Quality Christian Artistry by Ted Slater on 09/28/2006 at 2:30 PM

I need to chime in on this discussion of Christian artists that Ben began and which Suzanne continued.

In my involvement in Christian music (I've produced/engineered one album and performed on several, and have played synth/organ/piano in a few bands), I've seen a range of musicianship. Some seem to be practicing their gift thoughtlessly, and their creativity and craft are as a result lacking. Others, however, put a lot of thought into their craft, seeking to write and perform their music for the glory of God and the blessing of those around them. Let me give three examples.

Bob Kauflin, Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries. I've served onstage with Bob on several occasions, enjoyed many of his sermons, and have developed a friendship with him that began last decade. If you spend half an hour on his blog, you'll grow in your understanding and appreciation of worship and music that accompanies it. (If you've only got a few minutes, let me recommend this post, this post and this thread -- those'll give you a sense of Bob's style.) Beyond his thoughtful explorations of contemporary worship music, I would argue that his musicianship is top-notch (see this page for just one of the projects he's worked on).

Arvo Part, composer. I was first introduced to Arvo Part's music in grad school, and was immediately captivated by the beauty of the music and the lyrics. If you haven't yet heard this Russian Orthodox composer's work, check out either Te Deum or Tabula Rasa.

Steven Curtis Chapman, singer/songwriter. SCC has been in the contemporary Christian music industry for nearly two decades, and in my opinion his lyrics, passion, music, and production have only improved. A lot of people don't like CCM/adult contemporary, and see it as shallow and trite, but for those whose ears have adjusted to this style of music, it doesn't get much better than SCC (Watermark is up there as well). SCC is providing quality music that many find relevant and moving.

This post is longer than it should be, and I haven't explored this issue very deeply. If time and interest permit, perhaps we can dig deeper in future blog entries.

Quality Christian Artistry by Ted Slater on 09/28/2006 at 2:30 PM

I need to chime in on this discussion of Christian artists that Ben began and which Suzanne continued.

In my involvement in Christian music (I've produced/engineered one album and performed on several, and have played synth/organ/piano in a few bands), I've seen a range of musicianship. Some seem to be practicing their gift thoughtlessly, and their creativity and craft are as a result lacking. Others, however, put a lot of thought into their craft, seeking to write and perform their music for the glory of God and the blessing of those around them. Let me give three examples.

Bob Kauflin, Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries. I've served onstage with Bob on several occasions, enjoyed many of his sermons, and have developed a friendship with him that began last decade. If you spend half an hour on his blog, you'll grow in your understanding and appreciation of worship and music that accompanies it. (If you've only got a few minutes, let me recommend this post, this post and this thread -- those'll give you a sense of Bob's style.) Beyond his thoughtful explorations of contemporary worship music, I would argue that his musicianship is top-notch (see this page for just one of the projects he's worked on).

Arvo Part, composer. I was first introduced to Arvo Part's music in grad school, and was immediately captivated by the beauty of the music and the lyrics. If you haven't yet heard this Russian Orthodox composer's work, check out either Te Deum or Tabula Rasa.

Steven Curtis Chapman, singer/songwriter. SCC has been in the contemporary Christian music industry for nearly two decades, and in my opinion his lyrics, passion, music, and production have only improved. A lot of people don't like CCM/adult contemporary, and see it as shallow and trite, but for those whose ears have adjusted to this style of music, it doesn't get much better than SCC (Watermark is up there as well). SCC is providing quality music that many find relevant and moving.

This post is longer than it should be, and I haven't explored this issue very deeply. If time and interest permit, perhaps we can dig deeper in future blog entries.