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Music Reviews (by Kim Gentes)

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.

Entries in tap style (1)

Andrew Smith: Tap Style Guitarist & Songwriter (Video)

For many years, I have reviewed and recommended music and resources from a unique church resource perspective. I love the opportunity of finding great tools for the local church. But as creative leader, myself, there is a deep desire to experience excellence and beauty in the art of music, and to see that inspire the church creative community. In my ventures in the last 15 years, I have come across a worship leader/songwriter named Andrew Smith a number of times.

But what I didn't know about Andrew was that the last several years has had him on a musical journey where he is receiving flourishing acclaim as a tap style guitar instrumentalist. In addition to a strong presence as a singer/songwriter, Andrew has toured and recorded extensively playing and delighting audiences with some beautiful tap-style guitar works.  My goal with this article today is simply to highlight some of Andrew's music for you, and to give you a sample of this gifted artists enchanting craft.

Below is a 6 minute 40 second video of a piece called "African Tap". Take a moment, sit back, watch and listen. You will be delighted, encouraged, and at once inspired- whether you are someone who is involved in creative artistry or not. You can also see more information about Andrew on his own website.

I want to thank Andrew for giving me permission to include this video on my site.  You can find out more about Andrew's music and journey at his site directly at : http://andrewsmithmusic.com/

I hope you find Andrew's music as inspiring and encouraging as I do.

Sincerely

Kim Gentes