That’s the thought that leaps to my mind as I listen to frontman, Mark Nicks stretch his voice across the opening chords of Cast Your Bread, the second track on the newly released Sleeping House album. The Sleeping House is the first effort for Cool Hand Luke on their new label Lujo Records…. and it’s excellent.

I have to admit, I have known Nicks for a couple of years– he’s crashed at my community house, eaten my food, and gotten lost with my lame directions in downtown Chicago, and we’ve chatted when times have gotten tough. Some folks would say that makes me biased–I say it makes me informed.

When I hear Nicks sing the words:

I’ve been so many people to so many people…

but i Just want to be who you want me to be.

I know he means it. I know he lives it…I know we’re all getting a clear picture of Nick’s contemplative, and pure heart.

So if your interested in delving deep into the mind of a guy who personifies the anti-rock Read more...

I want let you in on a secret.

A diamond in the rough.

His name is Brandon Grissom… and he’s the the real deal.

Living in the Chicago area, I get to meet some very creative and talented people. Living in the back yard of Willow Creek Community Church– I am friends with many young, shiny faces that come to Willow from around the world because of their gifting. Often these folks, while talented, seem to be on the ‘fast track’ to become minor christian celebrities and, to be brutally honest, lack a collaborative heart. The bright lights of the mega church [and the notoriety and salary that come with it] have drawn them like moths to a flame….and some hearts just get burnt up.

Grissom seems to have escaped all this nonsense.

Why is all this important for a music review?

It’s really simple…if you are going to make real worship music– what’s in your heart is 99% of the battle.

Out of a man’s heart flows his Read more...