Limbs and Branches | Jon Foreman

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Limbs and Branches.

Years out of date, I have finally taken time to sit and listen to this beautiful record by Jon Foreman, of Switchfoot.
A collection of songs that didn't exactly fit on some of the Switchfoot records. I've always found lovers of Christ, who are musicians, poets (outdside of worship), have a distinct and new revelation of who God is in the songs and music they create. It's the way they're written, like an obvious yet hidden truth. It is already evident in Switchfoot songs, I wouldn't expect less from Jon Foreman.

A beautiful record, I'd advise everyone listens to!

"Two things You told me: that You are strong 

And You love me, yes, You love me.

Your love is, Your love is, Your love is strong..."

Visit JonForeman.com

love & light...♥

Violoncello

The Violoncello aka Cello.

I long to learn this instrument.
Just the motion of playing it, is so beautiful
It's sound is so distinctive from common instruments. There is a deep yearning budding out of this instrument.
I have no intention of limiting myself to learning solely one instrument. I've always felt an instrument has it's own soul, just as it produces it's own sound. I wanted to share this beautiful piece with you. 2Cellos cover of U2's 'With Or Without You'.

 

love & light...♥

"I stand undone, and I'm amazed..." | Rita Springer



I wanted to share this beautiful song, this Tuesday morning.
Now more than ever am I fascinated by the wonder of God. It is a beautiful mystery how He is able to capture me, over and over.

This song has moved me.
Each word, weighted.

Rita has a way of letting the rawness/honesty of her worship come forth in such a beautiful way. She is one of my few inspirations. I pray our hearts will be open, coming undone solely for Christ, that He will always have His rightful place, rule and reign in our hearts.

love & light...♥

"For I have kept you..." | Andrea Marie Reagan

 

So, it has been a while since I shared beautiful music. Partly because I have struggled to find something genuine. 

I wanted to share the beautiful Andrea Marie Reagan with you all, this Tuesday evening. You'll recognise her voice from some of United Pursuit's worship records.
There is such a simplicity about her, her spirit and it comes out in her lyrical writing and her spirit when she sings out. I hope you enjoy and are just as captivated as I am.

You can purchase her beautiful record 'Here Begin' on iTunes!
Visit: Andrea Marie Music

"We're all rubies in the dust, waiting to be seen.
Waiting to be clean, just longing to be free." 

 

love & light...♥

Top Records of 2013

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From vinyl to CD.
EPs and downloads.
Here are my top favourites from this year (in no particular order):

"HEATWAVE" by Matt Wertz

"Endless Ocean / Bottomless Sea Extended Versions" by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser

"Jack Williams EP" by Jack Williams

"ANTHEM" by Hanson

"Let It Be Known" by Worship Central

"Back To Forever" by Lissie

"Days Are Gone" by HAIM

"Nothing Is Wasted" by Elevation Worship

"We Are Young & Free" by Hillsong

"United Tenors" by Hammnd, Hollister, Roberson, Wilson

"Fading West" by Switchfoot

"Fortunate Fall" by Audrey Assad

I know this album came out last year but "Battle Born" by The Killers is killer (LOL)! Heard it this year!

love & light...♥

Amanda Cook | Paper Planes to Foreign Skies

"From paper planes to foreign skies, You sustain my wings in flight..."

I will be honest, I thought no-one could come close to lyrical genius and music composition (in Christian music) like Audrey Assad, but hearing Amanda Falk's record 'In Between the Now & Then', I stand corrected.

Here is her song Paper planes. Enjoy.

Buy here album here: In Between The Now & Then 

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Matt Wertz

I am so excited to share Matt Wertz this Tuesday evening! I've been a fan of his since he toured with Hanson in 2008! His music is so beautiful, cuts deep to the soul. Matt recently released a new promo EP on Noisetrade. Listening to it only a day in, I have loved every chord, beat and nuance of each song, down to the ones I previously know by heart.

With this EP, he released the new song 'Whenever You Love Somebody' which I had to share with you. Here's a little bit about the song too:

"Whenever You Love Somebody, from Whenever/Wherever, April 1, 2013

When I set out to start writing this new album, I kept finding myself drawn to the singer-songwriters from the late 80's; Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Kenny Loggins, etc. In an attempt to channel their genius, I bought a chorus guitar pedal, broke out my Fender Stratocaster and started programming drum grooves to write to. I love this song because it really nails the whole 80's ballad thing I was going for- you gotta crank it up Higher, HIGHER! "

Check out more of Matt's music at MattWertz.com

Download the EP from Noisetrade: Matt Wertz 'Collection'

"You risk it all to feel that fire

This crazy falling takes you higher, higher..."

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Steve Moakler

Everything happens for a reason.
For me I believe so, especially when it comes to music and the encounters I have with them.
Today's artist I want to share is Steve Moakler - he reminds me so much of Tyler Hilton. Such a beautiful sound and lyrics. I came across him on noisetrade but this is not the first encounter I have had with his music. His music was featured in 'October Baby'; a very beautiful film I would advise everyone to see!

Here is his song 'Hesitate' which I adore and I hope you do too!

"Excuse me while I fall for you."

love & light...♥

p.s. He does a lot of 'one take' videos. This one is pretty awesome too!

TM + TN | Hilary & Kate

"You will come jealous for your own

You will come to bring the wayward home

For your bride you will return with trumpet sound

When you ride the clouds and we are found."

Oh, Oh, Oh, so thankful this Tuesday night I have come across this interview on Wonderfully Made Blog featuring Hilary & Kate, a musical duo. I am so excited for what God has in store for these two. With their beautiful acoustic/folk sound, how could I not be captivated by it? So natural and powerful. Not only that, there is such an overwhelming sense of longing, passion and thirst for the Lord which can oftentimes be taken for granted or overlooked. I am so blessed by these two, especially the lyrics for this song on Hilary's part.

I know it is only Tuesday, but I cannot wait for Friday (my day off) where I sit down with my guitar, this song, lyrics and chords, learning it to the T!

Visit their website here: Hilary & Kate

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Lizz Wright

Ever since I got my electric guitar, I have been listening to a lot of soulful sounds, from the likes of Joss Stone to Eva Cassidy as well as my Motown favourites such as The Temptations, Otis Redding and The Four Tops, trying to pin point what sound I want my new guitar to birth.
I wanted to share the beautiful music of Lizz Wright. She has such a deep soulful voice; one you cannot encounter without your entire being, being moved by it. This is her song 'Hit The Ground', I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Elevation Worship

I've been following Elevation Church//Elevation Worship for a good 5 or 6 months now. I've been so blessed by the preaching from Pastor Steven Furtick and the worship pouring out of this church through its members and the praise & worship team. Elevation Worship has a new song 'Be Lifted High' which I wanted to share for today's Tuesday Morning & Tuesday Night music session.

"Focus my eyes away from myself. You become grater, I become less."

Buy the single here.

love & light...♥

TM + TN | for KING & COUNTRY

So, I'm really excited for this Tuesday's music session. Two brothers (Luke and Joel) form 'for KING & COUNTRY'. Here's a little bit about them and the music:

“We want to deliver a message that is about believing in something much bigger than oneself,” explains Luke. “The title track of the album has a line in the chorus that very plainly says, ‘hope is what we crave.’ You can confidently go through the ups and downs in your life because you know that life isn’t all about you and what you do but rather the hope and salvation of Christ.” 

“We want to be known for writing music that is authentic, real and from the heart,” adds Joel. “Music has been a very therapeutic thing for us."

They're also the younger brothers of Rebecca St. James! Enjoy the music.

Visit their website here.

love & light...♥

TM + TN | The Fox and The Hounds

God is so beautiful. Everyday He finds a new way to bless me and remind me of His everlasting love. Whether it is through words, song or a simple smile. For today's 'Tuesday Mornings and Tuesday Nights', I wanted to share this beautiful worship I stumbled upon yesterday. So thankful to these guys for sharing their gift.

They're called The Fox and The Hounds with a love for God and a burning passion for worshiping Him through song, but also reaching out to those who are less fortunate than themselves.
Their project 'The Joyful Noise Project' looks not merely at highlighting suffering in the world but recognises that we have the power to make a change; a firm believer of releasing hope to those who are in situations that seem so far from that possibility.
I hope you are moved by this as I was. I'm already halfway through learning this version on guitar. You can view more music here!

love & light...♥

TM + TN | "& even now I hear You whisper..."

Inspiring story behind the song 'Come to Me' by Jamie Grace. So beautiful; I was really touched by this and I had to share.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11v28

love & light...♥

TM + TN | I'm on FIRE!

"You make light from dark, illuminate my heart

It started with a spark, and now I'm consumed.

I know that it's Your will, so I'm gonna shine until

I'm a city on a hill and they can see You.

& know You, & know You inside!"

"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5 v14-16

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Patty Griffin

Please,
Just. Listen.

I've fallen in love. I've only known her songs 'Rain' and 'Long Ride Home' but THIS. Wow. I've really and truly added getting her entire album catalog to my new year's resolutions. She's THAT good. Oh, and of course I've started learning her song 'Heavenly Day' on guitar, of course!

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Brie Stoner

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Jesus Culture

"You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night, but JOY comes in the morning.

& when the oceans rage

I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that you love me,
Your Love Never Fails."

love & light...♥

TM + TN | L. Einaudi

This fine Tuesday evening, I'm listening to Ludovico Einaudi. He is a beautiful pianist. I have become completely entranced when listening to his music, so much so, I feel his soul pouring out.

I hope you experience the same:

love & light...♥

Tuesday Mornings + Tuesday Nights | The Pierces!

I don't know how to express my love for this sisterly duo! I think I'm addicted to the style and visual concept of their music videos more than anything else. It's the epitome of me. I first came across them when they opened up for Lissie in London last year (2010) December but didn't really follow them up, though, I enjoyed the music I had heard. I then came across another song of theirs named 'You'll Be Mine' this year & needless to say I am hooked. It is so enchanting, mystical, luring, captivating, mindblowing... I could go on!

So much praise for these two sisters I don't know where to start!
Like someone said, it is a bit like ABBA meets Fleetwood Mac (which is NOT a bad thing for me at all, might I add!). Quirky but beautifully written lyrics, melodies, everything. I'm bursting with excitement I've even pre-ordered their album & that is saying something as I never pre-order!

Sadly I missed a live performance of their's in London just last week but hopefully I'll be seeing & hearing more of them in the coming months!
Album drops: 23rd May 2011

love & light...♥

"Now you know, now you know how I feel & I won't back down."