Need a Gift for your Father? Here is a musical idea!

  For many people finding the perfect gift for the father or man in their life is a difficult task. The newest project by Sanctus Real entitled Pieces of My Heart is an excellent idea for a number of reasons, like the heart filled songs. The song "Forgiven" is a celebration of forgiveness as described by Psalm 51:12 "restore to me the joy of your salvation." The song "Lead Me" was written by lead singer, Matt, during a time when he was tired in life and having a hard time on the home front. Interesting to note that when Sanctus Real plays this song at concerts, they look out into the audience to see the different reactions. Some couples are all loving, and sadly you have more the broken and struggling. What I love about this song is that it challenges and encourages at the same time. Even though the message is almost for men folk, it also is speaking to women also to have Christ lead their lives.

Michael Essex and Vision New Album - The Encounter!

The talent, the gift, the inspiration- the amazing sophomore album. There is a saying out there that the sophomore albums are never as good as the first. In many cases this is true, but not here! This anointed encounter is diverse in its range of sounds yet unified in its blend of harmonies. This album includes several guest appearances, featuring the talents of Kenneth Henderson, George Moss, and Christopher Gibson.

One of the things that I love about Michael Essex and Vision is the amazing song writing mixed with some sweet sounds. The lyrics have a depth that few praise and worship songs possess today while not losing the beat. What is really cool is that they have Catlindt Landrum on the saxophone. Now I don't know about you but I love the saxophone though I am not always crazy with elevator saxophone music that is out there. There is a fine line and Catlindt keeps it real by not crossing that line. Having the saxophone in the praise band is pretty unique and sweet.

This is a great album!

What makes a great album? This is a question that as a music buyer I ask myself a lot. I love all genres of music (though I don't care to listen to like, elevator music). For me, I like a song, artist, or album that sounds good. Since songs are the most simple of the three, I will use that as an example. Now, good to me is that first the overall sound of the song is well blended, mixed, or put together. Second, the vocals have to not be offensive to the ear, on pitch, on key, or generally appealing. Finally, the lyrics have to be catchy, have meaning, or not sound forced. These criteria is a mix of technical aspect and the quality of an artist. If an album is filled of songs that fit these criteria then it is a great album, like this one.

To Purchase this great album, just come in and visit our store or go online at www.bakerbookstore.com
To Check out the sound come to our store or this youtube video of when they came to our store!

Barbara Faith Jordan

If you are looking for a easy listening festive sound look no further. The Gift of Christmas Peace is a simple joy to listen to.Barbara Faith Jordan is a Christian folk singer from Traverse City, Mi. With Dave Proulx as her piano/keyboard accompanist and her soothing voice, the Christmas season is made a musical special. The Gift of Christmas Peace is a collection of new favorites, classic favorites, and some old favorites. When you listen to this collection, grab a cup of hot chocolate (or coffee), and watch the large snow flakes fall softly among the happy Christmas lights outside. This song, All Through the Night/ Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, is just a sample of the soothing music that you will enjoy, just click on the title to preview.

A Lamp in the Dark - video review

Normally I don't post a negative review; however, I don't want others out there to assume as I did on this Bible documentary. I had asked our Bible expert to view it for me so that the review would be credible; however, the video itself is not very.
This is the link to his blog where he did review it.
bbhchurchconnection.wordpress.com

Chronicles of Narnia - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is in theaters TODAY!!!!
Return to the magic and wonder of C.S. Lewis’ beloved world – via the fantastic Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader.  In this new installment of the blockbuster “The Chronicles of Narnia” motion picture franchise, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace, their royal friend King Caspian, and a warrior mouse named Reepicheep, find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to the Dawn Treader.  Their mission – on which rests the fate of Narnia itself – takes the courageous voyagers to mysterious islands and a river that turns to gold, to fateful confrontations with magical creatures and sinister enemies, and to a reunion with their friend and protector, the “Great Lion” Aslan. 

Flyleaf - "Remember to Live"

The new "Remember to Live" album released on Tuesday with some never before recorded songs, a few new songs, and some old ones reborn. It is a great album that seems like an almost acoustic version, intrinsically Flyleaf yet softer. This softer interesting route that Flyleaf took on this album allows for emphasize lyrics and in some songs, Lacey's emotions in her voice are stronger here than the originals. This is not hard like there normal records, but once in a while acoustic versions are kinda fun though not always for everyone. 

Check out this preview below...

December 7, 2010 - New Releases

Theses are the new releases for December 7, 2010. Coming out today is the much anticipated James Fortune, I Believe.

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In the Spirit of Christmas - Hallelujah!

It was called a random act of culture. When my cousin showed this to me, I thought that it was amazing and I was sad that I wasn't there.  It is always interesting how different songs can draw and connect different people. This moment in time is a must see.

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 ...
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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!

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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