Christian Music Digest

CMD Issue 8: Interview with Denae Joy

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Sat, 8 Apr 2017 13:30:00 -0700

In today’s issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song “Even If” by MercyMe, we’ll take a look at some updates from some of your favorite artists such as Selah, and our Feature Story is an interview with singer/songwriter, Denae Joy.

Download Issue #8

Independent artist, Denae Joy

Artist Updates

Selah has released their first album of all-new tracks since 2014 titled Unbreakable.
iTunes
Amazon

After a hiatus of 5 years, recording artist Jaci Velasquez returns with a new album titled Trust.
iTunes
Amazon

Brooke Voland and Michael Boggs to form the worship duo, Brooke + Boggs.
iTunes
Amazon

Story Behind The Song

This issue’s Story Behind The Song column features MercyMe. Lead singer, Bart Millard talks about the message and meaning behind the single “Even If” which is the debut single from their latest album entitled Lifer. The album dropped March 2017 and is the band’s first since 2014.
iTunes
Amazon

Feature Story

Indie artist Denae Joy has been singing since she was a young child. She was one-third of a family singing group for several years and began writing songs during that time. She released her first solo project titled Love Song in 2008 and since then has recorded 4 more full-length albums including a Christmas release. Her latest release is a 14-track project called Nobody Like Him which released in late 2016.

Denae Joy's Website
Song Lyrics Page

Things Mentioned in the Conversation

The David Abbott Family album titled Incredibly Blessed
Deane's favorite restaurant in Nashville, Demos'
Denae mentions the song "None So Lovely" from The Isaac's album Nature's Symphony in 432

Purchase Denae Joy's music from our online partners. You can also purchase CDs at joysoundproductions.com.

iTunes
Amazon

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

Send me an email to feedback@christianmusicdigest.com
Call/text the listener feedback line at 623-688-2770

Denae Joy

CMD Issue 7: Interview with Willow City (Formerly known as 4 Proches)

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 14:21:00 -0700

In this issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song “Open Hands” by Laura Story, we’ll take a look at some updates from some of your favorite artists such as Casting Crowns, and our Feature Story is an interview with the folk/bluegrass band 4 Proches.

Note: Not long after this show released, the 4 Proches changed their name to Willow City. They're still the same great band just under a new moniker. Their new website is willowcitymusic.com.

Download Issue #7

Artist Updates

2016 saw the formation of a new CCM/Southern Gospel trio called Cana’s Voice
Cana's Voice website

Amazon MP3
CBD

Casting Crowns 11th #1 radio single
Casting Crowns 5th Platinum Album Certification

Gospel singer CeCe Winans is back with a new album

Amazon MP3
CBD

Story Behind The Song

Laura shares the message behind her latest single, “Open Hands”, which features a duet with Third Day frontman, Mac Powell. “Open Hands” is the title track from her upcoming release which is available for preorder now.

Amazon MP3
CBD

Feature Story

The family band, 4 Proches, is a talented group of four siblings from Texas with a wonderful acoustic, folksy, bluegrass sound that just welcomes you in. Their debut album, Wayfaring Stranger, features a great blend of familiar tunes and original songs. They've got nice harmonies and clear, clean vocals which shine particularly brightly on an a cappella arrangement of "Down to the River to Pray". Our Feature Story is a chat with all four members of the band; Beecher, Ezra, Liza and Asa about their music, some of their hobbies and why they do what they do.

4 Proches Website

Links Mentioned in the Conversation

Beecher mentioned the following books:
In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars by Mark Batterson
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by John C. Maxwell

Liza writes for these blogs:
Lies Young Women Believe
Briarberry

Purchase 4 Proches music from our partners. You can also purchase CDs at 4proches.com.

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

Send me an email to feedback@christianmusicdigest.com
Call/text the listener feedback line at 623-688-2770

CMD Issue 6: Carman Interview

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 09:04:00 -0700

In today’s issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song "Greater" by MercyMe and our featured article is an interview with one of my favorite artists, Carman.

Download Issue #6

Story Behind The Song Column:

This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features the band MercyMe and their single, "Greater". This is one of 10 tracks from their album titled Welcome To The New which hit #4 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.

MercyMe’s Website
Grab your copy of Welcome To The New.

Featured Article:

There are a few artists that I have been following for more than 20 years. One such artist is the multiple Dove Award winning singer/songwriter, Carman. We talk about his kickstarted album, No Plan B, some challenges he’s recently faced and more.

Carman's Website
Pick up your copy of No Plan B.

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com
623-688-2770

Top 20 Original Christmas Songs

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 19:34:00 -0700

Last year we took a look at the top Christmas albums so this time I decided to showcase my favorite original songs. We all love the Christmas carols and traditional holiday songs like We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells, but what about the huge selection of original Christmas tunes? Sometimes you may feel like you've heard enough Silent Night or Away in a Manger and you want to hear something fresh. Well that's what this list is all about.

It took me several hours to narrow this list down to only 20 songs. There were many that I really had to think hard about before dropping them from the list, but I think these selections are the best of the best. I have added comments to a few tracks to clarify something, to add pertinent information or just to share a thought on the song. I'm betting there will be one or two you may never have heard before so I hope you enjoy checking these out.

#20

Song: Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)

Artist: Amy Grant

Album: Home For Christmas

iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#19

Song: The Rest of the Story

Artist: GB5

Album: Christmas

http://gb5online.com

#18

Song: One King

Artist: David Phelps

Album: One Wintry Night

iTunest | Amazon | CBD

#17

Song: Christmas Is All In The Heart

Artist: Steven Curtis Chapman

Album: The Music of Christmas

iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#16

Song: This Is All I Have To Give

Album Artist: Todd Agnew & Friends
Artist/Vocalist: Vince Lichlyter
Album: Do You See What I See?

iTunes | Amazon
Told from Joseph's perspective, this song is absolutely fabulous and carries a lot of lyrics that get you thinking.

#15

Song: The Night Before Christmas

Artist: Brandon Heath

Album: The Night Before Christmas

iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#14

Song: This Is Christmas

Artist: Plus One

Album: Christmas

iTunes | Amazon

#13

Song: He Made A Way In A Manger

Album Artist: David Klinkenberg
Artist/Vocalist: Anthony Evans

Album: The Carol Of Emmanuel

iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#12

Song: What I Want For Christmas

Artist: Big Tent Revival

Album: Choose Life

iTunes | Amazon

#11

Song: God With Us

Artist: Todd Agnew

Album: Do You See What I See?

iTunes | Amazon

#10

Song: A Strange Way to Save the World

Artist: 4Him

Album: Christmas The Season Of Love

iTunes | Amazon | CBD

Song: Labor of Love

Album Artist: Andrew Peterson
Artist/Vocalist: Jill Phillips

Album: Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ

iTunes | Amazon

Song: Quiet of the Night

Artist: Nathan Walters

Album: Quiet of the Night (Christmas Radio Single)

iTunes | Amazon
A great song from one of the members of Plus One.

Song: Daddy Won't You Read It Again

Artist: This Hope

Album: It's Christmas

iTunes | Amazon
This is a fun, heart-warming tune that I look forward to hearing each year.

Song: One Child

Artist: Natalie Grant

Album: Natalie Grant

iTunes | Amazon | CBD
This is an absolutely beautiful song that I sometimes will just play over and over. First released on Grant's self-titled album it was re-released on her Christmas album entitled Believe. I prefer the original version.

Song: This Baby

Artist: Steven Curtis Chapman

Album: The Music Of Christmas

iTunes | Amazon | CBD

Song: Welcome To Our World

Artist: Chris Rice

Album: Deep Enough to Dream

iTunes | Amazon
There's just something about this song and Rice's signature style of songwriting that I just love. The song has been recorded by various artists, but I really enjoy this version.

Song: You're Here

Artist: Francesca Battistelli

Album: Christmas

iTunes | Amazon | CBD
First released as a single a few years before being included on Battistelli's official Christmas project. This song explores the feelings and thoughts Mary experienced as she's holding the newly born Jesus and I've absolutely loved this track from the first time I heard it.

Song: We Are The Reason

Artist: Avalon

Album: Joy: A Christmas Collection

iTunes | Amazon | CBD
A spectacular rendition of the David Meece classic. While the original version is great, Avalon's beautiful arrangement just takes an already amazing song to another level.

Song: It's About The Cross

Artist: Go Fish

Album: Christmas With A Capital “C” (Snow: The Deluxe Edition)

iTunes | Amazon
A beautiful, thought provoking song that puts the holiday in proper perspective. Southern gospel group The Ball Brothers have recorded a great cover of this tune.

So there you have it. These are some of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs. What do you think of the list? What are your favorites? Which song do you feel is missing? Share your comments below.

Merry Christmas!

Top 12 Christmas Albums by Christian Artists

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 08:00:00 -0700

Image Credit: http://www.morguefile.com/creative/Alvimann

Well here we are in the middle of the Christmas season and we’re pulling out our Christmas music. Many of you started listening to holiday tunes on Thanksgiving and others, like my wife, started somewhere around Halloween. But no matter when you start or how long you keep the Christmas music in your playlists or in your CD player there are just some albums that are absolutely “must-listen” at this time of year.

The following list is certainly not an exhaustive list of Christmas albums, nor are these projects the only ones I recommend. This list is simply a collection of albums that I find myself continually going back to year after year. These are my personal favorite Christmas albums by Christian artists that I absolutely must spin every year at Christmas. I really love a blend of traditional Christmas carols and original Christmas tunes so my picks will reflect that taste.

JD’s Top 12 Christmas Albums from Christian Artists

#12
Francesca Battistelli – Christmas, 2012
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

Even though this project just released this year I know it will be among my favorites for many years to come. This recent release showcases mostly traditional holiday tunes arranged in classic Franny style along with a few very well written originals including one of my favorite new Christmas songs of all time, You’re Here. Christmas also features a really fun rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and I think it has a very cool album cover.

#11
Mark Harris – Christmas Is, 2009
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

Comprised of about half classics and half original compositions, Christmas Is includes a remake of the 4Him classic A Strange Way To Save The World and a very fun, unique version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Other familiar tracks are Silent Night and Little Drummer Boy. My favorite original on this album is Caroler's Song. The CD also features Harris’s daughter on the title track.

#10
Casting Crowns – Peace On Earth, 2008
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

This wonderfully enjoyable album features beautiful instrumentation and orchestration of many familiar Christmas tunes like Joy To The World, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, and stirring performance of I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day. Also included are the original While You Were Sleeping, and a cover of Amy Grant's God Is With Us. At the 40th GMA Dove Awards, Peace On Earth won Christmas Album of the Year.

#9
Todd Agnew – Do You See What I See, 2006
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

Probably the most unique album on my list, Do You See What I See offers a collection of all original songs. And as if that wasn't different enough, each song is also written from the point of view of each participant in the story of Christ’s birth. A third characteristic of the project that adds to it's uniqueness is that it is a collaboration with multiple other artists who voice the various characters of the Christmas story. The album was nominated for Christmas Album of the Year at the 38th Annual Dove Awards.

#8
Amy Grant – A Christmas Album, 1983
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

This album really highlights the soothing tones of one the best female vocalists in Christian music, Amy Grant. A Christmas Album features a very unique rendition of O Little Town of Bethlehem called Little Town along with more familiar arrangements of The Christmas Song, Sleigh Ride, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. It also includes great originals like Heirlooms and Tennessee Christmas.

#7
Chris Rice – The Living Room Sessions: Christmas, 2001
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

This project is a masterful compilation of well known Christmas carols that Chris Rice recorded at the piano in his living room. This instrumental album offers a simple, stripped down version of the music of the season which is downright beautiful in it's simplicity. It features classics such as It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Joy To The World, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The only original song is Rice's Welcome To Our World, which has become a classic in its own right having been recorded by several other artists.

#6
Carman – A Long Time Ago…In A Land Called Bethlehem/Christmas With Carman, 1986/1995
Amazon

First released in 1986 under the title A Long Time Ago…In A Land Called Bethlehem the songs were re-released in 1995 with a new title, Christmas With Carman, and new track order. This project is primarily composed of original Christmas songs, with a few strands of familiar melodies like Away In A Manger. Some tracks have small pieces of Scripture recitation and monologue which help paint a full picture of the Christmas story. Originals include the Elvis-influenced Celebrating Jesus, the Jewish sounding Jehova Shalom, and the soaring, anthemic Our Blessed Savior Has Come featuring CeCe Winans.

#5
Go Fish – Christmas With A Capital “C” (Snow: The Deluxe Edition), 2010
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

This album features the high energy, upbeat, harmonious style that has become Go Fish’s trademark. Along with the fresh takes on classic Christmas songs there are several original tunes including the title track and one of my all-time favorite new Christmas songs, It’s About The Cross. Originally released in 2006 under the title Snow, this album was re-released with three additional tracks including a remix of Christmas With A Capital “C” featuring a new verse.

#4
NewSong – The Christmas Shoes, 2001
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

NewSong offers an outstanding holiday release with The Christmas Shoes which is comprised of originals like Sing Noel, the title track, and Christmas Carol, as well as few traditional numbers such as What Child Is This and one of the best renditions of The First Noel ever. It also contains a snappy performance of You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch, and two nicely arranged medleys all featuring the powerful and superb vocals that NewSong is known for.

#3
Avalon – Joy: A Christmas Collection, 2000
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

This Christmas project from one of the best Christian pop groups of all time is a refreshing album to listen to. It features familiar tunes like The Christmas Song, Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day, and a couple of medleys on which the vocal prowess of this group really shines. Joy: A Christmas Collection also has a good portion of originals and the album’s finale is a spectacular remake of the David Meece classic, We Are The Reason.

#2
Plus One – Christmas, 2002
iTunes | Amazon

This project is a fun and delightful listen. Christmas is full of great arrangements of traditional songs and also has some new selections all performed with Plus One’s signature harmony and overall outstanding vocals. It features delightful renditions of classics like What Child Is This?, Silent Night, and It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.

#1
Steven Curtis Chapman – The Music of Christmas, 1995
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

My favorite Christmas album of all-time! The Music of Christmas is the perfect blend of new and old with traditional carols like O Come O Come Emmanuel, Angels We Have Heard On High, and Silent Night coupled with original masterpieces such as Going Home For Christmas, Christmas Is All In The Heart, and This Baby. This is a timeless collection of seasonal music that even boasts a few superbly orchestrated instrumental pieces.

Now I’d love for you to share your favorite Christmas albums. Did I mention one of your faves? Or did I miss an album that you feel should have been listed? Let me know in the comments below. Merry Christmas!

CMD Issue 5: NewSong Interview

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:23:00 -0700

In today’s issue, you’ll hear the story behind the song "Live Like That" by the Sidewalk Prophets, I’ll share some updates from some of your favorite artists, and our featured article is an interview with the Billy Goodwin from the group NewSong.

Download Issue 5

NewSong (My guest, Billy Goodwin, is center.)

News Column

Jeremy Camp achieves 32 number 1 singles

Andrew Peterson - Light for the Lost Boy
Andrew Peterson's Website

Story Behind The Song Column

This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features the recent top 10 single, Live Like That from Sidewalk Prophets.
Sidewalk Prophets - Live Like That
Sidewalk Prophets’ Website

Featured Article

I had the opportunity to chat with Billy Goodwin from NewSong about their latest album, One True God, some group history, and his unexpected connection to another well known artist.

NewSong - One True God
NewSong’s Website
Find out more about Winter Jam

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com
623-688-2770

Michael W. Smith Interview on Focus on the Family broadcast

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Fri, 4 May 2012 12:54:00 -0700

Michael W. Smith, multiple Dove and Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, and composer, recently made an appearance on the Focus on the Family daily broadcast. Hosts Jim Daly and John Fuller discuss Smith’s recent book, his latest studio recording, Glory, as well as more personal issues, including, prayer, marriage, infertility, and much more. If you’d like to listen to this insightful interview, or need more info on Michael W. Smith and his work, see the links below.

Michael’s website

Audio for the Focus on the Family Interview
Subscribe to the Focus on the Family daily broadcast

Glory – Instrumental Album

A Simple Blessing: The Extraordinary Power of an Ordinary Prayer – Michael’s Book

Dove Awards 2012

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:00 -0700

Hi Christian Music Fans!

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will be taking place on April 19th, 2012. If you'd like more information or want to see if your favorite artists have been nominated or will be performing we have links below for everything you'll need to find out!

We also have some free music for you to enjoy from some fantastic artists!

Here are some nominee highlights:

Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris August
Chris Tomlin
Jason Crabb
Kirk Franklin
Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Vocalist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Laura Story
Mandisa
Natalie Grant

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
David Crowder*Band
Gaither Vocal Band
NEEDTOBREATHE
The Isaacs

Artist of the Year
Casting Crowns
Jason Crabb
Laura Story
Lecrae
The Isaacs

New Artist of the Year
Beyond The Ashes
Dara Maclean
Jamie-Grace
Royal Tailor
The City Harmonic

Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDoveAwards
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/GMADoveAwards
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/thedoveawards
Nominees: http://bit.ly/A5Hr2P
Spotify Playlist: http://spoti.fi/yOILPQ

Free Music for Christmas

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Wed, 7 Dec 2011 20:11:00 -0700

Hi Everyone!

Christmas is just around the corner and we've got a gift for you courtesy of FreeCCM.com and Fair Trade Services! This great gift is 10 free song downloads from some of your favorite artists. Simply click the banner below and download the following tracks for FREE!

Laura Story - “Faithful God”
Laura Story - “Emmanuel”
MercyMe - “The Generous Mr. Lovewell”
MercyMe - “Gloria”
Phil Wickham - “God Of Our Salvation”
Phil Wickham - “The First Noel”
Sara Groves - “Obsolete”
Sara Groves - “Silent Night”
Shane & Shane - “Lift Up The Light”
Shane & Shane - “O Holy Night"

Merry Christmas from Radio CSS Media and FreeCCM.com!

CMD Issue 4: Matthew West Interview

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 22:46:00 -0700

Download Issue #4

In today’s issue, Darlene Zschech shares the story behind the song You Are Love, I’ll share some updates from some of your favorite artists, and our featured article is an interview with the talented singer and songwriter, Matthew West.

News Column:
Casting Crowns - Come To The Well
Casting Crowns’s Website

Story Behind The Song Column:
This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features Fair Trade Services artist Darlene Zschech and the title track from her brand new CD called You Are Love.

Darlene Zschech - You Are Love
Darlene Zschech’s Website

Featured Article:

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Matthew West. Matthew will share some great info about his two most recent projects in this interview, Something To Say and The Story of Your Life.

Matthew West - Something To Say
Matthew West - The Story of Your Life (CD)
Matthew West - The Story of Your Life (Book)
Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas
Matthew West’s Website

JD and Matthew West

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!
feedback@christianmusicdigest.com
623-688-2770

CMD Issue 3: Don Francisco Interview

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:58:00 -0700

Download Issue #3

In today’s issue, you’ll get to hear the story behind the song God Is Still God from Heather Williams, I’ll share some updates from some of your favorite artists, and our featured article is an interview with one of my favorite artists, singer/songwriter Don Francisco.

News Column:

Phil Wickham - Response

Phil Wickham’s Website

Jaci Velasquez signs record deal with Inpop Records

Jaci Velasquez’s Website

Michael W. Smith releasing second instrumental album

Michael W. Smith’s Website

Story Behind The Song Column:

This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features Fair Trade Services artist Heather Williams and her song called God Is Still God.

Heather Williams - God Is Still God

Heather Williams’ Website

Featured Article:

We recently had the great pleasure of interviewing Don Francisco. Don shares a little about his background, his songwriting, and his most recent project, Let It Ride.

Don Francisco - Let It Ride

Don Francisco’s Website

Questions? Comments?

Share them with us!

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com

623-688-2770

Castings Crowns' Music Featured on Talk Radio Show

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:13:00 -0700

Castings Crowns hit song Slow Fade was featured today on the second hour of the nationally syndicated radio talk show, The Glenn Beck Radio Program. The program’s listener base of over 9 million weekly listeners have now been exposed to the powerful music of one of the top Christian music groups of recent years.

Slow Fade was the 3^rd single from the album The Altar and the Door which was released in 2007. The song reached #5 on the Hot Christian Songs chart and #7 on the Hot Christian AC chart.

The Katinas Interviewed on Focus on the Family Broadcast

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:25:00 -0700

Focus on the Family recently featured a fantastic interview with The Katinas. In this very personal interview, the guys talk about their upbringing, dealing with the loss of their mother, their once-strained relationship with their father, and even sing a song.

You can hear the interview by clicking the link below:

The Katinas Interview (Direct link to audio file)

If that doesn't work for you, you can navigate to the podcast feed of the daily show and listen there.

Free Music from the group Go Fish

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:11:00 -0700

Hi All,

I thought I'd share with you some free music downloads that Go Fish is offering via the blog of group member Jamie Statema. If you follow his blog then you already saw these, but for those who may not, I decided to pass it along.

'Cause who doesn't love free music, right? Click the links below to go to the blog posts where you can download the tracks. Enjoy!

Savior (Acappella Mix)

The Old Rugged Cross

CMD Issue 2: Calling Levi Interview

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Sat, 14 May 2011 12:33:00 -0700

Download Issue #2

In today’s issue, we’ll share the story behind the song There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace from Point of Grace, tell you about some new releases, and our featured article is an interview with Calling Levi. We’ll also be giving away a copy of Jonny Diaz’s new album.

News Column:
Rebecca St. James Marries Jacob Fink

Building 429 - Listen to the Sound
Building 429’s Website

John Waller - As For Me And My House
John’s Website

Nicole C. Mullen - Captivated
Nicole’s Website

Sara Groves’ Website

Story Behind The Song Column:
This issue’s Story Behind The Song Column features Point of Grace their very encouraging song There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace.

Point of Grace - No Changin' Us
Point of Grace’s Website

Featured Article:

I had a phone conversation this week with Rob Leight of the group Calling Levi. This is an independent group that has been putting out some really great music for almost a decade. If you like Avalon or Selah, you’ll love Calling Levi.

Calling Levi - The Pursuit
Calling Levi’s Website

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com
623-688-2770

42nd Annual Dove Awards Winners

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:26:00 -0700

The 42nd Annual Dove Awards were recently held on Wednesday, April 20th in Atlanta, Georgia. Some of the top winners are listed below. If you'd like a complete list of the nominees and winners in each category, click here.

Artist of the Year - Francesca Battistelli

Group of the Year - NEEDTOBREATHE

New Artist of the Year - Chris August

Female Vocalist of the Year - Francesca Battistelli

Male Vocalist of the Year - Chris August

Song of the Year - “Sometimes I Cry” performed by Jason Crabb, written by Gerald Crabb

If you decide to purchase any of the music of these artists, we'd appreciate if you'd do so using our Amazon link. You can purchase either the physical disc or mp3 downloads on Amazon. Thanks for your support of Christian Music Digest.

CMD Issue 1: Jonny Diaz Interview

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 09:30:00 -0700

Download Issue 1

In this issue, you’ll hear the story behind Mark Schultz’s latest single, find out some highlights from the 42nd Annual Dove Awards, and our featured article is an interview with INO Records recording artist Jonny Diaz.

News Column:
Carman’s Website

Chris August - No Far Away
Chris’s Website

Francesca Battistelli - My Paper Heart
Francesca Battistelli - Hundred More Years
Francesca’s Website

Story Behind The Song Column:
This issue’s Story behind The Song Column is featuring the song What it Means To be Loved, a wonderful ballad from mark Schultz. This is the most recent single from his Come Alive project.

Mark Schultz - Come Alive
Mark’s Website

Featured Article:

I had the opportunity to chat with recording artist Jonny Diaz about his major label debut, how he got started in music, and his newly released self-titled project. It is a great album that I highly recommend.

Jonny Diaz - More Beautiful You
Jonny Diaz - Self-Titled album
Jonny’s Website

I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know what you think of the show. You can leave a comment on the website, send me an email to feedback@christianmusicdigest.com, or call the listener feedback line at 623-688-2770.

CMD Issue 0: Introduction

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:53:00 -0700

Download Issue 0

Tune in for an introduction to the newly revamped flagship show on the Radio CSS Media network.

Christian Music Digest: An Audio Newsletter replaces the long-running Weekend Music Showcase.

The show will feature:

Music News Column
Story Behind The Song Column
Featured Article (album review or artist interview)

Questions? Comments?
Share them with us!

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com
623-688-2770

Music for this recording courtesy of Partners In Rhyme.

Welcome

feedback@christianmusicdigest.com (Radio CSS Media) — Sat, 9 Apr 2011 21:54:00 -0700

The Christian Music Digest podcast is a "reincarnation" (for lack of a better word) of the long-running Weekend Music Showcase podcast that Radio CSS Media had produced.

Around the first of the year, we decided to give it a break to reinvent the show and take it to the next level. Christian Music Digest is the result.

Please stay tuned as we prepare to relaunch our flagship show on the network. More details are soon to come.

Thanks!

-JD

Christian Music Digest

CMD Issue 8: Interview with Denae Joy

Artist Updates

Story Behind The Song

Feature Story

Things Mentioned in the Conversation

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

CMD Issue 7: Interview with Willow City (Formerly known as 4 Proches)

Note: Not long after this show released, the 4 Proches changed their name to Willow City. They're still the same great band just under a new moniker. Their new website is willowcitymusic.com.

Artist Updates

Story Behind The Song

Feature Story

Links Mentioned in the Conversation

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

CMD Issue 6: Carman Interview

Story Behind The Song Column:

Featured Article:

Questions? Comments? Share them with us!

Top 20 Original Christmas Songs

Top 12 Christmas Albums by Christian Artists

JD’s Top 12 Christmas Albums from Christian Artists

#12Francesca Battistelli – Christmas, 2012iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#11Mark Harris – Christmas Is, 2009iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#10Casting Crowns – Peace On Earth, 2008iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#9Todd Agnew – Do You See What I See, 2006iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#8Amy Grant – A Christmas Album, 1983iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#7Chris Rice – The Living Room Sessions: Christmas, 2001iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#6Carman – A Long Time Ago…In A Land Called Bethlehem/Christmas With Carman, 1986/1995Amazon

#5Go Fish – Christmas With A Capital “C” (Snow: The Deluxe Edition), 2010iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#4NewSong – The Christmas Shoes, 2001iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#3Avalon – Joy: A Christmas Collection, 2000iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#2Plus One – Christmas, 2002iTunes | Amazon

#1Steven Curtis Chapman – The Music of Christmas, 1995iTunes | Amazon | CBD

CMD Issue 5: NewSong Interview

News Column

Story Behind The Song Column

Featured Article

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Michael W. Smith Interview on Focus on the Family broadcast

Dove Awards 2012

Free Music for Christmas

CMD Issue 4: Matthew West Interview

CMD Issue 3: Don Francisco Interview

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Free Music from the group Go Fish

CMD Issue 2: Calling Levi Interview

42nd Annual Dove Awards Winners

CMD Issue 1: Jonny Diaz Interview

CMD Issue 0: Introduction

Welcome

#12
Francesca Battistelli – Christmas, 2012
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#11
Mark Harris – Christmas Is, 2009
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#10
Casting Crowns – Peace On Earth, 2008
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#9
Todd Agnew – Do You See What I See, 2006
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#8
Amy Grant – A Christmas Album, 1983
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#7
Chris Rice – The Living Room Sessions: Christmas, 2001
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#6
Carman – A Long Time Ago…In A Land Called Bethlehem/Christmas With Carman, 1986/1995
Amazon

#5
Go Fish – Christmas With A Capital “C” (Snow: The Deluxe Edition), 2010
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#4
NewSong – The Christmas Shoes, 2001
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#3
Avalon – Joy: A Christmas Collection, 2000
iTunes | Amazon | CBD

#2
Plus One – Christmas, 2002
iTunes | Amazon

#1
Steven Curtis Chapman – The Music of Christmas, 1995
iTunes | Amazon | CBD