In January 2008 – after a year and a half of planning – Martin and Anna Smith were joined by 11 other songwriters for the first CompassionArt retreat. Next to a Scottish Loch a few hours north of Glasgow were these dozen writers who between them had written pretty much every song the church has been singing over the last decade.

A week later and the group emerged with a whole load of new songs that are bound to provide the soundtrack for the coming years; songs that answered the question ‘what’s faith got to do with poverty?’ Four weeks later and the writers were gathered in Abbey Road to record the best fifteen tracks from the retreat.

And as the music took shape so too did the plot; each of the twelve writers nominated a charity to which 1/24th of CompassionArt royalties will go to. The remaining 50 per cent of the funds raised will be distributed among projects that CompassionArt wants to give extra support – such as the Watoto community in Uganda. There, orphaned children are given food, shelter, education and a loving, caring home as they rebuild their lives. CompassionArt will provide funding for a series of music and arts centres that support the world-famous Watoto Children’s Choir, as well as offering essential training for those wanting to pursue a future in the arts.

The involvement of the twelve writers; Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Stu G, Chris Tomlin, Graham Kendrick, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Andy Park and Paul Baloche didn’t just guarantee plenty of exposure. Their skills have combined to make an album that pushes, inspires and challenges in all the right places.

For more information visit: www.compassionart.tv

Enjoy Colin’s selection of brand new kid’s songs. Super Saviour is available now! To get your copy, please come in ask for Super Saviour today!

OCBC Price: $24.95

J is for Jesus is a kids album from Emu music of fun songs for pre-schoolers and lower-primary aged kids. Led by Karen Pang (from ABC’s Play School), the Emu kids band helps little kids to sing about the joy of praising Jesus. Includes the catchy tunes ‘Bible Alphabet’ and ‘If Noah lived at Uluru’, and the beautiful song ‘Don’t be afraid of the night’, which assures kids that God is always watching over them.

Jon Foreman, best known as the lead singer from Switchfoot, goes acoustic with his solo album “Fall and Winter”. Foreman is releasing four seasonal albums over the course of the year. This double CD contains both “Fall” and “Winter” and will soon be followed by “Spring” and “Summer”. The music is comparable with the likes of John Butler, Xavier Rudd, and Jack Johnson, and makes for a very easy-going listening experience.

Here is a list of current Emu music releases, sorted by release date and intended audience.

Children’s Music:

J is for Jesus
Get Ready
A Very, Very, Very Big God
Meet The King
The King, The Snake and the Promise

Congregational Music:

New Song in My Heart
Let All Creation Sing
Emu Live 2 – See Him Coming
We Are His People
You Alone – Emu Live
No Other Name
Resurrection

Other Congregational Music

Saviour
When We See You
Now and Ever More
Everything’s So Clear
Garage Hymnal – Bring on the Day
Valley of Vision
Sovereign Grace Music Live
Garage Hymnal – Take My Life
For the Love of God

Songs for the Cross Centered Life
Stand Firm
Shout With Delight
Consider Christ – One For Many
Highest Place
Every Promise
Come to the Waters
Christ For Us
Our God Reigns

Music for Listening and Devotion

The Secret of the World
Whatever Happens
The Gospel According to Groove

Other Resources

Carols in the City DVD
TWIST Music Conference 2006 DVD

Call us on (02) 6362 4959
or come in and visit as at 202 Anson Street Orange

One of the most exiting releases of 2008 is this brand new album from Quiz Works. Filled with 18 never-before heard tracks, this album is sure to be a hit in every Sunday school, scripture class, or kids church. Comparable with Emu Music, Colin Buchanan and Ben Pakula, “Living 4 Jesus” is a welcome addition to an already brilliant Australian industry in Christian childrens music.

Tracks include Living for Jesus, King of All, and Acts 16:30.

About Quiz Worx:
Quiz Worx is a team of people, based in Sydney, who present the good news of Jesus Christ in a fun, exciting and innovative way to children. Quiz Worx also provide many other resources to be used in children’s ministry, such as kids mission packs, DVDs and comic books.

OCBC Price: $20.00

Joe Romeo has released a brand new CD The Message of the Cross. Formerly of Orange, Joe and his wife Elizabeth now live in Riverina town of Nerandra with their six beautiful children: Nathaniel, Benjamin, Catherine, Jeremiah, Josiah and Phoebe. Track 7 on Message of the Cross features Geoff Pierce (who still lives here in Orange).

Joe plays a variety of styles of music with an overall country feel. You can listen to some of Joe’s music at www.blindcanseemusic.com. Message of the Cross is available now at the Orange Christian Book Centre for the very reasonable price of $25.

SCAT plays jazz! SCAT is a 4 piece jazz combo, specialising in original gospel music and jazz standards. SCAT is Jeremy O’Connor on double bass, Trent Bryson-Dean on drums, Chris Poulsen on keys and Craig Burnett on vocals.

SCAT’s latest album Living Room (April 2006) has eight brand new original tunes, re-worked Scat favouries and jazz standards. Live at The Healer was released in July 2003. This award winning 15 track CD captures the atmosphere of a live jazz and blues club and features great guest sax and guitar soloists.

SCAT has performed as support acts for Delirious, Grace Knight, Steven Curtis-Chapman, and The Whitlams.

Manager’s Pick:

These guys know how to play! Live at the Healer is full of energy. I love how their albums mix new work with the standards. You can soak up these tunes late into the night.

The Orange Christian Book Centre now stocks music by SCAT.
So now you can buy SCAT – here in Orange or by mail order. Call us or just call in.

Living Room ….. $25
Bottomless Cup …… $15
Live at the Healer ….. $15