional Editorial Contributors:  
*New York: Kenneth E. Norian
*Michigan: Thomas E. Zerucha
*Illinois: Dom Giampaolo
 
Radio Services:  Kenneth E. Norian
Concerts Editor: Jeff Johnson     

THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE is copyrighted. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this
magazine can be re-produced electronically or in any form without special
permission of the Editor-in-Chief & Publisher: Diane Gambino. Download &
duplication permitted for non-commercial use only. *Opinions expressed in the
issue are not necessarily those of magazine Editor/Publisher. Not responsible
for typographical and/or line noise errors. 
Purpose Statement: Ps: 61:2 "Lead me to the 'Rock' that is higher than I" thru
the music that honors Him."        
Comments are welcomed. Address to Diane Gambino online: % Fido net/node
107/139, 107/1000 or % Sysop of this BBS.  
THE 'ROCK' ON-LINE MAGAZINE is a member of the Gospel Music Association.
____________________________________________________________
 
============================================================
 
SPARROW AND DISTRIBUTED LABELS LEAD GRAMMY NOMINATIONS WITH 13
 
Nominations include, Deniece Williams for >BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE, FEMALE< for
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
  BeBe & CeCe Winans have been nominated for >BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE BY DUO or
GROUP, CHOIR or CHORUS category for "Silent Night, Holy Night".
  Steve Green ("Find Us Faithful") and Steven Curtis Chapman ("Real Life
Conversations") have both been nominated in the category of >BEST GOSPEL
PERFORMANCE, MALE<.
  Margaret Becker's lp ("The Reckoning") earned her the nomination for >BEST
GOSPEL PERFORMANCE, FEMALE<.
  Sparrow's also received a nomination in the >CHILDREN CATEGORY< for "The
Bible: The Amazing Book" album by Candle.
 
The 31st annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 22 at the Shrine
Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA and will be carried on the CBS Television
network.
____________________________________________________________
                 Ps. 61:2

