MPACT Guide to Christian Music
by Brad Irons
Copyright 1994, 1996
For information about reprint rights contact Brad at email address
- birons@vvm.com
THIS AREA IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
H
Halo (also see SCOTT SPRINGER)
Rock
It's been years since we've seen anything new from this band, in fact,
I don't think they even exist anymore. But their album HEAVEN IS CALLING
is still on sale and I still get questions. So they are included in this
release but will probably not make into o the next few. With gritty vocals
and slick guitars, Halo delivers an excellent mix of Journey-meets-Foreigner
rock and roll as well as the excellent production of John and Dino Elefante.
Although lead vocalist Scott Springer has also branched into a solo career
with an adult contemporary ring, rock still remains the dominant sound
in Halo.
Fred Hammond
R&B, Contemporary Gospel
Bassist, producer, and front man for the contemporary gospel group Commissioned,
Hammond has pushed the envelope of contemporary or pop gospel without compromising
the integrity of the lyrics. He balances hard hitting R&B with slick
ballads and the ability to bring the light of the gospel to bear on any
social, religious, or any other situation. He could be considered the Andrae
Crouch of the 90's...except that Andrae's still around and shaking up the
industry too.
Larnelle Harris
Pop, R&B, Inspirational (Earlier albums - inspirational pop)
In earlier days it was quite easy to label Larnelle Harris. Take the voice
of Steve Green, add a little more soul, and you've got Larnelle (Just Kidding
guys). Still, at times even their musical accompaniment could be confused.
Enter I CHOOSE JOY and an entirely new sound for Harris. By the release
of BEYOND ALL LIMITS, Larnelle had made the new sound his home. Stylistically,
he moved in the direction of other black artists with a new sound of pop
gospel (R&B) closely resembling that of BeBe and CeCe Winans or the
lighter side of label-mates Commissioned. With his next release Larnelle
continued to place songs at the top of the charts while wading deeper into
the waters of R&B. The ballads that have moved audiences for years
still find their way onto projects but Harris has proven equally adept
at mastering his new style.
Harvest
Pop, Rock
With rich vocal harmonies and a knack for encouragement, Harvest defied
categorization in their early years with "Army of the Lord" and "The Battle
Is The Lord's". Now, with a definitive decision to reach youth, Jerry Williams
has stepped into the rock arena. GIVE THEM BACK and CARRY ON seem to be
the transitional albums where the band appears balanced between their new
rockier rhythm and the old "Harvest" music. On MIGHTY RIVER and LET'S FIGHT
FOR A GENERATION, the rock slant has become more evident. Still, no matter
how far away from their roots, there is always more than a hint of what
many loyal fans have come to call the "Harvest sound".
Mark Heard - see Appendix A - In Remembrance
Benny Hester
Light acoustic pop (earlier albums) Pop, light rock (later albums)
He was first known as the balladeer to those who loved the earlier works
(NOBODY KNOWS ME LIKE YOU, LEGACY). When the album BENNY FROM HERE hit
the record stores in the mid 1980's, Hester had been transformed into a
hip popster and even a light rocker. Ballads still dominated the airways
("When God Ran", "To Fill Our Empty Hearts", "Remember Me") but this time
he screamed instead of cooing the heart wrenching lyrics. Pop hits "Secret
Thoughts" and "Headlights on The Highway" showed the world that Benny could
handle his new direction with the same conviction as before.
Kim Hill
Acoustic pop, light acoustic rock (earlier albums) New Country, acoustic
pop (later albums)
Kim Hill, the deep alto with the warm voice, has become known for her acoustic
pop scripture offerings such as "Psalms 1" and "Charm Is Deceitful". With
the album BRAVE HEART, Kim headed east opting for a slightly rockier sound
and seeing some success. The next project may have caught many people off
guard as she released an acoustic pop/new country album in the vein of
Susan Ashton, or more accurately, Michael James. No one is quite sure what
the next project will be, but with Kim Hill, all she has to do is sing,
and the style no longer matters.
Dallas Holm
Inspirational, acoustic pop (earlier albums) Light acoustic pop (later
albums)
Dallas Holm is one of the mainstay veterans of Contemporary Christian music
and is responsible for many of its most memorable songs including "Rise
Again" and "I Saw The Lord". The smooth tenor/baritone has found his place
of rest in the ever changing world of Christian music. His latest works
such as "Completely Taken In" and "Strength" have leaned more towards pop
possibly due to his two new friends and fellow members of the band Mesa;
Jerry Williams (Harvest) and Dana Key (DeGarmo & Key). Holm is not
a fixture in Christian music because he is willing to change styles, but
because he is consistent in his doctrine, spiritual walk, and musical form.