What's Going On at ALBIE Entertainment?
May 2010 - GREG WALTON is pleased to announce the release of his new video for his classic hit-“Dear Dorothy”. This new video, produced by Spirit Juice Studios features Greg and drummer Bill Bleistine performing LIVE as a duo at the Catholic Underground in Chicago. In addition to his web site, the video can be seen on a variety of online stations including Vimeo, Tangle, MyCatholicVideo, MySpace and more. Click HERE to see the video on Youtube.
April 2010 - The music of CEILI RAIN, GREG WALTON and CHRISTOPHER AMES will all be featured in a variety of upcoming episodes of THE FAITHFUL TRAVELER airing on EWTN. The Faithful Traveler TV series takes you on a fun and faith-filled tour of amazing churches, shrines, and places of pilgrimage throughout the United States! Diana von Glahn, the host of the show, explores the glories of the Catholic Church through the art, architecture, history and doctrine behind these inspiring sites. For more information on THE FAITHFUL TRAVELER and schedule, visit here.
March 2010 - World Library Publications (WLP) has published their new "Resources for Personal and Group Prayer" catalog and is pleased to announce that the new Lyric and Chord Books for all of MATTHEW BAUTE's inspirational CDs (including "River of Grace") are now available. These new companion books provide any music leader/musician with the essential tools to perform Matthew's compositions. These songs are ideal for singing at contemplative liturgies, Eucharistic Adoration, or for personal reflection and healing. You can also order "Click & Print" lead sheets for "Hold Me, Lord" and "River of Grace", including the sheet music to the song "One" which continues to be well received by the wedding market.
February 2010 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT is pleased to announce the release of the new modern rock worship CD from Michael James Mette titled ALWAYS WHAT I NEED. The songs found on this CD were inspired by Mette’s Catholic faith and address the prevalent issues and questions that teenagers are faced with today. Through his experiences as a music minister, and working with teens and young adults, Michael James Mette continues to hear a common theme “What is this life for?”
The fundamental choice between doubt and faith is addressed in original songs (penned by Mette) like "Know Love Serve" and "This is Our Lamb", while "Always What I Need" and "Prepare Me" point to a reliance on God's providence. With an energy and style that cuts through the apathy of a "Guitar Hero" generation, Michael's timeless message finds a comfortable niche for the youth of the Church. Other songs covered on the album include new twists on classic praise and worship songs like “Open the Eyes of My Heart”, and “Lord I Lift your Name”. There is also a driving, power praise & worship version of “Where the Streets Have No Name” made popular by mainstream artist-U2, and an original sing-a-long sure to be embraced by youth groups everywhere titled “I’ve Got the Joy”.
ALWAYS WHAT I NEED is a collection of 10 songs sure to inspire this young generation and will clearly become an effective resource tool for youth leaders.
You can also follow Michael James Mette on his 40 Days of Praise Tour by visiting here and watch soon for the release of his first music video for Know Love Serve.
January 2010 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT is pleased to announce the release of Harmony & Balance from songwriter/composer Matthew Baute. This new ambient instrumental project is inspired by the notion that life can be so much more rewarding when we don't complicate it.
The ten compositions on this project were recorded by Baute, with additional guidance by Grammy nominated producer - Warren Dennis Kahn. Similar to the style of George Winston, John Tesh, Liz Story and Vangelis, nine of the tracks are original songs including titles such as Emerging Light, Unfolding Grandeur and New Life Whispers. There is also a gentle new arrangement of the popular song, Bridge Over Troubled Water, penned by songwriter, Paul Simon.
Harmony & Balance is a bit of a departure from Baute’s previous recording projects as it does not include vocal arrangements, but it is not far from the objectives of the artist which is to bring healing and renewal through music and prayer. The music on this CD is not only a wonderful prescription for relaxation and meditation, but can also be used as a healing tool in music therapy. Harmony & Balance is available through CD Baby, SongsforPrayer.com and other wholesale and retail channels.
December 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT artist Bob Halligan Jr (frontman for Ceili Rain) was recently selected to appear as “Paul McCartney” in a New Jersey-based Beatlemania outfit led by Lucien Nocelli, Beatlemania Stage Show. For those who know Halligan, his “personal interest” in all-things Beatles is no secret. Halligan will join the cast in late February 2010. Visit here to read the article that was in the The Post Standard (Syracuse area news).
November 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT will be exhibiting at NCYC 2009! This National Catholic Youth Conference is a bi-annual event that offers youth, ministers and parents an opportunity to learn about and experience the Catholic faith through general sessions, concurrent sessions, entertainment, networking and evangelization. Several ALBIE Entertainment artists have been selected to make appearances at this event gathering over 25,000 in attendance. ALBIE Entertainment will have the opportunity to speak with teens, event coordinators and others at their booth #527/528. Hope to see you there! http://ncyc.nfcym.org/index.htm
October 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT and Remnant Music Group are pleased to announce the new and original Christmas song titled LEAD US INTO CHRISTMAS DAY from multi-award winning artist, Christopher Ames. This song will be released to radio in the College, AC/Hot AC, Country and Christian radio formats. The song has a “Beatle-esque” feel and is sure to bring hope to all this Holiday season. A limited CD package will be released which includes the original song along with a new arrangement of the traditional song titled, I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. The CD will also include accompaniment tracks for each song, so anyone looking to sing-a-long this Holiday season will be able to enjoy the experience. Visit www.airplaydirect.com/christopherames for a “sneak peek”.
September 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT is pleased to announce a new artist partnership with THE TWELVE (a worship team that stems from Mega Youth Ministries in Syracuse, NY). THE TWELVE recently released their first CD titled Wednesday Night which features original praise & worship music written and arranged by Bob Halligan Jr (of Ceili Rain). WEDNESDAY NIGHT will be available at all CEILI RAIN shows, on their new website www.thetwelveus.com, and at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Kansas City in November.
August 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT is pleased to announce a new artist development partnership with MICHAEL JAMES METTE, a Catholic singer/songwriter/speaker. Mette based in the St Louis area and is an experienced music minister but is now expanding his ministry to include a Modern Worship Rock CD recording and a powerful new YOUTH workshop titled “This is YOUR faith! Know it. Love it. Serve it!” MJM brings the catechism to a “guitar hero” generation. For more on MJM visit his website at www.michaeljamesmette.com
July 2009 - Mima Rekidz is pleased to announce the new CD Release from critically acclaimed touring, and recording artist - CEILI RAIN titled I MADE LEMONADE. After five successful “label” projects, Bob Halligan Jr. (front-man for Ceili Rain) took a step away from the traditional industry route and has created a CD that not only encompasses his flair for lyrical creativity and instrumentation, but also embodies a spirit of community in bringing this project to fruition. Halligan took his idea of creating a “sponsorship CD” directly to the people that continue to support his mission-the Ceili Rain fans. Without hesitation, many (from all parts of the world) stepped forward to support the vision of this recording project. ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT coordinated this sponsorship program. I MADE LEMONADE was inspired by the debates, the troubles, and the love that surrounds this long-time songwriter. Halligan wanted the songs to be simple, without being “dopey”. He wanted a bigger sounding record that listeners could turn up loud. He wanted this collection of songs to crossover, and to stir the senses of a variety of audiences. Although Ceili Rain records have always been upbeat and uplifting, “Lemonade” is sometimes a bit more overt with the spirituality. But, Halligan’s penchant for remaining subtle and below the radar is never fully ignored! I MADE LEMONADE brings hope to the listener and a feeling of accomplishment to the long list of sponsors and contributors who have faith… in hope. In the simplest explanation, if you TRUST ON-LOVE ON-JOY ON you’ll find quickly the answers you may be seeking… and no doubt you’ll dance with delight when you connect with the title track - I MADE LEMONADE. Visit www.ceilirain.com
June 2009 - World Library Publications (WLP) artist Matthew Baute is seeing tremendous success and attention for his song ONE from his CD titled - River of Grace. The song was recently introduced to the wedding and bridal market when couples started inquiring about usage of the song for their wedding ceremonies. A coordinating slideshow video was produced to highlight the song and was recently added to YOUTUBE where it has over 40,000 views. Search YOUTUBE: ONE - perfect song for your wedding ceremony.
May 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT artists Greg Walton and Bob Halligan Jr (of Ceili Rain) were recently featured on REAL FAITH TV produced by the Diocese of Trenton and broadcast through the Comcast Cable system. Greg Walton’s topic focused on the “Beatitudes” and Halligan’s episode focused on “The Joy of Being a Christian”. Visit www.realfaithtv.com for airtimes and archived episodes.
April 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT is pleased to announce that three of their artists were recognized as award recipients at the recent 2009 KCCM Awards held in the Kansas City area on Saturday, April 18th. World Library Publications artist, MATTHEW BAUTE was recognized as a first-time recipient for INSPIRATIONAL Artist of the Year. SHARMANE received the award for POP Artist of the Year, and CHRISTOPHER AMES received the award for ACOUSTIC Artist of the Year and also SONGWRITER of the Year. In addition to the award presentations, attendees were blessed with live musical performances from a variety of artists. Both MATTHEW BAUTE (River of Grace) and CHRISTOPHER AMES (Everyday With You) performed songs from their current CD releases, along with local artists such as Karla Bauer-Tate, Kenny Gamble, and Shawn Derritt. Other special guest performers included Paul Clark, and Alisa Childers (formerly of ZoeGirl). The KCCM Awards are an ecumenical sponsored annually by KingCat Music based in the Kansas City area. This organization serves to recognize artists who are part of the KingCat Music network in a variety of award categories including Artist of the Year (in each music genre), Group of the Year and Song of the Year. www.kingcatmusic.com
March 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT rolls out their new workshop titled “So you recorded a song or a full CD… now what?” This comprehensive 90 minute presentation is perfect for songwriters, recording artists and industry professionals who want an overall soup to nuts presentation on how to jump start their vision for a career in music ministry. This workshop will be presented at a variety of industry conferences.
February 2009 - Prayerful Hearts Ministry artist SHARMANE hits the studio to work on her third CD project tentatively titled LEAP OF FAITH. ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT assisted SHARMANE on all the A&R regarding the record from song selection, style direction, producer coordination and more. This project is due to release in late May.
January 2009 - ALBIE ENTERTAINMENT and JesusGlue Ministries is pleased to announce that TUNE OF IGNORANCE by GREG WALTON is the winner in the ALTERNATIVE Category for the 2008 SONGDOOR INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION. The focus of TUNE OF IGNORANCE rotates around the idea of social justice and community action. The song has received significant radio airplay and has charted for over 20 weeks on both the CRW Global AC and CHR charts. To hear the full version of the song visit www.sonicbids.com/gregwalton. To watch the video of Greg discussing the song and his coordinating impact project, visit www.myspace.com/gregwaltondotcom.