Leah Mari's "All I Have Needed" - A Review

Leah Mari has the remarkable potential to bridge the generation gap of those who only listen to traditional hymns and those who wish to be reintroduced to the classic hymns. Her slower songs embody the concept of elegant simplicity with the simplistic instrumental background. This allows for empathize on the lyrics. In the more upbeat (or fuller sounding) hymns, the organ is replaced with more contemporary praise and worship instruments without being offensive to the more traditional or contemporary audience. As a special treat, I would say, in the inside cover of her album, she saus how each song speaks to her. I love when artists do this. 

Leah goes a step farther when giving credit to the hymns. In some cases she reveals a little of the story of how the hymn came to be.
Here is just a tease of this gifted musician...

PLAY - ALL CREATURES

"I love the way St. Francis explains how creation praises God. One of my favorite line from the song is, 'Thou rising moon in praise rejoice, y lights of heaven find a voice. ' As a mother of four, I have the tendency to not take the time to look up between taking the kids to school and putting them to bed. For me, this song is a reminder that creation is proclaiming the glory of God. To see it, all I have to do is look around. David writes in Psalms 19, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.' I encourage you, when life gets busy - take a moment to look around and join creation in praising Him." Leah Mari

All Creatures: words by Francis of Assisi sometime around 1225 but was not published for close to 400 years. Translated to English for a children's festival by William H. Draper, the song first appeared in a public school hymnal in 1919.

No New Releases This Week!

After a busy Thanksgiving weekend, there are no new releases this Tuesday. If you missed out on our great deals that we offered over the weekend, here are some great deals for you till Christmas.

$5 Specials:

Beth Moore's - Invitation to Freedom
Dr. Tim Clinton - Invitation to Comfort
BarlowGirl - Love & War
BarlowGirl - Home for Christmas
PureNRG - Christmas
Big Daddy Weave - Christ is Come
Mercy Me - Christmas Sessions
Michael W. Smith - Christmas
Needtobreathe - Outsiders
Aaron Shust - Whispered and Shouted
Newsboys - Christmas


$7.99 Specials:
Chris Tomlin - Hello Love
Steven Curtis Chapman - Beauty Will Rise
Britt Nicole - Say It
George Moss - All or Nothing

Happy Thanksgiving from Baker Book House Music!

After the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the Advent and Christmas season. Christmas is associated with the giving of gifts. I never thought of giving gifts to others as an act of worship, but in a way it is. God lovingly gave us such an amazing gift of His only son that now we follow His examples. Giving gifts is an act of love, and what that love looks like changes with each person from serious, emotional, humorous, to chocolate loving (unless you are allergic). Baker Book House wants to help, so here is our after Thanksgiving Flyer...(below)...

Begin the Advent Season with Music

What better way to start the holiday season than with emotion evoking music. And guess what, there are some concerts coming up that would provide the music! Here are some of those awesome concerts for the first two weeks of Advent. (Advent is the 4 week period before Christmas when the Church celebrates the first coming of Christ and anticipates his second coming. For more info: http://www.churchyear.net/advent.html)


Family Force 5 - Dec. 1 @ the Intersection - 7:00pm

Seabird & Ben Rector - Dec. 2 @ Mixtape Cafe - 6:30pm

Home for the Holidays with Point of Grace and Philips, Craig & Dean - Dec. 3 @ Grand Rapids First Assembly of God - 7;00pm

How Many Kings Tour with Downhere, Mark Schultz, and Alli Rogers - Dec 4 @ Zeeland Community Reformed - 7:00pm

November 23, 2010 - New Releases

Today is another release date where many albums are made available, like Jesus Culture, Soul Seekers, Micah Stampley, Christy Lane, The Chariot, and many more below. Check them out in these five pages ...
New Releases 20101123

Chris August's "Starry Night" is News!

CHRIS AUGUST IS COUNTING HIS LUCKY STARS AS HIS SMASH N0. 1 SINGLE “STARRY NIGHT” TOPS THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC CHARTS FOR 3-WEEKS IN A ROW

August’s debut single continues to top both the Christian AC Monitored Chart and the National Christian Audience Chart this week

Nashville, TN / November 18, 2010 – Fervent Records' hot debut artist Chris August has a lot to be thankful this Thanksgiving with his smash No. 1 single “Starry Night” holding the coveted No. 1 spot on both the Christian AC Monitored Chart and the National Christian Audience Chart for the third week in a row, making this song the most played single in the Christian format. "Starry Night" has also become a fan-favorite, selling well over 80,000 digital singles-to-date. This catchy, up-tempo tune is from August’s debut album No Far Away, already proving to be one of the highest selling new artist releases this year in the genre.

"I couldn't believe my single went No. 1 for one week, let alone three weeks, " said August, "I am so thankful to all the radio stations for letting me become part of their ministry and the Fervent/Word radio team for their hard work. I hope this song encourages you like it's encouraged me to keep living for Christ."  

While he may be considered a "new" artist, Fervent Records' newly signed singer-songwriter Chris August is anything but a rookie in the music industry. The self-taught pianist, guitarist, and producer previously toured as the keyboard player and opening act for pop sensation Ashlee Simpson and worked with Ryan Cabrera, Brian McKnight and Jessica Simpson before shifting his focus to his solo career. Chris, a native of Dallas, Texas, put his refined skill set to work when he co-produced his debut record with acclaimed producer Ed Cash. While he is not one to shy away from writing about his faith, Chris isn't afraid to embrace relationships and heartache in his songwriting. Chris cites influences such as Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Gavin DeGraw who all contributed to the polished pop/rock sound that is sure to resonate with all who listen.

Heirloom Strings - Christmas

         The Heirloom Strings Christmas EP features three sisters who have been playing and singing together since their childhood days when they performed for audiences, churches, weddings, and family gatherings.  

         Now spread out across the country, they have all come together to create this album. Rebecca Schroeder, the producer of the project wanted to put to record years of family music experiences into a timeless album to share with family and friends. She is a professional musician, recording artist, and teacher in Seattle, Washington. Kristen Lambert, cellist, is a professional musician, teacher and mother of three residing in Saranac, Michigan.  Katharine Broberg has joined them with her gifted improvisational piano and is a mother of two residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Carolyn Schroeder, concert pianist, the heart and soul of producing their musical past resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

         They are excited to share their music with you. They celebrate this album to bless and give their love in this tangible way to thank those that have encouraged them calling forth their best.

         What I love about this album is that it is not just limited to a single instrument. So many instrumental Christmas Albums feature a single instrument that always playing the melody line. In this case, the sisters and mother share the melody line between their different instruments. The sound that they produce is simply amazing in its beautiful complexity. The holidays are a time when many families get together, and this time can be joyous and difficult for many. This family came together and made music. Some say in our world that music is a way in expressing thoughts and feelings that words have trouble conveying. This mother and three sister’s music sounds just like a conversation between family members. It is a joy to hear a conversation that is uplifting and not tearing down as in this case. You will be blessed with this transcending music. It is definitely worth a listen.

Concerts This Week!

Friday -  Praize Cafe` II @ THE WAREHOUSE - A Benefit Concert for Living Water International - The Warehouse at Grace for the Nations Church, 3333 Kraft Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 - 7:00 pm

Saturday:
 “A Night at the Ivories” is back in Grand Rapids, MI this November 20th at 7:00 p.m.  in the Meijer Theater located in the Grand Rapids Public Museum.  This is the 4th annual event in Grand Rapids for “A Night at the Ivories.”  Bring your friends, Christian and non-Christian!!

Antioch visits Baker Book House for an evening of Praise on Saturday night at 5:00pm. Antioch Christian Center is a church and training center in Grand Haven, Michigan that is facilitating God's Kingdom by preaching and demonstrating the Truth, Life and Way of Jesus Christ.Ron James has been involved early in his life with music growing up in the Chicago area and eventually spent time in LA playing with the likes of Mary Wells. After salvation Ron spent some time finding himself and now leads praise and worship at Antioch Christian Center.

November 16, 2010 - New Releases

Today Chris Tomlin, Jackie Evancho, and Josh Groban release new albums!

New Releases 111610

Chris Tomlin's "And If Our God is for Us"

       Worship leader Chris Tomlin's newest project And If Our God is for Us releases tomorrow, November 16, 2010. One of the smart things that Tomlin does with his songs is that he always tests his new songs on concert audiences. Tomlin is also involved with a new church project in Atlanta, GA called Passion City Church. It named after the Passion Conference of which he is one of the leaders. 
       All that being said, this is an amazing project of Tomlin's. I had the chance to preview this album, and I absolutely love it just like the previous projects. The only bad thing is that I don't know which of his projects are my favorite. Guess it is a good thing that I own them all. I also encourage everyone to own his entire collection (I really don't always say this either). In regards to acquiring the collection, his previous projects go on sale at various times and this new one will be on sale till Christmas.

         For And If Our God is for Us, his popular single Our God is on this project. Before this song was only available on Passion's Awakening. The project derives the title from this amazing song. Another great song on this project is I Will Follow. This song's powerful message is all about being a follower or disciple of Jesus. I once heard that back in the day, to be a disciple of anyone you would model your entire life after who you following. When someone looked at the disciple, they would see the leader (Jesus). How amazing this is that when someone looks at you, they see Christ living in you.

"Where you go, I will go

Where you stay, I will stay

Where you move, I will move

I will follow

Who you love, I will love

How you serve, I will serve

I this life I lose, I will follow you

I will follow you"

Shana Wilson - Now Available at Baker Book House

Baker Book House is honored to sell Shana Wilson's inspired Gospel Praise and Worship music on her debut CD, "The Nation are waiting...Live in Worship". Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics inspires the listener to a worshipful experience. The song below is the one that speaks to me.

Shana Wilson was born and raised in Detroit, MI. She is the youngest daughter of Bishop Samuel & Lady 'J' Wilson (Pastor/Founder & 1st Lady) of Community Christian Fellowship Ministries, where she attends and serves as Worship Leader, and Choir Director. Shana is recognized for her giftedness in songwriting and her anointing to worship.
Shana has written a number of songs which include, Press In Your Presence, You are Holy, Lion of Judah, So Amazing, and Shout to the Lord, that are all on her debut album "The Nations Are Waiting". Shana grasps hold of radical praise and worship that breaks the chains which causes others to be bound! She has grown to love and accept her calling to break strongholds off of all who experiences the ministry of song that God has birthed in her through her testimony in her walk with God. Shana Wilson has ministered from her heart to the heart and soul of many others. Her goal is to always draw someone closer to God through the anointing and the leading of the Holy Spirit while ministering.
(To see her complete bio click here)

Antich Visits Baker Book House Next Saturday!

Baker Book House is honored to host the gospel praise and worship group, ANTIOCH!

Come and Join Us for an Evening of Praise at 5:00 pm!

Life is a journey with many twists and stops along the way. Antioch's story is such a journey.
After being sent out by Apostle John Eckhardt and Crusaders Ministries, Dr. Ron and Prophet Lisa James founded Antioch Christian Center in 1990. Antioch Christian Center is a church and training center in Grand Haven, Michigan that is facilitating God's Kingdom by preaching and demonstrating the Truth, Life and Way of Jesus Christ. Antioch Christian Center is a place where God is restoring families and Biblical praise, using gifts to perfect the saints, and raising up teams and small businesses to impact the nations. Antioch Christian Center is a church and training center where "Jesus is King!"

Ron James has been involved early in his life with music growing up in the Chicago area and eventually spent time in LA playing with the likes of Mary Wells. After salvation Ron spent some time finding himself and now leads praise and worship at Antioch Christian Center.

Here is an exclusive listen to their music... March Across the Land

November 9, 2010 - New Releases

November 9th releases of Susan Boyle, Dave Barnes, Underoath, Bethel Church, Jason Catro, and many more!
New Releases 110910

Hero by Abandon

Only once in a while does a song come along that tells (or in a video case) the Gospel message so strongly. This song is powerful.
But what is a hero? Webster's dictionary describes a hero as a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities, or one that shows great courage. Now I ask you, what makes a hero? 
I have here two videos of the same song of Hero by Abandon. One is a collage of symbolic pictures and the other is video from the Passion. I put both here because both I think are good. No everyone approaches the world the same. It is my hope that at least one will speak to you as the group Abandon intended to.  “We want our music to be an encouragement to everyone and our songs to minister to people’s hearts.”


About the group Abandon:
        They are a band of 5 guys from San Antonio, TX. What is unique about this group that 2 are brothers, 2 are the brother's cousins, and one is a friend from their church. The group’s name was inspired by the Bible verse of Joshua 22:3, which reads “God has directed us not to abandon any brothers”. 
       EMI/CMG Director of A &R Chris York discovered them while eating dinner with his wife. “It’s definitely the strangest way I’ve discovered a new band,” he admits. “I could hear these guys playing on the other side of the wall, and it sounded really, really good.” 
       The music is soaring rock & roll with layers of guitars and vocals and a driving rhythm section.  The band is solid but vocalist Josh Engler is a superb vocalist who setsAbandon apart from their contemporaries.
      
visit our Website to order their debut full album Searchlights for only $7.99

Our November 2010 Catalog

Our November Catalog that we mail out is available to see at our store's new updated website: www.bakerbookstore.com Just click on the ling below the image to see the catalog at our website!

This file does take a while to download. We are trying to in the future make this an easier process; however, as soon as the file starts to load try saving the pdf. to your computer to view easier in the future. :)

                                                                      

November 2, 2010 - New Releases

There are Today's Newest Releases>>>

The Priests - Noel - RCA Records - Provident
NOËL is sure to be a welcome addition this Christmas and features some of the most cherished seasonal songs of all time - everything from God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, What Child Is This, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, to Oh Come All Ye Faithful, and Silent Night - it is a solemnly beautiful record, stately and humble and full of grace. “We have given each of these songs a different interpretation and a little priestly twist,” grins Father Martin O’Hagan. “I hope it will get everybody into the festive spirit, and I hope there will be something here for everyone.”

Mrs. Miracle - Sony Pictures - Provident
Losing a spouse is always hard, and for Seth Webster (James Van Der Beek), playing single dad to two rambunctious six-year-olds doesn’t make it any easier. With the holidays approaching, finding a housekeeper has proven to be near-impossible, until Mrs. Emily Merkle (Doris Roberts) shows up at the Websters’ door, ready to turn their lives around. No sooner has “Mrs. Miracle,” as Seth’s boys call her, straightened up the house, than Seth meets Reba Maxwell (Erin Karpluk), best friend to the Webster kids’ first-grade teacher. After just one date, Seth and Reba find they have a lot in common. Since the death of his music-loving wife, Seth has been unable to play a single chord on the piano, and, in the name of her career, Reba, once an avid actress, has avoided the theater. With a Christmas pageant to prepare for and a fresh romance on the horizon, Mrs. Miracle definitely has her work cut out for her and proves to be more than just a normal nanny.

Ever Feel Like Drop Kicking a Computer?

All of last week my Computer was down with a "nasty" virus. If you are wondering just how bad a virus, well it did take me 3 days to find this root kit virus. Then it took 2 days to fix. For this virus the Microsoft help forum suggests just to reinstall Windows, but I did not have to have this happen. Yay for the Baker Book House technical team!

October 25, 2010 - New Releases

Hillsong Chapel - Yahweh - Hillsong - EMICMG
Hillsong Chapel is a newly created series of intimate and devotional arrangements of popular Hillsong songs led by the Hillsong worship team. Recorded live in the Hillsong Chapel, Yahweh, the first installment in the series, contains organic and contemplative versions of top CCLI songs including "Mighty To Save", "Hosanna", "From The Inside Out", and the title track "Yahweh". Comprised of 13 songs, Hillsong Chapel's Yahweh is perfect for smaller gatherings, personal devotional, and will help resource churches wanting more intimate worship expressions of songs from Hillsong LIVE and Hillsong UNITED.
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet - Gaither Music - EMICMG
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound celebrate their musical roots in this very special Tribute to the Cathedrals. This unforgettable musical event highlights the Cathedrals’ beloved legacy and songs – memories that have left an indelible mark on gospel music. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound keep the classics alive and honor the group that first inspired them to sing about the timeless themes of faith, hope, and the infinite grace that never grows old.

Bob Coy - Who Helps You? - Active Word - EMICMG
Discovering how the Bible makes sense - that’s the practical goal of the Active Word series. For thousands of years, the Bible has offered people wisdom, inspiration, and literally life-changing truth. But most of us have trouble matching up the words of the Bible with the real-life troubles and challenges we face every day. The Active Word series explores the truths from this amazing book to help us understand their relevance to today and gives us the know-how to use these truths when we need them.

Ocean's Edge Music - Higher Praise Christmas - Maranatha - EMICMG
Higher Praise Christmas: Heaven Came Down is the new Christmas release from Ocean’s Edge Music. The CD features classic Christmas tunes and soon-to-be favorite originals. The songs are performed in a contemporary ‘live worship’ setting featuring a choir, full band and incredible step-out leads. Higher Praise Christmas: Heaven Came Down is a must-have for listening enjoyment at Christmas and even all year long!

Kutless - It is Well: Expanded Edition - BEC - EMICMG
Kutless' follow up album to gold selling worship release Strong Tower. It Is Well featured several brand new singles such as "What Faith Can Do," "Amazed," and favorites such as "Hungry," "Give Us Clean Hands," and "God of Wonders." The heart of worship is something the band as a whole is very intune with and love bringing that to the forefront, sharing and coming together as one to give glory to God. With the new album, the audiences have been able to sing along to the classics as well as add some new favorites into their time of worship.

It Is Well (Expanded Edition) features 4 LIVE songs including "What Faith Can Do" and 1 unreleased studio song
Various - Rock of Ages - BEC - EMICMG
Rock Of Ages is a fantastic compilation of some of your favorite worship songs with a little rock flair. Music moves the soul and heart in a way that is incomparable. Helps convey the heart and what the heart may be trying to say, but cannot put into words…thus a song is born. Rock Of Ages features tpp 25 CCLI songs such as “Mighty To Save,” “Revelation Song,” “Jesus Messiah,” and more by artists like Kutless, Jeremy Camp, and Seventh Day Slumber.

Santus Real - Pieces of Our Past - Sparrow - EMI
In the past 8 years, GRAMMY nominated and Dove Award winning Sanctus Real have made a name for themselves and delighted fans with their radio hits "The Face Of Love", "We Need Each Other", "I'm Not Alright", "Whatever You're Doing", & "Everything About You" to name just a few all while selling almost 400,000 albums in the process. This past March 2010, they released their brand new album Pieces Of A Real Heart containing the huge radio single "Lead Me." With all the buzz and awareness around Sanctus Real's new album, Sparrow reminds current and new fans of their rich catalog with the release of Pieces Of Our Past: The Sanctus Real Anthology a 34 song, 3-CD set including all the songs from their hit albums: We Need Each Other, The Face Of Love, & Fight The Tide - all for just $18.99. This new anthology will be a great addition for fans that may not have all Sanctus Real's best-selling catalog as well as a great way for new fans to discover and get all three catalog albums for a great price. Collections like this are a great way for stores to carry all of Sanctus Real's albums in one SKU and make great gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

Kevin LeVar & One Sound - Let's Come Together Deluxe ED. - New Haven - EMICMG
Now, armed with more music, a companion DVD, music videos and special live performances…the best just got better. The Let’s Come Together Deluxe Edition is a must have for gospel, inspirational and CCM fans alike!