Carlos Whittaker // RAGAMUFFIN SOUL

Ragamuffin Soul is the real thing…other bands and Christian artists take notes…

I get many CD’s from various labels and agencies to review for Crossroad magazine and only so often have I come across an artist that have songs that connect, music that uplifts the soul and words that have absolute meaning and clarity.

Carlos Whittaker’s Ragamuffin Soul does that and more.

Too many times I hear music that just sounds like a gimmick or artist just doing it because maybe they can’t make it anywhere else in showbiz. When it comes to Christian music it’s either you sing about the glory of God or you don’t and too many times I hear the same thing. I ask myself  “really???” am I supposed to believe this? What is the difference in listening to a Christian artist using words like “Love, Him, and You” in place of the word Christ or Jesus from a secular artist saying the actually words that are meant in the song? It seems to me that some Christians artist are scared to profess their faith and many come across as secular and do whatever they have to for a profit. I can go on and on about this, but what I hear in Carlos Whittaker’s Ragamuffin Soul speaks to the soul and reminds me of where my mind should be and no matter what life throws at you, Christ already has the victory.

Ragamuffin Soul is electrifying and of course have a current music sound, the words of every song has no hidden agenda you know who he believes in, you know of whom he’s talking about there are no referral names like “You or Him” Carlos says the name Jesus in almost every song. As I listened to “Jesus Saves” which Carlos sings “When I was dying, you cared for me, now I am living for my savior, hope is rising, up within me, you’re my savior and Lord- Jesus saves, my Jesus saves” – This song brings me to the place at the cross. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life John 3:16.”

VISIT: WWW.RAGAMUFFINSOUL.COM

Newsboys // BORN AGAIN

NEWSBOYS' "BORN AGAIN" GOES NO. 1 AT RADIO!

Is The First Single From Brand New CD, Born Again, Releasing July 13

"Born Again," the first single to debut from newsboys' upcoming brand new CD of the same name, has reached No. 1 at CHR radio! The full CD, Born Again, hits the streets July 13th, courtesy of Inpop Records.

"What a way to start my new position at Inpop!" exclaims Andrew Patton, General Manager, Inpop Records. "I'm so excited for the band and can't wait for the rest of the world to hear the record that I'm hearing. The song 'Born Again' is a solid indication of the amazing, fresh music from newsboys."

This No. 1 hit song, which is also climbing up the AC charts, is popular with not only the fans but is a huge hit with radio stations as well. Here are just a few comments that have come in from promoters:

“The new newsboys song 'Born Again' with new lead singer Michael Tait has completely been embraced by our listeners here in eastern Iowa. After so many years of breaking new musical ground, it was hard to imagine that they could do it again; but with this song, newsboys have proven that anyone can truly be 'Born Again.'" - Gator J. Gaynor, MD, KXGM/Cedar Rapids

“The BIG band is back! BIG message. BIG vocals. BIG production. BIG decision.
'Born Again' claims the top spot! Way to go guys!" - Noonie Fugler, PD, KLFF/San Luis Obispo

"'Born Again' takes newsboys to the next level and our listeners are loving it!" - Johnathan Michaels, MD, WJLZ/Va. Beach-Norfolk, VA

Completing production of Born Again between their jam-packed travel schedule in the U.S., Canada and Australia, the foursome - Michael Tait, Jeff Frankenstein, Duncan Phillips and Jody Davis - is embarking on a sure-to-be momentous 2010 and beyond with Born Again. The CD is produced by The Write Brothers and includes songs penned by newsboys, The Write Brothers, and Steve Taylor.

"Born Again is more than just another title of a newsboys record -it is every believers' profession of their faith in God our Maker," proclaims Michael Tait. "Not very often do artists get to connect with their listeners on such a wide-scaled demographic as this song has thus far. The newsboys are incredibly passionate about creating music for the masses, it's a brand new day for us and we are armed and ready. 'Born Again' says it all; it's round 2 for the Boys; all aboard!"

Tour dates with newsboys headlining*:

May 22 - Decatur, AL

May 30 - Del Mar, CA

June 2 - Kingston, ON

June 3 - Ottawa, ON

June 4 - Toronto, ON

June 5 - Sudbury, ON

June 12 - Charlotte, NC

June 16 - Wilmore, KY

June 19 - Stone Mountain, GA

June 25 - Gaylord, MI

July 1 - Shirleysburg, PA

July 3 - Salinas, CA

July 5 - Pleasanton, CA

July 9 - Oshkosh, WI

July 16 - Wilmar, MN

*All dates subject to change

ABOUT newsboys:

This GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning band has achieved what few artists have in their lifetime. They have sold over 6.5 million units, garnered five Gold albums and 21 #1 hits, and are renown for their heart-pumping live shows. Last year, when longtime members Jody Davis (guitar), keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips welcomed the vocal strengths, writing talents and boundless energy of former dc Talk member Michael Tait to the band, it was clearly a good reason for newsboys to feel born again and share brand new songs with fans old and new. Born Again is newsboys' 15th studio project.

Jimmy Needham // NIGHTLIGHTS

Soulful, Heartfelt and Gifted are the words that best describes Jimmy Needham’s new album Nightlights. Like a breath of fresh air, Jimmy’s soulful rhythm and blues style catches your ear from the first track all the way to Nightlights-the poem like song. This album reflect the expression of Jimmy’s heart on the majority of his music, “The Reason I Sing” tells of his intentions to glorify the Lord while others seek personal gain. Worship and praise is the foundation on this album, depending fully on the Lord in every instance, while sharing that light with others in this journey.

VISIT: WWW.JIMMYNEEDHAM.COM