John Whitcomb --SOUL CHECK
CD.
John Whitcomb is a talented Christian
music artist, whose faith and love for Christ shines through
his creative, unique songs which encompass many styles of music,
featuring his remarkable guitar work, his unique styles of singing,
all of which have been developed throughout his long involvement
in both secular and Christian music. John explains, "I would
say I write in a stylist format. I have no allegiance to any
one type of sound."
This reviewer would heartily agree with
his analysis of his compositions, which uniquely reflect his
background in Rock, Country, Honky Tonk, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz
and Classical music, creating songs which not only inspire one's
Christian walk, but also are musically unique to any other Christian
artist. His music carries not only a strong Christian message,
but also is really interesting and enjoyable, as it breaks out
of the contemporary Christian music format.
His many years in performing in a variety
of musical groups, from rock to classical, his informal and
formal training and the inspiration and calling he received
from the Lord, have all come to influence his current Christian
music ministry, creating a unique Christian Music CD, SOUL CHECK.
This entertaining group of songs, John tells us, "describe my
love affair with Christ."
His love of music was fostered in his
childhood, youth and young adulthood by various influences,
which helped his natural talent in music to grow and develop.
John told us, "Being a ‘60’s kid and having four older sisters
I was exposed to all types of music. My dad was a trumpet player
in college and loved big band and musicals. I fell in love with
entertaining when 'The Monkees' came along. I fell in love with
the guitar when I saw Johnny Mcglaughlin and the Mahivishnu
Orchestra on Don Kirschners ‘Rock Concert’."
In his teenage years, he was attracted
to both pop music and quirky instrumentalists alike. He played
in various secular rock bands, as he developed his guitar and
other string instrument skills. He also became a Christian in
his youth, but kept his faith and music separate at this time
in his life, though the Lord had other plans for his talents.
His other musical influences include Jeff Beck, Johnny McGlaughlin
and Edgar Winters, whose first albums were "very hip jazz fusion
things."
John Whitcomb further explains about
his influences."My slide playing was most influenced by Tommy
Bolin and Johnny Winter. I then got into Dave Grisman and his
'Dawg Music' a crazy mix of jazz blues and swing on the mandolin.
I play mandolin too but its not featured on this project. As
I fell in love with Christ I fell in love with Christian music.
I still don't have a huge collection of Christian artists in
my CD case but I find I am very selective to what I hear. I
listen for sincerity and passion in a performance. Knowing Gods
gift of music is simply awesome and I love to repay God for
that gift."
After graduating from high school, John
had the opportunity to expand his musical skills and abilities
when he joined a country band. John comments, "After hard rock
bands in high school I went on the road in a country band on
the ‘Honky Tonk’ circuit. We played every hoot n holler from
Canada to Mississippi. Talk about an education!"
After touring for awhile, John Whitcomb
decided to get a formal musical education and enrolled in a
California music school, the Musicians Institute in Hollywood
Ca., known as GIT, founded by a Christian, Pat Roberts. During
this time, he began to hear a very strong calling from the Lord,
as well as receive valuable musical training in not only technique
but also in performance.
When asked by ChristianMusic.com, "What
was most valuable to you in attending GIT?" John Whitcomb answered:
"What did I learn at GIT? How to play horribly in front of fabulous
teachers and other students and show my face at school again
the next day! GIT is a boot camp for musicians stressing survival
skills such as sight reading, ear training, chordal harmony
and basic life skills. It was there I got my musical hind end
kicked and I began to listen to God a bit more. I had been a
believer since in my teens but I was then on the road to really
listening to Him."
While attending GIT, Whitcomb had more
opportunities to practice what he was learning by playing in
groups in nearby Borrego Springs, CA. "I gigged on the weekends
in Borrego Springs Ca. which is an incredible place," John explains.
After getting a formal musical education,
Whitcomb went on to experience two other types of music genres,
in Nashville, Tennessee and Indianapolis, Indiana. In Nashville
Tennessee, John Whitcomb worked in a Rhythm and Blues band while
working for an audio and lighting company. Then, a move back
to Indianapolis landed John in a pit orchestra at the American
Cabaret Theater, where he did a little bit of everything. John
further explains: "For five years I was exposed to the genius
of Gershwin, Porter, Leosser and Carmichael. I did a little
bit of everything. I played bass, percussion, mandolin, harmonica,
acoustic and electric guitars. I sang and even did a cameo or
two from time to time. Probably the highlight for me was playing
barefoot on-stage 'While my Guitar Gently Weeps' on a late 60's
Gibson Flying 'V'."
However, it was finding the love of
his life, his wife Terri, that propelled John fully into the
world of Christian music, which was where the Lord had in mind
for John's gifts and talents; to serve the Lord through promoting
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John explains, "Getting married
in ’95 was the beginning of my love affair with Christian music.
Finding out that Christian music was suddenly very cool (to
me any way) was great! I first attended a Vineyard Church in
Indy. It was very cool and the first time I had heard a really
happening praise band. That was about '95. Ever since I have
been in some type of praise band or Christian rock band."
John Whitcomb's fine guitar work can
be heard in such bands as Curtis Moore's group. John was the
lead guitarist on Moore's CD, ONE OF THESE MORNINGS. "I am so
privileged to play with the people I do and so humbled to be
chosen by God to do it. Knowing Gods gift of music is simply
awesome and I love to repay God for that gift."
While currently not involved in a regular
praise band, because he is devoting time to children's ministries
at his church, and composing new songs, John Whitcomb does sit
in once a month with "a very happening bunch of players at a
church on the south side of Indy."
On the songs found his new CD, SOUL
CHECK, John Whitcomb had help from his talented friends; musicians
who helped to bring his music to life, and an experienced production
staff.
John Whitcomb's back up Musicians and
Friends: (Adding their talents to Whitcomb's songs on this CD)
- As introduced by John Whitcomb:
Soul Check CD Production Staff - "It
was recorded at Aireborn Studios in Indianapolis. Mike Wilson
and John Bolt own the place and they are two great guys with
tons of experience and spirit. Ben Vawter was the engineer par
excellence. He really made it sound grrreat!"
Vocals: "The back up harmonies on the
CD were myself and a friend from Indy by the name of Chris Stone.
She did a great job and even did her own arranging (which is
cool)! "
Bass Guitar: "Her husband Jeff played
bass on some of the tracks."
Percussion: 1). "Larry Sauer played
drums. He is simply so tasteful in his chops its crazy. 2) "Kevin
Burkett from Bloomington IN played drums on 'Shout it Out Loud'
and 'Pray for the Preacher'."
Keyboards: "Keyboards were played by
Darren Vincent."
SOUL CHECK CD - Samples of the SONGS
The nine, soul and faith inspiring,
uniquely different songs offered on this CD promote the love
and faithfulness of our Lord Jesus, and the joy and support
we find in Him, as we walk with Him in a relationship, when
He becomes our Lord and Savior.
SHOUT IT OUT LOUD - by J Whitcomb 02
(John 14:6, John 8:12, Romans 15:5)
A Rock - Style Praise song, with a strong
electrical guitar intro solo, with the driving rhythm being
established with acoustical guitars and drums. The song begins
with John Whitcomb singing the Chorus, as a vocal only intro,
before the band joins him with their musical introduction. The
song brings home the importance of Christians sharing their
faith, joy and life in Jesus Christ.
"SHOUT IT OUT LOUD was written
while attending the national ‘Acquire the Fire’ conference in
Indy two years ago. The speaker was talking about Intl.;. missions
and the words just appeared on the notebook in front of me."
- John Whitcomb
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: Shout it, shout it, shout it
out loud. Take Jesus to the nations across the sea and through
the clouds Shout it shout it shout it loud and clear. Live it
with a passion abandon all your fears
1) Take it to the cities; take to the
hills, See that every valley the Holy Spirit fills. The hearts
of men are empty just waitin' for the day. The truth is spoken
to them and that truth will light their way.
Chorus
2) If darkness falls on a nation. And
there's no one there to see. Will the sound of desperation,
Bring a people to their knees. Only Christ the Savior. Will
move a nation's heart. To leave behind the chains of sin. And
peace to them impart. So some of us can travel. And some of
us can pray. Only God can heal the nations in a supernatural
way. Jesus gives the vision His love will be the guide. We’ll
take it to the nation. On loves eternal tide
Chorus Abandon all your fears.....yeah.
* Title Song: SOUL CHECK - By J Whitcomb
99 (John 3:16, John 11.25, Romans 5:6-8)
A song that really cooks with a syncopated,
rhythm and blues funky style with soulful vocals, rock drums
and sharp guitar counter syncopated rhythmic melody. Intro features
nice rhythmic solo of bass guitar, with drums establishes the
beat and feel of the song. Electric guitar joins with rhythmic
counter melody. The vocals skillfully intersect with the rhythm
of the piece, and bring the song to life, much to the enjoyment
of the listener.
"SOUL CHECK is about the many ways
that words and attitudes are misused. Soul , of course, is God
given and the word has been humanized into something else."
- John Whitcomb.
Lyrical Samples:
1) Lets do the soul check, I don’t mean
your rhythm and blues. Lets do the soul check, I don’t mean
your blue, blue, blue, blue suede shoes. Talkin' bout your soul.....talking
bout your soul
2) Get ready for the soul check. I don’t
mean your vegematic... kitchen device .Lets do the soul check.
yeah, I don’t mean your sloppy, sloppy, floppy device. No! Chicken
livers tasty only when its fried. Where's your soul goin' Once
your body’s died? Get ready for the....
Bridge: Jesus loves me this I know, cause
the Bible tells me so.....He is strong.....Amazing Grace how
sweet the sound that save a wretch like me. I once was lost,
but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.... Yeah yeah yeah
Yeeah Yeah.
3) Lets do the soul check. I don’t mean
your red white and blue. No! Lets do the the soul check. I don’t
mean the good, good, good, good, things you do. When your face
down on the treadmill, And both your hands are tied. Won't you
be wishin' that Christ was by your side? by your side? by your
side?
* SPEAKING OF GOD - John Whitcomb C
‘99 (John 14:1, John 15:18-20, Philippians 3:)
A favorite of this reviewer. Composed
in a minor key, with a solid acoustical support, steady drums
and features the unique sound of slide guitars, in the introduction,
played by Whitcomb on his "trusty G and L SC3", which
"looks like a tank but chimes like a bell," John tells ChristianMusic.com.
John Whitcomb's comments on SPEAKING
OF GOD: "I guess what I want to say about 'Speaking of God;
is that the more you pursue God the easier it is to die to
yourself. I would have never in a million years thought
I would have been a devout Christian let alone spends tons of
time and energy writing music that describes my love affair
with Christ. I was afraid that when I began to write Christian
music that there would not be enough subject material to write
about! Ha! God is real. Christ is alive!!! I will face my grave
for Him for I know it is He who awaits in eternity for me!!
Without a doubt!! . How can one not 'speak of God?"
Lyrical Samples:
1) Well it happened, Just like He said
it would. To my friends and family, I am now misunderstood.
And it's heavy. This cross I chose to bear. But my life has
changed, And I no longer care. And speaking of God, Is what
got me here. Down on my knees, Between a laugh and a tear. And
speaking of God I know He's with me, Every step of the way.
And I no longer fear
Chorus 1: Speaking of God, Speaking
of God, Speaking of God, Speaking of God...........
2) Well I’m learning, The world will
turn on you, Leave you long and lonely, Like a kid lost at the
zoo. All is not peachy, On this side of town But I can be a
fighter Or I can be a clown
Chorus 2: While speaking of God, While
speaking of God, speaking of God, speaking of God YEAH, Speaking
of God, Speaking of God, Speaking of God, yeah!
SONG FOR TERRI - Latin samba feeling,
easy Latin drum beat. A song written about the strong bond of
marital love between a husband and a wife. Song uses dynamics
nicely, building to the chorus.
"SONG FOR TERRI is dedicated to my wife.
She simply loves me as I am and I am the luckiest man on earth!"
- John Whitcomb
Lyrical Samples:
1) Every twilight, as I'm on my way home,
I pull into the drive, I see your silhouetted form. And I thank
Jesus, for the love within my life and I thank Him for you,
and I thank him for the time
Chorus 1: Then you take me in your arms,
and you look me in the eye, and hold me.
2) But every now and then, as is some
of that ain't heard and when I see that pain in your eyes, my
heart only yearns, make everything that's wrong (everything
wrong), into every thing that's right, (everything right), so
baby, baby, baby, I'm a man in love and I treasure every time...
Chorus 2: Then you take me in your arms,
and you look me in the eyes, And hold me, you hold me, Hold
me, you hold me, Hold me, you hold me.
3) Only time will tell, if our love is
to survive, BUT Knowing what I know, our hearts will surely
thrive, if you take me in your arms, and you look me in the
eye, And hold me, why don't you hold me, come on and hold me
in your arms, in your arms, Arms, in your arms.
* THE STONE -By John Whitcomb (Matt.
28:1-5, Mark 16::1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9)
Another favorite song of this reviewer,
which reflects the exuberant joy of victory over death through
Jesus; Jesus has risen, He has risen indeed! A joyous, energetic,
Praise Song, celebrating what Jesus is to us, our Lord and Savior,
who takes away our sin, when we believe in Him.
Song is done southern style with plenty
of blue grass energy, and perhaps a touch of Honky Tonk and
Blues. Introduction and first verse done in a bluesy, slow,
soulful genre, which transforms to pure, energized joy when
the Chorus jumps into a fast two beat measure pattern, which
drives on through the rest of the song. Impressive Guitar work,
doing bluegrass style rifts. Harmonica adds a lot to the introduction,
as it plays with an acoustical guitar, which offer fine support
to the vocals, which catch the spirit and moods of the song
and get the message across to the listener. Nice two part vocal
harmony.
THE STONE is just a good ole’ time knee
slappin', Bluegrass thing depicting the day the stone is found
to be rolled away and Christ is raised!" - John Whitcomb.
Lyrical Samples:
1) 'Early one mornin' I rose up to my
feet. I was going down to my masters grave there I planned to
weep. But oh Lord when I got there 'stead heard the joyful cries
that said " the masters' resurrected and he did rise.
Chorus 1: Now that stone's been rolled
away, rolled away, rolled away, that stone's been rolled away
today. Oh Lord, I pray my soul, the Holy Ghost I feel, ever
since that stone's been rolled away.
2) Now all my life I've lived in misery
and sin, darkness has shrouded my dreams, I heard the words
of Jesus, sought Him night and day, and my own stone has been
rolled away.
Chorus 2: Now my stone has been rolled
away, rolled away, rolled away, my stone has been rolled away
today, Oh Lord I pray my soul the Holy Ghost I feel, ever since
that stone's been rolled away. ROLL ON!!
3) Now if you got the blues, and don't
know what to do. Take the time to listen to this song, sweet
song. Trust in the Lord, in every single way, now you know the
stone's been rolled away.
Chorus 3: Now your stone will roll away,
roll away, roll away, your stone will roll away today. Oh Lord,
I pray my soul, the Holy Ghost I feel, ever since that stone's
been rolled away. Ever since that stone's been rolled away.
HOLD ME, HEAL ME - (Psalm 102:1-2, Psalm
91, Phil. 4:6-7, Ephesians 6:18)
An Acoustical Rock song, with some nice
keyboards, interesting sound effects instruments, inspiring
guitar work, written in a minor key. A song sure to encourage
those having a discouraging day, and / or facing hard trials.
The Lord is a source of empowerment, of comfort and love, who
will surely see us through anything life throws at us.
"Hold Me, Heal Me" - "This
song shows my ‘80’s influence in a big way. It’s a pouring out
of ones heart after a tough day at the office." - John Whitcomb
Lyrical Samples:
1) Today God, everything is hard and
I can't crack a smile. It seems that I have taken my dreams
to a funeral pyre. My tools are broken, my dreams revoked and
heaven is the only for sure. But the grave is not my goal and
possession not the only cure
2) So what do I do now besides pray
to you God ? Why can't I part a sea, cause an earthquake or
two? Please forgive me for I am like Job crying to the 'Great
I Am, but when I'm down and broken hearted, it's hard not to
make this demand
Chorus: You/ve got to... hold me (You
got to), heal me (You got to), touch me (You got to), boldly.
Hold me, heal me, touch me, boldly. You've got let me know,
whom I am.... what I am.
* TRUE - A contemporary Praise and Worship
Song, that has drive and energy, with a great melody, strong
beat and a heart-felt message. A lively violin nicely introduces
melody with vigorous guitar rhythmic back-up in the introduction,
and between the Chorus and the verses. Violin and is part of
the pretty, swirling ensemble of floating, euphoric sound, right
before the driving ending of the song.
‘True’ - "Plain and simple. Just
the giddy excitement of knowing who I am in Christ. A breakdown
with violin sets the mood for some good worship." - John Whitcomb
Lyrical Samples:
1) I heard you whisper my name, You gave
my life eternal flame, that day, that awesome day... I bow my
knee before your throne, its there the seeds of faith are sown
into your loving soil.
Chorus: I know Your promises are true,
In Your name there is nothing You won't do....
I drink from God's eternal spring......I
need to fill on what He brings to my table now..... With the
Spirit in my life, I speak the truth in perfect time, in God's
amazing time.......
PRAY FOR THE PREACHER - (2 Cor.1:10,11
- Phil.1:19, Col. 4:3,4))
Another interesting Latin-flavored, Jazz-
inspired song, with Latin rhythms that really cook, enjoyable
acoustical guitar solos, all put together as only Whitcomb can
do! Great dynamics in vocals and music. Nice harmony in the
Chorus.
‘Pray for the Preacher' - "I have a
couple of friends who travel a lot as evangelists. This song
is for them and all those who have to be separated from their
families preaching the word."- John Whitcomb
Lyrical Samples:
1) In the cool, of the evening....under
the big tent, the preacher is preachin'. The village people,
they come from miles around, hoping salvation will be found.
2) The preacher, he travels the countryside,
looking for sinners who no longer want to hide, The Holy Spirit
drives them to the crossroads, they raise up their hands and
give up their lives.
Chorus: So pray for the traveling preacher,
as he prays for us for life. So many people will pray for the
traveling preacher, as he prays for us, yes, as he prays for
us.
* GUILTLESS - (Hebrews 10:22, Romans
5:8, 1 Timothy 1:15, Romans 7:14-25) -
Another favorite of this reviewer. A
catchy, funky, syncopated song with elements of Jazz, Blues
and a few other styles, all blended into an interesting combination.
Song starts with a crisp, syncopated intro by bass & electric
guitars. Keyboards in a minor key (to add a sense of urgency)
and the cooking rhythm section (drums, guitars), join in. Vocals
skillfully sing the melody in the syncopated rhythm established
by the music. Great electrical guitar solos with Jazz - Soul
-R& B overtones.
Having Salvation through Jesus Christ
not only takes away our sin, but our guilt as well, as Jesus
Christ was our perfect sin offering. (John 3:16)
‘Guiltless’ - "One of the best
parts of salvation I think. Knowing God loved me from the very
beginning and will love me till the day we meet and forever!!"
- John Whitcomb
Lyrical Samples:
1) I know what your thinkin'..just another
pop tune about nothin', a rhythm and a rhythm and a rhyme and
rhyme just wastin' your precious time. Now listen up to me,
'cause what I got to say you need to hear
2) You say your down and bummin', like
a slug you just be slummin', creepin' in the shadows dancin
out of time doin' up now your little crimes, you say you want
to change your tune? Brother, have I got a song for you
Chorus 1: Cause I'm free and clean,do
you know what I mean? I'm Guiltless!
3) There is a better way to do the things
that you do, is it going to be your death, is it going to be
your doom, when the rubber meets the road, are you going to
be the toad that lets the tire tread squash you? Let the Savior
of the world wash you clean. Come over here and see what I mean...
Bridge: Cause I ain't dyn', and I ain't
cryn', don't you know, God is going to pay, and all you got
to do is say
Chorus 2: Lord, I'm free and clean, now
I know what you mean, I'm Guiltless!
If you are interested in e-mailing John
Whitcomb directly to inquire how to receive a two song sample
of this marvelous CD, e-mail him at jdwhitcomb@hotmail.com
Julie Carr - Reviewer for ChrsitianMusic.com
