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ALL NEW VEGGIETALES®: Here I Am To Worship Releases March 17, 2009
Maureen Hoganson - Mon, Dec 22, 2008

Top CCM Artists Natalie Grant and Aaron Shust Lend Voices to VeggieTales CD

VeggieTales®: An Easter Carol Returns to DVD February 28, 2009

FRANKLIN, TN (December 22, 2008) – This Easter season marks the launch of the brand new VeggieTales®: Here I Am To Worship album in stores everywhere Tuesday, March 17, 2009 from Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company. Following the success of the 2006 Dove Award winning VeggieTales: Worship Songs with scans of more than 150,000 units, Here I Am To Worship presents twelve of today's most sung worship offerings from top recording artists. Perfect for kids of all ages, this fun-filled collection of easy-to-sing worship favorites is only $9.99 SRP and will be available in Christian stores through Word Distribution and in the GM through WEA Distribution.

All of the featured songs were chosen to provide families with a meaningful and memorable way to learn worship favorites. Bob, Larry and Junior Asparagus are joined by the Gospel Music Association's three-time "Female Vocalist of the Year" Dove Award winner Natalie Grant on the title cut, "Here I Am To Worship." The VeggieTales crew also welcomes "2007 Artist of the Year" Dove Award winner Aaron Shust, who joins his Veggie pals on his No. 1 hit, "My Savior My God."

"I was a VeggieTales fan before I was a mom, but now Bob and Larry are my best friends," says Natalie Grant. "I love this project because I believe children are never too young to be introduced to a lifestyle of worship."

"Worship at any age is about glorifying our Creator and becoming more like Christ," adds Aaron Shust. "What a wonderful way for children to experience the heart of worship than through music and God's Word. I look forward to sharing these songs with my own children!"

VeggieTales: Here I Am To Worship Track Listing
1. How Great Is Our God
2. Here I Am To Worship (with Natalie Grant)
3. Open The Eyes Of My Heart
4. Holy Is The Lord
5. Shout To The Lord
6. Lord I Lift Your Name On High
7. Friend Of God
8. Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)
9. I Can Only Imagine
10. Every Move I Make
11. My Savior My God (with Aaron Shust)
12. Made To Worship

The Easter holiday also marks the return of one of Big Idea's best-selling, beloved holiday classics with the re-issue of VeggieTales®: An Easter Carol on DVD. Having sold more than one million copies to date, this heartwarming tale as shared by Bob The Tomato and Larry The Cucumber boasts all-new packaging and a low sale price of only $9.99 SRP. Featuring contemporary Christian music superstar and GRAMMY winner, Rebecca St. James, as the voice of the music box angel "Hope," the DVD will be re-released in Christian stores Saturday, February 28, 2009 through Word Distribution and in the GM Tuesday, March 3, 2009 through Genius Products.

"Since its original release in 2004, An Easter Carol has truly become a holiday classic," notes Greg Fritz, SVP Marketing and Licensing, Big Idea. "This Easter rendition of the Charles Dickens classic novel presents the powerful retelling of the Easter story in a clever way that children can understand while providing parents with wholesome family-oriented entertainment that they can enjoy together."

An Easter Carol Synopsis:
Filling London with plastic Easter eggs, Uncle Nezzer is on a rampage to make Easter "bigger than ever!" But just how hard can his mechanical chickens work before they're…well, fried? In just one unforgettable day and night, Cavis and Millward (Bob and Larry) and a music box angel named Hope (voiced by Rebecca St. James) must convince Nezzer that Easter is about more than just candy and eggs.

Inspired by Dickens' Christmas classic, this very special VeggieTales film explains why millions of Christians around the world celebrate Easter past, present and future.

Marketing Support
Big Idea has partnered with the faith-based Gospel Music Channel network for the television broadcast premiere of An Easter Carol slated to air Saturday, April 11, 2009. Big Idea's extensive online media buys and radio promotions campaign will be coupled with promotional mentions on Gospel Music Channel during a two-week period that will feature various VeggieTales episodes, culminating with the premiere of An Easter Carol the evening before Easter Sunday. The programming can be viewed on numerous cable and satellite providers. Please visit http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/ for availability and broadcast schedules in your area.

An Easter Carol Bonus Features
     ● Easter Egg Hunt playable with DVD remote
     ● Behind the Scenes video starring ForeFront Records recording artist Rebecca St. James as the
voice of "Hope."
     ● Interactive Storybooks
     ● DVD-ROM links

About Big Idea, Inc.
Big Idea, Inc., an Entertainment Rights group company, is the leading faith-based studio and producer of children's and family programming, characters and brands. Since 1993, Big Idea's best-selling animated series VeggieTalesÒ has sold 52+ million videos, 13 million books and more than 7 million CDs. VeggieTalesÒ and Big Idea's newest property, 3-2-1 Penguins!Ò, are in their third season as top-rated series on NBC Saturday mornings, Telemundo and ION TV via the quboÒ children's programming block. The studio's two theatrical releases, Jonah-A VeggieTales MovieÒ (2002), and Universal Pictures' and Big Idea's The Pirates Who Don't Do AnythingÔ-A VeggieTales MovieÒ (2008), are distinguished among the top ten most successful faith-based films of all time. Big Idea also maintains an extensive presence in publishing, licensing and live entertainment arenas. For more information on Big Idea, visit: www.bigidea.com.

VeggieTales: Here I Am To Worship
Street Date: March 17, 2009
SRP: $9.99
CD UPC Code: 820413507022VeggieTales: An Easter Carol
Not Rated, 49 minutes, Color, Stereo, Close-Captioned
Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound
English and Spanish subtitles
DVD UPC Code: 820413113490 $9.99 SRP

Tenth Avenue North Breakout New Artist of 2008
Source: Provident Label Group
Date Posted: January 9,2009

Tenth Avenue North, the sales and radio breakout new artist of 2008, finished the year as the best selling new Christian artist according to Nielsen SoundScan with nearly 60,000 in physical sales and the only new artist to break the 100,000 digital download mark since the May 20 release of its debut album, Over and Underneath. In addition, the band is the only new artist to have claimed two No. 1 radio singles with, “Love is Here” and “By Your Side” both topping radio charts in 2008.

An early predictor of the band’s success is noted in the pages of Billboard Magazine (May 31, 2008) as the review reads, “The hit single ‘Love Is Here’ is a perfect introduction to this extraordinary project. This potent combination of music and lyrics adds up to the year’s best Christian debut.”

In addition to gatekeeper acclaim, the band has been honored by fans who voted it “Best New Artist” in the Christianitytoday.com 2008 Readers’ Choice Christian Music Awards.

Industry leaders concur as they offer praise of the breakthrough new artist:

“Spend a few minutes talking with Mike Donehey, lead singer of the band Tenth Avenue North, and you’ll begin to wonder if he’s hiding a concordance up his sleeve. The guy seemingly quotes Scripture with every other sentence. But, he’s the real deal; the kind of artist that should have both a microphone and a platform, and Tenth Avenue North’s music is a direct reflection of the artist. The depth, and solid spiritual truth, on the band's debut, Over and Underneath, makes it not just an album of songs, but pure musical discipleship. Two thumbs way, way up!” - Laurin Makohon, Editor, YW Magazine

“It’s really nice to see the phones light up for a new band.” - Jim Beeler, Music Director KSBJ

“Tenth Avenue North is definitely a band to keep an eye on. I’m so impressed with these guys and excited to see how God is going to use them – they are the real deal!” - Eric Allen, Air 1 Program Director

“Tenth Avenue North’s stage presence is electric. The band members are personally engaging and their music is both spiritually significant and culturally relevant.” -Bob Thompson, President, Christian Festival Association

“The belief in Tenth Avenue North from the festival buyers and promoters is remarkable. They have really caught the vision of the band’s ministry and passion for the church. I don't recall having a band that fits into so many places and with so much honesty and such a compelling live show. They truly are a band worth championing. We are excited about the future and honored to stand beside them as they continue to grow.” - Mike Snider, Third Coast Booking Agency President

“Compassion is proud to be partnering with Tenth Avenue North. They are kindred souls. Their hearts are broken by the same things ours are broken by. They take to heart what Jesus said when he told the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” - Dr. Wess Stafford, President and CEO, Compassion International

As the band readies for a busy 2009, a major spring tour announcement is expected early next week.

About Tenth Avenue North:

With one listen to Tenth Avenue North’s unique brand of intellectual, melodic pop-rock, it becomes obvious that songwriter Mike Donehey and his bandmates have a gift for expressing truth in a way that simultaneously educates, enlightens and entertains. “Simply, our mission as a band is to know Christ and to make him known,” says Donehey. Band members are as much teachers, as artists, demonstrating this through their intellectual, yet vulnerably accessible songs that echo the heart of the human condition and the hope of the risen Savior.

Tenth Avenue North, made up of members Mike Donehey (lead vocalist/acoustic guitar), Jason Jamison (drummer), Jeff Owen (electric guitar/background vocals) and Scott Sanders (bass guitar), broke ground on several fronts in 2008. The band became the best selling new Christian artist, according to Nielsen SoundScan, with nearly 60,000 in physical sales, and the only new artist to break the 100,000 digital download mark since the May 20 release of its debut album, Over and Underneath. In addition, the band is the only new artist in 2008 to have claimed two No. 1 radio singles with, “Love is Here” and “By Your Side” both topping charts last year.

Christafari's World Tour Hits 20 Countries in 2009
Source: Nashville Publicity Group
Date Posted: January 9,2009

While many bands are struggling on the road in a slumping economy, gospel reggae band Christafari has maintained a relentless worldwide tour schedule. In the last eight months alone, the 10-piece band (recognized as one of the Top 10 Reggae Artists in the World by Billboard Magazine) has performed over 80 shows in 20 countries, including concerts in the USA, Iceland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, England, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, Antigua, Trinidad and Brazil (where they performed to a crowd of 80,000 in February!).

In August, Lion of Zion Entertainment released Reggae Redemption Songs II, the second volume of Christafari’s best selling compilation. Produced by Christafari founder and lead vocalist Mark Mohr and guitarist Solomon Jabby, Reggae Redemption Songs II is filled with new gospel reggae anthems from the top artists in the genre, including Christafari, Dominic Balli, 'Imisi, Avion Blackman, Sherwin Gardner, Solomon Jabby, Roge Abergel, Mr. Lynx, Monty G, Jennifer Howland and others.

With nearly 80 minutes of music, this ambitious recording reflects the broad spectrum of performers who represent the roots & culture movement in the gospel reggae arena. Reggae Redemption II contains a unique blend of impassioned vocals, uplifting lyrics and bass-throbbing roots reggae rhythms, while boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“These are true redemption songs written by artists whose lives have been permanently changed by Jesus Christ,” states Mohr. “Song by song, it is a musical tract which leads the listener through God's plan of salvation, and into a newfound faith.”

Christafari heads off to the Caribbean and South America later this month. The group will continue touring both in the USA and internationally in 2009, with Christafari member and fellow Lion of Zion artist Avion Blackman opening in support of her latest solo CD, Sweet Life.

For more information, please visit the official website at www.christafari.com.

Brandon Heath's Give Me Your Eyes 20th Week at No. 1
Source: Provident Label Group
Date Posted: January 12,2009

Brandon Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes” Reaches 20th Week at No. 1 on iTunes with 200,000 downloads of the song.

Brandon Heath was also honored to receive two Grammy Nominations.

Best Gospel Song "Give Me Your Eyes" Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album What If We Brandon Heath

For a complete listing of nominees, please visit Grammy.com.

The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Feb. 8, 2009, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8-11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Red Umbrella
Living and Surviving (7 Spin Music)
Released November 2008
By Russ Breimeier

Sounds like … modern rock influenced by '80s synth-pop and new wave alternative, comparable to The Killers and Fran Ferdinand with shades of the Posies, Newsboys, and Code of Ethics.

At a glance … Red Umbrella continues to refine their skills on the long-awaited Living and Surviving, delivering timely rock sound with smart Christian-influenced lyricism.

Red Umbrella's debut Wishing for Boardwalk originally released in 2004 through 7 Spin Music, with just enough buzz for a more widely distributed re-release in 2006 via Sony/BMG. Alas, this modern rock band from the small town of Parry Sound, Ontario went largely overlooked for the last four years, which is a real pity considering how brightly Red Umbrella shines compared to the more hackneyed and derivative-sounding Christian bands.

They certainly have the musical chops, rooted in the same new wave resurgence spearheaded by The Killers, yet proving more varied and imaginative than most others in this popular and crowded genre. And Red Umbrella's debut was all the more impressive since they recorded and produced it themselves. The band's lack of success could perhaps be attributed to the fact that Red Umbrella is "too Christian, yet not Christian enough," with spiritually inspired songwriting too subtle and sophisticated for the gospel market but clear enough to limit mainstream attention.

Regardless of what may have hindered them to this point, Red Umbrella demonstrates enough musical growth on their follow-up, Living and Surviving, to warrant greater attention. The sound is a little brighter and punchier than the last album and avoids falling into overly patterned new wave like other bands. With smart use of synths and electronics to complement the guitar rock, the band offers a good balance between melody and artfully delivered rhythmic flourishes. So while some of it resembles bands like The Killers and Franz Ferdinand, songs like the title track and "Boompop" (featuring a guest rap by Playdough of Ill Harmonics) steer toward the dance pop of Newsboys or Code of Ethics. These guys have clearly studied what it takes to make a great rock record.

As with last album, Red Umbrella generally avoids obvious Christian expressions here, yet still allows their faith to direct their themes and messages. "Prison Side" challenges the hypocrisy of throwing stones in judgment and "Intervention" is a fresh take on awaking a new generation from apathy and indifference. Later, "Crazy (All of Me)" references C.S. Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet with an appropriately cosmic reggae-ish feel, while "Babbling Brook" uses David's stand against Goliath to question our legacy on this earth, noting the difference between existence and purpose.

The album includes a halfway decent cover of The Byrds' "Turn! Turn! Turn!" (derived from Ecclesiastes 3) that gets more interesting toward the end, but it feels like filler on an album that amounts to a scant 32 minutes—fans are probably hoping for more after four years. Nevertheless, the album's got great bang for buck with a timely sound and insightful songwriting that articulates Christian truths in new ways. Bands like Red Umbrella restore my hope in Christian rock—so long as people are willing to give them a listen.

Israel Houghton Releases The Power of One March 24
Hoganson Media - Tue, Dec 16, 2008

Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar, Dove Award Winner Returns to Solo Artist Roots; Album Features Special Guest Vocalists tobyMac, Martin Smith, Mary Mary, Chevelle Franklin
------------------------
Major Market Tour with Chris Tomlin Begins Jan. 22

Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 2008 – Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton returns to his roots as a solo artist with The Power Of One. Releasing March 24, 2009 on Integrity Music/Columbia Records, the album features the youthful and musically masterful energy that has made Israel among the most highly influential tastemakers across a variety of musical genres. The album also features guest vocals from such genre-leading artists as tobyMac, Martin Smith of Delirious?, Mary Mary and Chevelle Franklin.

As a worship leader, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Israel has written or co-written 11 CCLI Top 500 favorites, creating a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe. The Power of One, Israel's first studio offering after a string of highly successful New Breed live concert projects, comes with a challenge to people of faith to be as impassioned and Christ-like in their earthly walk as humanly possible.

"If you look at our albums thematically, the early ones were about the church and what God is doing," recalls Israel. "On the most recent records, our message has shifted into more social and global concerns, focusing on identity and the purpose of God in everyone's life. I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice. 'Power of One' is the song we wrote specifically around that thought for this album."

Interestingly, the anthemic, introspective title track was not originally intended to be recorded by Israel. "Two and a half years ago, I was asked to write a song for a mainstream artist who was looking for something based around a socially conscious idea," explains Israel. "At that time I was just beginning to understand the connection between worship and justice, so this song came very quickly to me. I was about to send it to the artist's manager when my wife Meleasa asked me to play it again. When I did she said, 'Don't you dare send that away! The time will soon come for you to sing that song.' Now is that time."

From its genre-blending roots reggae and heavy rock to sanctified funk and power pop, The Power of One features songs of hope, redemption and revelation. The songs benefited early on from Israel's writing retreat with longtime collaborator Aaron Lindsey, whose credits include Shirley Caesar, Martha Munizzi, CeCe Winans and many more, and with Tommy Sims, whose writing, recording and performing credits range from Bruce Springstein and Garth Brooks to Bonnie Raitt and Kelly Clarkson.

"This is the first time I've entered into a project with no premeditation," Israel says. "In the past I'd go into a project saying we need this kind of song here and that kind there - worrying if it would sell or if the Church would accept it. This time it was fun to go into creating a record with no rules and just do what was in our hearts...a very cathartic experience."

Throwing out the rulebook, Israel was free to also invite some of his friends representing very different musical genres to join him on the record. Noted rapper tobyMac is featured on the rock song "You Found Me, while the powerful gospel ballad "Every Prayer" features Mary Mary. Well-known reggae vocalist Chevelle Franklin joins Israel on the Bob Marley influenced "Surely Goodness." Chevelle also joins Israel and Delirious? frontman Martin Smith on the worshipful British-rocker, "Sing (Redemption's Song)."

The difference between The Power of One as an Israel solo project verses a New Breed album is subtle.

"Most New Breed albums are done live," says Israel. "This is a studio record so it has a different energy. I get to call on any and everybody for specific sessions. The biggest question is always who's going to play drums. The first week I used Calvin Rogers [Smokie Norful, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams]. The second week we brought in Dan Needham [Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams, Michael McDonald]. And we used Lamar Carter [Ayiesha Woods, India.Arie, Out of Eden] on 'Saved by Grace.'" Another special guest on the album is multi-instrumentalist Akil Thompson (son of drum master Chester Thompson from Weather Report and Genesis) who co-wrote "U R Loved" with Israel.

Writing or co-writing all the songs on the album, Israel creates music that breaks down barriers and defies categorization. Israel uses his own multi-cultural upbringing as a reference point with a desire to draw people of all races, ages and cultures together through worship. Israel laughingly describes himself as "black kid who grew up in a white family in a Hispanic neighborhood."

Active as worship leader in his local church, Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, Houston, Israel has served as worship leader at Hillsong conferences, Franklin Graham crusades and is a featured CompassionArt songwriter and artist. Israel also ministers through concerts in the U.S. and around the world, including accompanying Alicia Keys at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards for a performance of George Michael's "Freedom '90," and as a performer at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, taking part in a segment saluting Gospel music, alongside the likes of Aretha Franklin and BeBe Winans. Next month (January 22) he launches on a national major market, 37-city tour with Chris Tomlin. For the latest tour information, go to http://www.myspace.com/israelandnewbreedofficial.

In 1995, Israel and Meleasa Houghton founded New Breed Ministries, an organization they continue to run and that is comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and together serve the Church at large. Since then, Israel has been featured on FOX, CBS, ABC, BET, TBN and CBN, and has amassed a legion of followers that crosses generational lines with popularity across African American, Latin and Caucasian listener lines. While blasting down barriers, he has been fittingly graced with 2 Gold-selling albums, 6 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and 2 GRAMMY Awards, one for "Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" for A Deeper Level and one for "Best Traditional Gospel Album" for Alive In South Africa. He also penned his first book with New Breed, A Deeper Level (Whitaker House), and wrote a chapter in the upcoming The Art of Compassion charity book.

Israel Houghton is signed to Integrity Music, distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution and to the general market by Columbia Records/Sony-BMG Distribution. For more information, go to www.newbreedmusic.com.

COMPASSIONART GIVING AWAY 100 MILLION SONGS
Hoganson Media - Tue. Dec. 16. 2008

UNPRECEDENTED EFFORT TO ENGAGE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE TO HELP END WORLD POVERTY

Donations Accepted For Charitable Projects Around World to Benefit the Poorest of the Poor

CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty Album, Including 50-minute Documentary, Releases in the U.S.A. 1/27/09, Features 19 Genre Defining Artists

Companion The Art of Compassion Book Releases Simultaneously with Recording

CompassionArt Songwriters/Guest Vocalists Receive Nine GRAMMY Nominations This Month

(Nashville, TN) December 16, 2008 – The award-winning CompassionArt charity is giving away 100 million brand new songs from its upcoming CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty CD/DVD beginning today and through a limited time download via http://widget.nabbr.com/compassion_art.html. This groundbreaking giveaway features six songs written collectively by 12 acclaimed songwriters and recorded by the most well-known artists in the whole genre of Christian/Gospel music. Requesting donations for the songs, the goal is to engage people everywhere to help end world poverty.

The proceeds from the donations received for the CompassionArt songs' downloads will go directly to supporting the relief of suffering around the planet. Anyone with a blog, MySpace or other social network website is also welcome to embed the widget found at http://widget.nabbr.com/compassion_art.html into their own sites to share the songs and donation opportunity with their online visitors.

The songs, including the current radio single "King of Wonders" being heard on the K-LOVE Radio Network and other stations across the country, will also be featured on the 14-song charity album, CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty. The album, which includes a 50-minute DVD CompassionArt documentary, will be available at both physical and digital retail outlets everywhere beginning Jan. 27, 2009 in the US through EMI CMG. The recording also released last month in Europe and Scandinavia through Fierce!/Kingsway, Asia, Africa and South America through Integrity and Australia and New Zealand through Crossroads.

The 19 genre-defining songwriters/guest vocalists featured on the CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty recording include: (Songwriters) Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu G, Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin and Darlene Zschech; and (Guest Vocalists) Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Joel Houston, Leeland Mooring, Christy Nockels, tobyMac and CeCe Winans. Together, they combine for: 101 million albums sold, 103 No. 1 songs, 32 GRAMMY Awards and 9 GRAMMY nominations this month alone, 202 Dove Awards, 18 Stellar Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and 116 CCLI Top 500 songs sung by millions in churches around the world.

Remarkably, all 19 of these artists have come together to help the poorest of the poor through the CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty songs. None of them will ever receive a dime for their efforts. And this is not just a one-time offering, but will be a forever offering for the life of the songs through CompassionArt. In addition to the songwriters and guest vocalists, the publishers, managers, record labels, copyright institutes and agents involved are donating their efforts on this project to CompassionArt.

"We started with 12 of the best-known Christian recording artists, who have come together to create an album and a book, with all proceeds and royalties going to break the hold of poverty on people's lives around the world," says CompassionArt founder and Delirious? frontman Martin Smith. "But we're not stopping there; CompassionArt is evolving to connect, inspire and release compassion all over the world. You are an integral part of this process. Please join us in this next step by downloading and donating what you can for these songs."

Four collective projects were chosen to receive 50% of the proceeds from these songs: Hand of Hope, offering relief and restoration for families caught up in Mumbai, India's sex trade and food and education for children scraping survival on a rubbish dump in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (www.joycemeyer.org/OurMinistries/HandofHope); Stop The Traffik, a global movement against the trafficking of people that has more than 1,000 member organizations in 50 countries and a grassroots following of ordinary activists around the world (www.stopthetraffik.org); Ray of Hope, a team of people in remote parts of Brazil that meets the needs of children; food, education, support, advice, clothing, medical aid (www.rayofhopeamazon.com); and Watoto, a charity helping orphaned children to abused mothers, and helping to restore hope to people whose lives have been devastated by suffering, providing creative life centers, encouraging artistic education and plans for a better future for all (www.watoto.com).

The 12 projects being supported by the 12 CompassionArt songwriters receive the other 50% of the proceeds: For The Silent (forthesilent.org, Paul Baloche); Shaohannah's Hope (www.shaohannahshope.org, Steven Curtis Chapman); Beanz Meanz Livez (www.beanzmeanzlivez.com, Stu G); Lakewood Missions (www.lakewoodmissions.org, Israel Houghton); Caring for Ex-Offenders and The Regeneration Trust (www.caringforexoffenders.org, Tim Hughes); Restoring the Sound (www.restoringthesound.com, Graham Kendrick); Compassion UK (www.compassionuk.org, Matt Redman); St Stephen's (www.ststephenssociety.com, Andy Park); Links International (www.linksinternational.org.uk, Martin Smith); Living Hope Community Centre (www.livinghope.co.za, Michael W. Smith); Baby Watoto (www.watoto.com, Chris Tomlin); and Hope Rwanda (www.hoperwanda.org, Darlene Zschech).

CompassionArt, a charity based in Littlehampton, England, held a songwriters' retreat in January 2008. The 12 songwriters worked together toward a common goal to write 10-12 songs for charity, but by the end of the retreat, had completed 22 new songs. The CompassionArt songwriters began recording the songs for the CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty album in February at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, England, with later recording sessions in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles. Joining the songwriters and guest vocalists to work on the album were such acclaimed musicians, producers and engineers as Josiah Bell, Matt Bronleewe, Danny Duncan, Sam Gibson, Andy Hunt, Ted Jensen, Lakewood Choir, Dan Needham, Paul Moak, Jack Joseph Puig, The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Tommy Sims, Akil Thompson and the Watoto African Children's Choir.

In addition to the recording and documentary, the 12 CompassionArt songwriters have written compelling, candid stories for a companion book, The Art of Compassion (FaithWords/Hachette Book Group, Hodder & Stoughton), releasing simultaneously with the album. This book tells firsthand accounts of extreme poverty around our planet as these songwriters move from ignorance and apathy through paralyzing awareness and end with a call to action, showing us the brutal cost of comfort in the Western world.

CompassionArt is not associated or affiliated with, or otherwise sponsored or endorsed by, Compassion International, Inc. Compassion® is a registered trademark of Compassion International, Inc.

More information on CompassionArt, including song clips, sheet music, news and more can be found at http://CompassionArt.tv.

Debut CD Release-Nashville Recording Artist Chris Lee
Christian Newswire - Fri. Dec 12. 2008

Chris Lee Delivers a Soulful Offering with Debut Self-Titled CD

Debut CD by Nashville music artist Chris Lee is available online now at www.cleemusic.com ...visit today..!
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- From his humble beginnings in Washington, DC to touring with the legendary Michael English and singing background vocals with Mark Lowry, Chris Lee is starting to make a name for himself in the world of Christian music. His soft spoken nature is silenced as he releases a mighty soulful offering of praise and worship with his debut CD.

Singing with his family since the age of five--in churches, revival and conference ministries Chris attests these experiences cemented the cornerstone of his artistry.

Another major turning point and move of faith came the Sunday morning he listened to a message entitled: Your Miracle Moment and he and his wife Katie soon packed up their belongings for the move to Nashville, Tennessee.

While the story seems all too common of sacrifice and dreaming in ol' grand Music City, Chris began to experience the transformation of the doubtful dream becoming a glorious reality, as he divinely connected with Bobby Daltry, now President of Bee Phonic Music Group and surprisingly found himself in the studio with award-winning producer, Rick Chudacoff and acclaimed musician Michael Omartian.

The culmination of this project ushers in an exciting time in the Chris Lee camp as he shares, "I am eager to continue traveling and sharing God's love and forgiveness to the broken. I believe this new CD will touch people on a personal and intimate level, as it has already done in my life."

Contemporary--uplifting praise fittingly express "Runaway Train" and "Stay" as well as the refreshing, worshipful "Just As I Am" and "I Close My Eyes." You will find yourself drawn... to a place of sweet surrender.

Record Label: Bee Phonic Music Group aims to demonstrate the love and compassion of God through a wide array of music and media ministries. We seek fellowship and partnership with people from diverse backgrounds worldwide and to be involved in faith- based projects. Through the music we release and promote, we hope to uplift the spirits of our listeners and encourage them as they continue to develop, build, and strengthen their relationship with God. beephonic@aol.com.

Booking Contact:
Kim Noel
WoodsGate Productions
kim@woodsgateproductions.com
T: (682) 433-4298 or
T: (615) 414-8235

Hey BarlowGirl Fans!!!

We have some really great news! “Carol Of The Bells” from the new BarlowGirl Christmas album, Home For Christmas, is being supported in an amazing way at iTunes. It is currently the #18 most downloaded holiday track (close to Michael Buble, Enya, Jack Johnson and other mainstream artists) and is also listed as #4 on the Christian/Gospel Digital Track Chart!!!! Can you help get it to #1?! We know you can! Click here to buy “Carol Of The Bells” on iTunes and don’t forget to check out the entire Home For Christmas album by clicking here. Let’s show BarlowGirl how much we love them and tell all your friends so they can help too!

Free BarlowGirl Song on Amazon!
For a very limited time, Amazon is offering a free download of BarlowGirl’s version of "What Child Is This" for Christmas. So go grab your free download and tell your friends!

The New York Times on Home For Christmas The New York Times recently reviewed Home For Christmas and featured it on their Holiday Music Round Up! Click here to check out the review that was included among the likes of Tony Bennett, Enya, Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow and more!

BarlowGirl Christmas Slideshow
Take a look at this BarlowGirl Christmas slideshow! --->

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GospelMusicChannel.com's Best Albums of '08 Announced
Compete.com - Wed. Dec 3. 2008

Mary Mary, DecembeRadio, Josh Wilson, Crabb Revival, Detrick Haddon, 21:03,Fireflight, Brandon Heath. Newworldson & Greater Vision Make GospelMusicChannel.com's Top Ten Best Albums of 2008ATLANTA,Dec. 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- GospelMusicChannel.com (http://www.GospelMusicChannel.com) has announced its Top Ten Best Albums of 2008:

Mary Mary - The Sound (Columbia/Integrity)

21:03 - Total Attention (Verity)

Deitrick Haddon - Revealed (Zomba)

DecembeRadio - Satisfied (Slanted Records)

Fireflight - Unbreakable (Flicker)

Josh Wilson - Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup
(Sparrow)

Newworldson - Salvation Station (Inpop)

Brandon Heath - What If We (Reunion Records)

Crabb Revival - Runaway Train (Daywind)

Greater Vision - Not Alone (Daywind)

The Top Ten Best Albums of 2008 were compiled by the senior music editors and staff at GospelMusicChannel.com, along with input from the staff at Gospel Music Channel.

In conjunction with their Top Ten Best of 2008 feature, GospelMusicChannel.com is offering fans a chance to win the entire Top Ten CD collection by visiting here.

"With all the challenges facing the Gospel music industry, it's always such an encouragement--such a labor of love--to look back over the year of the music itself and rediscover what makes Gospel music and
all its sub-genres so rich," says senior content strategist for GospelMusicChannel.com Melissa Riddle. "From familiar artists like Mary Mary to virtual unknowns like Josh Wilson, the artistry represented
here has never been more relevant. GospelMusicChannel.com's Top Ten Best Albums of 2008 represents the diversity and depth that is Gospel/Christian music, and after much deliberation and passionate discussion, we couldn't be more excited to share what we consider to be the 'cream of this year's crop.'"

GospelMusicChannel.com also heralded 10 'Honorable Mention' projects as standouts for 2008, including: Til We See The Shore by Seabird (Inpop), Just the Beginning by Kurt Carr (Zomba), Anberlin's New Surrender (Universal Republic), Karen Peck & New River's Ephesians One (Daywind), The Afters' Never Going Back To OK (INO), Free by Darwin Hobbs (Tyscot Records), Tye Tribett & G.A.'s Stand Out (Sony Urban/Columbia), Music from the Motion
Picture Billy: The Early Years (Arista/Essential), and After Edmund's Hello (Slanted Records).

GospelMusicChannel.com has become the fastest growing site and a leader among all gospel/Christian music web sites.* Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems and nationwide on DIRECTV on channel 338.

Sounds of Success Follow Release of New Mary Mary Album

By Kevin P. Donovan - Christian Post Reporter - Tue, Nov. 11 2008

Gospel music duo Mary Mary has been reaping chart-topping success and critical acclaim since the release of their latest album.

The Sound debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 100 and on the Billboard Gospel Charts at No. 1, selling 37,800 copies its first week. Other chart positions include No. 2 on the US R&B chart, No. 1 on both the gospel and CCM charts.

“Tina and Erica deserve the attention that befalls their mainstream counterparts like Rihanna and Mary J. Blige,” commented the Gospel Music Channel, referring to Campbell sisters Tina and Erica, who made their debut as Mary Mary in 2000. “But whether or not they get it, this duo has simply surpassed all of their previous efforts with The Sound, and that’s saying a lot. They are continually setting new standards for artistic greatness, and this album has only solidified their lead in that regard.”

The Sound is the fourth studio album and fifth overall release by Mary Mary and hit the United States on Oct. 21, one day after its U.K. release.

Christianity Today magazine hailed the album as “the most progressive urban disc to come out of Christian and gospel music in 2008, and possibly even mainstream music” while People magazine said The Sound “is slated to make a severe impact on both the gospel and secular arenas alike.”

“The Sound finds the Campbells (Mary Mary sisters Tina and Erica) continuing to set the bar ridiculously high,” wrote Christianity Today.

Due to the success of the album, a deluxe edition of The Sound is expected to release later this year or early next year. The deluxe edition is rumored to feature a number of tracks Mary Mary recorded for the album that didn’t make the final cut.

A total of seven tracks were previously announced as being part of the final tracklisting but were later removed, including “Because of Him,” featuring Kirk Franklin.

The Sound’s lead single, "Get Up," is currently active on the charts, garnering radio play mainly on Urban, Urban Adult Contemporary, Rhythmic, Gospel and Dance radio formats. In America, it has so far peaked at No. 5 on the Hot Gospel Songs, No. 12 on the Hot Adult R&B Airplay, No. 32 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, No. 1 on the Hot Dance Club Play, and No. 6 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.

The song has not been officially released outside of the States, although the album will be given a full release in the United Kingdom.

While very successful on many charts, “Get Up” has yet to match the success of Mary Mary’s popular groundbreaking debut single "Shackles (Praise You)."

Lenny LeBlanc Releases First Christmas Album

By Kevin P. Donovan - Christian Post Reporter - Sun, Nov. 09 2008

Christian worship artist Lenny LeBlanc has released his first-ever Christmas album after more than 30 years of writing and recording music.

Christmas Night, which infuses traditional carols with new life, features LeBlanc’s signature soft acoustic and rhythmic sounds. Included in the ten-track CD are seven of LeBlanc’s all-time Christmas favorites such as “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” “O Little Town of Bethelehem, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Also featured are three original songs written by LeBlanc.

“This project will be a favorite to existing fans of Lenny’s and will also provide an incredible avenue to introduce many new people to his life changing music," said Chris Thomason, president of Indelible Creative Group, which released LeBlanc’s long-awaited Christmas record on Tuesday.

“Lenny is an amazing artist, songwriter, worship leader and someone totally committed to helping people know God through an authentic music experience,” he added in an announcement. "Christmas Night is that experience!"

Since becoming a born-again Christian in 1980, LeBlanc has been recording Christian-theme music and has co-author of many well-known songs including the multi-award winning “Above All.” LeBlanc has recorded 11 solo albums and yielded success in the gospel, pop and country genres.

"It is an honor for us to partner with someone as multi faceted as Lenny LeBlanc," said Thomason.

LeBlanc currently serves as worship leader at Faith Church in Florence, Ala., and continues to travel, performing 30 to 40 concerts a year as well as producing various releases like Integrity Hosanna’s Revival at Brownsville. His latest release, entitled All for Love, is part of Integrity’s live worship series record at Faith Church.

“I would hope that my music causes people to seek to know God,” says LeBlanc. “Not seek to become a better Christian, but to know Him more. That’s what I desire in my own life.”

Next month, LeBlanc plans to head for Lagos, Nigeria, to perform with renowned Christian worship artist Don Moen. He is currently performing at a five-day private event for Open Doors USA in Santa Barbara, Calif.