Featured Christian Music: Stanton Lanier

We are very blessed to have Stanton Lanier's music on our station. The best introduction to Stanton Lanier is to first listen to his music before you listen to his story. Stanton's stated mission, to offer "peace and rest in a hurried world," is accomplished through storytelling, but not in words. His stories are told through instrumental melodies on the piano, transporting a global listening audience to that unique interior place that brings peace to each person's life and circumstances. Many of his live performances are coupled with exquisite pictures of nature that create a powerful sensory experience.

Music to Light the World is the non-profit organization Stanton founded in 2004 with a vision to offer "peace to the soul" through scripture inspired piano. This organization brings peace, hope and healing to many who need it most through donating CDs and performances to groups such as cancer patients, families who have lost children to cancer, hospitals and inner city ministries. Get Music, Give Hope is an initiative where, for every album purchased, Music to Light the World donates one album to a cancer center or hospital. Music to Light the World is gaining strength and support from prominent philanthropists in Atlanta and beyond who are equally dedicated to touching lives with a message of hope.

Stanton Lanier lives in Atlanta with his wife and two children. He enjoys time with family and friends, sports, travel and cooking. One of Stanton's favorite quotes is "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive" (from the book "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge).

More Info about Stanton Lanier:
WOTR Artist Profile for Stanton
Stanton's Official Website

Listen to Stanton on our WOTR Instrumental station

New Music Spotlight

Rest Assured
From Janice Faber

Rest Assured - Hymns on Piano is a collection of timeless hymns played with graceful, soul-stirring simplicity.

Song List:

Day By Day
In This Very Room
Blessed Assurance
Jesus Loves The Little Children - Jesus Loves Me
Amazing Grace
My Jesus I Love Thee
Oh How He Loves You And Me
Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us
How Great Thou Art
Gentle Shepherd
Near To The Heart Of God

Review by Kathy Parsons of mainlypiano.com

Rest Assured: Hymns On Piano was pianist/composer Janice Faber's debut CD, and is a gently soothing collection of eleven traditional hymns and praise songs enhanced with some of Faber's original music. It was originally released several years ago when Faber's three children were quite small. She and her husband used the music for rocking them to sleep as well as for their own relaxation at the end of a long day. People requested more of this music and shared stories of how the music comforted them in difficult times. Faber has been a church pianist since she was a child, so this music is a very big part of her life, giving her the ability to express meaning in the music that goes far beyond the scope of the lyrics. Her approach to the music on this album is one of soothing comfort and reassurance. Her touch is gentle yet strong and confident, making this a recording that anyone can enjoy simply for the beauty of the music whether or not they are drawn to the hymns themselves. For anyone who enjoys solo piano hymns, this album is a must-have, as is the follow-up Measures of Grace (2009). On both albums, some of the hymns are familiar classics while others are less well-known, making for a richly rewarding listening experience.

Rest Assured begins with "Day By Day," a gorgeous hymn played with grace and sensitivity - a lovely start. "Blessed Assurance" is one of the best-known hymns, yet Faber makes it her own. Her flowing left hand brings out the best of the melody and fills it with warmth. "Jesus Love The Little Children" and "Jesus Loves Me" are two of my favorite hymns from childhood Sunday School, and Faber's medley is gentle, innocent, and very sincere. I'm always fascinated by all of the different interpretations of "Amazing Grace," and Faber's is one of the most beautiful solo piano arrangements I've heard - quiet and gently flowing. "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us" has an elegant flow and a deep emotional connection that really comes through - beautiful! "How Great Thou Art" is another classic hymn, given a fresh and contemporary make-over that is true to the original melody and spirit of the piece. One of my favorites is "Gentle Shepherd," a hymn I was not familiar with. The melody is simple and heartfelt, and Faber's arrangement is wonderful. "Near To The Heart of God" is the closing hymn, ending this excellent CD on a quiet, thoughtful note.

Rest Assured is a beautiful album from the first note to the last. Be sure to check it out at janicefaberpiano.com, Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. I very highly recommend it!

More Info about Janice Faber:
http://www.janicefaberpiano.com/

Listen to our Instrumental station

New Instrumental Music

We've added new music to our Instrumental station:

Surrender
From Tammi Yates

Surrender is a collection of songs that each have a special "Story Behind the Song". From the lullabies in the Precious Memories Medley arranged for her children, to the tribute to her sister in Finally Home---they all have a special place in Tammi's heart, and she hopes they will for you too!

Listen carefully, and you'll hear a few tracks that include sound effects, such as wind, rain, thunder, streams, and even dolphins.

Song List:

As the Deer
God is so Good
Father, I Adore You Medley
Precious Memories Medley
The Day He Wore My Crown
The Lighthouse
I Surrender All
Seek Ye First
What a Day That Will Be
Finally Home
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Amazing Grac

More Info about Tammi Yates:
http://www.youtube.com/user/tammiyates/