Artist Spotlight: Ian McIntosh
January 2, 2019 by Mark Bowyer
Filed under Music Spotlight
By Mark Bowyer
With the New Year, comes a new generation of artists. Ian McIntosh, in his early 20s, is setting the bar high for futuristic worship music. A keyboardist, Ian uses all the modern conveniences available to experiment with the newest sounds emerging from the current band trends. Head and mastermind over a team of musicians using a variety of instruments, he is a refreshing break from the traditional. Ian McIntosh challenges all the standards and erupts in a sea of impassioned patterns and magical melodies. He is a believer that true Christians in creativity will be the catalyst for bringing morality back to the industry.
On “Alive,” the recent groundbreaking release, Ian manages to mix the effortlessness of the vocals with the complexity and beauty of his own keyboard skills. Definitely ethereal, and thought provoking, Ian never ceases to amaze from track to track. The song “Faithful,” especially warrants multiple listens–having multiple band-influences, and heavy drumming, yet rewarding the listener with a clear heart-warming God-honoring chorus to replay in their mind all day. The first album, “Awakened” is more of the same, but shows Ian’s roots and original blueprints for his current enigmatic style.
Artist Spotlight: Gavin M. Cox
December 19, 2018 by Mark Bowyer
Filed under Music Spotlight
By Mark Bowyer
Thinking about people in the UK might often conjure up images of uptight, reserved, and orderly ladies and gentlemen who are prim and proper and run their lives just so. Not for the British Gavin M. Cox—or at least not judging by the photos on his Web site—this Christian artist enjoys the laid back beach atmosphere, unbuttoned shirt, and barefooted bliss of relaxation.
With over 150 songs available, Cox has remained a busy songwriter for many years. And being featured on different British TV and radio programs is a plus for him. However, what really sets him apart from other Christian artists in his genre is his versatility and overall quality. One moment his music has elements of Steven Curtis Chapman, then the next it sounds like something that Nickel Creek could have sung. Songs like “Love Lift Me Higher,” “Hold On to Love,” and “Love is the Reason Why,” all make love the ultimate goal in life. While songs like “Leap of Faith,” and “Hear My Cry,” are songs about God and to God.
Artist Spotlight: Jason Upton
December 6, 2018 by Mark Bowyer
Filed under Music Spotlight
By Mark Bowyer
Like so many other people these days, with a troubled economy comes the necessity for each of us to wear many hats. In Jason Upton’s case, his journey through life has made him wear the hats of worship leader, inspirational teacher, husband, father, songwriter, and independent recording artist. Jason’s Key of David Ministries is a powerful source of Godly wisdom and musical inspiration. With at least ten albums to explore, it becomes more of a history lesson of a decade gone by—where God taught Upton through lyrics and chords and unlocked doors of opportunity for future tours.
Jason’s MySpace music page, along with a more personal page at http://www.jasonupton.com, lay out everything about his life in the open. A proud father, and highly sought after speaker/performer, the seriousness of a sermon is always coupled with the melodies in his music. Songs like “You Are Holy,” and “How to Know if We Are Born,” speak specifically to growing closer to God and swept away out of the corruption of this world into the glorious holiness of the next.
Artist Spotlight: Steve Zuwala
November 19, 2018 by Mark Bowyer
Filed under Music Spotlight
If you like down-home, clear-as-crystal, award-winning country music with a Gospel message, then I highly recommend you check out the CDs of Steve Zuwala. Being a country music songwriter and performer and spending time in Hawaii to both film and relax, Steve is not your typical cowboy. With #1 hits like “So Help Me God, and “Heaven Knows”, Steve displays sensitivity in songwriting and meaningful performances.
While the new stevezuwala.com site is under construction Steve’s Myspace music page, shows his passion for the typical country music motifs with affection for the things of God. His music video entitled, “So Help Me God”, and a photo gallery of himself with celebrities, including Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, demonstrates his versatility. It is easy to understand why his tone is appreciated. A younger-sounding, less-intonated version of Randy Travis in some regards, Steve Zuwala lets the clear Christian lyrics he writes speak for themselves.
The new release, “Forgiveness”, and the upcoming album, “Wing and a Prayer”, are sure to be crowd-pleasers. It is his unique blend of old-time country style and a clear gospel message that allows his music to send the hearer back in time to a simpler place where back porch swings and summer afternoons made a time of reflection that much sweeter.
To learn more about this artist, visit http://www.myspace.com/stevezuwalagospel
