CD Review: Mormon Tabernacle Choir & Friends

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

CD Description:

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has collaborated with some of the most legendary vocalists and performers over the years. For this album, the Choir has assembled an unprecedented collection of recordings taken from standout performances over the past 15 years. Most of these performances were recorded live at the 20,000+ seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City. In addition, some real gems were uncovered or created specifically for this album, including a performance recorded live before millions of viewers at the start of the 2002 Winter Olympics (Sting & Yo-Yo Ma performing "Fragile") and new recordings such as Amy Grant's "Thy Word," The King's Singers' "I'm Running On," and Santino Fontana's "He Lives in You."

Album includes 11 tracks:

• Fragile, feat. Sting & Yo-Yo Ma
• The Prayer (from Quest for Camelot, feat. David Foster
• Thy Word, feat. Amy Grant
• That Lonesome Road, feat. James Taylor
• He Lives in You (from The Lion King), feat. Santino Fontana
• How Can I Keep from Singing?, feat. Renee Fleming
• Through Heaven's Eyes (from The Prince of Egypt), feat. Brian Stokes Mitchell
• Vitae Lux, feat. Sissel
• Homeward Bound, feat. Bryn Terfel
• Beauty and the Beast (from Beauty and the Beast), feat. Angela Lansbury
• I'm Runnin' On, feat. The King's Singers

Review:

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir & Friends CD is a great collection that has something for everyone. Each track is a powerful performance, and I enjoyed having it play on repeat while I worked on the computer.

My favorite song is "Through Heaven's Eyes" featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell, followed closely by "That Lonesome Road" featuring James Taylor. While I didn't love every song, I really liked most of them, and I listened to the CD over and over. I'm happy to add this to my collection.

About the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:

The 360 members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir represent men and women from many different backgrounds and professions and range in age from 25 to 60. They reflect a medley of unique lives and experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Their incomparable voices are the common chord that unites to form the choral group known all over the world as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir originated in the mid-19th century in Salt Lake City. As the Latter-day Saints moved west, Church President Brigham Young included musicians among members of the advance parties. Consequently, a small choir first sang for a conference of the Church in the Salt Lake Valley on August 22, 1847, just 29 days after the first group arrived. The origins of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir may be found in the desire and commitment of early converts to include appropriate music in both sacred and secular events.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has appeared at 13 world's fairs and expositions, performed at the inaugurations of five U.S. presidents, and sung for numerous worldwide telecasts and special events. Five of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's recordings have achieved "gold record" and two have achieved "platinum record" status. The most popular was the Grammy-Award-winning 1959 release of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" with the Philadelphia Orchestra. 

CD Review: Hold on: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean

 

CD Description:

Eric Robertson, a popular producer in Provo, has brought together an impressive list of talented vocalists to sing on new, fresh productions of classic Michael McLean songs. The vocalists include some of the top names from the burgeoning Provo music scene, including Elaine Bradley, from Neon Trees, and Ryan Innes, one of the top contestants on NBC's The Voice. Eric grew up listening to Michael McLean songs and still feels a strong connection to them. This album is an effort to pay tribute to those songs and produce them in a way that will speak to a younger generation of LDS youth. 

Track List:

1. Hold On, the Light Will Come feat. Scott Shepard
2. Give a Little Bit of Yourself feat. Catherine Leavy
3. You're Not Alone feat. Andrew Langdon
4. Gentle feat. Drew Danburry
5. I Can't Do Everything feat. Brooke White of American Idol
6. Homeless feat. Ryan Innes of The Voice
7. You've Always Been There for Me feat. Elaine Bradley of Neon Trees
8. Share the Joy feat. Severin Bozung
9. Be the Joy feat. Eric Robertson
10. Promise of Light feat. Adam and Darcie Sanders

Tarah's Review:

Back in the day when I dreamed about becoming a singer and being discovered one day (before I realized I can't sing...sad day...sad sad day), I would listen to Michael McLean's music and sing it over and over again. Good memories there :)

So, this CD you can't really tell what any of the song are, in relation to what Michael McLean wrote. However, I really enjoyed the techno feel to it. My kids were dancing around the living room, and since it is McLean music I don't have to worry about it being inappropriate (some of the lyrics are hard to understand). It's upbeat and happy. I don't know that I'd classify any of it as Modern, but just don't go into it expecting the old school stuff, and maybe appreciate some techno, and it's a fun CD. 
 
Andrea's Review:

I recently saw an interview with Michael McLean and Eric Robertson about this new album. I can't tell you the number of hours I spent as a teenager listening to Michael's music, so when I saw that he was flattered by this tribute, I was excited to listen to it. The first listen was a bit of a shocker with the techno feel and a few songs that were hard to recognize. Listening to the album more than once helps, but if you really liked the original songs, this modern tribute might not be for you.

Rorie's Review:

I have always love Michael McLean's music, so I was excited to get this CD and listen to it. Sadly, this modern tribute just doesn't compare to the original. I found the synthesizer-type music off-putting and definitely not modern. I think I will stick to the actual piano music done by Michael McLean himself.


Title: Hold on: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean
Label: Shadow Mountain
Released: August 2015
ASIN: B00YXRPTC0
Source: We received CDs in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

 

CD Review: My Home Can Be a Holy Place by Jenny Oaks Baker

My Home Can Be a Holy Place by Jenny Oaks Baker

CD Description:

From one of the world's premier violinists comes a new collection of beautiful songs celebrating family and motherhood. The album features classic hymns, such as "Love at Home" and "I Am a Child of God," stunning classical arrangements, including Brahms's "Cradle Song," and beloved children's tunes. The gorgeous track "Love Is Spoken Here" features Jenny performing with all four of her children, ages eleven and younger.

Track list:

Love at Home

Jesus Once Was a Little Child

Songs My Mother Taught Me

I Feel My Savior's Love

Brahms's Cradle Song

I Am a Child of God

Love Is Spoken Here

Rorie's Review:

I have heard of Jenny Oaks Baker before, but for some reason, I thought she was a vocalist, so I was really surprised when I started listening to the CD and found that she is a violinist instead. Not that I minded, because I really, really enjoyed this CD. I don't even think I can pick a favorite song, because they were all really good. Definitely one that will go into my music rotation. 

Tarah's Review:

This is a really calming music CD. In fact, just last night my kids were extremely wound up and crazy right before bed. I decided to put on this CD, and the kids calmed down and were able to go to bed without much fuss.  I'd recommend it for some easy listening Sunday music, or calm the kids down and put them to bed music. I kind of see it as a lullaby CD.

Andrea's Review:

This instrumental CD is great background music, especially on a Sunday. I'll admit I was expecting singing to accompany most of the familiar songs (I suppose because I've rarely heard most of these songs without the lyrics), and the violin gives the songs a different feel than the piano (somewhat melancholy), so it was a different sound than I was expecting. But, it didn't take long to enjoy the songs. The CD is a little over 30 minutes long, so shuffle and repeat is a good way to listen to it.

About Jenny Oaks Baker:

Grammy Nominated Artist Jenny Oaks Baker is one of America's most accomplished violinists. She received her Master of Music degree from the renowned Juilliard School in New York City and her bachelor's degree in violin performance from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

She has released twelve albums since 1998. They consistently chart on Billboard, including the #1 spot on the Top Classical Albums chart. Her album Wish Upon a Star earned a nomination for the 54th GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

Jenny Oaks Baker has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with the Jerusalem Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Utah Symphony, and the internationally acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Jenny performed as a first violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra for seven years before resigning to devote more time to her young family. Jenny and her husband Matthew have four children.


Title: My Home Can Be a Holy Place
Music Performed By: Jenny Oaks Baker
Label: Shadow Mountain Records
Released: September 2015
ASIN: B00YJ1GZF0
Source: We received CDs in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

 

CD Review: What Heaven Feels Like by Calee Reed

Calee Reed makes her mark as a thoughtful and exciting new voice in spiritual and inspirational music with this beautiful follow-up to her debut album. Her folk pop sound is the perfect backdrop to gorgeous vocals and soaring melody lines. The title track, “What Heaven Feels Like,” stands out with a tender description of the lasting relationships we forge in this life that remain through the life to come. In the song “Possible,” Calee writes from an authentic place of joy as she reflects on God’s ability to extend our efforts beyond what we thought was possible. This album will help you see and enjoy more in life. It’s the perfect album to keep you dancing and singing through the summer.

Track List:

Living Water
I Am Enough
Possible
Miraculous
What Heaven Feels Like
Sunshine
Come Unto Christ

Andrea's Review:

I had the opportunity to see Calee Reed perform at Time Out for Women earlier this year. She has a beautiful voice and did a great job performing. I think having some background to some of her songs made a difference as I heard them on this CD. The lyrics are beautiful, and there is a fun sound to her songs. I've listened to it several times, and my only complaint would be that it ends so quickly. Not that you can't hit shuffle and repeat, but the less-than-thirty-minutes play list goes by pretty quickly. It is hard to pick a favorite song-it's a toss up between "Living Water" and "What Heaven Feels Like".

Rorie's Review:

Listening to this CD, I kept comparing Calee's sound to Colbie Caillat. I think if you like Colbie, you will enjoy this CD. I enjoyed most of the songs on this CD, although I was driving, so I wasn't really paying much attention to the lyrics. I think my favorite song was probably "Living Water," mostly for its upbeat tempo. My older boys were listening to the CD as well and both of them said that they enjoyed it. I plan on having it in rotation in my car, or even for music on Sunday, and look forward to actually getting a chance to pay attention to the lyrics, not just the music and the sound of Calee's voice.

Tarah's Review:

I'll admit that when I think of spiritual and inspirational music I think of something less jazzy. Calee has a great voice, and there is no denying her talent. None of the songs really struck the right chord with me though. None made me want to listen to them again, and think on their message. I was actually surprised by the pop/jazzy sound and had to take the CD out to make sure I was listening to the right music. Just don't expect calming, soothing sounds and you will probably enjoy this CD more than I did.

Purchase:

Amazon | Deseret Book

CD Review: Madilyn Paige

 

Description:

This stunning self-titled debut EP features a set of tunes notable for their raw emotion and beautiful soundscapes. Madilyn wrote or co-wrote every song on the album, drawin from her own struggles as a teenager and her heartfelt expressions of the joy she finds in life. The first track, "Irreplaceable," begins with aching introspection and soars to an assurance of self-worth; the folloring track, "Foolish Game," was written right after Madilyn left the TV show The Voice and gives insight into the inevitability of discouragement in life and the realization that you can rise above the games that people play. An epic movie score string section combines with powerful rhythms on "Undercover," a breathtaking song about overcoming sadness and seeking the light all around you. The final track, "Little Things," playfully reminds us that the little things in life are the source of true joy.

Madilyn Paige is a singer-songwriter from Provo, Utah. As a young child, she lived in Japan. She took up singing after she moved back to the U.S. She loves making music videos and short films with her friends and has performed in various local competitions.

Review:

Madilyn Paige's debut CD is something that I am happy to add to my family's collection. I actually ended up listening to it three times in a row. Granted, the first time was while I was preparing dinner, and it was also the witching hour, so I only got to hear snippets of each song. However, what I could hear, I enjoyed. When my house was quieter, I was able to listen to the whole thing and thought it was good enough to have my husband listen when he got home.  I think my favorite song is probably "Spotlight" with "Irreplaceable" a close second.


Audio CD (February 3, 2015)
Number of Discs: 1
Format: EP
Label: Highway Records
ASIN: B00RXPTLPK

Purchase: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Box Set CD Review: Missionary Collection by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Description:

For the first time ever, this collection brings together four top-selling albums sure to provide inspiration to hasten the work. Featuring Called to Serve, Praise to the Man, Teach Me to Walk in the Light, and This Is the Christ, this four-disc set is the perfect gift for missionaries at home and abroad.

PRAISE TO THE MAN
The Morning Breaks
Praise to the Man
Joseph Smith's First Prayer
Now We'll Sing with One Accord
This is My Beloved Son
I Saw a Mighty Angel Fly
An Angel from on High
Adam-ondi-Ahman
On a Golden Springtime
Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice
A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

CALLED TO SERVE
Called to Serve
Redeemer of Israel
I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go
How Firm a Foundation
I Am a Child of God
I Believe in Christ
I'm Trying to Be like Jesus
Ye Elders of Israel
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
High on the Mountain Top
He Sent His Son
Come, Come, Ye Saints
This Is the Christ
God Be with You Til We Meet Again
The Spirit of God

TEACH ME TO WALK IN THE LIGHT
I Think the World Is Glorious
"Give," Said the Little Stream
If the Savior Stood Beside Me
I Think When I Read That Sweet Story
Teach Me to Walk in the Light
I Will Follow God's Plan
Mother, Tell Me the Story
Called to Serve
Love One Another
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
I Know That My Savior Loves Me
Faith
Holding Hands around the World
When He Comes Again
I Am a Child of God

THIS IS THE CHRIST
This Is the Christ
The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare
Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd
Come unto Him
Sunshine in My Soul
Where Can I Turn for Peace?
God So Loved the World
Our Savior's Love
O, Divine Redeemer
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
Nearer, Dear Savior, to Thee
Softly and Tenderly
Beautiful Savior
I Believe in Christ

Rorie's Review:

My sister gave me these CD's and I thought they would be perfect to listen to on the long drive home. I put in "Teach Me to Walk in the Light," thinking my kids would enjoy hearing songs that they know. Sadly, my kids were not in the mood to listen to music, so they complained the whole time it was on. Also, the CD seemed to be really quiet in my car - not sure if it's my sound system or what, but even after turning it up a lot, I still struggled to hear it.

I gave the CD's another try this past Sunday morning before church with much more success. We were able to listen to all 4 of them and the songs helped keep the Sabbath spirit in our home. 

My favorite CD is probably "Called to Serve" because I tend to gravitate towards the more upbeat songs, but all of the songs were enjoyable. I look forward to listening to these CD's many more times.

Purchase: Deseret Book | Amazon

Blog Tour: Classic: The Rock Album by Jenny Oaks Baker

Classic: The Rock Album
by Jenny Oaks Baker

Review:

When I heard about Jenny Oaks Baker's new album I thought it would be fun to review. I've never been great at identifying songs or artists, but I recognized most of these songs by their titles, and thought my husband would like it since the songs are right up his alley.

This album did not disappoint. I've only had it for a couple of days, but I'm totally content putting it on repeat to accompany me at work, in the car, or at home. I love the instrumental version of these songs. It's not distracting, and is great background music.

Classic: The Rock Album is a fun collection of songs, and very well done.

Tracklist:

1. Liverpool Suite (Beatles Medley)

2. Everybody Hurts

3. Kashmir/Four Seasons

4. You are So Beautiful

5. Scarborough Fair

6. Stairway to Heaven

7. Fields of Gold

8. Pinball Wizard

9. Sweet Child of Mine

10. Yesterday

Purchase: iTunes | Deseret Book | Amazon

About the Artist:

Grammy Nominated Artist Jenny Oaks Baker is one of America’s most accomplished and beloved violinists.  Jenny began playing the violin at age four, and made her solo orchestral debut in 1983 when she was only eight years old. She received her Master of Music degree from the renowned Juilliard School in New York City and her bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

She has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Strathmore Hall, the Library of Congress and as a guest soloist with the Jerusalem Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony, the Orchestra at Temple Square, and the internationally acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Over the years Jenny has collaborated with such luminaries as Gladys Knight, Kurt Bestor, Marvin Hamlisch, and the former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Jenny Oaks Baker performed as a first violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra for seven years before resigning in 2007 to devote more time to her young family. She has released twelve albums since 1998. They have sold over a quarter of a million copies and consistently charted on Billboard, including the #1 spot on the Top Classical Albums chart. Her album Wish Upon a Star earned a nomination for the 54^th GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

Jenny, her husband Matthew, and their four children reside outside of Washington D.C.

Website

Blog Tour: He is Risen Album

He Is Risen

Mormon Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square

with Mack Wilberg & Ryan Murphy - Conductors

CD Description:

Featuring heartwarming and uplifting hymns like Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, and He is Risen, your Easter holiday will be filled with true remembrance and thankfulness for Christ, His life and the love He shows for each of God's Children.

Review:

As always, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square do an excellent job with their latest album. Not only are the songs beautiful, but they are a great way to bring peace and reflection on the true meaning of Easter. Its six songs would be a great addition to any Easter Music Collection. 

About the Choir:

The 360 members of this remarkable choir represent men and women from many different backgrounds and professions and range in age from 25 to 60. They reflect a medley of unique lives and experiences and are brought together by their love for singing and their faith. Their incomparable voices are the common chord that unites to form the choral group known all over the world as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Title: He is Risen

Performers: Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square

Release Date: April 1, 2014

ASIN: B00IEA3M4E

Source: I received a CD in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Deseret Book | Amazon

Blog Tour: Come Alive CD by Mercy River

Review * Giveaway

 Tour Schedule

CD Review:

I was first introduced to Mercy River at a Time Out for Women conference. I loved their sound, and their humor. Have you guys heard their spoof on the N'SYNC song Bye Bye Bye? Soooo funny. Anyway, everything that I had heard from them I liked and found it to be a soft soothing Sunday sound. Their new album Come Alive has their great sound, but it is more upbeat. For me, it's a listen to during the week CD instead of a listen to on Sunday CD, although some of the songs are religious. But they have others like Walking On Sunshine that is just happy and peppy (for lack of a better word). If you like Mercy River their new album definitely won't disappoint.

On the heels of their hit album Higher, Mercy River is back with mesmerizing harmonies and upbeat vocal arrangements. Their new album features inspirational favorites and original songs that highlight the talents of this singing sisterhood: 

Sing It Out, Speak Life, How Deep the Father's Love For Us, Walk You Through the Night, Who I Am, Move, Holy Ground, Restless, Reason For the World, Walking On Sunshine

About Mercy River:

With 13 children between them, it’s amazing that Whitney Permann, Brooke Stone, and Soni Muller have time for anything other than runny noses, sock hunts, and prying suckers off the van floor. But music has been a part of each of their lives since childhood, and is now a strong presence in their homes. The three friends met while singing in the Jenny Phillips Choir and there found a common love for tight harmonies and sharing the gospel through song. Over the past five years, Mercy River has traveled all over the United States and Canada as a highly sought after ensemble, performing for thousands of people while testifying of the Savior. Each member of the group brings several years of experience performing, writing, and directing hundreds of firesides and concerts—as well as recording on dozens of inspirational albums. Their self-titled debut album was released in May 2008. “Beautiful Dawn,” was released in March of 2010. Their third album, “Higher” was released with rave reviews in February 2012. Mercy River is back with mesmerizing harmonies and upbeat vocal arrangements in “Come Alive”.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Tour Giveaway:

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/26/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Blog Tour: Home for the Holidays DVD/CD

Summary:

As seen and heard by more than 80,000 people in the LDS Conference Center, Home for the Holidays is the live recording of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s 2012 Christmas concert. This year’s release features internationally acclaimed TV personality Tom Brokaw and Tony Award–winning Les Miserables tenor Alfie Boe.

The Choir also welcomed surprise-guest Gail “Hal” Halvorsen, the renowned Candy Bomber of World War II. Together with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, these three special guests delivered an unprecedented excitement to the stage that brought all in attendance to their feet more than once during the night.

Hailed as the performance that “may have topped them all” (Catherine Reese Newton, The Salt Lake Tribune).

Review:

I've heard about what great programs the annual Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts are, so I jumped at the opportunity to review the DVD/CD of last year's concert. The performance was very well done. The choir and orchestra sound excellent, and the guests they had really made for a great show. I particularly enjoyed the story about the Candy Bomber. It is such a touching story, and the presentation narrated by Tom Brokaw brought tears to my eyes. It was a joy to see Hal Halvorsen, 92-years-old, sporting his original uniform and getting around so well! I also really liked Alfie Boe's performance of Bring Him Home. This presentation is definitely worth watching and/or listening to.

Tour Dates:  December 2 -13, 2013
Title: “Home for the Holidays”
Purchase: Amazon (DVD) | Amazon (CD) | Deseret Book (DVD) | Deseret Book (CD)
 
DVD Trailer: