By Grace - And Indian Gospel Rock Band

MEMBERS
Glyston Gracious - Drums
Ryland D’Souza - Keyboards
Brass Gonsalves - Saxophone and Flute
Nyzel D’Lima - Lead Guitar
Shawn Pinto - Rhythm Guitar and Acoustics
Ryan Fernandes - Bass Guitar
Lenny Soares - Vocals
Neivesita D’Souza - Vocals
Gail Dias - Vocals
Gwen Dias - Vocals

GENRE
Rock,Reggae,Jazz

A truly anointed and talented band, ‘By Grace’ is the official music ministry of the Torchbearers for Christ and has been traveling all over the country giving the youth a wonderful experience of Gospel music.

As the name suggests, ‘By Grace’ has been the outcome of the Lord’s never ceasing grace and mercy. The band is testimonial to the fact that as humans we cannot do things on our own and cannot help but rely on the Lord’s grace at every moment of our lives.

It bears witness to the truth that the Bible proclaims in Ephesians 2: 8 which says, “By grace, through faith, we are saved by our Lord Jesus Christ.” Truly it can be said that the very birth and existence of ‘By Grace’ is a marvelous deed of our Lord!

Popular for its effervescent music, the band is renowned for taking the Gospel to various places like Goa, Chennai, Daman, Kolkatta, etc. Songs of jubilant praise and intimate worship are synonymous with the band and is the core of what the band is all about.

History was created when at the recently held Rock of Ages, 2005 Gospel concert, ‘By Grace’ was the first ever Gospel band that performed for a crowd of over seven thousand youth of Mumbai. Never before has Mumbai city witnessed such a huge gathering of youth for a Gospel concert!!

With music genres varying from contemporary rock, jazz, reggae, ballads, etc., ‘By Grace’ has been fulfilling its dream of helping millions of youth give their lives to Christ.

‘By Grace’ also had the honour and privilege of composing the theme song for Kairos, 2005 (lyrics given below) at Chennai last December.

It's been a glorious and splendid walk with the Lord for ‘By Grace’! The band anxiously awaits the coming of the next year to be a part of the Lord’s divine plan.

Source: http://www.greenozone.com/bygrace.htm

The 77s

The truth is that the 77's might be the best rock & roll band in the world. From their inception in the early 80's, this Sacramento-based unit has built a well-earned reputation as quite simply one of the best rock and roll bands anywhere, gathering a strong following of committed fans who insist that of all the bands that matter, the 77's are among the few that matter most. They have left many a critic's thesaurus tattered and torn, searching for the right adulatory adjectives, and have for many come to epitomize the very essence of the "cutting edge."

There's just one problem. After twelve years and seven releases, very few people have ever heard them, and their reason is simple: they're a relentlessly intense "alternative" rock and roll band, who are also explicitly, although far from typically, a "Christian" rock and roll band. The 77's are also a perfect example of what Larry Norman meant when he talked about being "too Christian for the radio, and too radio for the Church." Indeed, the enigmatic 77's have been a puzzle to the CCM establishment, who have been unable to find a place for the band's thoughtful and dark lyrics in the context of positive Christian radio. Meanwhile, the arbiters of mainstream radio might welcome the band's intense honesty, but are terrified of that honesty in the context of an explicit faith. In many ways, the 77's have been caught in the middle, the quintessential "underground band," seemingly destined to perennially set trends without ever being trendy.

But with their newest release for Myrrh Records, Drowning with Land in Sight, the 77's seem poised to reverse that destiny. A perfect follow-up to their 1992 self-titled release, Drowning is as an intense and provocative record as any that will be released for any market this year, and one that cannot be ignored by either Christian or mainstream radio.

Musically, this record captures Mike Roe and company at their finest, hard-rocking best. Perhaps the most intense disc on a Christian label in years, Drowning flows in the trajectory of songs like "Woody" or "Look" from their last project, or "Perfect Blues" from their 1987 release for Island records. The opening track, the infamous "Nobody's Fault But Mine" (which Led Zeppelin stole form Gospel pioneer Blind Willie Johnson) sets the tone for the disc, an all-out, no-holds-barred, sonic assault on the listener. With the rhythmic foundation laid relentlessly by bassist Mark Harmon and legendary drummer Aaron Smith, Roe's searing lead guitar work and second guitarists and co-songwriter Dave Leonhardt's exceptional support work have opportunity to shine on the disc's 60 minutes worth of music. There is little doubt after listening to Drowning that the 77's are no sanitized studio creation: they are a real, live, sweaty rock and roll band who cheerfully celebrate their musical influences, among whom they count such a diverse grouping as Led Zeppelin, the Beach Boys, and even recent modern rockers like Pearl Jam or the Stone Temple Pilots.

"Nobody's Fault's" original Gospel lyrics set the thematic tone for Drowning as well, with their three-fold affirmation of the life and death difficulty of life, the possibility of redemption, and our responsibility to live in the light of both these truths.

"I got a Bible in my house/I got a Bible in my house/If I don't read it and my soul dies, well/It's nobody's fault but mine"

For Roe, the 77's brutal honesty and intensity are essential to the mission of the band, an intent that he insists is first and foremost a ministry, albeit one not normally thought to fit into most "Christian" radio formats. There is no "happy, happy, joy, joy" Christianity here, but instead an absolute commitment to find the heart of the Gospel - unmerited favor - for the absolute worst in us.

"The record is about being taken to the deepest and darkest parts of ourselves and our lives," says Roe. "It's deep into the theme of abandonment - complete loss of moral foundations and moorings, both emotionally and spiritually. In other words, it's a state that many Christians find themselves in today, but are either unwilling to admit or simply cannot face."

"The theme of the album," says Roe, revolves around "someone so far gone that they finally get to the point where they realize they need a Savior at least. This is after knowing God in their youth, in having a Savior all along, but finally coming to the realization that your actually need one."

Drowning is at once a cry to those who are coming to recognize their need, and to those who haven't recognized it as well. "I think a lot of people that grow up in church get sort of strong-armed into the whole business of Christ as Savior," says Roe plaintively. "They don't really appreciate what it means to be saved from oneself, from the world, from sin. In fact, until you're a victim of all those things and realize how totally strangulating they are on your freedom and well-being, you may always resent the fact that you had to have a Savior from something you weren't sure you wanted to be saved from, or even know what it was worth."

This return to desperate spiritual need which Roe speaks of is no theory for the 77's. Last year, guitarist David Leonhardt was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, a kind of cancer, and Drowning was recorded in the wake of that news, some of it during his treatments. While overwhelming in and of itself, through the making of the record, Leonhardt's struggle with the disease became a paradigm for the Christian's struggle with self. But while the disc reflects "the most desperate" of the band's despair and struggle coming from that turmoil, it also was born out of a commitment to and belief that in telling the truth about their despair, they could reach out to the despair that others experience, regardless of its source. Roe's conviction that what Christians need most is to know that they are not alone in their struggles - regardless of their nature or source of those struggles - is the driving force behind Drowning, and indeed, the band itself.

Out of that commitment to "helping heal what made me sick," Roe and company have written an album of gut-wrenching, truth-telling, no-rules rock and roll that both nods back to the raw energy of early rock, and paves the way for the ground-breaking sounds of the new alternative movement.

But more importantly, Drowning clearly leads, not only to a recognition of our common, desperate need, but to that cry of a need to a God who meets us in it. The closing cut, "For Crying Out Loud" reintroduces the themes of "Nobody's Fault" and makes the source of redemption unmistakable, as well as the truth that, in reality, ultimately, no one need drown. While seemingly an excursion into despair, Drowning with Land in Sight is in reality an examination of our first step toward redemption: recognizing its need, and telling ourselves the truth about ourselves. That's where Drowning begins, and it's where grace will meet us.

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Discography

Studio Albums

1983 - Ping Pong Over the Abyss (produced by Steven Soles)
1984 - All Fall Down (produced by Charlie Peacock)
1987 - The 77s
1990 - Sticks and Stones
1992 - Pray Naked
1994 - Drowning with Land in Sight
1995 - Tom Tom Blues
1999 - ep (EP)
2001 - A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows
2002 - Direct (EP)

Live Albums
1991 - 88 (1988 performance)
1996 - Echos o' Faith (The 77's Played Naked) (1992 performance)
2000 - 88/When Numbers Get Serious, re-release of 88 w/bonus disc containing various live tracks (1987-1998)

Fan Club Releases
2001 - Happy Chrimbo! from The 77's
2003 - Guilty Pleasures

Compilations
1989 - More Miserable Than You'll Ever Be (originally released under the 7&7is moniker and later remastered/re-released under The 77s banner); features Mike Roe solo tracks, demos/outtakes from The 77s' self-titled album, and unreleased material from The Magnets (Michael Roe & Larry Tagg)
1995 - 1 2 3, boxed set re-release of The 77s' first three studio albums
2000 - Late, contains the entire ep album, alternate takes/mixes from A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows and Tom Tom Blues, and solo tracks from Roe's 1997 solo tour

Video Releases
2006 - 77s DVD Collection (2 DVDs, includes rare footage from The 77s' archives, including promotional videos for "A Different Kind Of Light," "Mercy Mercy," "Ba Ba Ba Ba," "Nuts For You," "Snake," "For Crying Out Loud," "The Boat Ashore," and numerous concert performances)

Special & Limited Edition Releases
1980 - Rock & Religion Radio Show (06-01-1980), live cuts as Scratch Band
1992 - FlevoTotaal Festival - Live Tapes Volume 1 compilation, "I Can't Get Over It", live track, 1990
1992 - Shirley Goodness & Misery compilation, "Someone New" (alternate extended remix), 1984
1995 - Bootlevel compilation, "Mercy Mercy," "Smokescreen," and "Good Directions," from 1984's All Fall Down sessions
1999 - When Worlds Collide: A Tribute to Daniel Amos and the Music of Terry Scott Taylor compilation, "Shotgun Angel"
2000 - A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows: Radioactive Singles—Related/Mr. Magoo, CD single

www.77s.com mp3 (Archives)
1983 - "No Party in Hell" (live track)
1983 - "Modern Guy" (live track)
1996 - "Jazz Jam Warmup" (live track, 08-27-96)
1996 - "Pray Naked" (live rehearsal track, 08-28-96)
1998 - "How Do You Dig It Now" (basic studio track)
1998 - "Blue Sky" (early arrangement)

77s Songs Covered by Other Artists
1990 - The Ocean Blue, Laugh Tour (with The Mighty Lemon Drops and John Wesley Harding) - "Renaissance Man" (from Ping Pong Over the Abyss)
2000 - Smalltown Poets, Third Verse - "The Lust, the Flesh, the Eyes & the Pride of Life" (from The 77s)
2004 - Lost Dogs, MUTT - "The Lust, the Flesh, the Eyes & the Pride of Life" (from The 77s)
2004 - Lost Dogs, MUTT - "It's So Sad" (from Ping Pong Over the Abyss)
2004 - The Radiant Dregs, Send $2.00 And A S.A.S.E. To... - "Leaving" (from A Golden Field of Radioactive Crows)

Source : Wikipedia/Word

Abey and Swapna

Abey and Swapna had started their singing career as gospel singers Divine Retreat Center, India in 1992 the largest retreat place in Asia .

Abey and Swapna have released more than 11 albums in 8 years. Abey's "Lead us to the Heights of Myrrh" is popular in many countries.

Polygram, India released Swapna's solo album in 1993 under the title Prayer To Prayer and was one of the rare recognition received by a Christian artist in India. Abey & Swapna have traveled many countries and currently in contract with Praise Inc. Philippines.

The Album Rain On Me Is Too Good......
Here are two songs that i have uploaded from the album, in my later post i will upload video of swapna performance form youtube

Downloads
1. Lord Take Away
2. Rain On Me

BDA (Better Days Ahead)

The same American college which produced CCM stars Jars Of Clay, Greenville College, have produced another pop rock band - BDA. The band’s debut album ‘Better Days Ahead’ is already getting considerable US airplay they have played almost 100 dates across the Midwest and East Coast including summer festivals alongside bands such as Switchfoot, Jars Of Clay, and Audio Adrenaline.

These five 21-year-olds met during their freshman year at Greenville College, Illinois on September 2001. (Among the top colleges in the nation that offer a degree in contemporary Christian music) And after 4 years of college to perfect their sound, the boys of BDA have come up with a debut CD that will not only get you singing, but thinking.

By tackling subjects like Christ’s return, evangelizing friends, and our own sinfulness these guys are not looking to just entertain. They write music that puts simple ideas in a new way and lets you discover it all over again. You will find yourself singing along to the catchy musical hooks, and listening to the lyrics for insight.

Produced by Scott Williamson (FFH, Lincoln Brewster), their debut release, Better Days Ahead, is sure to showcase their positive and energetic style. Supporting their memorable melodies with tight, polished rhythms, BDA is ready to connect with audiences who are looking for a fresh, new pop/rock sound.

Track List:
1. Maybe You
2. Mystery Of You
3. Love Is Here
4. Answer Me
5. Endless
6. Truth Found You
7. You Loved Me When
8. Don't Be Long
9. Something Wonderful
10. Let Love Come Down
11. Into Our Midst
12. All To Thee

READ THE INTERVIEW HERE

DC Talk

Discography
Jesus Freak: 10th Anniversary Special Edition (2006)
Solo (2001)
Intermission: The Greatest Hits (2000)
Supernatural (1998)
Welcome To the Freak Show (1997)
Jesus Freak (1995)Free At Last (1992)
Nu Thang (1990)dc Talk (1989

Biography (courtesy of Forefront Records)
Like modern-day musical Lewis and Clarks, the three members of dc talk have spent more than a decade exploring uncharted territory and expanding our notions of the world. Along the way, this acclaimed and best-selling band of pioneering musicians has transformed the Christian music industry and broken down the walls. Their albums have mixed rock, rap and pop in previously unimaginable ways, winning numerous Grammy and Dove awards in the process. Their energetic concerts have continually broken new ground for rock performance and theatrics. Their video and film projects have expanded the boundaries of music and movies. And their rock-solid commitment to creatively proclaming Jesus's message to millions of young people who are trying to make their way in our turbulent times has continued to amaze Christian critics.

Now, with the release of intermission: the greatest hits, Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait and Kevin Max are taking time to reflect on the many miles they have traveled and the many musical and ministry milestones they have passed.

Featuring classic award-winning cuts like "Jesus Freak" and "Between You and Me," along with two brand new songs — "Sugar Coat It" and "Chance" — intermission does what its name implies: it signifies the end of a drama's opening act and lets the audience catch its breath for what's coming up next. dc talk has already achieved so much in such a short time. But the band isn't resting on its laurels. And contrary to recurring rumors, it isn't breaking up. Rather, Toby, Michael and Kevin are taking a moment to stop, look back, and celebrate the mysteries of both God and the music biz before heading out on their next exciting venture into uncharted territory.

Toby McKeehan
Toby McKeehan spent his childhood growing up in the Washington D.C. area, not far from where he went to college at Lynchburg, Virginia's Liberty University. It was during his time at Liberty that Toby met fellow dc Talk members Michael Tait and Kevin Max. Ten years and six albums later, just as dc Talk has evolved musically, Toby's own life and career have become quite diversified.

While he records and tours extensively with dc Talk, Toby also focuses much of his time and energy developing and producing other artists on his own record label, Gotee Records. Since the label's inception in 1994, Gotee's roster has grown to include such acts as Out of Eden, Grits, Jennifer Knapp, Sonicflood, The Katinas, and others. Gotee also houses 40 Records, a newly created modern praise & worship venture between Toby and Christian music veteran Bill Gaither. In 1997, Toby joined his manager Dan Pitts and Gotee President Joey Elwood in the formation of the E.R.A.C.E. Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting racial reconciliation. E.R.A.C.E. became a natural fit for dc Talk's platform because the topic of reconciliation is one that is close to the hearts of Toby, Michael and Kevin.

On a personal note, Toby and his wife of four years, Amanda, became proud parents in 1998. Truett Foster McKeehan was born on September 4, 1998. Along with a day-to-day relationship with God, Toby's family is the most important element in his life, and he admits that it has changed him only for the better. "The impact Amanda and Truett have made on me has been great," he shares. "The focus I have on my life has been so intensely adjusted, and I'm grateful for that. I love what I do, but the other people in my life are so important to me and I never want to take that for granted."

Michael Tait
Michael Tait admits he is a true "people person," a trait he most likely acquired while growing up in Washington, D.C. in a house full of siblings—five sisters and three brothers. He watched his sisters sing in church throughout his childhood, but Michael's involvement in music didn't come until later in high school, and then in college at Liberty University, where he met fellow dc Talk members Toby McKeehan and Kevin Max. Within the span of their 10-year relationship, dc Talk has now recorded a total of six albums.

When he's not in the recording studio or on the road with Toby & Kevin, Michael has been spending more and more time developing his songwriting and production skills. Some of his side musical projects have included performing a couple of years ago with his own solo band, Curious George; co-producing and co-writing the song "My Will" for the Exodus album; and most recently, producing Forefront artist Pete Stewart's solo album. He also worked with close friends Brian White and Chad Chapin on the album Talk Show Circuit, co-writing some of the songs and singing background vocals on most of them. The album, recorded under the band name Crowd of Faces, is available at Christian bookstores everywhere.

Some of Michael's favorite pastimes include "extreme" sports of every kind. He enjoys rock climbing and mountain biking, but one of his main loves is snowboarding, which has taken him to the mountains of Colorado, Utah, Idaho and even Switzerland. Even in his hometown of Nashville, you'll often find him on the back of his Harley Davidson motorcycle riding with friends.

Over the past couple of years, Michael has dealt with tragedy in his life with the passing of his sister and his father, Nathel. Michael has always been very close to his father and credits him for much of his own outlook on life. His dad grew up an African American in Alabama, and encountered different forms of racism on a regular basis. In fact, Nathel's grandfather was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. Through it all, Michael says his father could have easily come through life with feelings of racially motivated bitterness or hatred, but instead he set an example for his family to love all people—with no regard to race or color. "My dad was just a lover of people and of life," Michael says. "I'm definitely thankful of that gift from God that my dad passed on to me—to appreciate people and to want to stretch the boundaries and do things that others may not always think about, whether it be in conversations or establishing new friendships. That's how I know God is in my life, because he has given that passion to me."

Kevin Max
Kevin Max was raised just outside of suburban Grand Rapids, Michigan, where music was a big part of his childhood. He began singing when he was only four years old. "I remember being carted around to schools, churches and radio programs, even at that age," Kevin recalls. "I've always been a singer for as long as I can remember."

Kevin spent a lot of time singing with music groups on campus at Liberty University, where he eventually met band mates Toby McKeehan and Michael Tait, and formed dc Talk. The three have now been performing for more than 10 years, yielding six albums to their credit.

Kevin has been married to his wife Alayna since August of 1997, and the two now make their home in Nashville, Tennessee. When he isn't recording or on the road with dc Talk, Kevin is perfecting his art of writing poetry, a hobby he began in high school and has brought to fruition over the last several years. Some of Kevin's best poems have been published in a book entitled At the Foot of Heaven, and he has just completed a new poetry book to be released soon. Additionally, his current activities include work on an upcoming solo album and solo performance dates. Keep up with Kevin at his website http://www.kevinmax.com/.