Back in the mid-90's Kim began writing impromptu reviews of church music CDs (worship music) so that people who were looking for CDs would have an opinion from someone who is also a worship leader and is garnering music for local church use. Up to this point, this was rarely something that was done, because church music was revered as sacred and it was thought that any offering of that sacred worship shouldn't be criticised or evaluated. In fact, Kim wasn't as much a critic as he was an evaluator, helping people find what fit their church. He began posting his reviews on line in a email discussion forum, called the Worship List (website). After a while, when he helped launch Worshipmusic.com, he continued that same concept of trying to help other local church worship leaders and musicians find music that might be applicable to their situations. The reviews continued to be a part of that. Worshipmusic.com went on to grow a staff of writers that would add many more reviews to the collection they have, but Kim continued to participate as a key reviewer. This journal logs all the reviews Kim has written on worship music CDs and projects.
Kim's reviews of CD projects of worship music includes independents, label and main stream recordings, but all having to do with worship music.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 11:05PM 
We are all too often carried away by the complexities of modern music production and arrangements, and drawn away from the simplicity of both a song lyric and melody. The purpose of a song is, after all, to draw lyric and music into a partnership and deliver a singular, powerful message. When a song does this, it becomes our song, our anthem, our community script for things we previously lacked the ability to say well together.
As Advent Season is upon us, I had the opportunity to hear a beautiful song that so perfectly punctuates the clarity of this season it instantly captured my heart in worship. Through the song I was drawn up in waiting, in desire and returned powerfully to the coming kingship of the Christ as the song became my declaration of preparation for Emmanuel. Because the song is so poignant and timely, I asked the writer, Darrell Harris, if I could share it with others. He graciously consented, and so I am delighted to present his song "As We Wait" below for you.
Simple, yearning, stark- its a delightful song in the hopeful pattern of the advent season. Feel free to use this resource. Below are three links: the mp3 audio demonstration, a basic PDF leadsheet, and the PDF SATB sheet music. If you choose to use this song, please respect the request of the authors and record any usage of this song in your regular CCLI reports.
Again, a heartfelt "Thank you" to Darrell Harris for sharing his fine song for the blessing of the broader church!
With you in Hope
Kim Gentes
PDF, advent, as we wait, christmas, darrell, harris, hope, lead sheet, mp3, neftzger, song, tyra in Advent, Music Review, Musician Resource Review, Single Song Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 9:36AM 
For over ten years, I have been listening to and reviewing CDs in my job at Worshipmusic.com. In that time, I have listened to thousands of CDs, liked a few hundred, and have reviewed many dozens of projects. I'll be honest, I am not a traditional Christmas music lover. Assuming that the fundamentals of good music are included in a CD, after that I find that I am looking for freshness and creativity, inspiration and contrition in music. So when I think about Christmas, I don't usually get excited. I am not one of those guys who is excited to sing carols with the family or anything. Still, in the last few years, I have begun to appreciate the depth of truth and community that come with the tradition of many of the Christmas songs of our faith. So that is the place I found myself at when I started listening to the new Christmas project titled "Yuletide Blend".
Produced by veteran worship leader and song writer, Terry Butler, along with CCM acclaimed producer Smitty Price, "Yuletide Blend" is simply the best Christmas project I have ever heard. It is a wonderful mixture of sparkling instrumental expression, brilliant arrangements, excellent song selection and perfectly spaced occasional vocals. The majority of the songs are presented as instrumental renditions that live up to everything perfect you think of when you hear the word "blend". Mixing large symphonic swells with gentle classical guitar, to radiant full band songs with world class electric guitar solos this CD is a surprise of joy right from the first bells chimes of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" to the last chorus of "Silent Night". Along the way you will find some of the best favorite traditional Christmas songs, along with a selection of 3 contemporary Christmas worship songs that you will want to begin singing every Christmas. I could rant on about the notable musical talent used on this CD, but I won't spoil the latte by telling you what spices where added here.
I have already played this CD through a couple of dozen times and I still love it each time through. Unlike most Christmas music that grows weary quickly on the ears, this project lifts you up and doesn't stumble at any point. Not only is this one of the best CDs I have ever heard, but I am awarding it an Editor's Choice for changing my mind about Christmas music. Thanks, Terry and Smitty, for brewing up a truly is a great "blend" for Christmas! Amazing! I can't recommend this CD enough to you- I highly encourage you to check it out!
Product Link Yuletide Blend: Songs For Christmas
Review by Kim Anthony Gentes
audio, cd, christian, christmas, music, review, smitty price, terry butler, worship in Awards, CD Review, Instrumental, Music Review 