Ed Nicholson Live in Philly

Ed Nicholson is a gifted, driven Christian song writer, performer and worship leader who got an early start in knowing Jesus and learning what it means to be involved in Christian ministry, following the examples of what balanced service to Christ can be, set by his pastor father and mother, both committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, creating a legacy of serving the Lord. This legacy, ED Nicholson comments, "burns deep inside me and helps keep me at the foot of the cross."

Nicholson's musical talent was of course noticed by his choir director / organist mom, who introduced him to singing and performing for an audience, where he first experienced the joy of pleasing the Lord; "feeling His pleasure," a spiritual motivation that has fueled Ed's passion to serve the Lord through music throughout his musical career.

In 1992, Ed went into an active Christian music concert ministry in the mainstream Christian music commercial arena, becoming a founding member of the Christian rock band, 3 Crosses, where he was able to use his musical gifts of composing and singing to continue to experience the joy of pleasing the Lord. For the band, Nicholson was involved in composing more than 20 commercial Christian songs, with some elements of worship included in some of them. "Just Another Sign of the Times," "The Stone Was Rolled Away," "God's House," "Strangers in the House," "Bring Me to My Knees," "Seven Days" and "Calvary" are some of the big hits performed by 3 Crosses band.

For 5 years, Ed Nicholson was an intricate part of the active, demanding, successful Christian concert music ministry of 3 Crosses, a band on the verge of breaking into the big time Christian rock music scene. Because of their successful hits on the commercial Christian music charts, the band found themselves in the spotlight, touring with other big name Christian artists such as Petra, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, d.c. Talk and The Newsboys. However, Ed Nicholson felt a restlessness, an undeniable feeling that the Lord had a different path in mind for him, as the wild hours, demands of touring on the road away from his wife, and the market-driven Christian music industry didn't seem to fit anymore with his personal life and his mindset for what service to Christ in a more balanced music ministry should be for his life. His passion and focus for Christ needed another avenue of expression, in a different way.

In February of 1997, Ed Nicholson left 3 Crosses in search of what the Lord's will was, concerning his music ministry for Jesus. Ed explains, "I left the band, disappeared from Christian music and started seeking out where God wanted me to be next. My journey was long. I must say it was hard, eye opening, refreshing, restoring to a point. I burned with the desire to serve God with my music but not seeing beyond the CCM marketplace, I continued writing with friends in Nashville, and getting my songs cut by other artists."

However, as one door closes, the Lord, ever faithful, will open another door. While writing songs for other artists, Ed Nicholson was asked to help local churches in the northeast area to set up contemporary music services. The Presbyterian Church at New Providence, a small town in New Jersey, not far from New York City, offered him "a deal that he couldn't refuse" at the time, and he found himself being the new worship leader in this small church, built in 1737, which opened new opportunities up to him musically as an artist, for a much more expansive music ministry of outreach, which boosted his efforts to change the culture, that he never could've imagined, being supported by a church community, as well as the Lord Himself.

While Nicholson helps to grow, nurture and develop all aspects of the worship music of all the services, Tracy is active in the SALT youth program, which Ed and the youth pastor provide the worship portion of this Sunday night small group program. Ed also has a hand in planning the youth music needed for various programs, for the youth and by the youth, such as the Youth/ High School Praise Team that leads one Sunday every six weeks.

Being responsible for the worship music in the three diverse morning services; one traditional, one acoustic contemporary and one contemporary led Ed Nicholson to the new world of composing meaningful praise and worship music for services, a different experience from commercial, hit radio Christian music. He shares his compositions with the congregation, as the Lord gives them to him. "As God would have it, being exposed to so much worship music, I have felt inspired to write some myself and God has blessed me with a few worship songs. I have about six or more worship songs now that I rotate regularly in the worship schedule."

While the music on his new CD, OUT OF MY HANDS is composed in a contemporary Christian rock style, his next planned CD, HUMBLE (title song written by Nicholson & Ralph Barrientos) , will be praise and worship songs, which this reviewer can't wait to experience.

Church outreach to youth, the unchurched, and the community at large also is part of Ed Nicholson's calling as a worship leader. Before the horrendous attacks of Sept. 11th, this conservative Christian community of New Providence, home of 5 other churches, didn't mix much in Christian fellowship and support. "Christians had sort of adopted this separatist attitude of hiding behind the walls of these beautiful grand building we've built. God seems to be bringing down the walls, bringing us together especially after the events of 9/11. Change is happening and it's good to be a part of it."

Ed Nicholson observes that God is moving so powerfully through worship in this worship revival being experienced in the northeast. In his own services, which he jokingly calls "Ed's Chaos" when things are sometimes hectic, because there is so little time between services, and when the equipment sometimes hiccups, "the Lord always show up and makes His presence known. I love the fact that it's so much about the Lord and so little about us."

Being a worship leader has brought home the truth to Ed Nicholson that the worship experience is a powerful tool for evangelism. Quoting his friend, Professor Martin Sanders, Ed Nicholson relates "when unbelievers enter into true worship they experience God's love in a way and with an emotion that they never felt before. It is a place of safety, an escape from the harsh realities of life. In this safe haven, they find God's peace, something they experience for the first time. They feel the pull of God's Spirit in that safe haven, a longing to be in that place is planted in them and they long to return to it again and again."

So what is found in worship is a peace and an experience of the Father's love, two very powerful, meaningful states of being for human beings. Nicholson says, "You reach out to the community of believers and unbelievers around you in worship to God, and through His power, evangelism just happens. Not beating people over the head with the Bible, but people entering into worshiping God, and for us to allow His spirit to evangelize the community; you come into contact with allowing them to find that safe place."

Besides being a rather busy worship leader for church services, for youth programs and for the Senate Chaplain's weekly Washington D.C. Bible study, being involved in various community concerts, Worship Festivals, performing concerts of his music etc., Ed Nicholson and his longtime song-writing friend, also from 3 Crosses, Ralph Barrientos, through The Presbyterian Church at New Providence, funded by other churches and private foundations, have created a nonprofit company, Creative Vision Media, / Creative Vision Ministries (1737 Records). Creative Vision Media brings live music to the community as an outreach, while Creative Vision Ministries is a record label which helps to develop and promote independent Christian music artists, with the goal of "affecting our culture as opposed to assimilating our culture. Not trend followers, but trend setters."

Creative Vision Ministries: Having a lot of experience in the Christian music arena, knowing every aspect of the business behind the music, Ed and Ralph are involved in the whole process of making records, from start to finish on every project, using this control they have to reach their goal. "We're just not a record label, we are more like a mission organization that supports a coalition of artists. It is our job to serve that artist though all the aspects of development. We are booking agents, record label PR agents, and in some aspects, managers."

It follows then that they are looking for creative artists that are "ministry driven" with the mindset of seeking God's way to 'affect the culture.' These creative artists may not necessarily fit into the music industry box, and may need time to develop naturally, but compose their music in new and fresh ways that help them to stay true to themselves, as they create with the creative passion coming deep from within their souls, given to them by the Lord. Ed Nicholson advises, "Just concentrate on creating from the heart and listen to what He's trying to teach you. The best songs come from deep within our souls."

For being in a Christian music ministry requires artists to focus on this gift of passion for making music to promote the Gospel. Ralph Barrientos explains, "We need to concentrate on this God-given passion, because as God gives this gift to us, we should want to give it back. It is our act of worship as artists. I think if we seek Him in a constant state of thankfulness for the gift of being artists, He will open up the right doors for us. Ed and I have seen that so many times through both success and failure. God is in control and it's all about being on the journey and moving closer to Him."

About OUT OF MY HANDS CD

It is through 1737 records that Ed Nicholson's OUT OF MY HANDS CD is brought to the community, with it's wonderful collection of 12 songs, which are written from his heart. Ed has followed his own advice to others as it
is clear to the listener that these songs were created as a result of being fueled by his burning passion, given to him by the Lord, to compose for the Gospel and by what he has learned by listening to what the Lord was trying to teach him through his experiences in his life. As the Lord has blessed him, Ed gives back to us in these upbeat, Christian rock, nicely put together musical compositions which encourage the listener's faith walk through every day life, through challenging times, bumps in the road, trials and problems that are sometimes our own making, imploring the listener to depend on a Lord who loves us, warts and all.

His songs encourage a closer walk with a God who is in control of our lives, in a Christian acoustic rock format, each uniquely different and interesting to listen to, while encouraging the listener in his/ her spiritual journey. Ed's songs explore the wonderful characteristics of our loving Lord, our need for self-reflection, repentance, depending on the Lord, reaching out in love to others and the importance of being not motivated by the things touted by our secular society, but be motivated by things valued by the Lord. These songs have an eternal value that bless the listener, sure to energize and encourage, a perfect cure for the doldrums, making this a CD that should be in any Christian music lover's collection.

Ed Nicholson - OUT OF MY HANDS Review

OUR MISSION - Ed Nicholson is successfully involved in three different music ministries; being a worship leader, being a songwriter, and performer, and being an important part of a two-pronged outreach program. Ed Nicholson is a person with a lot of energy and commitment to Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to being in His service, and in His Grip. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Mission Statements concerning Ed Nicholson's song writing, performing, and being a worship leader. "For me it’s always been about 'feeling His pleasure'. Remember the movie Chariots of Fire? Eric Little, the runner, says, 'When I run, I feel God's pleasure.' Well I've always felt that way. From the time I was a little boy singing in church in which my dad was a pastor and my mom was a choir director/organist. Even through my years playing in clubs, I knew God was there and when I sing to Him or write a song I always feel His pleasure. Now singing and leading worship…. it just seems so natural. I mean I have been very blessed to sing in front of a lot of people in my life, but when God's people come together to praise Him... it's incredible!" - Ed

Mission Statement: Concerning Christian Outreach - "The gift of music and the outreach that live music offers in reaching people for Christ is in tune with how Christian leaders view the impact music and worship will have into this century. This is a time of excitement and anticipation in the ministry of CVM. We pray for guidance as we raise our sights and expand our capabilities--- ready to meet the challenge God places before us."

Their Nonprofit Music Label; Creative Vision Ministries Mission Statement: "Striving to be artist driven and God directed, the mission of Creative Vision Ministries is to further the message of the Gospel and bring people closer to God through the development and support of talented Christian artists and Worship leaders. With the goal of being artist driven and God directed." - Ed Nicholson and Ralph Barrientos

Songs & Lyrical Review on OUT OF MY HANDS

Track 1: RESTORATION - Words and Music by: Ed Nicholson & Joe Beck. This song was originally written for a Phillips, Craig, and Dean album, being the title song.

Ed Nicholson's CD is launched with a rousing start with this peppy acoustic rhythmic rock worship song, which advises the listener to take some time for self-reflection and self evaluation, turn to the Lord, confess wrongdoing, and find forgiveness and restoration through Jesus. Human beings have the tendency to do the wrong thing, swayed by many temptations lurking in our secular culture and ourselves. (Romans 7:15-25)

The song begins with a strong, driving acoustic guitar sound in a minor key for two stanzas, supported by some mean maracas, which establishes both the rhythmic pattern of the song and provides a nice introduction to the melody as well. Verse 1 is quiet with just guitar, vocals, and some interesting soft sounds of perhaps a keyboard. Sound swells at the chorus as rest of band and drums jump in for fine effect, building in dynamics throughout the chorus. Drums, percussion pick up the rhythmic pattern set by the guitar. Other verses are quieter as well, but the musical accompaniment builds in each additional verse, which adds some interesting variances and some color. It all gives fine support to the expressive, dynamic energetic vocals by Ed. Adding strings to various parts adds a nice touch, and works well with the electric guitar parts. Song's last stanzas quiets down to just the rhythmic percussion pattern and some interesting sounds.

Related Scripture References: Romans 7:15-25, Romans 2:4, 2nd Peter 3:9, 2nd Cor. 7:10, Psalm 139:23-24

Lyrical Samples:

1) Looking at this fallen race. Standing in the light of grace. We can't see the shadow of the past. Building our security, Truth lost its identity, But there's still time for us to get it back. Chorus: If we sing hey now, hey nananana now, And take some time for self examination.

Chorus: If we sing hey now, hey nananana now, We need to be baptized in salvation. If we sing hey now, hey nananana now, What we need is Restoration. We sing hey now. Hey nananana now. What we really need is Restoration.

2) Twisted in this awful mess. Swimming in our own success. Watching as the truth just fades away. It's time to put our faith to test. Let our souls be undressed. Show the world we mean what we say.

3) Staring somewhere into space. Hoping to find some saving grace. I felt a tug within my heart. You rolled the stone, pulled me apart. Your light illuminates the dark. And makes my voice cry out loud.

Track 2: HELPLESS - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson, Phil Hair, and Joe Beck

A favorite of this reviewer. Song starts with an easy drum beat and nice acoustic guitar intro which sets the beat and introduces the catchy melody. Electric guitars join the acoustic guitar, filling in chords and supporting the rhythm. Vocals are strong and expressive, with nice backup vocals in the chorus. Verse 1 explores a common weakness in our human nature, a common problem which can trip us up on our faith walk, getting us off track. Verse 2 describes a painful learning process which is often the result of our own folly. Luckily we have a faithful Lord who loves us and will forgive our shortcomings.

Related Scripture References: (John 1:4, 5, 9, and 8:12, Psalm 18:1-3, 28, Psalm 143:11,12, 2nd Cor. 12:9 & 1 Peter 4:11)

Lyrical Samples:

1) I have ignored the signs, Pretended I was blind. Like I could run away from You. You can bend the truth so far, 'til you've forgotten who you are. Ambiguous becomes a way of life. I've let my foolish ambition. Walk the bridge between. What's wrong and what is right. I've built a fortress around my heart. But now I'm letting down my guard. I'm giving up the fight.

Chorus: I'm Helpless. I'm down on my knees. I'm desperate and broken now. I'm praying Lord save me. Because without You there's no meaning. There's no purpose, there's no hope at all. Without You there's no light. I stumble and I fall. I'm learning without Your love....I'm helpless.

2) For every action there's a cause. The consequences get us all. We all pay for our mistakes. The future leaves a bitter taste. When you come face to face. With who you are. It's so hard to swallow. And just like the prodigal. I've squandered a fortune of oh so precious time. But even though I kept my distance. Every time I open up Lord You know I always find. Chorus.

Bridge: If I could I would be strong for You. But all I have to offer is my weakness, And all these broken pieces. Hook: Oh yes, I'm learning without Your love, Oh yes, I'm learning without Your love. Learning without Your love....I'm Helpless.

Track 3: ILLOGICAL - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson, Phil Hair, and Joe Beck

Driving rock beat, supported by driving guitars which both support the rhythm and main melody and fine vocals. Interesting sounds add spice to the composition, all which supports and enhances the melody and fine vocals.

Related Scripture References: (John 10:27-30, Col. 1:17-20, John 3:16)

Lyrical Samples:

1) You picked me up and put me together. You made the pieces fit even better. How could you choose to place your hand on me. I run away but You draw me near. I tumble down but You bring me here. This perfect place where I don't deserve to be.

Bridge: And it makes no sense when all I see is, How Your grace goes on so endlessly.

Chorus: Cause it's so, so illogical. So impossible to see Your love for me through my eyes. Yes, it's so, so untypical, Of anything I've known. But I'll take it all on faith because it's so...illogical.

2) I scream Your name I doubt my faith. I shake my fist but still you wait. Patiently through every season. You lost your life so I'd gain forever. Don't understand how You could ever, Love so far beyond my reason. Bridge 2: And I still can't comprehend how You could give Your life for me so selflessly. Chorus

Track 4: CANYONS (YOU LIFT MY VOICE) - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson and Joe Beck

A lovely contemporary prayer hymn, a praise, and worship song with light percussion, a very nice acoustical guitar support for the melody, with electrical guitar chords in the chorus. A strong melody, coupled with meaningful lyrics and an upbeat chorus, with nice vocal harmony, sung with expressive feeling by Nicholson creates a lovely contemporary prayer hymn that would be at home in most denominations that use contemporary music.

When trials and sorrows enter our lives, this song encourages us to remember all the times the Lord has been faithful in our lives, and find comfort in the faithfulness of our loving Lord, who empowers us, upholds us, and gives us an inner joy and peace, despite our circumstances.

Related Scripture References: (Psalm 8, Phil 4:6-8, Hebrew 13:6)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Oh when sorrow fills my hollow heart again. I try to grasp for things that slip right through my hands. There's so much here for me to try and comprehend. Your Spirit plays a melody I understand. Chorus

2) When shadows hide the void that's in my life. And darkness tries to veil Your ever present light. I hear Your praise in me, it echoes from above Lord. You wrote the symphony of love.

Chorus: You lift my voice, You lift my voice, (To Praise You). It echoes through the canyons of my soul. You lift my voice, You lift my voice, (To worship You, to worship You).

Bridge: And now I stand in awe a witness. Of all the things You've done for me. You play me like the instrument that I long to be. Lord I long to be.

3) Oh the vastness of creation takes my breath. I see the sights, the sounds, the colors, and the depth Of who You are and the power that You possess. And Your overwhelming faithfulness. Chorus

Track 5: BEAUTIFUL THING - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson and Joe Beck

Another favorite of this reviewer. A funky R& B rock-style, syncopated rhythm, and percussion melded into the melody, expressed by guitars and drums, and touches of horns and keyboards, sung in this style beautifully by Ed, who expresses the joy and amazement that the Lord loves us despite our weaknesses, tendencies to do the wrong thing, and Who has devised a plan that allows us through Jesus to be cleansed of our sin and become His children.

Related Scripture References: (John 3:16, Psalm 8, Romans 5:6-8, 1 John 5:7 and Romans 7:14-25)

Lyrical Samples:

1) From the very beginning, There was never any doubt that, You would have to save my soul. Cause under any condition, I'm still just flesh and blood yeah, A life out of control. And here in Your scheme of redemption. Your grace comes falling down. Your mercy takes hold.

Chorus: It's a beautiful, beautiful, a beautiful thing, The way You love me. It's a beautiful, beautiful a beautiful thing, The way You reach for me, You reach for me.

2) I see the world around me. Hear creation sing your praises. It's a spiritual affair. And the closer I get to who You are, The more I feel your presence, Lord. It's everywhere, It's everywhere. Chorus

Track 6 : ALWAYS A SAVIOR - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson and Joe Beck

A real peppy Christian rock praise and worship song, that cooks with a strong rock beat driving throughout the song, supported by guitars and keyboard, which nicely melds with a fine melody, great lyrics, and plenty of enthusiasm with great dynamics in it's musical composition, as well as in the fine vocals.

When things go wrong, our lives unravel and we suffer pain and disappointment, we always have a faithful friend in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Related Scripture References: (John 14:1, 1 John 19-21, Romans 8:35-38, Matt. 11:28-30)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Playing on your sympathy, Questioning what you believe has taken its toll. Your blanket of securities. Unraveling and all you see are lies. Your life is spinning out of control. (Your life is spinning out of control)

Chorus: But for every disappointment, Every doubt. For the pain that's just too deep to talk about. When the candle of hope is burning out. You know there's always a Savior. (Always a Savior). You know there's always a Savior. (Always a Savior). You know there's always a Savior. (Always a Savior).

2) So this is how you pass the time. Reliving every bitter lie. It's a door that won't close. Self-pity is how you endure. Your faith in life so insecure. And it's hard to just let it go. But you ought to know, Yes, you ought to know. (There's something you ought to know) Chorus.

Track 7: TOTALLY GOD - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson and Joe Beck

Another favorite of this reviewer. A reverent praise and worship hymn song that quietly starts with expressive vocals, acoustic guitar, touch of electrical guitar solo, bongos. Strings, light drums join at the second stanza. Nice counter melody on electric guitar, other instruments. Nice vocal and composition dynamics, which steadily grows throughout the song. Nice blending of electrical guitars and strings.

Related Scripture References: (John 10:14-16, Psalm 18:1-2 & 31-32, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:7-8)

Lyrical Samples:

1) He knows my name. He knows that I am flesh and blood. But He loves me just the same. Even when I turn away. Blessings still come. Like showers of grace from heav'n above. Drowning me in love. And it goes beyond any words that I could say.

Chorus: 'Cause it's all Totally God. It's out of my hands. It's bigger than anything I could plan. I'm covered in grace. I'm totally loved. With no strings attached, no circumstances. Yes, I know. It's Totally God.

2) He is my strength. A comfort in my time of need. He took the blame. When He died for me. When He died for me. When I am weak, My heart's too hard, my eyes can't see. When I'm on my knees. He's always there and waiting patiently. Chorus

3) Hook: Hidden in this chaos of life. There's a longing just to know Him. He fills the void that's deep inside. He is our only hope. Our one way to survive. Chorus

Track 9: MERCY SEED - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson and Joe Beck

This song is this reviewer's favorite on the CD. Starts off with easy drums, a flute, a cello, acoustic guitar, with the cello playing the intro to the melody. An acoustic guitar and soft keyboard support the main beautiful melody, fine expressive vocals, and back-up harmony. Add meaningful lyrics put so well together with the melody, and the kind of song that lifts you up around the room is created.

The song tells the story of two people who step out on faith and reach out in love when they listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within them. Showing our faith through our actions towards others in need can plant a seed which can sprout into a belief in Jesus. We should take the time from our busy lives to plant a seed of faith by taking care of others' needs.

Related Scripture References: (James 2:8, 22, 24, 1 John 4:11,12, Jude 2:22, 23 and Galations 5:22)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Well she saw the wounded wandering, And she heard them cry. "Oh please is there a place where we can go?" So she wrapped them in love's shelter as she felt the grace within her. Reaching out mercy's hand to those she saw in need.

Chorus: Her Heart sang, Hey I'm gonna take the time to see, That there are thousands of people dying to be free. And their only hope for mercy are the years He's given me. And the time....to plant the seed.

2) He heard a voice within in the darkness, Calling to his heart saying, "I'll give you words to speak", So he started on his journey, Not knowing where it would lead him, Reaching out...mercy's hand...to those he saw in need. Chorus

Bridge 1: Calling out to me, Calling out to me, Hear Him calling out to me.

3) If you feel the urge within you of compassion's plea. Breaking down your heart of stone. You don't have to be a priest to understand the simple theology, Of reaching out...Mercy's hand to those who are in need. Chorus Hey I'm gonna take the time to see. That there are thousands of people dying to be free. And their only hope for mercy are the years He's given me. And the time. Take some time, Oh, take the time, To plant the seed, Calling out to me.

.Track 10: THERE'S NOT A CHANCE IN THIS WORLD - Words and Music by Ed Nicholson, Joe Beck, and Brian White

A song of lament and personal confession, written in a minor key, using keyboard, guitar, horn, soft electrical guitar accents. The melody segues into a major key at the chorus, as it explains that the only way to find happiness, truth, and peace is through the Lord. Related Scriptural References: (Romans 12:2, 1 Peter 1:14, 1 John 2:15, Ephesians 4:22-24)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Sometimes I feel just like a street corner preacher. Sharing my heart to a world gone mad. No one ever seems to take the time to stop and listen. They've got no time for some crazy old man. They chase the dream in pursuit of the rainbow. Hoping someday to find their pot of gold. They long for life and a sense of freedom. But in the end what do they really hold. Can't they see. When will they learn.

Chorus: There's not a chance in this world. Of ever finding happiness. There's not a chance in this world. Of ever finding the truth. There's not a chance in this world. Of ever finding peace. No not a chance without You.

2) I've put my trust in some worldly wisdom. I've cast my pearls before the swine. I've built my castles just to sit and watch them crumble. I've heard a voice inside this heart of mine saying....Chorus

Julie Carr - Reviewer for Christianmusic.com To listen to a sample of songs on the CD, visit Ed's website: ednicholson.info

Ed Nicholson

To see pictures of one of the community worship festivals, where worships leaders from other churches come together to play live music for the community at large. Go to: worshipmore.com