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- Another Sentimental Christmas (2010)
Another Sentimental Christmas is the 11th studio and second Christmas album by Christian singer - songwriter Russ Taff, released on October 12, 2010 by Spring Hill Music and distributed by EMI-Christian Music Group. Nearly two decades after his first holiday album A Christmas Song (1992), Taff returns with his second Christmas album, once again produced and arranged by his long-time musician and collaborator James Hollihan, Jr. and featuring a mix of sacred and traditional Christmas songs done in big band style and jazz, reminiscent of the crooners of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. There is one original song called "It's Christmas Again" written by Hollihan and CCM singer - songwriter Kim Boyce. Taff covers two songs: the 1992 modern jazz song "Here's to Life" as originally recorded by American jazz singer and pianist Shirley Horn and "Peace" co-written and recorded by singer - songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman. Taff also re-records "The Christmas Song" with musicians, longer than the first time he recorded a capella on his first Christmas album. Track listing 1. Go Tell It on the Mountain (traditional; arranged by James Hollihan, Jr.) -2:30 2. The Christmas Song (Mel Tormé, Robert Wells) -3:45 3. Silent Night (Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr) -4:01 4. Jingle Bells (James Lord Pierpont; additional lyrics by Tori Taff) -2:43 5. Christmas Time is Here (Vince Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson) -3:13 6. Here's to Life (Artie Butler, Phyllis Jean Molinary) -4:39 7. Winter Wonderland (Felix Bernard, Richard Smith) -2:45 8. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep (Irving Berlin) -3:02 9. Christ is Born (Ray Charles, Domenico Bartolucci) -3:09 10. Peace (Beth Nielsen Chapman, Michael McDonald) -3:45 11. It's Christmas Again (Kim Boyce, James Hollihan, Jr.) -4:08 Previous release: Now More Than Ever (2007) Next release: Faroe Islands (2011)
- Right Here, Right Now (1999)
Right Here, Right Now is the eighth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Russ Taff. Released on November 9, 1999, it is his first and only album on the Benson Records label also his first full-length Christian album of new material since 1989's The Way Home. In between releases, Taff released his Grammy winning 1991 spiritual gospel covers album Under Their Influence and experienced moderate mainstream county music success with 1995's Winds of Change. Right Here, Right Now was released two years after the passing of Taff's father. Taff's father was a Pentecostal minister and a couple of his songs reflect that on the album. Taff and his long-time guitarist James Hollihan, Jr. produced the album. Track listings 1. Somebody's Comin' (Mark Marchetti, Todd Snider) -5:02 2. Back Into Grace (Russ Taff, Jeff Hannah, Marcus Hummon) -4:18 3. Make Me Whole (Marcus Hummon) -4:50 4. Right Here, Right Now (Russ Taff, Marcus Hummon, Kyle Matthews) -3:56 5. Things Will Be Different (James Hollihan, Jr.) -5:19 6. Cry for Mercy (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, Marcus Hummon) -5:52 7. Long Hard Road (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, Marcus Hummon) -5:49 8. Lazarus (Russ Taff, Marcus Hummon) -3:52 9. As Long As You're with Me (Russ Taff, Marcus Hummon) -4:30 10. Shadow of the Cross (first movement - excerpts from the Nicene Creed) (Russ Taff, James Hollihan, Jr., Marcus Hummon) -1:01 11. Shadow of the Cross (second movement -Orchestration) (Russ Taff, James Hollihan, Jr., Marcus Hummon) -4:26 12. Shadow of the Cross (third movement -Vocal) (Russ Taff, James Hollihan, Jr., Marcus Hummon) -4:59 Previous release: Winds of Change (1995) Next release: The Best of Russ Taff (2003)
- Geoff Moore
Geoff Moore (born February 22, 1961 in Flint, Michigan) is an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter. He began recording as a solo artist in 1984. In 1987, he formed Geoff Moore and The Distance, his touring band, which released eight albums generating a string of No. 1 radio hits throughout their 10+-year tenure. In 1998, Geoff retired the band from full-time touring. After a "farewell tour," Moore has continued as a solo artist, releasing eight more records between 1999 and 2015. The Next Thing was released in April 2016, making it his 25th album to date. Geoff is also an advocate for underprivileged children. He has partnered with Compassion International since 1985, being a spokesman and advocate for their work in releasing children from poverty throughout the developing world. He also works with Showhope, an organization founded by his close friends Steven and Mary Beth Chapman. Showhope cares for orphan children and helps assist with international adoptions. Geoff Moore is co-founder of an outdoor adventure company called Fellowship Adventures. Founded in 2014, Fellowship Adventures focuses on small group hunting, fishing, adventure and expeditions. He attended Holly Area Schools at Patterson Elementary, Holly, MI through grade six and then started attending Brandon Schools in Ortonville, MI. He began singing while he was at Taylor University in Indiana living in Wengatz Hall. At the time, he became a classmate to White Heart future lead singer, Rick Florian, when he stood in for the lead singer of his roommate's band. He graduated from Taylor in 1983. Newly married, he moved to Nashville soon after college. He was able to break into the music industry with the assistance of Michael W. Smith when the two met in the clothing store where Moore worked. He signed a publishing contract with Paragon Music, and began writing songs and singing on demo recordings. While with Paragon he wrote songs for fellow Christian singer and songwriter, Steven Curtis Chapman. Since that time, they have become best friends and have co-written numerous songs together, including the title track on Chapman's 1992 Dove Award and Grammy winning release The Great Adventure. During the mid-1980s, Moore recorded three solo albums released on the Power Discs label, including Where are the Other Nine?, Over the Edge and The Distance. After signing to Sparrow Records in 1987, he put together a touring band, called "the Distance," to continue with his career. In 1988, Geoff Moore and the Distance released their first official album together, entitled A Place to Stand. They also recorded Foundations in 1989 for Sparrow Records. After a year of touring, they jumped to Forefront Records and recorded Pure and Simple in 1990. They followed in 1992 with A Friend Like U. This album would garner them their first real US Christian radio exposure with its title song. This started their most prolific period with the Grammy-nominated albums Evolution in 1993 and Homerun in 1995. This album produced US Christian radio hits like "Evolution Redefined," "Life Together" and "Home Run." The video for "Home Run" featured former Major League All-Star pitcher Tim Burke. In 1995, Benson released a compilation of hits from Moore's first solo albums titled Familiar Stranger: The Early Works of Geoff Moore. The following year the band released a double-disc greatest hits compilation which contained new unreleased bonus tracks as well as a live concert from Rome, Georgia. In 1997, the band released Threads, another Grammy-nominated album which featured a cover of The Who's "I'm Free" as its lead single. After more than ten years with the Distance, which he called "an incredible journey" in the Star Tribune, Moore decided to disband the group and go his own way in 1998. In 1999 Moore returned to the studio to begin work on a new solo record. This began a new season of his music career which is still active today. More information on Geoff Moore at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoff_Moore Discography Early solo years (1984 - 1987): Where Are the Other Nine? (1984) Over the Edge (1986) The Distance (1987) Familiar Stranger: The Early Works of Geoff Moore (1995) (Benson Records compilation) Geoff Moore & The Distance (1988 - 1998): A Place to Stand (1988) Foundations (1989) Pure and Simple (1990) A Friend Like U (1992) Evolution (1993) Evolution: Extended Play Remixes (1995) Home Run (1995) Greatest Hits (1996) (compilation album) Threads (1997) The Very Best of Geoff Moore & The Distance (2006) (compilation album) Later to present solo years (1999 - present): Geoff Moore (1999) A Beautiful Sound (2002) Every Single One – Part I and II (2005) All Along The Road – Vol I and II (2006) Speak to Me (2007) Saying Grace (2011) 25 Favorites (2013) (compilation album) The Next Thing (2016)
- A Beautiful Sound (2002)
A Beautiful Sound is the 12th studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Geoff Moore, released on March 26, 2002. This would be his final album on the ForeFront label, after being on there since the 1990s. A Beautiful Sound is Moore's second post-Distance solo album continuing where he started with his 1999 self-titled album with the warm acoustic sound. Moore co-wrote songs with producer Brent Milligan, Marc Byrd, Joel Hanson of PFR and Pete Stewart. The last track is a live recording of "The Keeper," a song Moore co-wrote with his songwriting partner and friend Steven Curtis Chapman. (Originally, from Geoff Moore & The Distance's 1990 album Pure and Simple). Track listing 1. A Beautiful Sound (Geoff Moore, Joel Hanson) -4:12 2. God Believes in You (Pierce Pettis) -3:26 3. Surrounded (Geoff Moore, Marc Byrd) -4:18 4. Impossible (Geoff Moore, Brent Milligan, Tyler Burkum) -4:56 5. Swept Away (Geoff Moore, Blair Masters) -3:37 6. The Artist (Geoff Moore, Marc Byrd) -4:22 7. All I Want (Geoff Moore, Marc Byrd) -4:24 8. Every Word You Say (Geoff Moore, Brent Milligan, Pete Stewart) -3:25 9. Fall Down (Trevor Morgan, Eric Quiram) -4:05 10. Come As You Are (Geoff Moore, Joel Hanson) -4:16 11. The Keeper (Geoff Moore, Steven Curtis Chapman) (live recording) -4:47 Previous release: Geoff Moore (1999) Next release: Every Single One – Part I and II (2005)
- Bryan Duncan
Bryan Edward Duncan (born March 16, 1953) is an American contemporary Christian music artist. He is known for being lead singer of the group Sweet Comfort Band and his band Bryan Duncan & the NehoSoul Band, but is best known for his very successful solo career where he was a major act on the Myrrh and Word Record labels. He is the founder of online recovery shows "Radio Rehab/ Road To Redemption" while continuing as a solo artist with the 2019 Shine release. He has been the recipient of a Dove Award and was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year four times. He is also the winner of a Grammy Award for his participation of the Andraé Crouch tribute album Tribute – The Songs of Andraé Crouch . Bryan is also the host of the popular podcast "Nutshell Sermons." Duncan started his career by forming the folk/rock band Second Timothy while attending college in Florida. In 1972, Duncan moved to California and formed Sweet Comfort (later renamed as Sweet Comfort Band) which later transitioned to contemporary Christian music from the Jesus Music movement. After the band broke up in 1984 Duncan started his solo career. During this time, Duncan released several hit songs including "Traces of Heaven," "Things are Gonna Change," "United We Stand" and "Don't Look Away," all from the Slow Revival album; "Love Takes Time," "You Don't Leave Me Lonely," "Into My Heart," "When It Comes to Love" and "I'll Not Forget You," all from the Mercy album; and "A Heart Like Mine" from the various artists compilation album My Utmost for His Highest . In 2003, Duncan formed the Nehosoul Band with Ricky B. Rogers (bass player, music director, co-writer), composer and keyboardist Phil Curry, guitarist Walter Finch, and drummer Sam Matthews. The band released the album Music City Live in 2004, A Nehosoul Christmas in 2005, and Still Dancin' in 2008. In 2013, Bryan reunited with the Sweet Comfort Band. In April 2013, the Sweet Comfort Band released the album, The Waiting is Over . Duncan has sold in excess of 1 million records, released more than 12 solo albums, and appeared on several compilation projects. He has released three solo video projects and one joint tour video as well as having done the video for Left Behind: The Movie . Recently, Duncan started his own record label called Red Road Records. Duncan created a non-profit on-line radio show and podcast entitled "Radio Rehab" to encourage people in daily life. He released two books in 2010: Hog Wash , a book for bikers and Dear God...Really? (prayers You Won't Hear In Church) and 'Spoke To God...He Said' (5 second devotions). Duncan, Rogers, and Vail Johnson (of the Kenny G band) wrote together for Conversations , Duncan's first solo project since 2000's Joyride . It was released in 2012 on Red Road Records. Conversations followed with Bryan Duncan & Friends - The Live Experience and Shine . More information on Bryan Duncan at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Duncan Discography with Sweet Comfort Band: Sweet Comfort (1977) Breaking the Ice (1979) Hold on Tight (1980) Hearts of Fire (1981) Cutting Edge (1982) Perfect Timing (1984) The Waiting Is Over (2013) Solo albums: Have Yourself Committed (1985) Holy Rollin' (1986) Whistlin' In the Dark (1987) Strong Medicine (1989) Anonymous Confessions of a Lunatic Friend (1990) Mercy (1992) Slow Revival (1994) Unidos en Él (1995) (Spanish language album) The Light Years (1995) (compilation album) Christmas is Jesus (1995) My Utmost for His Highest: Quiet Prayers (1996) Blue Skies (1996) The Last Time I Was Here (1998) Love Takes Time: 17 Timeless Classics (1999) (compilation album) Joyride (2000) Twin Cities Live (2003) Conversations (2012) The Ultimate Collection (2014) (Word Records compilation album) Bryan Duncan & Friends - The Live Experience (2016) Shine (2019) with The NehoSoul Band: Music City Live (2004) A NehoSoul Christmas (2005) Still Dancin' (2009)
- Live at Six Flags (1986)
Live at Six Flags is a live album by the Christian rock band White Heart. Released in 1986, this would be their final album on the Home Sweet Home label. Recorded live at Six Flags Over Texas theme park in Arlington, Texas around 1984 when White Heart was touring in support of their second album Vital Signs performing songs from that album and their self - titled debut album. The band also introduces a brand new song called "Hosanna" written by White Heart founders Billy Smiley and Mark Gersmehl, that would later be recorded by Christian singer Sandi Patty on her 1986 album Morning Like This. The live album is produced by the band along with Home Sweet Home Records artist/founder Chris Christian. Track listing 1. Sing Unto the Lamb (Billy Smiley, Dann Huff, Mark Gersmehl) -3:23 2. Carried Away (Safe on the Wings of the Lord) (Billy Smiley, Mark Gersmehl, Steve Chapman) -5:54 --Bass guitar solo: Gary Lunn-- 3. Nothing Can Take This Love (Billy Smiley) -4:48 4. We Are His Hands (Mark Gersmehl) -4:25 5. Hosanna (Billy Smiley, Mark Gersmehl) -3:51 6. Undercover (Billy Smiley, Mark Gersmehl) -3:37 7. Quiet Love (Billy Smiley, Mark Gersmehl) -5:31 --Lead guitar solo: Dann Huff-- 8. Vital Signs (Billy Smiley, Mark Gersmehl, Dann Huff, Gary Lunn) -4:09 9. Carry On (Billy Smiley, Mark Gersmehl) -3:49 10. He's Returning (Mark Gersmehl) -3:34 Personnel White Heart: Scott Douglas -lead vocals, co -lead vocals Mark Gersmehl -keyboards, backing vocals Billy Smiley -keyboards, backing vocals Dann Huff -lead guitar, lead vocals on tracks 2, 3, 7 and 10, backing vocals David Huff -drums Gary Lunn -bass guitar Previous release: Hotline (1985) Next release: Don't Wait for the Movie (1986)
- Evolution: Extended Play Remixes (1995)
Evolution: Extended Play Remixes is a five-song extended play by the Christian rock band Geoff Moore & The Distance, released in 1995 on ForeFront Records. Released as part of the record label's "Extended Play Remixes" series featuring ForeFront recording artists and their remixed songs. It features two remixes of "Godgottaholdonme," two remixes of "Evolution...Redefined" and the Transparent House Dub mix of "I Can See Clearly Now." All were produced and remixed by Tedd T. with additional production by Chuck Zwicky and Ian Eskelin. Track listing 1. Godgottaholdonme (145 Bpm Grip Mix) (Geoff Moore, Joe Hogue) -4:23 2. Godgottaholdonme (Sega Club Dub) -4:59 3. I Can See Clearly Now (Transparent House Dub) (Johnny Nash) -6:20 4. Evolution...Redefined (Revolution Mix) (Geoff Moore, Phil Maderia) -5:16 5. Evolution...Redefined (Big Bang Fiction Mix) -6:46 Production credits Tedd T. -producer/remixer (all tracks) Chuck Zwicky -producer/remixer (track 1) Ian Eskelin -producer/remixer (track 2) Joe Hogue -original producer (tracks 1 -3) Phil Naish -original producer (tracks 4 and 5) Previous release: Evolution (1993) Next release: Familiar Stranger: The Early Works of Geoff Moore (1995) (Benson Records compilation)
- Rebecca St. James
Rebecca Jean Fink (née Smallbone; born 26 July 1977), known professionally as Rebecca Jean or Rebecca St. James, is an Australian Christian pop rock singer, songwriter and actress. She began performing in Australia in the late 1980s and released her first full-length studio album in 1991. She was signed to ForeFront Records in 1993, releasing her major label debut the following year. St. James rose to fame in the late 1990s with her RIAA certified Gold albums God and Pray, the latter of which won a Grammy Award in 1999 for Best Rock Gospel Album, and her holiday album Christmas. The albums spawned multiple singles, including "God," "Go and Sin No More," and "Pray." Since then she has established herself as one of the most prominent musical artists in contemporary Christian music (CCM), with five additional full-length studio albums: Transform, Worship God, If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something, I Will Praise You, and Kingdom Come. Staple songs such as "Wait for Me," "Reborn," "Song of Love," "Alive," "Shine Your Glory Down" and "Battle Is the Lord's" have all been derived from these releases. She has earned nine No. 1 hits on Christian radio and has sold nearly two million albums since starting her career. St. James is also an accomplished author and actress. To date, she has released over a dozen published books, narrated a documentary, and acted in nine films (including lead roles in Sarah's Choice and A Strange Brand of Happy), the musical stage show !Hero, and a VeggieTales episode ("An Easter Carol"). She is also an outspoken sexual abstinence and anti-abortion advocate, a spokesperson for Compassion International, the sister of Joel and Luke Smallbone, who comprise the duo for KING & COUNTRY, and the wife of Foster the People's former bassist Jacob "Cubbie" Fink. More information on Rebecca St. James at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_St._James Discography Refresh My Heart (1991) Rebecca St. James (1994) Rebecca St. James: Extended Play Remixes (EP) (1995) God (1996) Christmas (1997) Pray (1998) Transform (2000) Worship God (2002) Wait for Me: The Best from Rebecca St. James (2003) (compilation) Live Worship: Blessed Be Your Name (2004) If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something (2005) aLIVE in Florida (2007) (live album) The Ultimate Collection (2008) (Sparrow Records compilation) I Will Praise You (2011) Dawn (EP) (2020) Kingdom Come (2022)
- Petra
Petra is an American music group regarded as a pioneer of the Christian rock and contemporary Christian music genres and was, for many years, regarded as the "world's most popular Christian rock band." Formed in 1972 and founded by the band's guitarist and principal songwriter Bob Hartman, the band took its name from the Greek word for "rock." Though it disbanded formally in 2006, incarnations have played reunion shows in the years since and released two albums in November 2010, and in November 2017. In 2013, it reformed with a new drummer, Cristian Borneo, and recorded a new song titled "Holy is Your Name," before going back on tour. With a style initially similar to The Eagles and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Petra's sound evolved into a more energetic, driving rock sound in the early 1980s akin to Foreigner, Styx and Journey. Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Petra was one of the world's most popular Christian rock bands, with each of its albums during that period selling hundreds of thousands of copies while the band sold-out arenas and regularly placed songs at the top of Christian radio charts. With its lyrics, music and style, Petra influenced numerous other artists at a time when Christian rock experienced strong opposition from many conservative pastors and churches. In more than three decades, the band experienced numerous lineup changes yet released more than 20 albums, two Spanish-language albums and three live albums, selling nearly 10 million records, winning four Grammy Awards and ten Dove Awards. Their concerts rivaled that of Amy Grant's in popularity among Christian audiences. Petra was the first rock band inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the first Christian band whose memorabilia was included in the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant chain. More information on Petra at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petra_(band) Discography Petra (1974) Come and Join Us (1977) Washes Whiter Than (1979) Never Say Die (1981) More Power to Ya (1982) Not Of This World (1983) Beat the System (1985) Captured in Time and Space (1986) Back to the Street (1986) This Means War! (1987) On Fire! (1988) Petra Means Rock (1989) (compilation) Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out (1989) War & Remembrance (1990) (2 CD compilation) Beyond Belief (1990) Unseen Power (1991) Petra en Alabanza (1992) Wake-Up Call (1993) No Doubt (1995) Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus (1997) God Fixation (1998) Double Take (2000) Revival (2001) Jekyll & Hyde (2003) Farewell (2005) (live album) The Ultimate Collection (2006) (Sparrow Records compilation) The Definitive Collection (2007) (Word Records compilation) Back to the Rock (2010) Back to the Rock Live (2011) (live album)
- Kim Boyce
Kimberly Boyce (born on March 14, 1961 in Winter Haven, Florida) is an American Christian music singer and songwriter. She grew up in Florida and sang together with her younger sister, Tina, and her mother, Gail. After graduating as salutatorian of her high school class, Kim pursued a broadcasting degree at the University of South Florida. During college, her inner beauty and talent, accompanied by her outer beauty and grace, led to her becoming Miss Florida and placement in the Top Ten Semi-Finalists at the 1984 Miss America Pageant. In 1985, Boyce turned down a network news position and moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of a career in CCM. During the past 15 years, Kim has achieved much success: seven Contemporary Christian albums, with several top ten songs, two hit videos, repeat Dove Award nominations and she has authored five books. Her early career was spent pioneering the genre of Christian dance/pop music. After much commercial and critical acclaim, Kim began in 1994 to change musical styles to an adult contemporary sound with her last two albums By Faith and As I Am. Boyce now resides in Branson, Missouri, with her husband, Gary Koreiba and they have two sons. They were both performers at Branson's Pierce Arrow Theater for many years. As of 2022, they are currently featured performers on the "Oh Happy Day!" gospel music show performing Sundays at the Hamners' Variety Theater. More information on Kim Boyce at Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Boyce Discography Kim Boyce (1986) Time and Again (1988) Love Is You to Me (1989) This I Know (1990) Facts of Love (1992) By Faith (1994) As I Am (1997) The Definitive Collection (2007) (Word Records compilation)
- Notability on Wikipedia
What is "notability" on Wikipedia? According to Wikipedia, notability in music has to be an artist or group that is notable in a particular genre and deserves to be written in article form. (In other words, what are they famous for?) Artists and groups have to have acclaimed albums, win awards like the Grammys and chart on Billboard and Wikipedia has to have resources like where they got the information from. It has to come from secondary resources such as newspapers and magazines. But, in Christian music, information like that is limited and scarce. If I do an article in Wikipedia about an album, let's say for example, Sandi Patty's first professional recording album Sandi's Song from 1979. I did an article about this album, but unfortunately, Wikipedia would not accept the article because it was considered "not notable." Articles that are not notable will be deleted. In order for the article to be notable, Sandi's Song has to chart on the Billboard charts and win some awards. I'm afraid the people at Wikipedia do not understand how artists like Sandi Patty got their start in Christian music. Here at CCM Encyclopedia, there is no notability in the articles and especially in discographies. The articles I write will be from resources taken from Wikipedia. There will be no secondary resources either. The articles I write will be acceptable from me and to me. I don't need Wikipedia to look for those things they mentioned. Too many restrictions. Now I can write articles with ease and just take my time. I hope you enjoy reading about the Christian artists I will post and write about...but without the Wikipedia rules.









