Phil Wickham #ChildrenofGod CD Review #FlyBy

*I received the product in this post for free in exchange for review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Check it Out!  I love music.  It is such a window to the soul and it can soothe, motivate and heal the mind and body.  

Check Out Chris Tomlin's "Good Good Father" & Enter to Win a Flyaway to See Him Live

*I received information and a special gift in exchange for sharing this post.  All opinions are my own.

Check it out!  I have been a Chris Tomlin fan for years.  I just love the smooth and soothing sound of his voice.  It is amazing.  

#ManicDrive CD Review & #Giveaway

*I received the product in this post for free via FlyBy Promotions.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Check it Out!  I love inspirational music but I also love rock music.  Whenever I can find music that combines both of these I am so intrigued. That is one reason I was excited to check out a CD by Manic Drive.  Wow!  I am a new fan.  Upbeat, uplifting and inspirational, this CD will get you moving and get you amped up for God.

ABOUT THE BAND:

Manic Drive has been widely known as a Canadian band who always delivers a great show, but over the past few years and project releases, they have added to their extensive touring of Canadian and US markets multiple Billboard Top 10 & 20 singles on CHR & Christian Rock Radio. Manic Drive is clearly very intentional about reaching their generation and inspiring them to pursue a deeper walk with Christ and to get involved in changing the world they are inheriting. And they are uniquely equipped to do so. The band members, all in their early-mid twenties, have made sacrifices to pursue God’s call on their lives. Their life experience, spiritual maturity and ministry have opened doors to speak into the lives of their own generation and that is perhaps the most defining characteristic of this group of guys.

Here is a rundown of the track list for VIP.

1. Electric
2. VIP
3. Street Lights
4. King of Mercy
5. Good News
6. I HIde You Seek
7. Song to Sing
8. Fire
9. Indestructible
10. Rhythm

Now take a listen to the title track VIP

I have this CD in the van and enjoy being able to jam out with it while I running errands.  The kids like it too!  With Christian themes I don't have to worry about the message they are getting while listening and that is awesome!
You can get more info on Manic Drive, their music and tour info at any of these links.

Official Website- http://www.manicdrive.com/

YouTube Channel- http://www.youtube.com/manicdrive

Official Twitter-  http://www.twitter.com/manicdrive
Official FB- http://www.facebook.com/manicdrive

WIN IT!

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions I get to give one lucky Check it Out! with Dawn reader their very own Manic Drive CD.  Just enter via the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win.  Open to US and Canada residents only.  Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Album Review David Gray Mutineers

*I received a free download of this album for purposes of review via One2One Network, however all opinions are my own.

Check it Out!  I have been so busy lately with my husbands illness that I haven't had much time for blogging so I am running a little behind in some of my reviews and postings.  It's been a whirwind of running, worrying and taking care of everything that I have been so stressed so when I finally sat down to listen to my download of David Gray's new album Mutineers, I was pleasantly surprised and within minutes very relaxed!

Mutineers was released in the US on June 17th and David begins the second leg of his US tour on August 1.  I got the opportunity to check out this album via One2One Network.  

Singer/songwriter David Gray is best known for his hit Babylon from the album White Ladder.  Mutineers will be his tenth studio album and with it he has strived to create music that he has never made before and stretched his creative boundaries. 

I really enjoyed this album and found it relaxing, upbeat and even inspiring.  Back in the World is one of my fave songs now!  
Here is the track listing for the album:

Mutineers Track Listing:
Back in the World
As the Crow Flies
Mutineer
Beautiful Agony
Last Summer
Snow in Vegas
Cake and Eat It
Birds of the High Arctic
The Incredible
Girl Like You
Gulls
Nearly Midnight (bonus track)

Rich, melodic and entertaining, this is a great album to add to your play list.  
You can get more info on David and this album at http://www.davidgray.com/.

Kiss my Grits! by Neely - Review and #Giveaway

*I received no compensation for this post, all opinions are my own.

Check it Out! If you are a country music fan, but still like your rock and pop, you have got to check out the band Neely!  The husband and wife duo from Nashville TN, have been around for almost a decade and have just came out with a new single called "Kiss My Grits".  Give it a listen.

Now doesn't that just get your blood pumpin'? It does mine, and it gets me up and moving!  I personally think this song could make it to the top of the charts right along with a few of their other songs, like "Everything I Am".  Neely's songs are heartfelt, moving, extremely catchy and full of energy and grit!

You can snag Kiss My Grits from Amazon now for only $0.99!  It's the perfect addition to any playlist, and I promise you are gonna find it to be one of your faves too!

Be sure and check Neely out on their website at www.neelymusic.com and on Facebook and Twitter as well! Follow along as this group rises to top! 

I am excited to spread the word about this hard working, music making band that is looking to get their music and their messages out there.  Thanks to the band and a fellow blogger I get to offer up a fab giveaway so that you can have a chance to get to know them as well.  Just enter via the Rafflcopter form below for your chance to win an autographed CD and T-Shirt!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: All opinions are solely my own and have not been paid for by the promoter.  Check it  Out! with Dawn is not responsible for the awarding of the prize.  If you have any questions about this giveaway, please email the host at satrntgr@hotmail.com.

Music Review: Court Yard Hounds "Amelita" #CYHAmelita

 *I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Check it Out!  I recently got the opportunity to review the new album by the Court Yard Hounds called "Amelita" via One2One Network and I am excited to share it with ya'll! 

Headed up by former Dixie Chick sisters, Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, the Court Yard Hounds released their first album in 2010.  "Amelita" is their second album and contains 11 new tracks.  Here is a rundown of the track list: 

1. Sunshine
2. Amelita
3. The World Smiles
4. Aimless Upward
5. Guy Like You
6. Rock All Night
7. Phoebe
8. Divided
9. Gets You Down
10. Watch Your Step
11. The Road You Take

There is a very retro-country feel to this album for me, from the album cover to some of the lyrics, these ladies are making a clear statement on the strength of their music.  With traditional instruments and storied songs, this album is clean and clear and fun!  I really enjoyed the whole album but would have to say that "Sunshine" and "Rock All Night" are my fave fast tracks.  I can not choose which is my fave ballad as I really like them all.  

I think these ladies have created a gem with "Amelita" and I am sure it will be shining for a while to come.

You can get "Amelita" on iTunes and Amazon and be sure and check them out Court Yard Hounds on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Agnetha Fältskog's "A" Album Review & Giveaway! 3 Winners!

*I received a copy of the CD in this post compliments of SneakAttack Media for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Check it Out!   When you hear the name Agnetha Faltskog, you probably don't recognize it.  It's because Agnetha hasn't released an album in nine years.  She has been quietly living a simple family life in the country, but after being prodded into the recording studio by famed producers Jorgen Eloffson and Peter Nordahl, Agnetha is returning with a new album and I am excited that I got an early listen!  Most widely known as the "blonde girl from ABBA", this will be Agnetha's 4th solo album.  Set to be realeased May 13th, A contains 10 tracks:

1. The One Who Loves You Now
2. When You Really Loved Someone
3. Perfume in the Breeze
4. I Was A Flower
5. I Should've Followed You Home
6. Past Forever
7. Dance Your Pain Away
8. Bubble
9. Back On The Radio
10. I Keep Them On The Floor Beside My Bed

Just check out this video for "When You Really Loved Someone" and see how Agnetha's voice is still just as clear and youthful sounding as ever.  

This is a very mellow album with a few dancing tunes mixed in.  "Dance Your Pain Away" is one of those that will have ya dancin' around the room and humming for hours after.  This is really the kind of album you can put on, grab a glass of wine and a long soak in the tub to!  Relaxing yet upbeat.  Many of these songs are about love, lost love and past mistakes but they are uplifting and Agnetha's voice is so crisp and clear and she sounds just as beautiful as ever!   I really enjoyed all the songs on this album with the exception of "Back On Your Radio", just didn't care for that one.  I have to say that "When You Really Loved Someone" and "Dance Your Pain Away" are my fave tracks right now.

I am so pleased to announce that I have 3 copies of Agnetha's CD A to giveaway to 3 lucky Check it Out! with Dawn readers!  Just enter via the Rafflcopter form below.  US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*I received a copy of the CD in this post compliments of SneakAttack Media for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own

Album Review: Rod Stewart's "Time" My #timewithrod

*I received an advanced preview copy of the album in this post compliments of One2One Network for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Check it Out!  Being a music lover since childhood, I have always been a Rod Stewart fan. The ever classic Maggie May and You wear it Well are some of my fave tunes from the first three decades of his career.  However, it's been 20 years since we have heard any new material from him.  So, when I recently got the opportunity to sign up for a new Rod Stewart album review via One2One Network, I got myself signed up quick and am super excited to share that I got chosen and I received my early preview CD in the mail yesterday.  

Time is Rod Stewart's new landmark album that features 12 tracks, 11 of which he wrote and produced himself.  Here is the tracklisting for Time:

1. She Makes Me Happy
2. Can't Sop Me Now
3. It's Over
4. Brighton Beach
5. Beautiful Morning
6. Live The Life
7. Finest Woman
8. Time
9. Picture In A Frame
10. Sexual Religion
11. Make Love To Me Tonight
12. Pure Love

Check out this exclusive video featuring a montage of seven tracks and never before seen video excerpts from Time below.   

Time will be released on May 7th by Capitol Records and is available for worldwide pre-order on iTunes HERE and Amazon HERE now.  If you pre-order you will also get a deluxe edition with 3 bonus songs.  Get more information on purchasing and on his "Live The Life" tour that begins in Europe on June 1st at www.rodstewart.com. 

So as soon as I brought this CD in the house, I took it down to the basement where hubby was playing pool and put it in the CD player, turned it up and listened to whole thing twice in a row!  At one point I left hubby alone and when I came back, this was during the track Finest Woman, caught him in the air guitar position and he looked at me and said "I Like It!"  Then he said, some songs sounded country, but they all pretty much sounded like the Rod Stewart style he was used to, except that they were "more upbeat and positive songs" which he really loved.
I really enjoyed all the songs, but I would have to say that She Makes Me Happy and Finest Woman are my faves right now.  I really love the upbeat tempos but also enjoyed the ballads.  The songs are almost like a love story, you know, a real love story, with ups and downs.  A coaster ride of sorts, that's what this album is like for me, a gentle smooth flowing enjoyable coaster! It is also the new permanent CD in the pool room player!

*I received an advanced preview copy of the album in this post compliments of One2One Network for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

The Insatiable Quest for Beauty by Tiffany Dawn Book & CD Review

Check it Out!  As a woman I have had those moments where I wish I was as beautiful as some of those Hollywood starlets, after all what woman hasn't envied another?  Although I feel I have a pretty healthy self-esteem, I do have issues and so does my daughter.  I have to say that I am so impressed with her and how strong her self esteem is, she doesn't seem to care what others think of her, but I want her to maintain that self esteem, especially now that the more serious interest in boys has started.  

I recently got the opportunity to check out author/singer Tiffany Dawn's book "The Insatiable Quest for Beauty" and her CD "This is Who I Am".  In "The Insatiable Quest for Beauty" Tiffany invites you to enjoy a cup of coffee with her and to talk about that quest for beauty and many of the issues that come with it.  

"This is a book for young women by a young woman."

Tiffany Dawn bares her soul and shares with us how she went from being a broken self hated girl to a confident young woman with God's help and she does it in a way that will connect with other young women and girls.  There are 12 coffee dates that each take just a few minutes to complete.  She tells you what kind of coffee she is enjoying and invites you to enjoy your own while she shares her story and encourages your own self discovery about beauty, boys, self confidence and more.   I highly recommend this for all young girls.

When you combine this book with her Workbook and Leader's Guide, you have an amazing book study program that would be awesome for small groups or larger ones like Girl Scouts.  

There is an amazing website that corresponds with the book and study program and 

her CD "This is Who I Am" is a refreshing and moving glimpse into Tiffany's soul and also corresponds with each coffee date.  These are powerfully worded songs that uplift and will bring you closer to God and the way he sees you, beautiful, inside and out!  These are spiritual songs but they are not hymnal they are sweet, soulful and stirring.  I really love "Mask" and "This is who I Am" the most but all the songs are great.  

You can find "The Insatiable Quest for Beauty" on Amazon.com for only $9.99 for paperback and only $2.99 for the Kindle version.  Don't forget the companion Leader's Guide and the CD "This is Who I Am" as well!

You can find more information on this book and ministry, in addition to radio interviews, a promo video, and tour dates at www.tiffany-dawn.net.

*I received the products in this post compliments of the author, however all opinions are my own.

Album Review: Emmy Rossum's #SentimentalJourney

Check it Out!  Acclaimed actress Emmy Rossum, who currently stars in Shameless on Showtime is  one multi-talented actress!  Not only is she an amazing actress, but an amazing singer!  I recently got the opportunity to review Emmy's new album Sentimental Journey, before it came out!  

Sentimental Journey is Emmy's "Passion Project" and is a collection of classic covers that will take you through the American songbook.  Each song represents a month in the year and includes covers from some of the amazing artists of the last century.  Here is a rundown of the track list from Sentimental Journey.

• 1. Sentimental Journey
• 2.  The Object Of My Affection
• 3.  I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover
• 4.  These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)
• 5.  (I'll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time
• 6.  Summer Wind
• 7.  Many Tears Ago
• 8.  All I Do Is Dream Of You
• 9.  Nobody Knows When You Are Down And Out
• 10.  Autumn Leaves
• 11.  Things
• 12.  Pretty Paper

This is not a pop album, these are classic songs that will take you back in time.  Check out this little

video of "These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)"  and get a little taste of what I am talking about!  

Sentimental Journey was released yesterday and can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.
I personally love Pretty Paper and Summer Wind the most and just love the idea of listening to this album out on my patio with a cup of coffee and a beautiful day!  These songs are amazing at evoking memories and relaxing you at the same time!  Totally enjoyed this and I can't wait to share it with my mom who is going to fall in love with this album!

*I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Music Review: Kylie Minogue's The Abbey Road Sessions

Check it Out!  My family loves music and pretty much just about all kinds.  I recently got the chance to check out Kylie Minogue's brand new album The Abbey Road Sessions. 

This year is Kylie's 25th Anniversary in music and she is celebrating with this new album that contains sixteen tracks that span her incredible 25 year career.  Recorded in the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London with Kylie's band and a full orchestra, you will find many of Kylie's best known hits on this album, including "Can't get you out of my head"  and "The Locomotion" and she has reworked them all.

Here is a rundown of the tracks on this album:

1.  All the Lovers

2.  On a Night Like This

3.  Better The Devil You Know

4.  Hand on Your Heart

5.  I Believe In You

6.  Come Into My World

7.  Finer Feelings

8.  Confide In Me

9.  Slow 

 10.  The Locomotion

11.  Can't Get You Out Of My Head

12.  Where The Wild Roses Grow

13.  Flower

14.  I Should Be So Lucky

15.  Love At First Sight

16.  Never Too Late

 

 

I have to say that I found this to be a completely different Kylie Minogue that I have heard in the past. Very clear and strong and melodic.  You can just feel the emotions she is singing.  Very relaxing.  I especially loved "The Locomotion" and I can't seem to get the tune out of my head. 

I also really like "Hand on Your Heart" and of course "I Believe In You".   This isn't a pop album with all the new age production stuff, just clear clean music and voice. 

Check out this video for a little taste of the album:

 



 

Don't forget that you can also check Kylie out at www.kylie.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook as well to keep up with whats going on with her, including news updates, photos, streaming audio and video and downloads.

*I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Matisyahu "Spark Seeker" Album Review & Giveaway

Check it Out!  Music is amazing and I love that it invokes so many feelings, memories and emotions.  I pretty much like a little of all music although I have my faves, but I was so intrigued with the song "Sunshine" by Matisyahu that when offered the opportunity to check out the new Album "Spark Seeker", I just had to take it. 

Spark Seeker which will be available July 17th is Matisyahu's bold new studio album that mixes ancient traditional sounds with futuristic electro beats, rapping with singing, songs of the spirit with songs of the body.

"This album is about seeking that spark within.”

Just check out the music video for Sunshine and get a little taste..

So when I first started listening to Spark Seeker, I wasn't sure I was going to like the album and I will be totally honest in that there are some songs I do not care for, but there are more I love than don't.  Songs like Breath Easy and Shine On and Sunshine are all so amazing, but it is Live Like a Warrior that I absolutely love and just cannot get enough of!  It may just be my new life theme!  I love the message and I love the beat.

The collection of music is so diverse, it's all just a wonderful mix of musical instruments and vocals.  From futuristic to traditional and all mixed in together, there is an element of rap and reggae also.  This is unlike any music I have ever listened to before and I kinda like it!

This is Matisyahu's fourth album and he has also announced an extensive summer tour with co-headliners Dirty Heads. 

TOUR DATES
**Denotes show w/Dirty Heads

6/16 - Thackerville, OK - Winstar World Casino
7/3 - Del Mar, CA - Del Mar Fairgrounds
7/5 – Quincy, CA High Sierra Music Festival
7/8 - Vienna, VA - The Wolftrap **
7/9 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live **
7/10 - Boston, MA - House of Blues **
7/11 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom **
7/12 - Stamford, CT - Alive at Five
7/14 - Philadelphia, PA - XFINITY Live!
7/15 - Costa Mesa, CA - OC Fair and Event Center
7/18 - Providence, RI - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel **
7/19 - Albany, NY - Northern Lights **
7/21 - Atlantic City, NJ - Showboat Atlantic City House of Blues **
7/22 - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony Summerstage **
7/23 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount Theatre **
7/25 - Portland, ME - State Theatre **
7/26 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom **
7/28 - Floyd, VA - Floydfest
7/29 - Randall's Island, NY - Catalpa Festival
7/30 - Pittsburgh, PA - Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead **
8/4 - Grand Rapids, MI - The Orbit Room **
8/5 – Detroit, MI Fillmore Auditorium**
8/7 - Chicago, IL - The Congress Theatre **
8/8 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave **
8/9 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave **
8/12 - Des Moines, IA - Simon Estes Amphitheatre **
8/14 - Houston, TX - Cynthia Woods Pavilion *Supporting Sublime
8/15 - Dallas, TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion *Supporting Sublime
8/16 - St. Louis, MO - Verizon Wireless *Supporting Sublime
8/18 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre Outdoors**
8/19 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore **
8/20 - Norfolk, VA - The NorVa**
8/21 - Chesterfield, VA - Pocahontas State Park Amphitheatre **
8/22 - Chattanooga, TN - Track 29 **
8/23 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade - Music Park**
8/25 - Myrtle Beach, SC - House of Blues **
8/27 - Mobile, AL - Soul Kitchen **
9/4 – Austin, TX Austin Music Hall**
9/5 – Tulsa, OK Cain’s Ballroom**
9/6 Council Bluffs, IA Harrah’s Casino at Stir Cove**
9/8 – Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium**
9/9 – Aspen, CO The Belly-Up**
9/10 – Salt Lake City, UT The Rail**
9/11 – Albuquerque, NM The Sunshine Theater**
9/12 – Phoenix, AZ The Marquee**
9/15 – Las Vegas, NV Hard Rock Hotel Pool Stage**
9/22 – Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom**
9/23 – Seattle, WA The Moore Theater**
9/26 – Boise, ID Knitting Factory**
9/27 – Lake Tahoe, CA MontBleu**

I am so excited that I get to share this amazing music with ya'll and thanks to Sneak Attack Media, 1 lucky Check it Out! with Dawn reader will win a copy of Spark Seeker once it is released!
Time for...

*This Giveaway is Closed*

Enter via Rafflecopter form below.  US residents only. 
Prize to be shipped the week of release date.

Celtic Woman Autographed CD & DVD Review & Giveaway! 2 Winners!

Check it Out!  My family loves music and between all 5 of us, we pretty much like all kinds of music!   I recently got a chance to check out the newly released Celtic Woman CD & DVD "Believe" and since hubby is already a fan, he was super excited!

  Never heard of Celtic Woman?  They are a unique musical emsemble that brings you traditional Irish music but with a modern stage production.  Made up of 4 wonderfully gifted young Irish women, Lisa Kelly, Chloe Agnew, Lisa Lambe do the vocals while Mairead Nesbitt is the Celtic Violinist. 

I popped this CD into the car player and was astounded by the reaction I received from the kids!  The reaction?  Nothing... they didn't complain or groan, they just sat there listening and looking out the window!  It was a wonderful ride and everyone was so relaxed when we arrived at our destination!   

If you have never heard the Celtic Woman before you have got to give it a listen.  GO HERE and get a little preview of what I am talking about!  This is the most relaxing and moving music.  When you watch the DVD, you are taken into the Fox Theater that is here in Atlanta, GA and it is so magical!  I have been to the Fox before, but it is transformed so beautifully for this production, so dreamy! 

The DVD is a fabulous way to spend a date night with hubs or even with the whole family.  There is even a wonderful behind the scenes bonus that we really enjoyed! 
Check out this TV commercial for Believe:


Interested in seeing them in concert?   You can GO HERE to the Celtic Woman website and get ticket info and here is a list of tour dates for 2012:

Feb 28, 2012	Roanoke, VA	Civic Center
Feb 29, 2012	Norfolk, VA	Chrysler Hall
Mar 2, 2012	Raleigh, NC	Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts
Mar 3, 2012	Fairfax, VA	Patriot Center
Mar 4, 2012	Baltimore, MD	Hippodrome Theatre
Mar 6, 2012	Hershey, PA	Giant Center
Mar 8, 2012	Philadelphia, PA	Liacouras Center
Mar 9, 2012	Boston, MA	The Wang Theatre
Mar 10, 2012	Boston, MA	The Wang Theatre
Mar 11, 2012	New York, NY	Radio City Music Hall
Mar 13, 2012	Syracuse, NY	Landmark Theatre
Mar 14. 2012	Albany, NY	Palace Theatre
Mar 16, 2012	Manchester, NH	Verizon Wireless Arena
Mar 17, 2012	Wallingford, CT	Oakdale Theatre
Mar 18, 2012	Uncasville, CT	Mohegan Sun Arena
Mar 20, 2012	Richmond, VA	Landmark Theater
Mar 21, 2012	Pittsburgh, PA	Consol Energy Center
Mar 23, 2012	Detroit, MI	Fox Theatre
Mar 24, 2012	Cincinnati, OH	Aronoff Center for the Arts
Mar 25, 2012	West Lafayette, IN	Elliott Hall of Music
Mar 27, 2012	Akron, OH	Civic Theatre
Mar 28, 2012	Columbus, OH	Palace Theatre
Mar 30, 2012	Chicago, IL	Rosemont Theatre
Mar 31, 2012	Chicago, IL	Rosemont Theatre
Apr 1, 2012	St. Paul, MN	Xcel Energy Center
Apr 3, 2012	Champaign, IL	Assembly Hall Star Theatre
Apr 4, 2012	Kansas City, MO	Music Hall
Apr 5, 2012	Little Rock, AR	Robinson Center
Apr 6, 2012	Memphis, TN	Orpheum Theatre
Apr 7, 2012	Memphis, TN	Orpheum Theatre
Apr 10, 2012	Louisville, KY	The Palace Theater
Apr 11, 2012	St. Louis, MO	Fox Theatre
Apr 12, 2012	Wichita, KS	Century II Performing Arts Center
Apr 14, 2012	Dallas, TX	Verizon Theatre
Apr 15, 2012	Baton Rouge, LA	River Center Arena
Apr 16, 2012	Houston, TX	Jones Hall
Apr 18, 2012	Denver, CO	Wells Fargo Theater
Apr 19, 2012	Salt Lake City, UT	Energy Solutions Arena
Apr 21, 2012	Portland, OR	Keller Auditorium
Apr 22, 2012	Spokane, WA	INB PAC
Apr 23, 2012	Seattle, WA	Paramount Theatre
Apr 25, 2012	Sacramento, CA	Memorial Auditorium
Apr 27, 2012	Phoenix, AZ	Comerica Theatre
Apr 28, 2012	Los Angeles, CA	Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
Apr 29, 2012	Las Vegas, NV	The Smith Center for Performing Arts

If your interested in purchasing your own Celtic Woman DVD you can GO HERE an check out the purchase information and you can GO HERE for CD info.  Wanna chance to win a DVD or CD for Free?

 Check it Out!

 

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*
I am giving away one signed copy of the CD and one signed copy of the DVD.
There will be 2 winners!
 Giveaway open to residents of US and Canada. 


*I received the above products for free in exchange for a honest review.  I received no other compensation, and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Then Sings My Soul Book 3 by Robert J. Morgan

Then Sings My Soul:

Book 3

By:  Robert J. Morgan

About the Book:

The long-awaited third installment! In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled Then Sings My Soul. This collection of the world’s greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.

Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you’ve never heard, with lead-sheets included.

All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them.

Morgan’s conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God’s music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.

My Review:
This is a wonderfully written book and beautiful to read.  Music is amazing and nothing sounds like Hymns.  Starting with the history of hymnody and going through biblical, ancient, medievel, german,english, gospel songs and american hymns to contemporary praise and worship music this book takes you through the history of church music.  I especially enjoyed Part 3:  Six Hymn Stories I love to tell and learning about "The Old Rugged Cross".  This book is great for any lover of music and I know just who to share it with!  Great for any homeschool library also.  Two thumbs up!



*I received a complimentary copy of the book in this post via BookSneeze for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.

Album Review - Mat Kearney's "Young Love"



Check it Out!  You may not recognize his name but I bet you've probably heard some of Mat Kearney's hits on some very popular TV shows.  His songs have appeared on 30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, Friday Night Lights, Scrubs, NCIS, and numerous other television shows. He's been on tours with everyone from John Mayer and Sheryl Crow to Keane and The Fray! 

Well, Mat's third album, Young Love, just hit stores last week and debuted in the #1 spot on iTunes Album and Rock charts and is currently sitting at #5! 

I recently got the opportunity to review Mat's new album via One2One.  I had never heard of Mat before, but the handclap rhythm of the hit single "Hey Mama" is so upbeat and made me want to hear more of his stuff.  Here is the tracklisting for "Young Love":

1 Hey Mama

2 Ships In The Night
3 Count On Me
4 Sooner Or Later
5 Chasing The Light
6 Learning To Love Again
7 Down
8 She Got The Honey

9 Young Dumb And In Love

10 Rochester

11 Seventeen

 After listening to the whole album, if I had to pick a favorite it would be Hey Mama, that beat, the choruses, so catchy and fun, I just love it!  All the songs on this album though are goodies.  They are so different and I think this is a great CD for the whole family, although when Victoria heard it, she said it was cool but clearly "adult music".   The way that Mat writes his songs is so relateable.  I wasn't too sure about the "rap" that he breaks into but its more sing songy the more you listen to it.  I am not a huge fan of rap, but this is different.  It is definitely something you need to give a try if you have never heard Mat's music before.  You can check out the video for "Hey Mama" when you GO HERE and see what I mean.  You can also check out Mat's Facebook page  and Mat's iTunes page and Mat's Website.  You can get a cool Widget too, when you GO HERE.  You will definitely remember his name after you hear his work!

*I received a complimentary copy of Mat's CD "Young Love" via One2One Network for purposes of this review, however all opinions are my own.