from Harriet Buchanan

Ya know, in spite of my being a "not religious" and "never listen to the words" kind of person, I find myself enjoying this CD enormously...and actually listening to the words, as well as the instrumental parts. I'm a bit surprised at myself. You guys have done a terrific job!

from Ben Murphy

At times the joy of this Spokane-based band is worn on their sleeve, and at other times it is more subtle. Even when the music turns a bit dark, there is an element of hope. The diversity of the vocalists (six different members of the band contribute or share a lead vocal on twelve tracks) and the style of the songs will challenge and inspire the listener. The result is a spiritually uplifting musical journey.

The journey begins with the soft sound of a wind chime and builds to a call to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength (”Come, Holy Spirit”). The band then rejoices in two Psalm inspired songs. “House of the Lord” is a blues/Gospel celebration of faith, while “Wake Up” turns Psalm 57 into a Celtic song of praise. The Doubting Thomas story is joyfully revisited on “Faith” as the band sounds like 60’s California surfers.

Then an interesting exploration of God’s Grace begins. The title track reflects on John 3:16 and the grace of the Savior. “Cry to the Lord” expresses the pain and doubt of modern life while calling on God for mercy and strength. It ends with a verse of hope. That hope is reinforced on “Saved by Grace” as lush female harmonies revel in the wonders of creation. On “Shout Hallelujah,” the voice of the Psalmist again praises the Lord. And finally an old Bible camp song is updated on “Jesus, Oh Jesus.”

The CD ends with a joyful trilogy. On “We are Receiving,” the band sings praise to the Trinity. Then a traditional Irish blessing is sung as a benediction and immediately segues into “Go Forth,” a rousing plea to minister with “grace and faith and love.”

While the production isn’t perfect, the musicianship and the material is inspired. Several performances sparkle. Teresa Blankenship on violin, Jim Scollard on lead guitar, and Elaine Stephens on piano are noteworthy. Tom Wichman reminds one of Randy Travis, while Monica Zhang, Judy Ottoson and Janna Nicholson could easily be mistaken for Point of Grace.

Celebrate Grace is a CD that will return to your player time and again as a source of inspiration and hope.