Release Date: 10/28/2008

Original Release:  2008

# of Discs:   1

Release Date: 02/10/2009

Original Release:  2009

# of Discs:   1

Performer: Red (CCM)
Engineer: Rob Graves
Producer: Rob Graves; Jason McArthur
Distributor: RED Distribution

Notes: Red (CCM): Mike Barnes (vocals); Jasen Rauch, Anthony Armstrong (guitar); Randy Armstrong (piano, bass guitar, background vocals). Personnel: Karen Winkleman, Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson, David Angell (violin); Jim Grosjean, Monisa Angell (viola); Kristen Catchall, John Catchings, Anthony LaMarchina (cello). Audio Mixers: Paul Pavao; Ben Grosse. Audio Remasterer: Tom Baker. Recording information: The Graveyard, Franklin, TN. Arranger: Rob Graves. On its 2009 sophomore album, INNOCENCE & INSTINCT, the Christian rock ensemble Red presents a dynamic set of guitar-driven tunes. Fronted by emotive vocalist Michael Barnes, the Nashville-based group seems equally comfortable performing amped-up anthems (see "Fight Inside") and thoughtful ballads ("Ordinary World"), making it a CCM band with considerable pop-crossover appeal.

 

 

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Performer: Bebe & Cece Winans
Artist: Marvin Winans; Mary Mary
Producer: BeBe Winans; CeCe Winans
Distributor: n/a

Notes: Recording information: The House Studio, FL. Photographer: Derek Blanks. Brother-sister duo BeBe and CeCe Winans became one of the most successful Christian crossover acts of all time, garnering hit after hit with their ultra-smooth brand of contemporary R&B-style gospel. 2009's STILL is a slick, energetic, dancefloor-ready slice of funky positive message music that benefits from both modern and vintage approaches to production. The first single, "Close to You," is a hip-grinding hip-hop slow jam, while "Things" is driven by an old school disco/funk rhythm reminiscent of Cheryl Lynn's "To Be Real." The sweeping, sting-laden "Grace" showcases CeCe's powerful vocals, while "Reason to Dance" channels Michael Jackson's propulsive grooves. Of course, beneath all the fancy sounds and impassioned singing are deep faith and reverence, which makes STILL one of BeBe and CeCe's most satisfying efforts.

Although the general listening public can be inclusive and accepting, it's still a tough trick to achieve real crossover fame. Sibling singing duo Bebe & Cece Winans pulled it off, enjoying immense popularity amongst the CCM crowd for their uplifting, faith-based R&B songs, but consistently winning over fans of urban contemporary and pop music. Born in Detroit to a big, music-loving family (their four brothers are The Winans, another hugely popular gospel-soul act), the duo were something of an overnight sensation, releasing their first album in 1987 to great accolades. They were a consistent chart presence over the course of the following nine years, picking up several Grammy and Dove awards as well. In 1996, they split to pursue what would be successful solo careers.