About Curtis Moore........
Curtis Moore is no stranger to either
Christian music or a variety of musical genres, all which heavily
influenced his musical development which started in his childhood,
as he grew up in a very musical family. Curtis Moore explains,
"My childhood was filled with different music styles from my Mom
and Dad and sisters, who are all musicians too. I wanted to bring
all those styles I knew as a kid into a Christian format. And
that's how this CD came about. We believe that the public is really
going to enjoy it because it includes current styles of music,
as well as older styles; and with a clear Christian message in
each song."
Curtis Moore has been singing, playing
the base guitar for 37 years, and composed all the songs on this
CD, ONE OF THESE MORNINGS, throughout his musical career as a
Christian music artist, which started officially in his teens.
"My teenage years were in rock and roll Christian bands. Finally,
I traveled the nightclub circuit until marriage in 1976, settling
down to start a family. I re-enlisted in God's Army about 10 years
ago, playing and singing in our local church, (New Life Community
Church, in Nashville, Indiana). I wrote most of the songs in
the last 10 years but two or 3 were written 20 years ago."
The New Life Community Church and their
Christian ministry to both their members and their community long
have been blessed by Curtis Moore's musical ministry, and now
the rest of us in the broader Christian community and other seekers
have the same opportunity to be uplifted, encouraged, and changed
through his CD of well-done Christian Praise and worship songs,
ONE OF THESE MORNINGS.
ONE OF THESE MORNINGS...
This remarkable CD, ONE OF THESE MORNINGS
was the music featured at a free concert last Fall, accompanied
with a supportive visual presentation at New Life Community Church
in Nashville, Indiana, which explained the songs being performed.
This program was an outreach effort, "designed for people who
don't normally come to church," and was a 2 year project.
There is a Christian song for everyone
to enjoy on this CD, including children and older adults, making
the CD a great listening experience. The music features contemporary
Christian praise and worship songs, hymns, and older style songs,
blending musical styles such as country, bluegrass, rock, pop,
swing, and even a patriotic song, which ends the CD.
The group of local musicians and singers
recruited by Curtis to help to create his music on this CD also
are very professional, talented people, who use their musical
gifts for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rusty Alderdice
was on keyboard, John Hertz on guitar and John Whitcomb on guitar,
all of whom have released their own compact discs. Also contributing
their musical talents were Dan Gluesencamp on drums, Cory Joy
on congas, Sherry Roberson on piano and vocalists; Bob and Jill
Stillwell, Mike and Jayne Nichols.
Sample of Songs:
* *Jesus Is Here With Me - (Hebrews 13:5-6 , John 10:27-30)
A joyful celebration song which praises
the faithfulness, of our Lord Jesus, who is with us always, never
leaves us. The song is energized with a catchy, addictive rock
beat, with equally energizing acoustical & electrical guitar work,
and features strong, enthusiastic vocals and full, supportive,
nicely arranged harmonies. In the beginning measures of the song
introduction, acoustical guitars support the beat, along with
the drums, while introducing the main melody. Words are easy to
learn, which makes this song perfect for a family, inter-generational
worship service. Guitars also support the main melody carried
by the vocals. Nice electrical guitar work during Bridge.
Lyrical Samples:
1) Where ever I go, whatever I do, wherever
I may be, I only know one thing for sure, Jesus is here with me.
Chorus: Jesus is here with me, Jesus is
here with me. In the air, on the land, or the sea, Jesus is here
with me. 2x
Bridge: OHH Jesus..... Jesus... Jesus....
Jesus... Jesus... Jesus... Jesus is here with me!
2) If I took a trip around the world, to
see the sight I can see, I wouldn't be afraid I know, cause Jesus
is here with me. Chorus
* * SOMEDAY - (1 Thess. 1:16-17, & 4:17,
1 Thess. 5:10, Ephesians 5:1-2)
A worship song that looks forward with
anticipation to the triumphant 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. It
is a fast two-step beat, done country-style, with some great bluegrass
guitar solos, and some great electrical guitar work as well. Song
has nice full harmony sound.
Lyrical Samples:
1) Someday I know that I will be gone.
Someday I know that Jesus will come. Someday I know the trumpet
will sound. Until that someday, I'll be on solid ground. Some
day I know that our time will be gone. Someday I know the Savior
will come. Someday I'll know the trumpet will sound. Until that
someday, I'll be on solid ground.
* * * IN MY FATHER'S ' HOUSE - (John 14:1-4)
A beautiful, flowing acoustical guitar
, some keyboards, easy percussion, some base guitar to support
the beat. The melody and Moore's deep voice meld to yield a truly
lovely worship song! Music starts to build during the coda. Dynamics
quiet down again for the last line. One of this reviewer's favorite
songs.
Lyrical Sample:
1) In my Father's house, are many mansions.
If it were not so, I would have told you, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you, a place for you. And if I go
to prepare a place for you, a place for you...
Chorus: I will come again, and receive
you unto myself, unto myself That wherever I am, you may be also.,
You may be also
Coda: I will come again, I will come again,
I will come again, I will come again, I will come again In my
Father's house, are so many mansions, so many mansions...........
* * I BELIEVE - Contemporary worship hymn,
which is a personal statement of faith in Jesus Christ. As our
hope for tomorrow and as our loving Savior. Beautiful acoustical
accompaniment, nice harmonies, light percussion, sensitive keyboards,
and another lovely melody.
Lyrical Samples:
1) Someone said that there is no hope
for tomorrow. Someone said they thought that God was dead. Somewhere
there is someone in the darkness. Searchin' for someone who really
cares. I know where the hope is for the future. I know that my
Savior isn't dead. I know that He loves those who don't know Him.
And searches for the ones in dark despair.
Chorus: And I Believe in the power of
Jesus. I believe, in the miracles of God. And I can see, heaven's
doors are open for us. Jesus holds our future, and I believe.
3) There are those who fight for love and
honor. There are those who cause a lot of pain. Jesus knows their
heart and their direction. We live for Him, or else we die in
vain. We have got to love one another. We have got to love and
not hate. For pretty soon our time on earth is ending. We'll stand
before our God on judgment day. Chorus
* * * Title Song: ONE OF THESE MORNINGS
-(1 Thess. 4:17, Rev. 11:12 & Rev. 21:4)
A worship song of comfort and Hope about
the Rapture and the second coming of Christ. Song has a really
nice sound, with pretty blends of soft, broken chords- guitars
and piano, counter melodies, key transitions, easy percussion,
all which offers a rich support to the beautiful melody and strong
vocals of Curtis Moore's deep, rich voice.
Lyrical Samples:
One of these mornings, the trumpet will
sound, and the dead in Christ, will arise. And we which are alive,
will be caught up within, to meet the Lord in the air, one of
these mornings. One of these mornings, He'll come for me, and
wipe the tears from my eyes. No pain and no sorrow, to hurt me
again, the King of Kings will return, one of these mornings.
Chorus: And one of these mornings, when
the sun refuses to shine. We'll be in heaven, worshipping Christ
on his throne. And one of these mornings, when the world is about
to explode, we'll be with Jesus, walking the streets paved with
gold.
One of these mornings, many will cry, for
they have been left behind. Mothers will weep, when awakened from
sleep, they'll find their babies are gone, one of these mornings.
One of these mornings, time will be gone. And the King of Kings
will return. And we will rule, reign with Him, for heaven will
be here on earth, one of these mornings.
* * I WILL RESCUE YOU - Curtis Moore
Written in a minor key, with a full acoustical
accompaniment, and light drums. Nice introduction, consisting
of broken, minor chords played by guitars, which transform into
full acoustical sound. Drums and Electrical guitars join in, adding
accents and counter melody. Another favorite of this reviewer,
and a favorite of Curtis Moore as well!
Curtis Moor comments: "The song 'I Will
Rescue You' has a special meaning for me because I awoke from
a deep sleep with the song playing in my head just as you hear
it. I believe the Lord wanted it to be for those who have made
a mess of their lives and they need Him to rescue them from themselves.
It also is written in the first person as if God is speaking directly
to the person who listens to it. We have played it many times
at different places and the crowds seem to get excited about it."
"It also portrays exactly what God did
for me. He did rescue me from a life that was self destructive.
I don't know who this song is for, but I know someone out there
will understand what God is saying to them when they hear it."
Lyrical Samples:
1) Today is the day I rescue you. Today's
the day that I come for you. I gave my life, my blood for you.
You are my child, I have chosen you.
Chorus: And we'll give you my heart. I
will put my mind into yours. I will come and dwell within your
life. I will come and rescue you.
2) Today's the day I come for you. I'll
bring my grace, to pour on you. Just Come And Bow Before My Throne,
Accept My Love And Not My Scorn.
* * YOU WERE THERE FOR ME - (Hebrews 13:5-6,
Philippians 4:4-7)
Contemporary worship prayer hymn - In
waltz meter. Light percussion, Nice flute and acoustic guitar,
(broken chords) introduction. Throughout the flute carries the
counter melody, while guitars, keyboards strongly support the
main melody sung by the vocals. Mike Nichols is the main vocalist,
while Jayne Nichols chimes in nicely with the harmony part during
the chorus. The quality of Nichol's voice adds an interesting
layer to overall sound of the song.
Lyrical Samples:
Remember the time, that You were just a
shadow in my mind, I was empty and bare. One lonely night, You
came to me and filled me with Your light, and I knew you were
there.
Bridge: Why did you care for me? Why did
you share with me, your love?
Chorus: You were there for me. Standing
right beside me, always there to guide me. You were there for
me, though I chose to ignore you, You would always come through,
yes You were there for me.
2) I made up my mind, a long time ago,
to give my whole life to you. It's easy to do, for someone like
You, You made my dreams come true. Why did you care for me? Why
did you share with me, your love?
* Life Is a Vapor - A worship song in
ballad form, telling the story of a man's life. He realizes that
the time allotted for our lives on earth is short, like a vaporous
substance. The Lord is a source of help and guidance if we depend
on him, and what we pass on to our children, whether good or bad
will stay with them when we our time on earth is done.
The music is a nice combination of acoustical
guitar, easy percussion bongos, synthesizer, which adds a swirling
feeling, like bubbling water.
Lyrical Samples:
I sense the warmth of my mother's skin,
as I came to earth that day. I didn't know just where I was, or
what I was to be. I rode a bike all by myself, along a narrow
way. I met a girl who smiled at me, but I didn't know what to
say.
Chorus: Life is a vapor, and time passes
through. Where am I going, and what will I be, is my spirit there
with you? Lord, life is a vapor, and time passes through. Where
am I going, and what will I be, is my spirit here with you?
I held her hand, and said, "I do," with
the promise forever to be true. I held my children in my arms,
and taught them all I knew. I looked around the corner of time,
and noticed my hair was gray. I looked a lot like my father did,
30 years ago today. Chorus.
I held a child of my own child, who came
to earth that day. He looked a lot like my own son, 30 years ago
today. My strength was leaving as I lay on my bed, my time on
earth was through, and as I take my final breath, I pass this
thought to you. Life is a vapor, and time passes through, where
are you going today my son, is my spirit there with you?
Oh Lord, life is a vapor, and time passes through, and I'll return
to the dust of the earth, but my spirit is here with you.
Coda: Life is a vapor, Life is a vapor,
Life is a vapor.................................................
* * JESUS LOVES ME - A Christian rock praise
song that really cooks!! Sure to energize any group of people,
from the youngest to the older generation. Song starts with rock
beat pounded out enthusiastically by the drummer. The musical
accompaniment really shines forth. The piano and organ sizzle,
pounding out the beat, and playing supportive chords of the melody.
John Whitcomb on lead guitar soars. Impressive electrical guitar
riffs. As with all of Moore's compositions, harmonies of the vocals
are well done and fit the spirit of this real toe tapper! The
Last chorus has great vocal dynamics. It starts with one voice,
then another joins in, then a third.
Lyrical Samples:
1) All the children know his name, and
he loves them all the same. He will take them under his wing,
and they will praise him, as they sing.
Chorus: Jesus loves me, this I know, Jesus
loves me, this I know, etc.
2) Jesus loves me, this I know, for the
Bible tells me so. Little children to him belong, they are weak,
but He is strong.
Jesus loves me, this I know, Jesus loves
me, this I know Jesus loves me, this I know...
3) Everybody, clap your hands, as we
gather, across this land. Tell the children of his love, and they
will praise him, the Lord up above. Chorus
Coda: Chorus, plus Jesus loves me, I know
he does...
* GOD IS WITH US - An older style prayer
hymn with an easy beat, lovely, full, harmony, and a solemn melody
sung by experienced singers, Bob & Jill Stillwell, who bring the
song to life.
Lyrical Samples:
The time has come, for us to seek our King,
who has redeemed us, who has been born to us. So we bow with gifts
to honor Him. Master of everything, we now adore our King.
Chorus: God is with us, God is with us,
He is with us, God is with us.
We traveled far, and wandered from
our home, just to see him and to believe in Him. So let us lift
our hearts to Him embrace, Master of everything, we now adore
our King. Chorus
*. THY WILL OH LORD - An older style prayer
hymn, (perfect for a communion service, or an altar call service)
- Expressing the desire and commitment to follow God's will for
our lives, by trusting and depending on Him, so that He may shine
through us. Nice sax solo in introduction. Interesting calypso-style
rhythm?; dotted eighth notes first two beats, followed by 4 eighth
notes, played by percussion, keyboards, guitars, as they play
broken and supportive chords. Sax play a counter melody softly
throughout the song. Vocals and harmony are very well done.
Lyrical Samples:
1) Thy will Oh Lord, not mine but thy will,
Oh Lord, may be done today, by trusting thee. Thy will Oh Lord,
not mine but thy will, Oh Lord is my prayer today, to live in
me.
Chorus: Thy will Oh Lord, not mine but
thy will, Oh Lord, I will trust in thee for all my life. Thy will
Oh Lord, not mine but thy will, Oh Lord. Use my life for thee,
Thy will is blessed.
2) Complete in me, my holiness and purity,
that my life might be, a blessing to Thee. Reveal in me, and make
me what you want to be, Let your light shine through, that others
might see...Chorus
* *ONE NATION UNDER GOD - A patriotic,
soul-stirring answer to those who want to destroy our freedom
in America, and to those in our country who want to take the words,
"under God" out of our pledge of allegiance.
Driving beat started by guitars, drum join
in, along with electric guitar. During the first stanza of each
verse, all instrumentation plays crisp,16th note rhythm, until
second stanza, where the instrumentation segues into chords and
counter melody. Nice electric guitar solo after first and second
chorus.
Lyrical Samples:
1) We are the people who have taken a stand,
we love our flag, God, heaven and our fellow man. We've got a
right to let our voices to be heard, and we're not going to change
a single word. We'll fly our flag from mornin' to night, you see
it on our cars, trucks, and motorbikes, many people have died just
to have the the right to say one nation under God
Chorus: Don't mess with the people of the
USA, don't mess with my freedom or my flag I pray, You're gonna
kneel before your God someday. One nation under God. We'll
never give up, and we'll never give in, we'll fight for our rights
until Jesus comes again, we love to pledge our allegiance to Him.
One nation under God. One nation under God.
My daddy went to war in 1943, then he
came back home to raise a family. I remember the words he used
to say to me, on the 4th of July. Son, there even may come a day,
when they try to take your freedom away, they might even try to
stop you when you try to pray, just look them in the eye. Chorus
Coda: Slower: We'll never give up, and
we'll never give in, we'll fight for our rights until Jesus comes
again, we love to pledge our allegiance to Him. One nation under
God. One nation under God.
Reviewed by Julie Carr for Christianmusic.com
To find out more about this excellent Christian music CD, contact
Curtis Moore himself at: ccmoore1952@hotmail