Welcome to the Baker Book House Music Blog! We've got new release info, reviews, and artist features.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Did you hear about Newsboys?!
It’s official! Born Again, the critically-acclaimed 15th studio project just released from Newsboys, is the biggest project ever to release in the band’s history. Even better? Newsboys’ Born Again is the 2nd highest Christian artist debut on Billboard’s Top 200 and the 3rd highest debut on CCM Soundscan for 2010!
Check out their newest single...
Check out their newest single...
newsboys "Born Again" *Official Music Video* from newsboys on Vimeo.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Kerrie Roberts - New Artist
At first glance, Kerrie Roberts is the unassuming girl with a huge voice. But once her voice captures you, it is clear there’s much more going on here. Dynamic yet intimate, uniquely emotive and soulful, her self-titled debut reveals the heart of an empathetic artist.
These are the songs of a distinctly relational and prolific songwriter. “My father is a pastor, so my whole family has been shaped by the church,” says Kerrie. “From a young age, my parents always taught me to reach out to the broken and to those who need hope.” With her first performance at the age of 5, Kerrie grew up singing in church, playing piano and leading worship. She wrote her first songs in high school. The 10 songs on Kerrie Roberts reflect the redemptive seeds planted during those years and into her young adulthood.
Thematically, the album explores a thoughtful side of faith, hope and love—the acknowledgment that an authentic life of faith isn’t void of suffering, the purpose amidst pain, the promise that a breakthrough is coming, and the motivating power of God’s love. Says Kerrie, “I want every song to leave people with a sense of purpose—a call to action, a realization of a truth, a promotion of hope and healing."
These are the songs of a distinctly relational and prolific songwriter. “My father is a pastor, so my whole family has been shaped by the church,” says Kerrie. “From a young age, my parents always taught me to reach out to the broken and to those who need hope.” With her first performance at the age of 5, Kerrie grew up singing in church, playing piano and leading worship. She wrote her first songs in high school. The 10 songs on Kerrie Roberts reflect the redemptive seeds planted during those years and into her young adulthood.
Thematically, the album explores a thoughtful side of faith, hope and love—the acknowledgment that an authentic life of faith isn’t void of suffering, the purpose amidst pain, the promise that a breakthrough is coming, and the motivating power of God’s love. Says Kerrie, “I want every song to leave people with a sense of purpose—a call to action, a realization of a truth, a promotion of hope and healing."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Letters to God - Releases Tuesday!
The story of what happens when one boy's walk of faith crosses paths with one man's search for meaning-the resulting transformational journey touches the lives of everyone around them. Tyler Doherty is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy. Surrounded by a loving family and community, and armed with the courage of his faith, he faces his daily battle against cancer with bravery and grace. To Tyler, God is a friend, a teacher and the ultimate pen pal-Tyler's prayers take the form of letters, which he composes and mails on a daily basis. The letters find their way into the hands of Brady McDaniels, a beleaguered postman standing at a crossroads in his life. At first, he is confused and conflicted over what to do with the letters. But the decision he ultimately makes becomes a testament to the quiet power of one boy's shining spirit and unshakable faith.
Friday, August 6, 2010
House of Heroes - Suburba - Review
Columbus-based House of Heroes record, Suburba, is a testament to mid-west rock. The songs are anthemic and moving, at times reminiscent of Queen, at other times the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The songs range from humorous to tender, but always have a ring of middle-class truth about them. This is an excellent record! - Josh of Baker Book House
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
To Save a Life - DVD Released Tuesday!!
Jake and Roger grew up as best friends. But in high school, Jake becomes a star athlete who has it all: a college scholarship, the perfect girl and an ideal life that comes at the exclusion of his childhood friend. Roger no longer fits anywhere and becomes tired of always being pushed aside. He makes a tragic move that spins Jake's world out of control. As Jake searches for answers, he begins a journey that will change his life forever.
This powerful movie deals honestly with many of the issues that teens face today. It shows that the choices we make effects those around us for good and bad. This movie is great for youth groups, teens, parents of teens, and people who enjoy a great movie about the power and journey of saving a life found through Christ Jesus our ultimate Savior.
This powerful movie deals honestly with many of the issues that teens face today. It shows that the choices we make effects those around us for good and bad. This movie is great for youth groups, teens, parents of teens, and people who enjoy a great movie about the power and journey of saving a life found through Christ Jesus our ultimate Savior.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
"Blessed and Cursed" Releases Tuesday!
What a powerful movie! Deitrick Haddon does an amazing job of delivering this powerful and moving message . Along with Haddon, the cast of all-star gospel musicians gives this movie a depth through music that otherwise would not be there.
The theme of this story is simply an expansion of the title: people have the power to bless or curse others around them. The story-line follows the main character, Dwight (Haddon), who is given the position of music minister at the church of a powerful bishop. Dwight's music ministry initially takes off, but jealousy in the church results in betrayal and eventual dismissal for Dwight. God still calls him to a life in music ministry, but this ministry is quite different from anything he expected.
How often in our lives do we feel God's calling for a specific ministry, but it ends up in betrayal and confusion? This movie reminds us that God is always in control, even though His plans may not be in line with our plans or expectations. The message of this movie brings to mind the truth of Jeremiah 29:11: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD.' Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
The theme of this story is simply an expansion of the title: people have the power to bless or curse others around them. The story-line follows the main character, Dwight (Haddon), who is given the position of music minister at the church of a powerful bishop. Dwight's music ministry initially takes off, but jealousy in the church results in betrayal and eventual dismissal for Dwight. God still calls him to a life in music ministry, but this ministry is quite different from anything he expected.
How often in our lives do we feel God's calling for a specific ministry, but it ends up in betrayal and confusion? This movie reminds us that God is always in control, even though His plans may not be in line with our plans or expectations. The message of this movie brings to mind the truth of Jeremiah 29:11: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD.' Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
Anita Renfroe - Big Ol' Sweet Tea
Its been a wild decade for Anita Renfroe. She went from a stay at home mom to a YouTube comedic phe-mom-enon..…but Anita Renfroe doesn’t mind. With her unique brand of estrogen flavored musical comedy and blend of sass, edge and slightly offbeat takes on All Things Female, audiences at her comedy concert tours, viewers of Good Morning America appearances and the YouTube masses who enjoyed her William Tell version of everything a Mom says would say that Anita just tells it like it is. Some would say she just says what everyone else is thinking, but won’t say out loud.
Anita Renfroe’s brand new DVD “Big Ol Sweet Iced Tea” does just that – making people laugh with her off-the-wall insights, music and her trademark pop culture parodies. Filmed in her hometown of Atlanta, GA before a sold out crowd, “Big Ol Sweet Iced Tea” released July 20, 2010.
Anita Renfroe Live DVD Highlight from Marko Visual on Vimeo.
Anita Renfroe’s brand new DVD “Big Ol Sweet Iced Tea” does just that – making people laugh with her off-the-wall insights, music and her trademark pop culture parodies. Filmed in her hometown of Atlanta, GA before a sold out crowd, “Big Ol Sweet Iced Tea” released July 20, 2010.
Anita Renfroe Live DVD Highlight from Marko Visual on Vimeo.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Francesca Battistelli - Beautiful Beautiful
If you have never heard of Francesca Battistelli, then let me enrich your life today. Francesca appeared on a national Christian stage back in 2008 with her hit songs "Free to Be Me" and "I'm Letting Go" from her album My Paper Heart. Since then she has gone on to win and receive recognition for various awards like the Dove Award for Best Female Vocalist of the year, best song of the year, and even a Grammy Nomination for Best Gospel Performance. Even with all this success in her music career, Francesca maintains a down to earth sense of what is really important in life.
Her love of music was active long before she became a recognizable name in the Christian music industry. Francesca grew up with a passion for music: at 15 she was a part of a small all-girl mainstream pop group. When that stage in her life concluded she found her passion for music could be applied with her heart for youth ministry. Francesca shares, “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.” Francesca set out to write “soulful pop music that someone pops in in the morning and says, ‘Now I can start my day, I feel encouraged.’” From my experience with her music, her songs hold meaning and important lessons from God's Word, especially for young girls. They are also just fun to sing along with!
Her new song "Beautiful Beautiful" is one she co-wrote with renowned producer Ian Eskelin. This song talks about second chances and the opportunity to begin each new day with a fresh start.
(I apologize profusely about the quality of the video. It was the only one that I could use that was of the music video. If you can't stand it, try listening to it on Francesca's YouTube page www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbCfyZHSQbE)
Her love of music was active long before she became a recognizable name in the Christian music industry. Francesca grew up with a passion for music: at 15 she was a part of a small all-girl mainstream pop group. When that stage in her life concluded she found her passion for music could be applied with her heart for youth ministry. Francesca shares, “It was there where the Lord really captured my heart for Christian music. I started playing guitar and really longed to bring something authentic to the scene that even non-Christians could listen to.” Francesca set out to write “soulful pop music that someone pops in in the morning and says, ‘Now I can start my day, I feel encouraged.’” From my experience with her music, her songs hold meaning and important lessons from God's Word, especially for young girls. They are also just fun to sing along with!
Her new song "Beautiful Beautiful" is one she co-wrote with renowned producer Ian Eskelin. This song talks about second chances and the opportunity to begin each new day with a fresh start.
(I apologize profusely about the quality of the video. It was the only one that I could use that was of the music video. If you can't stand it, try listening to it on Francesca's YouTube page www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbCfyZHSQbE)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Afters Visit!!!!!!
(in pic from left - Matt, Me, Josh, Josh of Baker Book House)
This morning I got a phone call from one of my music companies about a band that was in the area and on the way to Baker. This was not just any band- it was The Afters! Well, at least Josh and Matt of The Afters, along with John, their agent, and Vanessa. You know, it's always fun to meet artists in person, but it's even more fun when it's out of the blue! They were very friendly and down to earth, talking about their new album and taking a tour of our store. You know they must spend a great deal of time together when all the guys showed up "accidentally" matching! They were in town to do interviews with WAYFM and WCSG, our local Christian radio stations. Their next and third album releases September 14, so be watching for it! Here is the story behind the new single that is playing on the radio now!
Monday, July 12, 2010
In Memory of Walter Hawkins (May 11, 1949 - July 11, 2010)
On July 11, 2010, Walter Hawkins went home to his risen Lord and Savior. Bishop Walter Hawkins was one of the most beloved pastors and figures in contemporary Gospel Music today. In the Forty plus years of his career, he has created one of the most prolific and outstanding catalogs of hit gospel recordings and published songs that continues to inspire people and musicians.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Hillsong - Beautiful Exchange
For a limited time only you can listen to 6 of the brand new songs from the new Hillsong Live album, "A Beautiful Exchange." Song 1: You Song 2: Open My Eyes: Song 3: Forever Reign Song 4: The One Who Saves Song 5: Like Incense - Sometimes By Step Song 6: Greatness of Our God
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New Release
Today's new release is from Jeremy Camp. His new cd "The Story's Not Over" is now in store. Stop on by and grab a copy. 😊...
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On Saturday, we had a great time getting to know Nate and iLive2Praize. Nate is simply a man living out his call to ministry. This is eviden...
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Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, and Adam Cappa are coming to Sunshine Community Church May 6 at 7 PM!
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Traverse City's own, Barbara Faith Jordan will be coming and performing at Baker Book House this Saturday, December 3rd at 2pm. Come on ...


