|
 Is
it possible to take a popular, standard worship song, remix it,
make it even more appealing, and still maintain its integrity? That’s
exactly what Tim Coffman has accomplished with not just one, but
ten traditional favorites.
Rolltop
Music’s latest release is called “Worship Remixes.”
Taking songs from the highly successful “Adventures in God’s
Presence” worship series, Coffman re-arranged them to appeal
to a broader audience. He then enlisted the talents of young worship
leaders from around San Diego County to record a new series of worship
music for contemporary Christian music fans.
Tim
Coffman, owner of Rolltop Music in San Diego, is a 20-year veteran
of producing and engineering records. He founded Rolltop Records
in 1986 as a way to promote the artists he was recording. Coffman
has shared the stage with such notable artists as the Dave Clark
Five, Roy Clark and Steppenwolf. He also enjoyed a brief career
as concert promoter during the 80s, working with Bill Silva Presents
to promote many leading Gospel artists, including Amy Grant, Michael
W. Smith and Sandi Patti.
An
accomplished musician himself, Coffman not only plays bass and keyboards
on many tracks, but wrote three of the songs on the album as well.
Worship Remixes has managed to take highly popular praise songs,
recorded them in new styles, and kept them sounding fresh and classic
at the same time.
“I
Surrender,” the opening track, is delivered in the soothing
and captivating voice of Carl Deese. Carl also provides the exceptional
guitar riffs that make this song pure joy. Worship leader at the
Rock Church in San Diego, Carl is also involved in missions in South
East Asia and Europe.
Julie Coffman calls us to fix our eyes on the Lord in the
beautiful rock ballad, “Breath On Me.” Julie, also a
worship leader at the Rock Church, has traveled with the Adventures
Worship band for five years.
Leigh
Taylor belts out a splendid version of “Lift Him Up”
in true Motown fashion. Gritty, soulful vocals accompanied by John
Rekevics’ dynamic sax, promise to make this song an album
favorite. Leigh leads worship at several churches in San Diego county
including North Coast Church in Vista. He can also be heard performing
his own brand of jazz and blues at His Place in Escondido several
nights each month.
Toby
Walters sings “Glory to God in the Highest” in the eclectic
feel of U2. Walters, along with his band Whirl, takes a traditional standard
and turns it into a killer tune sporting an awesome bridge. A graduate
of Point Loma Nazarene College, Toby currently leads worship at
Existence Church in San Diego.
“I Will Stay By Your Side” proclaims “Grace
is sufficient for Me” in the soulful voices of Will and Brenda
Fejeran. Beautifully blending the R & B percussion of Levi Ortiz
with the smooth jazz sax of John Rekevics is another score. Will
has been writing and performing songs for years and has recorded
with local Christian hip-hop groups. Brenda has performed vocals
and played keyboards in various local bands. Together, they are
worship leaders at the Rock Church in San Diego.
Vivien
Schmuki sings “You’re in My Heart” with feeling
and conviction. This beautifully crafted gem has the Latin feel
of flamenco guitar blended flawlessly with orchestral strings. Listen
once for the lyrics, then again for the instrumentals. You’re
In My Heart is one of 12 songs written by Vivien for the Adventures
Worship series.
Josh
Wagner serves up a rock version of “To Him Who Sits upon the
Throne” in a modern swirl of guitar, electric guitar,
bass (all played by Josh) and percussion, deftly delivered by David
Torr. Josh is currently the high school worship leader at Joshua
Spring Church in Yucca Valley.
“More
of You” is a funky, hip-hop treat sung as a duet by Will and
Brenda Fejeran.
“Lord
I Love You” showcases the many talents of this young artist.
A lovely ballad, sung in the convincing voice of Nathan Robinson,
starts with an exceptional piano intro and finishes with dynamic
electric guitar, supplied by Ben Robinson. Nathan attends Point
Loma Nazarene College and is worship leader at Clairemont Emmanuel
Baptist Church.
Finishing
off the amalgamation of musical styles on this remix album is “Heal
Our Land.” Shaleem Manno implores God in a combination of
folk and calypso, to heal the hurts of the world if we humble ourselves
and pray. The Azusa Pacific University graduate currently lives
in Temecula.
Worship Remixes is a C.D. that you will buy not just for one
or two favorites, but for every song. It can be purchased at the
Rolltop website: www.rolltopmusic.com.
If
you would like to suggest a local artist or group to focus in this
monthly feature, contact Good News, Etc. at (760) 724-3075 or goodnewseditor@cox.net.
|
