The narrow gate 5
Issue #5 Oct/Nov 1998
CONTENTS
- Letter From Shauna
- Our Groovy Mailbag (where you write in)
- Music Review: Darrell Ritchie
- Brian and Lisa's Wedding
- Your Ads!
- All That Official Info
LETTER FROM SHAUNA
Hi there. Yes, it's me again, Shauna Skye, queen of cyberspace. Are you thrilled? Of course you are. After all, this is the best e-zine in the whole world!
Yikes! The computer is talking now. It's saying: "Those who exalt themselves shall be humbled!"
You think it means me?
Actually I'm kidding, and the computer has not turned into Hal ... yet. But we could all use a lesson in humility. I catch myself thinking pompous thoughts. I don't usually ACT on the thoughts, but my imagination can run a bit wild ... and then, I have this tendancy to be a show-off.
How about you? Are you modest? If you say yes it may mean you're not, for what truly modest person says "Boy am I humble"? C.S. Lewis said the first step to humility is realizing that we are incredibly vain--and I think he was onto something.
So where was I? Oh yes. I said we could all use a lesson in humility. Here goes:
YOU DIRTY LOW-DOWN DOG! YOU SINNER! YOU SCUMBAG!
Feeling more humble?
Actually being humble has nothing to do with berating ourselves. However, we ARE sinners, and we can't base our righteousness upon our own good works, or by comparing ourselves to Charles Manson. The only person we should compare ourselves to is Jesus. Do we measure up to him? Are we sinless? If not we're in trouble because God, who is Holy, can't have fellowship with us unless we're perfect.
Personally I am so far from perfect I can't imagine what real perfection is. But then, that's why Jesus died on the cross and took the punishment I deserved. If we ask forgiveness and sincerely turn from evil, God doesn't hold us guilty. He sees us as perfect like Jesus, even though we're not. Through Jesus we CAN have a personal relationship with God. That is COOL!
Anyway, since this e-zine is geared to ARTISTS I have to say the word ART at least once in this letter, or maybe the word WRITER, and of course MUSICIAN to keep everyone's attention. You still reading?
Good! Let's get on with our Groovy mailbag. If you're not on AOL 4.0 (most of you aren't) you may see a little html gibberish in this issue. Do not adjust your screen, that's just pictures and colors you can't see. Please don't worry if you can't see them, because the majority of TNG is always going to be text. Thanks to everyone who sent their pictures in. It is nice to get to see what everyone looks like. You're a beautiful bunch of people! ;)
OUR GROOVY MAILBAG
*where you write in*
Dear Shauna,
My name is Michael Shiflett and I was referred to you by a friend. I am submitting my information for The Narrow Gate for your consideration. I have been involved in the music business for many years as a performer and writer and studio owner and feel as though I could contribute. . . .
What Can I Say? I am a forty-six year old man with experience in and around the Hollywood, Ca. scene for the last nineteen years. This life here has offered good and bad times with exposure to good and loving people and also some rather large and uncontrolled egos. I have learned how some artists love to be pampered to especially when they are only drawing their supposed self worth from the world around them. What a wonderful difference God can make in lives.
My background has been singing as a white man with a black sound. This has led to much experience with soul and soulful material. I can truly say that listening to various artists can be a large plus to any new and upcoming singers. I found a feeling in black artists that I couldn't find often in non- black performers. There of course are exceptions. In regard to material to sing, a strong sense of melody will serve you much better musically and vocally. With the wonderful artists God has allowed us over the years, there is much to listen to and learn from.
I have also played drums for many years. This too can be a real asset. The closeness and experience of an instrument or instruments will carry over to other opportunities and income. Songwriting for me usually comes from a guitar or piano but the feel of drums only enhances the process.
A very successful songwriter from Nashville told me once, "Just love your songs as if they were your children." I truly feel this songwriting ability we seek as artists can only be good and edifying if it finds it's source in God. Jesus Christ has paid the price for all of us to come to the father through faith in him.
I am a born in the spirit Christian man who has worked in the secular and Christian arenas and finds the most accomplishment and satisfaction with singing for the kingdom of God and seeking his will in my music. There were times when I stood up in front of thousands of people and felt a strong desire to do more than simply sing the latest song or make 'em feel good. Deep inside of me is a longing to sing with an anointing and reach the souls of the audience for God. I pray that the gift I have been given will be used in such a way.
I wish every gift of every artist the very best God has to offer.
In God's Love, Mike Shiflett
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Sawubona Shauna,
Hey that sounds Good! Sawubona is a Traditional Zulu greeting. It combines well with Shauna. (I am not Zulu, I am of English descent but I love the culture of my fellow Africans and so I always promote it.) Anyway, Greetings from South Africa.
While we are on the subject of promoting, the reason that I am writing to you is to recommend a review of the work produced by my friend Steven Lavaggi. He visited us here in South Africa Recently and presented one of his statuettes to President Mandela.
You can View his work and credentials at www.kspace.com/lavaggi or you can email him at lavaggi@earthlink.net
I checked out your Photo on the website - I thought Christian girls were not meant to be attractive, seriously though it is nice to know who we are hearing from. I look forward to the next issue of TNG.
God's Richest Blessings
Keith Downs
===
Shauna,
Just in case you were curious. By the way, all work is copyrighted :)
"Even Kate Prays"
"mourning"
"Immaculate Conception I"
And this is me :)
Well, that is it for tonight. Also, all these and more are available at my Web site (www.uppostle.org). If you would like to use them on your site please let me know.
God bless!
Eric.
PS. Love your picture and congrats and blessings on the band!
((If you're unable to see Eric's pictures in this email you can go to his website listed above.))
#All letter we receive will be considered for our mailbag unless requested otherwise.#
MUSIC REVIEW
DARRELL RITCHIE - New World Coming
Reviewed by Paul Gentry
Darrell Ritchie has one of the most polished promo packages I've seen from an Indie. Right off the bat, you know that he is serious about his music. Once you listen to this CD, your first impression is confirmed. This is an absolutely professional product. New World Coming is solidly Contemporary Christian. According to his promo package, Darrell prefers the term "Relevant Music." Both are appropriate. The CCM world abounds with beautiful female voices, both Indie and pro. But the style is more difficult for a man to pull off with success. Darrell Ritchie does it well.
The CD starts off with the title track, which is definitive of Darrell's style, right in the middle of today's Contemporary Christian Music genre. Heavily produced, with a lot of excellent music backing up his clear vocal, New World Coming is a good way to kick off this high quality project. There is great production on this album, evidenced on the beautiful All The Heaven I Need. With so many excellent tracks on this CD, this will be a favorite.
Possibly the most addictive :-) tune on this project is One More Day. Great chorus! It has a bouncing beat, carried by a wonderful guitar lick. There is so much going on here, you'll need to listen to it several times to hear all the parts, and you will absolutely enjoy every listen of this well put together song.
Innocent Eyes is a blessing Darrell wrote for his baby, Kayla. She is most certainly loved! It's a prayer we can all lift up for our children. "May your face reflect the wonder of God's amazing grace; May your feet walk the pathway of righteousness and grace; May God's love be the tie that binds your life; May you always see the world through innocent eyes."
The backup parts on Faith In You are great! They give this song a little more of a rock feel than the others, and it works well with these lyrics. There's a well-crafted piano part here, way in the background. Incredibly, all the instrumentation on the whole project is done by multitalented Mark Dowdy. There's a definite iron sharpening iron effect here; two talents combining to be more than they could be separately
All Hail The Power is close enough to the original hymn to evoke a comforting sense of familiarity with the listener. But Fred Norris' arrangement is updated for the 90s (and beyond!). Lift your hands in praise and sing. The additional line to the traditional hymn ("Praise Jesus for His victory, All that has breath sing forth") is an interesting change, making this song more personal.
One thing that is clear when you turn off the CD, Darrell has a gift for the hook. The hooks will be in your mind long after your stereo is quiet. This is a studied songwriter, one whose learned skill is as evident as his God- given talent. There IS a New World Coming, and Darrell Ritchie is in the forefront of its trumpeters.
BRIAN AND LISA'S WEDDING
*reviewed by Shauna*
As I mentioned last issue Brian Hischier, our assistant editor, was about to get married to Lisa Flora. Well, they did it! They tied the knot. Lisa looked beautiful, and Brian handsome and beaming from intense happiness and nervous energy. Brian and Lisa had a renaissance Celtic theme going for their wedding, and some of the men looked like court jesters or bards. There was much ado about boots.
The ceremony itself was held outside in a beautiful backyard/garden setting. I enjoyed the ceremony, but told myself that crying at this wedding was positively silly and I was not going to do it. Nevertheless when Lisa's father brought her down the isle this water started leaking from my eyes anyway. Ugh! (Hey, I tried. I just couldn't help it.)
After the ceremony we swatted bees away and ate like pigs. Then we DANCED. My friend Wendy and I were dying to get up and make fools of ourselves. We slam danced, pogo-ed, busted moves, did the bump, and made bets on who could get various non-dancing types onto the floor first. Later someone put a disco song on and the older crowd did something called the hustle. Wendy and I presumed this was some type of dance, though we're still not sure. I'm pleased to report that no one did the Macarena at this wedding!
I do have to give a special thumbs up for the DJ, Eric, who not only did the gig for free but had to endure mild harassment from people requesting songs and berating him for actually playing a country tune.
As for Brian and Lisa they are now in Europe, touring every artistic sight they can get to ... at least I THINK this is what they'll be doing. (Actually they've probably forgotten all about Europe and scenery, because being married is more exciting than art at this point.)
On a scale from 1 - 5 I give Brian and Lisa's wedding a 5. It was more fun than a rock concert, and I had blisters on my feet afterwards from dancing. When I get blisters I know it's good!
ADVERTISEMENTS
*Ads do not necessarily mean endorsement.*
David Patton: So Cal rock artist - seeks bookings & other local Inland Empire musicians to fellowship with. Web site can be viewed at http://hometown.aol.com/djp1997/music1/INDEX.htm E-mail me at DJP1997@aol.com, Have CD "Prayer Warrior" released & can be heard at website!
My name is Michael Shiflett and I am a born again singer with much experience in the music industry. I am a first tenor with a very soulful style of voice. My years in front of audiences has filled me with a need to witness for Christ as well as sing...mikesi265@aol.com
"Higher Rock Music News"...... Hot Christian music magazine which features various styles of music, such as, contemporary, rock, alt., gospel and praise & worship. Higher Rock features concert photos, band interviews, band stories, guitar column (by Robert Carlton), classifieds, prayer column, teaching columns, contests and much more. For info email Sandy at HRMN7@aol.com
"Manna For The Hungry" is a weekly email newsletter. The main purpose of this online ministry is spreading God's word to as many people as possible. To subscribe to "Manna For The Hungry" email PrdChristn@aol.com. For more information visit our website at http://members.aol.com/PrdChristn/PrdChristn
The Parenting Toolbox: Nontraditional tools for nontraditional parents! Get the right tools for the job...of parenting your child. Increase your discipline skills and find new ways to balance love and limits. Special articles on anger management and grieving. Join our Parenting Thoughts :-| Quotes :-o and Smiles :-) weekly mailing list by going to http://members.aol.com/rehuxley/index.html
GODSPELL: If you will be in Chicago in mid November come see Godspell presented by the Hale Theatre Group. It's directed by Lauren Polenske, and Shauna Skye is in it and shamelessly promoting it. For info see: http://hometown.aol.com/shaunaskye/godspell.html
The Freebie Times: A NEW, FREE, Freebie Newsletter that goes out once a week. In each issue we have great free stuff, contests, Sweepstakes, and much more. There is something for everyone in this newsletter! E-mail xring@ptd.net with Subscribe FT in the subject to subscribe.
*********WANT TO ADVERTISE?*********
Our ad rates are $.03 a subscriber. (Your email address, and URL are not counted as words.) Ads run here as well as on our site for one month. If you buy a 50 word classified between October 15 and November 15 cost is $11 for 50 words, 10 cents each additional word. Make checks out to Shauna Skye. Email your ad to us first so may approve before you send payment: *See bottom of newsletter for snail mail address.
All That Official Info
The Narrow Gate is a free monthly e-zine geared to Christian musicians, writers, artists, performers etc., as well as those who love music, literature and art. TNG may also be found on the web: http://members.aol.com/shaunaskye/index.html
*This link contains content from old issues as well as new material.
If TNG was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe, email ShaunaSkye@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE TNG in the subject. To unsubscribe put UNSUBSCRIBE TNG in the subject. *We are not on a ListServ so mistakes occasionally happen. If you're receiving more than one copy of this let us know.
#All letter we receive will be considered for our mailbag unless requested otherwise.#
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Shauna Skye
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Brian R. Hischier
CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Paul Gentry
SNAIL MAIL
THE NARROW GATE
1819 North Center St. Suite 3 E,
Crest Hill, IL. 60435
*Shauna and Brian attend Heart Maneuvers Christian Center, a biblically balanced church located (at the above address) in the old Chaney School building. The main services are at 10:30 on Sunday, and 7:00 on Wednesday evening. Pastor is Lary Dean, and he likes for us to tell people about Jesus, not how cool our church is. However, our church really IS cool because we worship God and learn and grow there. We are also "musician/artist friendly" so if you're looking for a rocking worship service this is the place.
