Bob BennettBob BennettA MESSAGE FROM BOB
Hello!
Greetings and welcome to an experiment (at least for me) proposed by Diana Morris. I'm hoping to address topics related to my songs and recordings as well as any general questions you may have about recording, songwriting, etc.
I have very little experience at this sort of thing (up 'til now, just answering e-mail inquiries), so I hope that I'll be able to address your posts to your satisfaction and to the benefit of those who will visit.
It may take me a couple days to reply to your post (I still travel away from my computer to play concerts...is there a laptop in my future?) and I will always assume that you wish me to reply publicly to your post unless you specify otherwise.
Thanks for your interest and I hope to hear from you.
P.S.: Although I've been around for awhile, there's a darn good chance you may have no idea who I am, or worse yet, you recognize me from your parents' music collection.
The "autobiography" that goes in my press kit follows.
Bob Bennett
"To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king" -- Bruce Cockburn
Bob Bennett
by Bob Bennett
I generally dislike bios. They are usually top-heavy with hype and poorly written. I can't guarantee that this one will be any different, but at least youll know who to blame.
Briefly, I am the second of three brothers and I was born March 21, 1955. 1 grew up in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey and became fascinated by music because of my older brother's keen interest in the folk music scene of the early 1960's. Comedian Martin Mull refers to this period as "The Great Folk Music Scare of the Sixties, when that stuff almost caught on".
When I was nine, my parents bought me a scaled-down nylon string guitar. My brother taught me a few basic chords and how to strum. The first song I ever learned how to play was Woody Guthries This Land Is Your Land. Soon I began writing my own little songs. Of course they're quite embarrassing to think about now, but for a nine-year-old prehistoric 1964, it was a start.
At age twelve, I had a brief fling with a swap-meet-bought electric guitar. I promptly formed a neighborhood rocknroll band whose primary activity was not playing music, but changing our name. We were known by various monikers that we thought were mysterious and appropriately psychedelic, including names like "The Dawn of Night!" (Great huh?)
High school brought about the inevitable forming of Crosby, Stills and Nash-type group replete with multi-part harmonies and several acoustic guitars. After dropping out of college (didnt everybody do that in the 70's?), I pursued a two-pronged career focusing on music and girls. I was not even close to being successful in either of these fields. Ultimately, I would end up in bars and restaurant lounges singing schmaltzy love songs ("F-e-e-lings, nothing more than f-e-e-lings...") to people who were waiting for a table, closing a business deal or just hoping to get lucky with their date, not an ego boost by any means, but a large chunk of my dues-paying resume.
In 1977, 1 was sharing a rental house with my best friend Dan Rupple (of the ground breaking comedy duo Isaac Air Freight). To make a long story short, Dan sort of "evolved" into becoming a Christian after a period of investigation (kind of the smorgasbord approach to the spiritual search). He began reading the Bible and we would have these long, rambling, naive "God-talks" about what he was discovering.
I didnt want to get religion just because he apparently had, but 1 was curious. I began to read the New Testament for myself. In my case, a whole new picture of Jesus emerged that had nothing to do with my objections and it became clear to me that I could avoid Him no longer. It is my belief that most people's negativity toward religion has less to do with any encounter with Jesus and more to do with past encounters with people or institutions that have hurt them and called it God. This is obviously not always the case,, but I believe there are thousands of people like that.
After becoming serious about my Christian faith, the music began to reflect the changes happening to me. Those initial songs made up my 1979 debut album First Things First.
In 1981, I signed with CBS Priority Records. That relationship led to Matters of the Heart. Contemporary Christian Music magazine named it "Album of the Year-1982" and it also made their list of the "Top 20 Contemporary Christian Albums of All-Time" in a 1988 critic's survey. Matters Of The Heart differed significantly from my first effort not only in production, but in my approach to songwriting as well. I figured out that I didn't want to keep writing the same songs over and over again, and I concluded that I'm free to contemplate life in all its fullness and complexity.
I sing about what I know and trust that the Spirit will minister as He sees fit. I provide a soundtrack, perhaps a catalyst, and the work gets done somehow, because He is faithful. The more I take my Hands off the "ministry", the better it seems to go.
Priority Records folded abruptly in the summer of 1993 as I was recording the follow-up to Matters. Recording was completed in July 1984 and the album finally saw the light of day some sixteen months later as Non-Fiction. That Fall, I had the opportunity to open 35 dates on Amy Grant's Unguarded tour. Hands down, this was the most challenging thing I have ever done. Audiences were there to see Amy and were not always particularly receptive to a big, bearded guy with just a guitar. I learned a lot of difficult lessons, but it took awhile for the whole thing to sink in, (Incidentally, since I always get asked: it was great working with Amy and Gary and I consider then friends, although I don't see them much.)
In Summer 1987, 1 sort of tried to retire. I was discouraged with the whole Christian music scene and felt very much like there was simply not a place for me in it. (Some nine years later, I still feel that way...and so do most of the record labels!) For a little over two years, I co-hosted a morning radio talk show on KBRT. My partner was none other than my friend Dan Rupple and we had a great time interviewing a lot of interesting people and goofing off on the air. It could be grueling though, as we had to get up at 4:00am every day.
In 1988, Phillip Sandifer of Urgent Records suggested that we do a compilation album of older material. At that time, all the music was out of print and unavailable. I suggested that we do a new song just for fun. The one song turned into four songs and the album came out in Fall 1989 as "Lord of the Past - a compilation". "Lord Of the Past" was my first Number One song and much to my surprise, I was playing music music again.
One of my most recent opportunities was to open for Michael Card on The Way of Wisdom Tour. We did about 70 dates in the Fall/Spring of 1990-1991. I will be eternally grateful to Mike for this time of my life. Every good thing that you suspect or hear about Mike Card is probably true!
In October 1991, there came a new twelve-song album titled Songs From Bright Avenue. The amazing thing about this project was the fact that I only had one song finished and two others started when we planned the album. In a four-month period, I wrote nine songs. The songs on the album deal with some very personal and painful issues, but the overall theme is that of "hopefulness." This is somewhat surprising to me gives my temperament, but most welcome.
Since Bright Avenue, Ive continued touring and writing. This past February, I finished recording a new album produced by Phil Naish. Its titled Small Graces. Where can you get it? You cant (at least not yet). No release date is scheduled. I hope it will come out this year.
Also, in the past couple of years, I have started performing in clubs and coffee houses for non-church audiences. This has been great, as my songs have been very well received. A solo acoustic version of my song The Place I Am Bound appeared on a CD magazine spotlighting Los Angeles-area songwriters.
Without a doubt, though, the identity that Im most proud of is being Dad to my three children (Paul/15, Colin/12 and Katie/9). I live in Whittier, California and attend a non- denominational church called Coastview Christian Fellowship.
Concert bookings are currently being handled by Jean-Gray
Bumgarner of Josiah Ministry. The contact number is (615)
331-7530. My contact address is:
Bob Bennett
Bright Avenue Songs
P.O. Box 3577
Downey, CA 90242-0577
brightav@ix.netcom.com
Board: CHRISTIAN MUSIC BB
Topic: CONTEMPORARY/POP
Subject: BOB BENNETT
From: C ANGELINE (WCLF83A)
Time: 07/23 9:40 PM
Dear Bob,
My opinion is that you are one of the few artists in CCM
that really matters in addressing the real honesty and heart
of humankind. I guess that the absolute truth does not seem
to matter even to the heads of the so-called "major labels".
The fluff that seems to eminate from the Christian Industry
is very self-serving, contrived, and narrowly focused. Some
of the music is faddish and follows the trends of hip-hop,
alternative, and rap. Many of these trends will not be
around in the future as they are just that, trends.
The music that seems to last in this industry is honest,
from the heart, and intricately woven.
Please don't let me put a pre-mortem on your work. I believe
that you have contributed much to the industry. I enjoy your
songwriting immensely. I wish I could only find "Matters of
the Heart", your 1982 project, on CD. Please don't stop
writing, performing, and producing good material. It would
be a crying shame. Thanks! Greetings from the great state of
Maine!
Sincerely, Chris Angeline
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Dear Chris:
Thanks for your kind thoughts. I'm less concerned about
the musical trends or styles...I think that's part of using
the cultural language of our day. I don't mean to "canonize"
one particular style over another. I'm more concerned about
what I see as an unwillingness (or God help us, an
inability) to be humble and vulnerable in the songs we sing
and the image we present. Of course, there's performance
involved and when we perform (in or out of church) there
is surely a part of us that is agreebale to all the
attention. But, having said that, it's quite another thing
to really start "believing your own press" with regard
to ministry in general, and music in particular. I believe
one of the fatal flaws we have as modern-day, American-type
Christians is that we build our own subculture and then
vastly overestimate our impact on the world-at-large. The
image that I've always employed is that if we're to be
salt, it's our responsibility to sprinkle out over the world
we live in. No one would try to season an entire plate of
food by cramming it into the teensy-weensy holes of the salt
shaker. But, that is precisely what we act like we intend
when so much of our evangelism is actually geared for the
already-converted. Jesus was falsely accused of being a
glutton and a drunkard. That accusation could only have
been made if He was spotted in close proximity to
unbelievers. It breaks my heart when we castigate our
brethren for taking a different path. When I hear people get
down on Amy Grant or Jars Of Clay or anyone else that is
truly seeking to affect the REAL WORLD out beyond CCM, it
makes me nuts!
Unbelievers are not the cartoonish, cardboard characters
that we often make them out to be. And though they may be
without an active relationship with Jesus, they are not
totally unaware that Someone is probably there.
Anyway, as I have probably commented elsewhere...I am very
drawn to music that is, as David Wilcox describes it:
"vulnerable and brave".
In CCM, I think we often undervalue the effectiveness of
subtlety and creativity.
I hope those who read this will understand my next
statement. I believe that an artist's (or writer's or
actor's or dancer's) FIRST job is to communicate truthfully
and honestly. IF that happens, then the "ministry" will
follow. If you put the "ministry" cart before the "true
communication" horse, you might create something that covers
all the bases (like nutritionally adequate laboratory food),
but it probably won't taste real. We live in such a
consumer-oriented time (with advertising bombarding us
during every waking moment...if our Faith comes off as just
another sales pitch, people instinctively seem to know it.
Thanks again for writing.
-- Bob Bennett
ccmo77d@prodigy.com
brightav@ix.netcom.com
"To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king." -Bruce Cockburn
Subject: DEAR BOB BENNETT,...
From: CRAIG MARSH (JYFZ88A)
I've been listening to CCM for close to 20 years now. I'm
33 and still loving all styles. CCM brought me through many
tough times, I thank God for it. Early influences include
Larry Norman's "In Another Land", Michael Omartian's "Adam
Again", Second Chapter of Acts, Keaggy, Stonehill. Sweet
Comfort Band and DeGarmo and Key were major influences. I
recall a line of yours that changed my attitude when CCM was
under the gun: "don't wanna argue rock and roll, don't wanna
shoot anyone with my high powered doctrine gun". And I
forgot all about Richey Furay, I think I'll go dig that
cassette out of the closet!
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Hi Craig!
Thanks for posting. Yep, Richie Furay's *I've Got A Reason*
was a very influential album during my conversion time.
Anybody know if the album ever made it to CD?
Bob.
--
CCMO77D
brightav@ix.netcom.com
"To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king."
--Bruce Cockburn
Subject: DEAR BOB BENNETT,...
From: CRAIG BACON (TKZN11A)
Bob,
Is this a trick question? My first Christian Concert was a
16 year old Amy Grant with a guitar at a Baptist Youth
Convention in Columbia SC...and every album since then!
Imperials Priority and BJ Thomas home where I belong were
really the start for me. Since then it's been everything
from Accapella and Allies to White Heart. Keith Green
Albums (and I have a coupla CDs as well) are always a
worship experience and my 10 year old son loves the fact I
turn up DC Talk's Jesus Freak or a Petra tape (when Mom
isn't in the car). My foot taps to the Gold City Quartet,
JD Sumner, and the Bill Gaither Trio. I know you recently
played in Silverdale, WA and wish I could have attended (US
Navy kept me away). Interesting you should mention Rich
Furay because most of my "pre-christian" music was Poco.
Still like to listen to "Legend" now and again. Hope to
see lots more Bob Bennett in the future.
In Christ, Craig
Subject: BOB'S CD PLAYER ???
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob!
What's playing in your cd player these days?
Do you listen to current Christian music?
What current albums really impress you?
Thanks!
In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
I'm not up on a lot of what is happening in CCM right now.
Some of that has to do with my being in L.A. instead of
Nashville.
I try to listen fairly broadly and, as a songwriter, I find
a lot of good work being done outside the CCM genre.
I also have a great interest in artists who are Christians,
but don't make CCM records. There is something about the
creativity and subtlety of many of those artists that
appeals to me. Good examples of this would be Bruce
Cockburn, Pierce Pettis, T-Bone Burnett ... But, the best
$15.00 I spent in 1995 was for an album called "Tapping The
Wheel" by an artist named Jane Kelly Williams. (The album is
on a singer/songwriter label called Parachute Records,
distributed by Mercury Records.You won't likely find it in a
Christian bookstore, you'll have to hunt it up or order it
from a Tower Records, Best Buy, Borders or the like.
My absolute favorite artist whose album were more well known
in the CCM market is the late Mark Heard. A lot of his
earlier stuff is out of print, but his later albums were
done for New England-based Fingerprint Records. You should
be able to enter the label name in a search engine and get
to their web page.
Other artists that I always pay attention to are Michael
Card, Phil Keaggy, Bruce Carroll, Billy Sprague and Kelly
Willard.
The earliest CCM album that I remember really opening up the
possibilities of lyrical creativity was an out-of-print
Maranatha! Music album (1979?) by Erick Nelson and Michele
Pillar called "The Misfit".
From: KEITH BERRY (AKJL99C)
Bob,
I ran into a web site that a fan has up and was reading
that the album is called "Lord Of The Past", the paint on
the album wasn't real clear (translated: I need glasses?).
The web site is at: http://fly.hiwaay.net/~jrinkel/bob
I mentioned to the creator (of the web site) that you were
on the BB. Had you seen the page?
Take care,
Lord Bless & Abide (He promised)
Keith (Christian Music Board Memrep)
http://pages.prodigy.com/creation/keith.htm
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Hi Keith!
Thanks for your various posts re: *Lord Of The Past: A
Compilation*. As the title suggests, this is a sort-of
greatest hits that came out in 1989 (a later printing had a
mistaken release date). The album was done because at the
time my previous three albums were out-of-print. I was
originally scheduled to do one new song which turned into
four songs..."Psalm 149:1-4", "Yours Alone", "Man Of The
Tombs" and "Lord Of The Past". Although I obviously have an
attachment to all these tunes, if I had to pick a favorite
it would be "Man Of The Tombs".
As to your question about "others": we used friends and
studio musicians to make the records, but I play the vast
majority of my concerts solo acoustic. (BTW, I _do_ have a
record of sorts in the ccm genre in that I have NEVER used
tracks in concert or otherwise. I believe pretty strongly
(and obviously a ton of people disagree with me) that "live"
music should be live.
Anyway, thanks for your comments.
Oh ... the web page you mentioned was done by Jay Rinkel. He
simply got tired of me saying that I didn't have one! So,
there is one now at the URL listed at the end of this post.
--
Bob Bennett
brightav@ix.netcom.com
rbenn0321@aol.com
"To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king." --
Bruce Cockburn
http://fly.hiwaay.net/~jrinkel/bob
Subject: BRUCE COCKBURN QUOTE
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob!
I noticed that you use this quote for your taglines on your
bulletin board posts, email and it even appears on the liner
notes on the album "Lord of the Past - A Compilation".
"To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king." --Bruce Cockburn
Is there a story behind this quote? In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Bruce Cockburn is one of my favorite artists. Although he is
a Christian, his albums are not "ccm" albums per se, but a
careful reading of his lyrics shows a long-term life
struggling and celebrating the many facets of "faith-life".
This quote ("To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a
king.") comes from a song off his *Big Circumstance*
CD...from memory, I think the song title is "I Don't Feel
Your Touch". The line has always struck me as an apt way to
describe the blessings of true friendship.
For those who might wish to sample an album or two from
Cockburn vast output (1971-present), I'd recommend starting
with "Dancing In The Dragon's Jaws". Some of Bruce's later
works are infused with his political concerns, but the stark
honesty and humanity of the songs makes them worth the time
even if your views might differ from his.
Bob.
--
Bob Bennett
CCMO77D
brightav@ix.netcom.com
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob!
Tom Green, host of the Lightmusic videos show regularly
plays "Great Big Love" a video from Bruce Cockburn.
For awhile, Lightmusic was playing some positive mainstream
videos mixed in with CCMusic videos, but they received a ton
of complaints about it.
Thanks for writing!
In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
Subject: FRIENDS
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi!
Do you see any CCMusicians from the 70's and 80's these days?
In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
I'm most closely in touch with Mike Card, Bruce Carroll and
a newly-close friend Rob Frazier ... all Nashville based.
If there's anybody left in L.A., I don't get to see them.
Subject: QUESTION *FROM* BOB
To: ALL
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
I'd be interested in hearing from any who are reading these
postings what music (ccm or otherwise) had a profound impact
on you at the beginning of your life as a Christian...whether that conversion was at an earlier age or later like mine.
Two albums are significant to my story. The first is Phil
Keaggy's *Love Broke Thru*. It had a powerful impact on me
and was part of the "soundtrack" that was playing as the
Lord was courting me to come to Him (which I did in March
1977). The other was former Buffalo Springfield/Poco member
(and now, a long-time pastor I think): Richie Furay's
*I've Got A Reason*. What would be an album or two (or if
you're young enough, a CD or two) that would be on your own
list?
Thanks for posting and for your interest.
Bob.
--
Bob Bennett
"To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king."
--Bruce Cockburn
From: BRANDON STAUFFER (MCDL48A)
Howdy Bob! Music has always had an pretty big impact on my
life. When I was younger and not a Christian, I found
myself trying to be a mirror of the artists that I liked
the most (what young person doesn't go through that?
Especially in the 80's?! <G>). But once I became a
Christian...I realized it wasn't the artists I was looking
to anymore, it was God.
About those albums...none really had much of an impact as
being a "pillar" in my life until I had been a Christian
for a few years. The two that stand out as the ones I
learned the most from and made the biggest impact are Wayne
Watson's "The Fine Line" and Steven Curtis Chapmans "More
to this Life". Both have a lot of songs that deal with
every day Christian living and also, especially Wayne
Watson's, dig into some even deeper issues. Those two
remain two very "special" albums to me. God bless!!
in His service, Brandon (OatBran)
http://pages.prodigy.com/oatbran
8/15/96 11:50PM ET
From: MICHAEL MCCARTNEY (XJSZ33A)
Hi Bob, believe it or not the first Jesus music album I
heard was by Larry Norman the blue one with a profile of
his face on the cover. I found it in a record bin at a
flea market, he said on the liner notes that he was too
religious for rock and roll and too rock and roll for
religion. I had already been born again at that time but
had never read any lyrics by a christian artist that spoke
to the reality of being a believer. Later on I fell in love
with Love Song music,Mustard Seed Faith and early Daniel
Amos as they were saying things staight from the heart and
helped to strengthen my committmant to Christ...
en agape.....Mike McCartney
(REPOSTED FROM THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC MAILING LIST)
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 18:28:17 EDT
From: Carter N Hasegawa [carterh@juno.com]
Subject: Re: Christian Music: Bob Bennett
Hello,
I'm new to the list. I wanted to answer Bob's question about
important music early in our Christianity. I would have to
say it was Prayer Chain's "Whirlpool" release. It came out just when I became
a Christian and it talks about love and being honest with
people and with God...seeking God for everything he is.
Carter Hasegawa
Dios te bendiga
Message from carterh@juno.com (Carter N Hasegawa)
to Prodigy's Christian Music email List.
From: JIM GOODWIN (YLUA65A)
the music that most helped me in my early christian walk was
that of the Gaithers, especially "I WILL PRAISE HIM," which,
unfortunately is no longer available and the songs of Dallas
Holm. Of course, I didn't give my life to Him until I was
30 yrs old. have been in Him for 21 yrs. He is ever
faithful. JG
From: C RANDALL HARTLEY (QZHK21A)
Bob:
I committed my life to the Lord 15 years ago.
I was 25 and had grown up listening to the music of the late
'60s and early '70s.
A few years back when I went to Estes Park, Colo., I was in
a seminar where Steve Camp said that he didn't feel
Christian artists should be covering secular songs, even if
they have a meaning that can be taken in a Christian
context. In my heart I was disagreeing with him. Two songs
that meant a lot to me "at the beginning" were "You've Got a
Friend," written by Carole King and sung by James Taylor,
and Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
As I became more familiar and comfortable with the Christian
"scene," I enjoyed hearing B.J. Thomas sing "Home Where I
Belong," another one of my favorite secular artists at that
time, then I became a fan of the Imperials.
Lenny LeBlanc, another of my favorite secular artists,
became a Christian singer and I have his first tape from
back then.
MWS' "Friends" was a great inspiration, and it was his
"Place in This World" that got me to listening to Christian
music again. Fifteen years ago, a lot of Christian music
sounded the same and after a few years I started listening
to country radio.
Of course, today's country music is what I listened to as a
kid, but CCM has expanded its boundaries enough that anyone
can find something worth listening to today. I have all of
Steven Curtis' CDs, and have a variety of music from Kirk
Franklin to Jars of Clay.
So, let me throw a question or two back at you.
First, what music do you enjoy listening to today (from the
current CCM or secular artists)?
Second, I started reading a book this morning called "The
Rebirth of Music," and it challenges us as songwriters to
create music that's fresh, different from and more powerful
than what Satan's world is creating. To be different from
the world, what kind of music do you think Christians should
be creating, or is it all in the lyrical content?
Grace and Faith,
Randy, in Southern Indiana
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Hi Randy!
Boy, those are some of the big questions!
I would have to honestly say that I am fairly liberal when
it comes to the arts. I think it is unwise to dismiss
something just because it's not specifically "Christian" or
"Christian-ized". I realize that this might be offensive to
some of my brethren, but I believe it is short-sighted to
not see that even those who are not believers have the
ability to create worthwhile things. The very act of
creativity is, in a sense, a mimickry of God's creative
ability. I know that some have trashed their "gifts" in the
service of something other than the Lord, but I am still
often moved by the songs, books and films of people who do
not espouse our faith...or, at minimum, do not feel
compelled to put their faith at the absolute forefront of
their work.
A few years ago, there was a Christian artists conference in
Seattle. I was asked to do a presentation, and I told them
that my seminar would be titled "Is There Value In Secular
Music?"
When I walked into the classroom, I posed the question and
then said "Okay, now we're going to listen to some."
I played some obscure Randy Newman, Donald Fagen, Don
Henley's "A Month Of Sundays" (such a poignant song) and
others. At the end of the session, most of these folks
(mostly musicians) were in tears. I told them "The point is,
we're told that only Christian songs are good and truthful.
Yet, these songs are powerful, well-written and say a great
many things that we do not feel the freedom to say because
we insist on writing only about faith and not the life
issues and people that surround us. Why are these artists
(most not believers) writing songs of depth, honesty and
vulnerability that make our efforts seems so shallow and
tame by comparison?"
One of my favorite little anecdotes to illustrate this point
is: There's a guy who is a painter. He hones his skills,
tries different subjects and finally decides he wants to
paint landscapes. He paints a few and takes them to show to
his friend at church. His friend looks at the landscape
paintings and says "Well, they're nice, but how're people
gonna get saved from these, they're not Christian!"
The painter thinks for a moment, pulls out a large felt-tip
marker and scrawls a scripture verse in the lower right-hand
corner. "Now, it's a Christian painting," he declared!
As far as my own listening goes, I highly recommend the late
Mark Heard's work (available through Fingerprint Records...I
think there's info available elsewhere here for them),
Keaggy, Bruce Carroll, Billy Sprague, Michael Card, etc.
I also am quite fond of a singer/songwriter named Jane Kelly
Williams. her album *Tapping The Wheel* is on the
Parachute/Mercury label and you'll have to hunt it up in a
regular old record store.
I also enjoy a lot of the Chieftains work.
David Wilcox is DEFINITELY worth checking out. Albums to try
are *How Did You Find Me Here*, *Big Horizon* and *Home
Again*.
Hope this helps. Just scratching the surface and, as always,
just one man's opinion!
Regards, Bob.
To: JIM GOODWIN (YLUA65A)
From: C RANDALL HARTLEY (QZHK21A)
JG:
Thanks for reminding me of Dallas Holmes' "Rise Again" and,
subsequently, Don Francisco's "He's Alive." Both of those
songs were among my early favorites, as was "Pass It On."
I'm a pastor's son so I remember being touched by Ocean's
"Put Your Hand in the Hand" and B.J. Thomas' "Mighty Clouds
of Joy," an early '70s single before he became a Christian
artist...
Grace and Faith,
Randy, in Southern Indiana
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob!
You mentioned "ccm or otherwise"...
I really appreciated the Issac Airfreight albums that I
listened to over and over in the car while driving the 7 hour
trek home from college on special weekends.
Christian Comedy helps re-inforce Bible reading.
I would listen to Issac Airfreight and later, read in the
Bible the text that IA was referring to.
In past days, we used to quote Issac Airfreight lines as
taglines for bulletin board notes.
As for early music...I listened to a lot of Amy, MWS, Phil
Keaggy and so on.
I was a major Beatles fan when I asked Christ into my life,
so I started looking for Beatlesque Christian music when I
was a "newbie Christian".
Now I have branched out and listen to a variety of styles of
music.
Thanks for asking! In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader
From: C RANDALL HARTLEY (QZHK21A)
Bob:
Another question.
What are your five favorite songs among those you've written
and/or recorded?
I know this is like asking to pick your favorite child, so
take a day or two if you need it...<G>
Grace and Faith,
Randy, in Southern Indiana
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
My opinions are apt to change with each new batch of songs
that gets written. As best I can narrow it down, my Top Five
would be:
1. "Man Of The Tombs" (Lord Of The Past: A Compilation)
2. "The Place I Am Bound" (Songs From Bright Avenue)
3. "Altar In The Field" (Small Graces)
4. "Hand Of Kindness" (Small Graces)
5. "Lord Of The Past" (Lord Of The Past: A Compilation)
Thanks for posting!
Bob.
Subject: ISSAC AIRFREIGHT
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob! You mentioned in your bio that you're a former
roomie of Dan Rupple from Issac Airfreight.
Issac Airfreight is one of my favorite comedy groups!
I remember listening to their "Jerusalem Dragnet" back when
I was a newbie Christian! Fun stuff!
Where you involved with any of the brainstorming sessions
for Issac Airfreight material?
What are the IA guys doing these days? Any chance of a
reunion?
In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Isaac Air Freight was formed in the living room of the dumpy
home that Dan Rupple and I were renting when we became
Christians in 1977. The group was originally composed of Dan
Rupple, Dave Toole and Larry Watt. Mitch Teemley eventually
replaced Larry. They did several albums for Maranatha!
Music...all out-of-print.
Dan is my best friend, and has been for 31 years! He
currently lives with wife Peggy and their three children in
Downey, CA (my old hometown...right near Whittier where I
now live). Dan is currently a production supervisor with
CBS. He normally works with The Price Is Right and other
shows produced at the CBS Television City facility. The
cool thing about this job is that he now regularly works
with David Letterman's production company Worldwide Pants.
Whenever Dave comes to L.A. (and recently San Francisco),
Dan is one of the key people in getting the "remotes" filmed
and getting the show to air. This next week, he'll be in San
Diego working with CBS This Morning on the Republican
Convention.
As far as formulating IAF material, I was around and
contributed a joke or two, very much from the sidelines. I
did do a few voices on various albums, though.
On a rather serious note (and I don't think Dan would mind
me communicating this), I and the Rupples would appreciate
any prayers for Peggy. To make a long story extremely short,
Peggy has had a recurrence of a form of lymphoma that she
was treated for several years ago. As we get into Fall,
doctors will lbe re-examining her to determine what course
of treatment to pursue. If any Prodigy folks wish to send a
card or note, I will forward it. My address is:
Bob Bennett
Bright Avenue Songs
P.O. Box 3577
Downey, CA 90242-0577
Please mark the front of the envelope "Att: Rupple" and I
will pass along the envelope umopened. Thanks!
From: BRANDON STAUFFER (MCDL48A)
Hi Bob! I'll be praying for Peggy!!
On a similar note..I'd like to let you know of an email
based prayer ministry called Prayer Connection. The email
address is QKGK05B via Prodigy mail. Or if you're sending
it via internet mail the address is
prayerconnection1@prodigy.com
God bless!!
in His service, Brandon (OatBran)
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob! We'll be praying for Peggy's recovery.
Do you know what happened to the rest of the Issac
Airfreight crew?
I even remember seeing their VIDEO! It was available for
rental at a local Christian bookstore.
The Lightmusic videos show even showed a snippet of a tv
series (a christian variety show if memory serves) that the
guys from Issac Airfreight hosted. I think it was called MORE THAN MUSIC.
In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
I only know of one other ex-IAF'er. I had dinner last week
with Larry Watt. He's working at a non-performing job the
past few years, but he is STILL extremely funny!
Anybody know what Mitch Teemley or Dave Toole are up to?
Bob Bennett
brightav@ix.netcom.com
From: KEITH BERRY (AKJL99C)
I notice that a few new folks have ended up in the "ASK BOB
BENNETT" topic and I am wondering if it's because it's
alphabetically on top. To see other music topics, styles,
and even a CoffeeHouse area where you can ask non-music
questions, click on the name of the topic when the board
opens and a list will pop-up and you can choose whatever
topic area you would like to post in.
Be sure to check out the "Welcome" subjects as they
sometimes provide helps as to getting around and you can
ask also post questions about getting around on the board
and Christian music web page. Let me know if there's
anything we can do to help and remember, lurkers don't have
any fun, participating is better then lurkerating*.
Later,
Take care,
Lord Bless and Abide (He promised)
Keith (Christian Music Board Memrep)
http://pages.prodigy.com/creation/keith.htm
*lurkerating: the act of lurking, to lurk about, reading
and not posting. ana.:participating
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Keith writes: "I've noticed that a few new folks have ended
up in the "ASK BOB BENNETT" topic and I'm wondering if it's
because it's alphabetically on top."
:-(
And I thought it was just another round of Bob Bennett
Mania!
:-)
Bob.
Subject: QUESTIONS QUESTIONS
From: BRANDON STAUFFER (MCDL48A)
Hi Bob! OatBran here again. Like the way I started my own
subject for all of my questions? <G>
Question: Do you spend much time "surfing" the World Wide
Web? If yes...what are some of your favorite sites?
Also...would ya mind swinging by my webpage
(http://pages.prodigy.com/oatbran/home.html) and signing my
guestbook?! <G> I'm trying to get some "well known" names
into my guestbook. Hey...you can join Chuck Girard in that
list of those who have signed! :)
God bless!!
in His service, Brandon (OatBran)
http://pages.prodigy.com/oatbran
8/8/96 6:51PM ET
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
I'm gonna do a little research on this and get back to you
so I can include the URLs. Some of it's the usual stuff
(Letterman's Top Ten List), but there's some other stuff.
I just joined the '80's about four months ago and got a
computer. I love it. I started on AOL and quickly spent WAY
too much money, so I got an ISP account and now have the
best of both worlds. I'm new to Prodigy and am looking
forward to getting to know my way around here.
Bob.
From: BRANDON STAUFFER (MCDL48A)
Welcome to the computer generation Bob!! And welcome to
Prodigy!! I look forward to possibly seeing you in one of
the chat rooms one evening (Perhaps the Christian Music
chat room!). God bless!
in His service, Brandon (OatBran)
From: BRANDON STAUFFER (MCDL48A)
Yup! It's me again. OatBran.
On a more serious note:
What's your opinion on the whole
artistry/ministry/entertainment discussion? Can an artist
truly express themselves openly and honestly and remain
true to God's Word? Can an artist minister and entertain at
the same time? Which do you feel should be given the
priority?
God bless!!
in His service, Brandon (OatBran)
http://pages.prodigy.com/oatbran
8/8/96 6:54PM ET
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
I addressed this a little bit in earlier posts, but the
short answer is summed up in a favorite old joke of mine.
Two guys are sitting in the back of a church at a Christian
"rock" concert and the band, while sincere, is...to put it
bluntly...bad. Finally, the one guy turns to the other a and
says, "Well, we must be getting ministered to because we're
certainly not being entertained!"
I think it's possible to do both. It's not just coincidental
that some of the most gifted Bible teachers just happen to
be engaging speakers.
Bob.
From: BRANDON STAUFFER (MCDL48A)
Howdy Bob!
What's *YOUR* favorite song ever that you've written and/or
recorded?
God bless!!
in His service, Brandon (OatBran)
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
If I had to choose one, it would probably be "Man Of The
Tombs" from an out-of-print album (story of my life!) called
"Lord Of The Past: A Compilation".
Bob.
From: BRANDON STAUFFER (MCDL48A)
Here's another short one...
What's your favorite hymn?
Mine? "It is well with my soul"
in His service, Brandon (OatBran)
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
It varies for me.
Some favorites are:
My Redeemer Lives (I recorded this)
All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name
Holy God, We Praise Thy Name (from my Catholic boyhood)
Great Is Thy Faithfullness
Beautiful Savior (the Lutheran lyric to Fairest Lord Jesus)
Jesus Christ The Apple Tree (a hymn I found on a Christmas
CD...Choir of Westminster Abbey, I think...I recorded
this for my new, as-yet-unreleased album "Small Graces"
Bob.
Subject: SONGWRITING ADVICE
From: EMANUEL TAYLOR (ZQMM78A)
My name is Emanuel Taylor. I'am an excellent singer
songwriter. However I could never get to know the right
people who can help me become successful in my career. Can
you help me?
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Hi Emanuel.
I wish that I could tell you that talent was all it took,
but you have concluded correctly that it's also very much a
matter of who you know.
Some thoughts that occur to me are to look carefully at your
CD collection. Most CCM labels have affiliate publishers and
the record company's goal is to always attempt to sign the
songs of artists they contract with. I would try to pay
attention to who writes their own songs vs. artists who do a
fair amount of material by other writers. Record
companies/publishers usually have submission guidelines and
it might be helpful to try it that way.
But, a large percentage of unsolicited material sent to
these companies is largely unusable. And many labels do not
always have the personnel to process the hundreds of tapes
they receive. Sending unsolicited stuff is a difficult
method. What other methods are there? Good question that
there are not a lot of helpful answers to that I'm aware of.
Companies maintain a stance of "we're listening", but I
don't know of many who have broken through in this manner.
A lot of people move to Nashville (Nash Vegas!) precisely
because it's such a strong songwriting town to begin with
and especially for conventional CCM material.
Subject: GMA WEEK
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob!
Have you been to GMA week?
Any comments?
In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
It's been a few years since I've been to GMA.
IMHO, the best things that happen at GMA happen OUTSIDE the
official stuff. Meeting people you haven't seen for awhile.
I'm not very keen on (and , as it turns out, not very good
at) the business side of CCM.
That's a whole 'nother subject that I should probably steer
clear of for now ... with a nod to the old dictum "If you
can't say anything nice..."
From: KEITH BERRY (AKJL99C)
Bob,
You mentioned meeting Steve Camp, was it just a meeting
or did you get a chance to talk some? I was wondering if
you had heard some of his comments about the industry and
his call to people and artists to be Christ centered. And
speaking of calls, Michael Card and Wes King have been
issuing "calls" to be ministry minded and being
accountable, reading your previous comments about industry
and all- are they or do you think they will have an impact?
Thanx,
Take care,
Lord Bless and Abide (He promised)
Keith (Christian Music Board Memrep)
http://pages.prodigy.com/creation/keith.htm
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
I'm not familiar with Steve's comments. I hope that the
accountability groups that Mike and Wes are a part of (and
that they are encouraging other artists to form) will have
an impact.
I must be honest, though, and confess that I am not overly
optimistic that the "industry" will ever be reformed...I
think there are some individuals who will find their hearts
again...but, I'm afraid for the business side of things.
Bob.
From: KEITH BERRY (AKJL99C)
Bob,
I don't think the "industry" will be reformed but by the
artists answering the call. To me it's the artist that are
important in the reform, they're the ones on the stage
talking to my kids. They're the ones to say "no" to a false
image painted by a guy sitting behind a desk in Nashville.
They're the ones saying,"wait a minute, what's going on,
here's what God's told me to share".
A good example is a group that we have talked to were close
to signing with a secular label, the label execs go and
hear the band, the band sounds good, but wait, the execs
express a concern about the "preachiness" of the lead
singer, the band says sorry, but thats what we're about.
The execs say,"well, maybe this won't work, we'll ahve to
think about it again" So, there's some folks holding the
line.
The industry may be all messed up but it takes candles to
light the darkness.
About Steve's comments, he said," "I would rather preach
the truth with too great a severity, than to ever once act
the hypocrite and conceal the truth!" SC. Steve had asked
my .02 worth about this comment in regards to CCM today,
Steve was quoting Martin Luther. He had also was addressing
a question I had for him in regards to the heat he takes
sometimes in the newsgroups.
Thanks for sharing, it's probably pretty easy for us so far
from Nashville to see the darkness therein.
Take care,
Lord Bless and Abide (He promised)
Keith (Christian Music Board Memrep)
http://pages.prodigy.com/creation/keith.htm
From: C RANDALL HARTLEY (QZHK21A)
Keith:
Okay, I'm curious.
Who's the group with the guts to hold the line?
Grace and Faith,
Randy, in Southern Indiana
From: KEITH BERRY (AKJL99C)
Randy,
I mentioned a couple in the original post, Steve Camp,
Wes King, Michael Card, and I saw a Petra interview that
John Schlitt was talking about being ministry at their
concerts and not just entertainment.
Anyone else seen or heard some good group testimonies?
Take care,
Lord Bless and Abide (He promised)
Keith (Christian Music Board Memrep)
http://pages.prodigy.com/creation/keith.htm
Subject: HISTORY OF CCM
From: DIANA MORRIS (YWDX42A)
Hi Bob!
From your vantage point, what do you think are some of the
main changes in Contemporary Christian Music over the past
(ahem) years ?
What is your opinion of these changes?
Positive or negative? Why ?
Thanks!
In Joy! Diana Morris, bb leader, YWDX42A
From: BOB BENNETT (CCMO77D)
Okay, I guess I'll have to address this!
The standard answer to give to this question is that it used
to be ministry and now it's all about money. I'd rather not
give that answer. But, the problem is: that's the correct
answer as far as I can tell. I have no problem with business
and I have no problem with money. But, when the business
concerns obliterate artistic and ministry concerns, I think
that's cause for alarm and re-assessment. The problem with a
guy like me commenting on this is that it can be dismissed
as just being sour grapes. But, any honest A & R person at
Word or Sparrow or Star Song or Benson will tell you...if
you don't have solid management and/or the ability to sell
70-80,000 units within an album or two, they can't help
you.The deep, dark secret of the CCM industry is that it IS
driven by money...just like the secular record business. The
language of ministry is always present, but you can bet that
when the conference room doors close for a record label
meeting, they're not talking about the quality of ministry
as much as they're tabulating the numbers. And, to a certain
extent, I suppose they should. But, the tail is now wagging
the dog.
Please understand, however, that I draw a sharp distinction
between the CCM "industry" and some of the people who labor
within it. It's easy to get caught up in the system that
has evolved over the years. I wish I had some positive
things to say, but I believe that the "positives" are
seriously at risk of being swallowed up by these
"negatives".
The fact that God might "use" something is never an excuse
to try to think carefully and critically...to question where
we've come from, where we are now and where we might go.
The CCM industry is like the NBA ... if you're fortunate
enough to have the skills (and, maybe more importantly, the
image), you might be one of the few to advance to the upper
echelons. But most of us, myself included, will have to
figure out another way to "play" if that's where our calling
lies.
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