Articles of value; Over the Rhine

A few friends of mine have recently published some excellent articles.  There's this one on evangelization from Tony:

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=2378

Then there's this one on the "year of faith" from Jonathan:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/column.php?n=2321

On another note, I saw Over the Rhine at the Old Town School of Folk Music Saturday night in Lincoln Square (Chicago).  I went with my friends Teresa and Jeff.  OTR has done this show several years in a row.  This is my third time in four years, and each time has been better.  Over the Rhine, named after a hardscrabble neighborhood of Cincinnati, is the husband-wife duo of Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist (plus a bassist and percussionist). Their romantic and musical chemistry, their extremely tight performance and songwriting, and their onstage rapport with the audience, is matched only by the sheer decency and humanity they bring with them as people and musicians.

They plan on recording two new records this year: "The Farm," about their experiences of life from a pre-Civil War farmhouse in rural Ohio where they have sunk down their roots; and "Blood Oranges in the Snow," yet another Christmas record which they define as "reality Christmas" music.  I cannot wait to hear these new records.  I wish I had taken notes at the concert, because some of their new songs are simply amazing, and the lyrics are extraordinary.

I know of few songwriters producing work of such depth and nuance; or with such subtle, respectful reverence for the beauties, complexities and muddiness of life, all wrapped in a soft mantle of the gentle hope for redemption.  They get better and better. One critic calls their work "love songs for grown-ups."  I met Karin and Linford at the Glen Workshop, sponsored by Image Journal, in July 2008, when I was fortunate enough to be in their five-day songwriting session.  That experience is a large part of the reason my latest records, this blog, and my website exists. If you haven't checked out their work, I encourage you to do so.  You will not be disappointed.  My personal favorite is their latest album, The Long Surrender.

For a free download from Noisetrade of their last Christmas record, "Snow Angels," click here.