Kristi Leigh
When I listen to Ian McIntosh, the first word that comes to mind is “exuberance.” This guy does electro-praise in an approachable way–especially on his new project, “Alive!” While living up to its name in every soul-stirring song, it also features originals, covers, and instrumentals. (The covers span from Hillsong to Misty Edwards to Brian Johnson!) It’s very cool and very sincere at the same time. Check it out now–Ian McIntosh gives you a listen at his Myspace page! (Kristi’s Suggestion: Turn your speakers ON and UP!!!)
I’ve been waiting very patiently for a new release from Brian & Jenn Johnson since their “We Believe” project back in 2006. (It’s the one with all those great songs that burst into authentic worship like “We Believe”, “Taste And See”, “Isn’t He Great” and “A Little Longer.”) It has seemed like forever! But they have finally released a gem! It’s a CD/DVD combo called “Love Came Down (Live Acoustic Worship In The Studio).”
Let me count the ways I love this project:
1. The song lineup: it has original songs and cover songs (old and new) like “Here Is Love” (which Matt Redman did on Passion’s hymns project), the Keith Green song “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” and Anthony Skinner’s “God You’re Beautiful.”
2. The teamwork: in addition to Brian Johnson and his lovely wife Jenn, this one has Ian McIntosh and Kristene Mueller in on it–two worshippers making an impact in a fresh way in the worship community. There’s great instrumentation, too: cello and hammered dulcimer!!
3. The spirit of worship: I always look forward to those moments in worship where everything slows and boils down and we’re left singing our hearts out with an extra awareness of every lyric. These are moments I feel unified with everyone else, in one purpose of true worship (where harmony shines its brightest). For me, it’s those tender moments that stir my heart the most. This CD is 100% that kind of worship.
P.S. If you are a Bill Johnson book fan, this is his son and daughter-in-law!
If you like the House Of Prayer flavor of worship, there’s a new artist you’ll want to know about! Her name is Laura Hackett. She’s from the Kansas City International House of Prayer and has a project out with Forerunner Music. Her voice is beautiful–like the voices of Misty Edwards, Eisley and Yael Naim. Her lyrics are sweet and honest like Sara Groves, Nichole Nordeman and Bethany Dillon. And every once in a while there’s a guitar lick that reminds me of Shane & Shane.
I absolutely love her self-titled CD. It released last year but is slowly making its way into many of my friends’ CD players and iPods. In fact, there are a few fans among the WJTL Staff, too! I can hardly narrow it down to a favorite song. My top picks so far are “There’s A Gap”, “Let’s Survive This” and definitely “When I Am Afraid.”
Laura Hackett’s worship is full of heart and soul. It’s sweet, genuine, raw, confident and compelling…the kind of worship that makes me feel closer to God, more appreciative of everything He’s done for me and encouraged to the brim! Give her a listen–I highly recommend it!
Whenever I play “Open Up The Sky” by Deluge on the Praise & Worship Show, I know I’m going to get emails. Listeners always ask about that song that says “we don’t want blessings, we want YOU [God].” I know Deluge connects with worshippers’ hearts–Christianity Today Magazine even named them one of their favorite worship projects of 2008!
Today, the new project releases. It’s called “Unshakeable!” It’s passionate worship, full of heart and energy. It was recorded live at a youth conference with 5,000 in attendance. I played the song “Let’s Worship” that featured Kari Jobe today as one of my random songs of the day. It was sooo good!
If you like Deluge or would like to get to know them, check out the free download of the week at www.WJTL.com this week. It’s the title track for this new project! (And it’s rockin’!)
I’m Kristi Leigh! I’ve been at WJTL since 2002 and love hosting the Afternoon Drive on weekdays and the Praise & Worship Show Sunday mornings. I grew up in the listening area and was always a huge fan of WJTL. I never expected to be a DJ when I grew up–but along the way, God set me up and I’m so glad He did! Now I have an even greater appreciation for WJTL and the ministry that takes place here every single day. I also enjoy leading worship with my husband, Sam and setting up our first home together!
There’s a lot to keep up with in the Christian music world! You can check back here at my blog for my artist interviews, videos, devotional tidbits and to see what songs and music news stories are on my radar! I’m particularly excited for this summer’s upcoming Creation Festival and all the fun times we’ll have there!
Feel free to get in touch if you have song questions or want to let me know about a song that’s touching your life.
As always, thanks for your support of WJTL!
