Melding jazz, pop, and classical styles, Juno and GMA Covenant Awards-nominated Mike Janzen independently released his third album of Psalm interpretations, Songs from the Canyon, today (Nov. 1). The project features Janzen musically painting vivid, powerful textures as he explores Creation’s awe-inspiring landscapes along with the deep, plunging canyons of life’s suffering.

Produced by award-winning Timothy Abraham, the album has a profound sonic diversity, resonating from soaring strings to a belting gospel choir. Rich cinematic textures grace these 11 innovative compositions, including on the song “Steady” and its companion music video that premieres today on The Christian Beat.

Mitch Fillion filmed the video at All Saints Kingsway in Toronto and featured the Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir.

“This song was written as an anthem of hope to those who have braved the lonely valleys of loss, family breakup, and injury,” shares Janzen. “During these traumatic times, there’s often a sense that our world is crumbling around us; however, the book of Psalms is a reminder that the hesed, or steadfast love of God, will carry us through whatever storm or tragedy we encounter.”

The album also features “Hallelujah (Psalm 104)” that Janzen recently performed on 100 Huntley Street; “Took Hold,” which includes guest vocals by Stellar and GRAMMY Award-winner Dee Wilson; and the lead track, “Echoes (Psalm 8),” that highlights Indigenous Canadian artists Ray “Coco” Stevenson (Cree/Objibwe) and Jonathan Maracle(Mohawk Nation).

With Rich Mullins-inspired dulcimer and Snarky Puppy-like brass, “Echoes” explores how the fingerprints of God are seen throughout creation and how we can be guardians of that beauty.

Mike Janzen Releases His Third Album Of Psalm Interpretations ‘Songs From The Canyon’

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“The song was written on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe peoples and is sonically inspired by the shared heritage of the landscape,” shares Janzen. “The musical presence of Coco Stevenson and Jonathan Maracle on this track is significant both in their artistry and cultural understanding of creation that resonates perfectly with the pre-modern poet who penned Psalm 8.”

The full Songs from the Canyon track listing follows:
1)    Echoes (Psalm 8)
2)    Hallelujah (Psalm 104)
3)    Took Hold (Psalm 18)
4)    Steady (Psalms)
5)    Wonderful (Psalm 139)
6)    How Long (Psalm 13)
7)    Canyons (Psalm 46)
8)    Great is the Lord (Psalm 96)
9)    Deep to Deep (Psalm 42)
10)  Have Mercy (Psalm 51)
11)  Circling (Psalm 22)

A gifted jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, Janzen has toured across North America, performing in concert halls, churches, and at festivals while combining his undeniable talent with a desire to create music that draws attention to the Maker.

“Mike brings a really imaginative and fresh voice to the current music scene,” says Joe Amaral as he introduces Janzen last month on 100 Huntley Street, Canada’s longest-running daily television talk show. “And whether it’s soul-stirring songwriting to mesmerizing piano solos…his music – it’s approachable, and it hits the deep places of the heart…He combines undeniable talent with the desire to create music that draws attention to God, the Father, the Maker.”

Today, MNRK Music Group in partnership with JamesTown Music announce the new album JOY IS HERE, from GRAMMY-nominated, multiple Stellar Award winner, Billboard Music Award-winning, and Top Gospel Artist, JJ Hairston. Hairston releases his long-awaited first ever Christmas album, JOY IS HERE, recorded live in July 2023 at All Nations Worship Assembly (ANWA) Washington, DC. The album, JOY IS HERE, features a mix of holiday classics with Hairston’s signature style as well as originals. JOY IS HERE is available now wherever music is sold and streamed.

JOY IS HERE features stand out collaborations with Trina Hairston, Melvin Crispell, III, Brittney Wright, Jason Clayborn & Gathering Place Worship Choir and more. JJ Hairston will perform the album track, “Joy To The World” on Monday, November 6^th on The Tamron Hall Show – marking his daytime television debut.

JOY IS HERE – JJ HAIRSTON

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Founded in 1991, the once 35-member church choir from Bridgeport, CT has transformed into a Billboard chart topping national gospel artist, birthing Billboard Gospel #1 hits such as, “You Deserve It,” and “Miracle Worker.” Currently, JJ Hairston is continuing his devotion to a greater purpose alongside his wife, Trina Hairston, serving as Campus Pastors for All Nations Worship Assembly (ANWA) Washington, DC campus.

Hairston will embark on a multi-city holiday tour at various City Winery locations this holiday season. The “JOY IS HERE” Tour will kick off November 20^th in New York, making its way through Boston, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta and more.

Following the March 2023 release of their live project I Will Remember (BEC Recordings), Crossroads Music drops their I Will Remember – Sessions EP today. Re-recording five of their previously released worship songs (including focus tracks “Always Moving” and “Take Me Deeper”) into organic and acoustic raw reinterpretations with folk and Americana instrumentation, I Will Remember – Sessions EP was produced by Aaron Robertson (Elevation Worship, Red Rocks, Jesus Culture).

The group collectively shares, “We’re incredibly excited and humbled to release this record. We believe it will not only give our church useful songs for worship, but also dangerous prayers, petitions, and proclamations to a God that’s wild about us and the adventurous life he’s given us.”

I Will Remember – Crossroads Music

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Crossroads Music is part of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Crossroads Church. Influenced by collectives such as Elevation Worship, Passion, and Bethel Music, “We are a church that exists for people who have given up on church but not necessarily on God. We write songs that are simple enough for people to carry in their back pockets and tasteful enough to lend fresh language and sound to the hymns of the past with a mix of the spices we have on our team; country, gospel, and rock.”

Most of all, it is the hope of Crossroads Music to grow its team of leaders and invest in the students – the future leaders, songwriters, teachers, and theologians – within their church community. “They need what we have and they need to have the freedom to grow and fail…we want to be the creatives that we wish we’d had when we were their age.”

Today (Nov 3), Austin Stone Worship releases a new four-song EP called REVIVE.

“Written from a desire for a rekindled connection to God’s unwavering and revitalizing love, the lyrics are filled with reminders of the depth of God’s affection and heartfelt prayers for Him to awaken our hearts to see more of who He is.” -Aaron Ivey, Pastor of Worship & Creativity

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Austin Stone Worship is a family of worship leaders, storytellers, and artists serving The Austin Stone church in Austin, TX and equipping the Church with content rich in theology and expression.

Today (Nov 3), Matthew West shares My Story Your Glory (Expanded Edition). The additional tracks feature collaborations with Anne Wilson, Cochren & Co., daughter Lulu West, and Micah Tyler.

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Award-winning artist Mac Powell releases his new Christmas EP featuring five songs that will make your holiday playlists this year. Christmas features three original songs including, “Christmas Time Again, My Friend,” a song that he wrote with his daughter and son-in-law. Other songs featured are “I Pray On Christmas,” a unique take on the classic Harry Connick Jr. song as well as “Jesus Christ Is Born” that Powell released in 2022.

“This project has some old songs on it that help you make new Christmas memories, and some new songs on it to remind you of some old Christmas memories. Hope you enjoy it,” shares Mac Powell.

Christmas (EP) – Mac Powell

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Powell has hit the road this fall with his tour, “Mac Powell & Friends,” with Brandon Heath, Jordan St. Cyr and Rhett Walker for an acoustic night of hits, stories and faith. Many of the “Mac Powell & Friends” nights have sold-out already. He will also join the “K-LOVE Christmas Tour” with Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey followed by the 2024 “TobyMac Hits Deep Tour” next year. For the complete list of tour dates.

When he’s not on the road, Powell is working on his next studio project with brand new music as a follow-up to his widely received CCM solo debut, New Creation, which produced the smash hit (“New Creation”) at CCM radio and Top 10 song (“River of Life”). Stay tuned for information on new music in 2024.

Housefires is a groundbreaking worship music collective whose music transports listeners into “a visceral and celestial experience” (Forbes). Today (Nov 3), the group releases its new album How To Start A Housefire Part III, via Capitol CMG / TRIBL Records. It’s the third part in the series following January’s Part I and April’s Part II.

‘How To Start A Housefire Part III’ was produced by GRAMMY-winning producers Jonathan Jay and Norman Gyamfi. It features collaborations with GRAMMY winner Chandler Moore (Maverick City Music), GRAMMY winner KJ Scriven (Fantasia, Tye Tribbett) and more.

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Today (Oct 27), Elevation Worship releases a Christmas album, Echo The Angels. The album is a mix of favorites and originals. ELEVATION RHYTHM is also featured on one of the tracks.

Echo The Angels – Elevation Worship

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Sensational Gospel Artist Rume returns with her debut EP, Of Christ, after releasing her first single, Faithful, earlier this month. 

Rume is thrilled to share this EP with the world. She indicated the following about the EP:

Of Christ, EP contains songs that have themes centred on Christ. The songs are timely for Believers in the world right now as they remind us to focus on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.

The first song, Faithful, speaks about the believer’s joy regardless of their situations because God is always faithful and good to us. Hence, we can tell others about how Faithful and Constant the God we serve is!

Thy Will Be Done speaks about God’s plan for Jesus to die for us so that we can have eternal life. It is also a prayer that more than our ambitions, hopes and dreams, God’s will is above ours and must be fulfilled in our lives.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus is a fantastic classic that reminds us to shift our focus to who matters: Jesus. Life will keep happening, but as long as we look to Jesus, we can rest in the knowledge that He is in control.

Fill This House speaks about the Believer needing and enjoying the presence of God. It suggests our surrender to God as living sacrifices and our promise to place Him in the center of the life he has given us.

Collaborating with renowned Music director Emmanuel Awipi and record label boss and songwriter Mama Tee, Rume hopes this EP will encourage people during the trials and tribulations the world is facing and seeks to remind people to continue to hold on to Jesus.

Gospel Music Sensation, Rume Releases Long-anticipated Ep “of Christ”

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One thing that makes CalledOut Music stand out is its versatility. His range is evident in his first Afrobeats project and fifth EP. In ‘RADICAL’, CalledOut Music takes a deep, personal, and intimate dive into the conflicted motions of Christianity.

Every detail of this experience was carefully planned – taking listeners on a song-to-song journey from the day a person turns their life over to God, to the struggles and victories they face, to the final reward they receive.

The EP is composed of the first track “Loved By You,” an introspective song that explores the enduring nature of God’s love, and five other distinct tunes, “Day By Day,” “Coming To Pass,” “Greatest,” “Never Die Gang” and “Ready.” The intentionality of each track will make it difficult for listeners to pick favorites.

“The overall message that I would love people to take from this EP is that it’s okay to live radically for Christ, it’s okay to love God intensely; to lean into Him, and grow in Him.”

CalledOut Music and Hillsplay have truly crafted a magnetic EP that all listeners can find happiness and comfort in. Giving credit where credit is due, he shares that his father was instrumental in the creation of this project.

“Some of the songs on the project were birthed from conversations with pops!,” he says. “Till this very day, my dad shows me what it means to be Radical. I can’t explain how big a role he has played in my life, so much that He made a young Samuel dedicate his whole life to Jesus,” he continues. 

Calledout Music Unveils His Newest Musical Project, a 6-track Ep That’s an Ode to Authentic Freedom – ‘Radical’ 

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