6th March, 2008

JUSTIN MICHAEL

OK, just in case you’re wondering, 'indie' is simply short for independent artists. You may see a record label listed, but generally it’s the artist’s own record label or one that is not referred to as ‘major’ just yet (one of those things that yours truly has always stamped on the back of recorded products). Anyhoo, here’s three that have floated across my desk lately that you will find most likely via the wonders of the world wide web…

Artist: Andrew Ironside
Album: Encounter Worship - Live Worship and Teaching
Year: 2007
Web: www.andrewironside.com

Many of you will be aware of the name on the cover. His music has been influential over the last 10 years mostly through Christian Outreach Centre churches. Some of his well known songs appear here such as Sound Of A Warrior as well as several well known Hillsong tracks. An intriguing double album that is raw in sound and recorded live at Shoalhaven City COC. Disc one of this double disc intersperses the songs with teaching on types of worship that we understand through the Hebrew mind. The second disc is simply the songs without the teaching.

Artist: Levi McGrath
Album: Move
Year: 2007
Web: www.levimcgrath.com

Produced by the wonderful kids at Small House Records in Melbourne, this album is a start for an artist who is very serious about giving the live scene a good crack! Levi will be on tour throughout Australia over the next six months promoting the debut project. The songs seem based on the acoustic guitar he carries and are added to with drums from Phil Gaudion (ex-PC3), bass from Andy Naylor (Prayerworks, CCC, and so on) as well as some input from Small House Founders Mark and Niki Tulk on keys and cello respectively. Typically raw as singer/songwriters should be, Levi speaks simply and clearly of life as he sees it and the quest to serve God well: "You will piece together the pieces of my heart / I’m amazed when all directions lead me to Your arms".

Artist: Andy Pobjoy
Album: Live at GPAC
Year:2007
Web: www.andypobjoy.com

Recorded live at the Geelong Perfroming Arts Centre (yes, home of the AFL premiers!), this is one for all those who love some smooth jazz tunes and dig the melodies of Col Porter, Duke Ellington or Irving Berlin. The album comes with a bonus DVD of the gig you have just listened to on the car stereo. Sonically, it’s surprisingly smooth for a one take recording and shows the amazing musicianship of Pobjoy who takes to the piano, saxophone and flute with great skill as he croons the tunes as well. With tunes like Almost Being In Love, It Don’t Mean A Thing and Mr Bojangles, I thoroughly recommend searching out your own copy to tap your foot to.