Let Point of Grace enrich your holiday gatherings this year with this very special collection of Christmas songs, Tennessee Christmas: A Holiday Collection. Featuring favorites holiday songs from years past, this project contains something for everyone, including a brand new recording of Tennessee Christmas. Another highlight is the song Hope Is Born Again, which originally appeared on Jim Brickman’s The Gift...
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Friday, September 26, 2008
Point of Grace - How You Live
Sounds like … Point of Grace's familiar adult contemporary pop style, but with some slight country-pop accents similar to Martina McBride, the Dixie Chicks, and Faith Hill.
At a glance … though not exactly a departure, How You Live delivers more of what Point of Grace is used to, as well as a few nods to country pop.
Like many veteran groups in recent years, Point of Grace has fallen victim to shifting paradigms in Christian music. From their 1993 debut through 2001's Free to Fly, the quartet was a radio phenomenon, scoring an unprecedented 26 No. 1 singles. That streak ended inexplicably with 2004's I Choose You, an album that yielded not one chart-topper for the women. The album itself wasn't really to blame, offering more of the same harmony-laden pop that made Point of Grace famous. For whatever reason, the industry suddenly seemed to move past their sound.
Which left the group with an important decision: stay the course or change with the times. The result is How You Live, an ever-so-slight stylistic detour into uncharted territory. The disc is just as adult contemporary as anything Point of Grace has done in the past, produced to pristine perfection by pop guru Brown Bannister (Avalon, Third Day). But now the inspiration isn't so much modern pop, inspirational, or light R&B—it's country pop.
No, the ladies haven't gone western, but several of the disc's selections carry a marked Nashville influence. The motivational title track, for example, is a terrific country-pop anthem about living life to the fullest, not unlike the radio-readiness of Martina McBride. The most twangy tune of all is "Any Way," a track rife with warm acoustics, fiddles, pedal steel, and banjo, though elsewhere the country influence is limited to vocal styling and phrasing (more pop than country, like much of Faith Hill's music)....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … though not exactly a departure, How You Live delivers more of what Point of Grace is used to, as well as a few nods to country pop.
Like many veteran groups in recent years, Point of Grace has fallen victim to shifting paradigms in Christian music. From their 1993 debut through 2001's Free to Fly, the quartet was a radio phenomenon, scoring an unprecedented 26 No. 1 singles. That streak ended inexplicably with 2004's I Choose You, an album that yielded not one chart-topper for the women. The album itself wasn't really to blame, offering more of the same harmony-laden pop that made Point of Grace famous. For whatever reason, the industry suddenly seemed to move past their sound.
Which left the group with an important decision: stay the course or change with the times. The result is How You Live, an ever-so-slight stylistic detour into uncharted territory. The disc is just as adult contemporary as anything Point of Grace has done in the past, produced to pristine perfection by pop guru Brown Bannister (Avalon, Third Day). But now the inspiration isn't so much modern pop, inspirational, or light R&B—it's country pop.
No, the ladies haven't gone western, but several of the disc's selections carry a marked Nashville influence. The motivational title track, for example, is a terrific country-pop anthem about living life to the fullest, not unlike the radio-readiness of Martina McBride. The most twangy tune of all is "Any Way," a track rife with warm acoustics, fiddles, pedal steel, and banjo, though elsewhere the country influence is limited to vocal styling and phrasing (more pop than country, like much of Faith Hill's music)....
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Point of Grace - Winter Wonderland
It's that time of the year again - the time when musical artists pull old Christmas favorites off the shelf and pair them up with fresh new material to create their holiday collections. This year Christian pop favorite Point of Grace comes bearing their own sophomore holiday offering entitled Winter Wonderland, in follow-up to 1999's hit A Christmas Story.
Best known for their tight vocal harmonies and signature pop/adult contemporary style, the ladies of Point of Grace have made quite a name for themselves in Christian music with over twenty-five number singles and numerous top -selling records. Considering POG's amazing success so far, Winter Wonderland is sure to be yet another achievement to add to an already impressive resume.
Winter Wonderland gets off to a nice start with "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," singing of the simple pleasures and sheer excitement from the Christmas season. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Jingle Bells" showcase themselves as pleasant, enjoyable arrangements of familiar favorites. Newcomer John David Webster shares vocal duties with Point of Grace on the brand new tune "Let There Be Light." Shortly after that track, Amy Grant's popular "Breath of Heaven" is given the POG treatment, while managing not to stray all that far from the original. "Santa Medley" is a well-crafted work of "Here Comes Santa Clause," "Frosty the Snowman," and "Rudolph the Reindeer." This song in particular is perhaps the best display of POG's singing abilities, through various vocal harmonies and solos....
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Best known for their tight vocal harmonies and signature pop/adult contemporary style, the ladies of Point of Grace have made quite a name for themselves in Christian music with over twenty-five number singles and numerous top -selling records. Considering POG's amazing success so far, Winter Wonderland is sure to be yet another achievement to add to an already impressive resume.
Winter Wonderland gets off to a nice start with "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," singing of the simple pleasures and sheer excitement from the Christmas season. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Jingle Bells" showcase themselves as pleasant, enjoyable arrangements of familiar favorites. Newcomer John David Webster shares vocal duties with Point of Grace on the brand new tune "Let There Be Light." Shortly after that track, Amy Grant's popular "Breath of Heaven" is given the POG treatment, while managing not to stray all that far from the original. "Santa Medley" is a well-crafted work of "Here Comes Santa Clause," "Frosty the Snowman," and "Rudolph the Reindeer." This song in particular is perhaps the best display of POG's singing abilities, through various vocal harmonies and solos....
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Point of Grace - I Choose You
Sounds like … guitar-driven adult contemporary pop that now more closely resembles the work of Avalon, Crystal Lewis, Nichole Nordeman, and Natalie Grant.
At a glance … Point of Grace has the right idea by simplifying their sound a bit, but the songs they're singing are as formulaic as ever.
With more than 5 million albums sold and an astounding 24 consecutive #1 radio hits to their credit, they're easily one of the most enduring acts in Christian music. But recently, the future of Point of Grace became uncertain. After their last studio album in 2001, Free to Fly, the quartet focused their attention on building families while launching their popular Girls of Grace conferences for teenage girls in 2002. The following year, Terry Jones retired to spend more time with her family.
Still, Shelley Breen, Heather Payne, and Denise Jones decided to continue, adding the vocals of Leigh Cappillino, a former member of Truth and a featured worship leader from the Women of Faith conferences. She's a fine replacement for the group, but more interestingly, Point of Grace sees the lineup change as an opportunity to slightly alter their sound for their latest studio effort, I Choose You. They set out to make an album that could be performed live and still sound like the record; no overproduced pop with stacked vocals. A refreshing idea, the willingness to try something new after a decade-it's not as if they're switching to heavy metal or something.
Actually, it might surprise Christian music fans to learn that half of I Choose You was produced by David Zaffiro, lead guitarist of '80s Christian metal band Bloodgood. However, he also co-wrote "Amazing" on Point of Grace's Steady On album, and his own solo work in the early '90s offered similarly tame guitar-driven pop. Wayne Kirkpatrick produced four of the more acoustic pop flavored songs, while Mark Hammond (Nichole Nordeman) and Brent Bourgeois (Streams) helmed two other tracks. Additionally, Point of Grace and company made a concerted effort to utilize fresh songwriting talent, rather than rely on the usual Christian AC pop tunesmiths. Regulars like Scott Krippayne and Jess Cates do make contributions, but we're also introduced to work by Matthew West, John Waller (According to John), and Sam Mizell (Jessie Daniels)....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … Point of Grace has the right idea by simplifying their sound a bit, but the songs they're singing are as formulaic as ever.
With more than 5 million albums sold and an astounding 24 consecutive #1 radio hits to their credit, they're easily one of the most enduring acts in Christian music. But recently, the future of Point of Grace became uncertain. After their last studio album in 2001, Free to Fly, the quartet focused their attention on building families while launching their popular Girls of Grace conferences for teenage girls in 2002. The following year, Terry Jones retired to spend more time with her family.
Still, Shelley Breen, Heather Payne, and Denise Jones decided to continue, adding the vocals of Leigh Cappillino, a former member of Truth and a featured worship leader from the Women of Faith conferences. She's a fine replacement for the group, but more interestingly, Point of Grace sees the lineup change as an opportunity to slightly alter their sound for their latest studio effort, I Choose You. They set out to make an album that could be performed live and still sound like the record; no overproduced pop with stacked vocals. A refreshing idea, the willingness to try something new after a decade-it's not as if they're switching to heavy metal or something.
Actually, it might surprise Christian music fans to learn that half of I Choose You was produced by David Zaffiro, lead guitarist of '80s Christian metal band Bloodgood. However, he also co-wrote "Amazing" on Point of Grace's Steady On album, and his own solo work in the early '90s offered similarly tame guitar-driven pop. Wayne Kirkpatrick produced four of the more acoustic pop flavored songs, while Mark Hammond (Nichole Nordeman) and Brent Bourgeois (Streams) helmed two other tracks. Additionally, Point of Grace and company made a concerted effort to utilize fresh songwriting talent, rather than rely on the usual Christian AC pop tunesmiths. Regulars like Scott Krippayne and Jess Cates do make contributions, but we're also introduced to work by Matthew West, John Waller (According to John), and Sam Mizell (Jessie Daniels)....
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Point of Grace - 24
Sounds like … beautiful and predictable adult contemporary pop that utilizes the quartet's gorgeous harmonies.
At a Glance … as far as greatest hits collections go, 24 hits the spot, chronicling (to a point) Point of Grace's astounding consecutive run of number one hits.
2003 marks the tenth anniversary of platinum-selling female vocal quartet Point of Grace (Heather Payne, Denise Jones, Terry Jones, and Shelly Breen), which has released as many as eight albums depending on what you choose to include. With a pop adult contemporary sound that is equally beloved and berated within the Christian music industry, the women initially drew comparisons to mainstream pop sensation Wilson Phillips in the early 90s — they have since outlasted and outperformed that trio, as well as many other similar sounding Christian acts over the years. And thanks to numerous esteemed songwriters (including Michael English, Grant Cunningham, Geoff Thurman, Regie Hamm, Michael Omartian, Darlene Zschech, Brent Bourgeois, and Michael W. Smith), Point of Grace has achieved an astounding 24 consecutive number one Christian adult contemporary radio singles, inspiring the title of this double-disc retrospective.
But let's really talk numbers for a second here. Point of Grace currently has 26 number one singles (at the moment, anyway — I haven't bothered to check the trade papers today). Two recent hits ("You Will Never Walk Alone" and the Dove nominated "Yes, I Believe") were both left off this album, probably to avoid detracting sales from the most recent album, Free to Fly. What's more, 24 actually has 25 songs on it with the inclusion of a new song, "Day by Day," which was co-written by Plumb. It's not yet a number one hit, but if 10 years of Point of Grace radio saturation has taught us anything, it will be soon enough....
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At a Glance … as far as greatest hits collections go, 24 hits the spot, chronicling (to a point) Point of Grace's astounding consecutive run of number one hits.
2003 marks the tenth anniversary of platinum-selling female vocal quartet Point of Grace (Heather Payne, Denise Jones, Terry Jones, and Shelly Breen), which has released as many as eight albums depending on what you choose to include. With a pop adult contemporary sound that is equally beloved and berated within the Christian music industry, the women initially drew comparisons to mainstream pop sensation Wilson Phillips in the early 90s — they have since outlasted and outperformed that trio, as well as many other similar sounding Christian acts over the years. And thanks to numerous esteemed songwriters (including Michael English, Grant Cunningham, Geoff Thurman, Regie Hamm, Michael Omartian, Darlene Zschech, Brent Bourgeois, and Michael W. Smith), Point of Grace has achieved an astounding 24 consecutive number one Christian adult contemporary radio singles, inspiring the title of this double-disc retrospective.
But let's really talk numbers for a second here. Point of Grace currently has 26 number one singles (at the moment, anyway — I haven't bothered to check the trade papers today). Two recent hits ("You Will Never Walk Alone" and the Dove nominated "Yes, I Believe") were both left off this album, probably to avoid detracting sales from the most recent album, Free to Fly. What's more, 24 actually has 25 songs on it with the inclusion of a new song, "Day by Day," which was co-written by Plumb. It's not yet a number one hit, but if 10 years of Point of Grace radio saturation has taught us anything, it will be soon enough....
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Point Of Grace - Free to Fly
With the possible exception of Carman, few artists inspire such debate about Christian music than Point of Grace. For thousands of fans, the female quartet is an extremely talented vocal group of women who perform Christian pop effectively to communicate the inspiring message of the Gospel. For thousands of other people, Point of Grace represents everything that is hackneyed and clichéd in Christian music and comes across as cheesier than a mozzarella stick dipped in nacho sauce. To me, both ideologies are correct—their music is indeed sappy and unoriginal, but it is nevertheless well performed and inspires a lot of people. And there probably isn't much I can say about Free to Fly that will change either point of view.
Point of Grace has beefed up their sound a bit—the ladies have a more highly polished and programmed sound than ever before, sometimes reminiscent of the smooth R&B sounds found in the music of today's girl-pop groups. This is especially apparent on "By Heart" and "Free Indeed." Point of Grace also sounds more aggressive on "Something so Good," which has an infectious chorus highlighted by heavy electric guitars (yes, I used "heavy electric guitars" and "Point of Grace" in the same sentence!). Actually, the women of Point of Grace sound a lot like Avalon's previous efforts. The music of Free to Fly is very much compatible with their back catalog, but it should be noted that Point of Grace does attempt to take some chances with their sound on a few songs. And never fear—the vocals are as well blended as ever, perhaps the best they've ever sounded. There's a more seamless transition from vocalist to vocalist as they solo on a song, rather than just bringing one soloist to the forefront as their turn comes up in a song....
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Point of Grace has beefed up their sound a bit—the ladies have a more highly polished and programmed sound than ever before, sometimes reminiscent of the smooth R&B sounds found in the music of today's girl-pop groups. This is especially apparent on "By Heart" and "Free Indeed." Point of Grace also sounds more aggressive on "Something so Good," which has an infectious chorus highlighted by heavy electric guitars (yes, I used "heavy electric guitars" and "Point of Grace" in the same sentence!). Actually, the women of Point of Grace sound a lot like Avalon's previous efforts. The music of Free to Fly is very much compatible with their back catalog, but it should be noted that Point of Grace does attempt to take some chances with their sound on a few songs. And never fear—the vocals are as well blended as ever, perhaps the best they've ever sounded. There's a more seamless transition from vocalist to vocalist as they solo on a song, rather than just bringing one soloist to the forefront as their turn comes up in a song....
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Point Of Grace - Rarities and Remixes
The obvious thing to say about Point of Grace's Remixes & Rarities is that it is a stopgap to tide the group's fans over until the release of their next new album, which will be the proper follow-up to 1998's Steady On. That said, the record has its pleasures. Its 15 tracks consist of four songs from each of the quartet's first two albums, Point of Grace and The Whole Truth, four from the 1992 album they released under the name Say So, two from various artists compilations, and one from their video, Life, Love & Other Mysteries: The Video Stories. The eight selections from the earlier PoG albums have been remixed, which, as in dance music parlance, here means more than just taking a new swipe at the volume levels of the various tracks in a recording, and also includes extensive overdubs. The result is certainly a more produced sound, but not necessarily a better one. The real value for fans will come with the Say So songs, which show the singers in a less produced mode that better reveals their talents....
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Point Of Grace - A Christmas Story
Cross Rhythms has long acknowledged that this toothsome foursome possess flawless pop voices able to soar and shimmer in near perfect examples of uplifting radio friendly pop. But on this, they climb on board the bandwagon, make that the sleigh, to turn in a desperately unimaginative Christmas album. Producer Brown Bannister works hard to ring the changes in the arrangements, but succeeds only in contributing fussy embellishments to the proud elegance of "Angels We Have Heard On High" while the rendition of "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" is gushingly vacuous enough to sound like it came from a pre-war Christmas movie. A Chris Eaton Christmas original is a rare moment of relief from the slush, but it's way too little. Cross Rhythms has often commented about Nashville's unrelenting determination, each Yuletide, to saddle their best singing talents with cringe worthy Christmas albums, but still these cloying renditions of over-exposed carols and ghastly Santa songs continues. To reduce the wonder of the incarnation into such trivial and trivialising music is profoundly depressing....
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Point Of Grace - Steady On
It's no surprise that this 1998 release helped the Point of Grace girls win their second Dove Award for best group of the year. Producer extraordinaire Brown Bannister guides a textbook example of how to meld melodic pops songs, four-part harmonies, and Nashville's finest studio musicians. "Amazing" and "Drawing Me Closer" are especially appealing, thanks to vocal arrangements by master songsmith Chris Eaton. Basically, if you've liked Point of Grace before, you'll love this one. While there's nothing edgy or challenging about Steady On, it's still a beautiful-sounding CD and Shelley, Denise, Terry, and Heather can sing circles around most any girl group (secular or spiritual). Though they've taken some heat for their saccharine-coated Christian message, say what you will, sugar still tastes sweet....
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Point Of Grace - Life, Love, and Other Mysteries
LIFE LOVE & OTHER MYSTERIES was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. Uptempo Christian pop, with well-formed songs and a strong message. These four women wear their religious beliefs on their collective sleeve, and are proud of it. As for their sound, there's a good bit of Wilson Phillips here, as almost every track features layers of vocal harmony. Point Of Grace's appealing style draws from various other mainstream FM pop sources as well. But the pleasant surprise here is in the melodies. Each tune has a strong hook, which, coupled with a genuinely powerful sound, keeps Point Of Grace fresh throughout. On "That's The Way It's Meant To Be,"the group experiments with a more jazzy feel, and suddenly the vocal arrangements start to enter Take 6 territory. But the music ultimately takes a back seat to the message, which is straightforward enough: "You are Lord of life love and other mysteries/I find in You all I ever need to know....
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Point Of Grace - The Whole Truth
Review by Susan for Point Of Grace : How You Live 2007-08-28
This new CD is so moving and uplifting. It also really gets to the heart of the matter - dealing with life, love, worship, devotion and not just for our GOD but for all of those people in and around our lives as well. POG... you have done it again and even better - if that is even possible. I truly appreciate your willingness to let GOD lead you in your music and be flexible enough to try new things and at the same time to stand firmly on those principles that we, as Christians, must never back down from. I have performed your music for years - with others and as solos, and it has never failed to allow the spirit to move whatever venue I may be in. I believe that is because the Holy Spirit is totally in every piece you have chosen to record and you are all to be commended for your obedience to GOD in this respect. I just want to say to all of you.... that I know you are only human woman with human problems and challenges and as an artist myself I know that there surely have been times that you feel completely inadequate to open your mouth and sing these songs - lest I remind you that GOD is still good and while we are never worthy, HE always is...and I'm certain that HE is blessed by your voices each and every time you lift them up, regardless of whatever you may be facing in your own lives. So, THANK YOU! May GOD continue to bless all of your lives and your families in everything you do.
Review by Sammi for Point Of Grace : Winter Wonderland 2005-10-07
I love "Winter Wonderland"! I got it on the release day (October 4) and have listened to it almost nonstop since then, even if it is just October. Heather does an amazing job on "All Is Well." "Let There Be Light" is really good too. I love listening to it. "Santa Medley" is so much fun to listen to. It always makes me smile. I have all 11 CD's and I must say "Winter Wonderland is a great CD to add to my collection!....
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This new CD is so moving and uplifting. It also really gets to the heart of the matter - dealing with life, love, worship, devotion and not just for our GOD but for all of those people in and around our lives as well. POG... you have done it again and even better - if that is even possible. I truly appreciate your willingness to let GOD lead you in your music and be flexible enough to try new things and at the same time to stand firmly on those principles that we, as Christians, must never back down from. I have performed your music for years - with others and as solos, and it has never failed to allow the spirit to move whatever venue I may be in. I believe that is because the Holy Spirit is totally in every piece you have chosen to record and you are all to be commended for your obedience to GOD in this respect. I just want to say to all of you.... that I know you are only human woman with human problems and challenges and as an artist myself I know that there surely have been times that you feel completely inadequate to open your mouth and sing these songs - lest I remind you that GOD is still good and while we are never worthy, HE always is...and I'm certain that HE is blessed by your voices each and every time you lift them up, regardless of whatever you may be facing in your own lives. So, THANK YOU! May GOD continue to bless all of your lives and your families in everything you do.
Review by Sammi for Point Of Grace : Winter Wonderland 2005-10-07
I love "Winter Wonderland"! I got it on the release day (October 4) and have listened to it almost nonstop since then, even if it is just October. Heather does an amazing job on "All Is Well." "Let There Be Light" is really good too. I love listening to it. "Santa Medley" is so much fun to listen to. It always makes me smile. I have all 11 CD's and I must say "Winter Wonderland is a great CD to add to my collection!....
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Point Of Grace - Point Of Grace
By Pedro Rosario (Río Piedras, PR USA)
Like Jackie Wagner said, when one listen to their music and their message, one HAS to fall in love with them. Specially, when they give the spirit a sense of how much God loves us.
By "cyered6" (Abilene, TX USA)
This is the 1993 debut from Point of Grace and in my opinion they have not yet matched it. True the other albums may have better vocals but the material on here is oh so muche better not saying that any of theirs is bad though. This is what broke them through with an astonishing record breaking six no. 1 hits and a gold certification. A true Christian music classic to be long remembered. The opener My personal favorites are the opener "I'll Be Believing" with it's light and happy feel with perfect vocals and "No More Pain" a beautiful song that really makes you think. This is their finest work and if they can equal it they'll be all the more incredible to me....
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Like Jackie Wagner said, when one listen to their music and their message, one HAS to fall in love with them. Specially, when they give the spirit a sense of how much God loves us.
By "cyered6" (Abilene, TX USA)
This is the 1993 debut from Point of Grace and in my opinion they have not yet matched it. True the other albums may have better vocals but the material on here is oh so muche better not saying that any of theirs is bad though. This is what broke them through with an astonishing record breaking six no. 1 hits and a gold certification. A true Christian music classic to be long remembered. The opener My personal favorites are the opener "I'll Be Believing" with it's light and happy feel with perfect vocals and "No More Pain" a beautiful song that really makes you think. This is their finest work and if they can equal it they'll be all the more incredible to me....
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Thursday, September 25, 2008
Point of Grace - Girls of Grace
Sounds like … enjoyable contemporary pop music from some of your favorite female artists, tainted at times by recycled worship production.
At a Glance … Point of Grace teams up with a children's choir and a bunch of leading ladies in Christian music to deliver a ten-song soundtrack for their upcoming Girls of Grace conferences.
Looking back on a decade together, Point of Grace group members don't consider their 25 #1 radio singles, Grammy nominations, or television appearances on prominent channels such as CNN and VH1 the most important part of their music career. They don't value most the concert halls they've packed night after night or the gold and platinum records that adorn their walls at home. Instead, Shelley Breen, Terry Jones, Heather Payne, and Denise Jones are most thankful for the way God has used their group to minister to others, especially teenage girls.
Indeed, Point of Grace could have released another studio album, hit the road in support of the project, and then met face to face with the many girls who approach them for advice. Instead they wanted to offer something a little different-and deeper-to their young fans. With their new Girls of Grace conferences, the fab foursome will be able to present a concert aimed specifically at the younger portion of their fan base, and also include speaking sessions, periods for praise and worship, and even time for fun and fashion tips. The Girls of Grace record serves as a soundtrack of sorts for this new ministry venture.
The project features three new songs from Point of Grace along with contributions by Nichole Nordeman, Out of Eden, Joy Williams, Christy Nockels of Watermark, Rachael Lampa, Jennifer Deibler of FFH, Jaci Velasquez, and Jill Phillips. Throughout the recording, you'll also hear young girls' choirs, including singers from the Tennessee Choral Academy and Mercy Ministries of America. (Think Songs from the Loft with an all-girl slumber party atmosphere)....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a Glance … Point of Grace teams up with a children's choir and a bunch of leading ladies in Christian music to deliver a ten-song soundtrack for their upcoming Girls of Grace conferences.
Looking back on a decade together, Point of Grace group members don't consider their 25 #1 radio singles, Grammy nominations, or television appearances on prominent channels such as CNN and VH1 the most important part of their music career. They don't value most the concert halls they've packed night after night or the gold and platinum records that adorn their walls at home. Instead, Shelley Breen, Terry Jones, Heather Payne, and Denise Jones are most thankful for the way God has used their group to minister to others, especially teenage girls.
Indeed, Point of Grace could have released another studio album, hit the road in support of the project, and then met face to face with the many girls who approach them for advice. Instead they wanted to offer something a little different-and deeper-to their young fans. With their new Girls of Grace conferences, the fab foursome will be able to present a concert aimed specifically at the younger portion of their fan base, and also include speaking sessions, periods for praise and worship, and even time for fun and fashion tips. The Girls of Grace record serves as a soundtrack of sorts for this new ministry venture.
The project features three new songs from Point of Grace along with contributions by Nichole Nordeman, Out of Eden, Joy Williams, Christy Nockels of Watermark, Rachael Lampa, Jennifer Deibler of FFH, Jaci Velasquez, and Jill Phillips. Throughout the recording, you'll also hear young girls' choirs, including singers from the Tennessee Choral Academy and Mercy Ministries of America. (Think Songs from the Loft with an all-girl slumber party atmosphere)....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Friday, September 19, 2008
Other Activities
Mercy Ministries
Since the beginning of their career, the members of Point of Grace have had their hearts drawn to reaching out to young women. Early on, they began showing support of Mercy Ministries of America, a non-profit organization that helps young women who face life-controlling issues such as abuse, depression, unplanned pregnancies and eating disorders. The group frequently plugged Mercy Ministries at their concerts, and Nancy Alcorn, the founder, would normally go on the road with them or send a graduate from the Mercy Program to share her testimony about the work of Mercy Ministries. Alcorn is a regular featured speaker at the Girls of Grace conferences.
Compassion International
In 2006, the girls began showing support of Compassion International, a Christian child-sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty all over the world. In March 2006, Heather Payne and her husband Brian took a trip to El Salvador to meet their sponsored child, and in April 2006, Shelley Breen, Denise Jones and Leigh Cappillino travelled to Ecuador to meet their sponsored children. According to the members, their trips were a life-changing experience, and have partnered with Compassion to create awareness for poverty and to urge their listeners to sponsor children as well.
Christian Music Links!
Since the beginning of their career, the members of Point of Grace have had their hearts drawn to reaching out to young women. Early on, they began showing support of Mercy Ministries of America, a non-profit organization that helps young women who face life-controlling issues such as abuse, depression, unplanned pregnancies and eating disorders. The group frequently plugged Mercy Ministries at their concerts, and Nancy Alcorn, the founder, would normally go on the road with them or send a graduate from the Mercy Program to share her testimony about the work of Mercy Ministries. Alcorn is a regular featured speaker at the Girls of Grace conferences.
Compassion International
In 2006, the girls began showing support of Compassion International, a Christian child-sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty all over the world. In March 2006, Heather Payne and her husband Brian took a trip to El Salvador to meet their sponsored child, and in April 2006, Shelley Breen, Denise Jones and Leigh Cappillino travelled to Ecuador to meet their sponsored children. According to the members, their trips were a life-changing experience, and have partnered with Compassion to create awareness for poverty and to urge their listeners to sponsor children as well.
Christian Music Links!
Tours
* The Whole Truth Tour with Phillips, Craig & Dean and Cheri Keaggy (1995)
* The Life Love & Other Mysteries Tour with 4Him (1996-97)
* The Steady On Tour with special guests Watermark (1998-99)
* An Amy Grant Christmas Tour (with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and The Katinas) (1999)
* The Free To Fly Tour with special guests FFH (2001-02)
* The Christmastime Tour with Michael W. Smith and The Katinas (2002, 2003, 2004)
* The I Choose You Tour with Scott Krippayne and special guest Charity Von (2004)
* The Winter Wonderland Tour with special guest John David Webster (2005)
* The Winter Wonderland Tour with special guest Scott Krippayne (2006, 2007)
* The All The World Tour with special guests Selah and Michael Passons (2008)
* The Turn Up The Music Tour with Warren Barfield (2008)
Christian Music Links!
* The Life Love & Other Mysteries Tour with 4Him (1996-97)
* The Steady On Tour with special guests Watermark (1998-99)
* An Amy Grant Christmas Tour (with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and The Katinas) (1999)
* The Free To Fly Tour with special guests FFH (2001-02)
* The Christmastime Tour with Michael W. Smith and The Katinas (2002, 2003, 2004)
* The I Choose You Tour with Scott Krippayne and special guest Charity Von (2004)
* The Winter Wonderland Tour with special guest John David Webster (2005)
* The Winter Wonderland Tour with special guest Scott Krippayne (2006, 2007)
* The All The World Tour with special guests Selah and Michael Passons (2008)
* The Turn Up The Music Tour with Warren Barfield (2008)
Christian Music Links!
Books
* Life Love & Other Mysteries, 1996
* Steady On . . . Secured by Love, 1998
* Circle of Friends, 1999
* When Love Came Down at Christmas, 2000
* Girls of Grace, 2002
* Keep the Candle Burning: Reflections from Our Favorite Songs, 2003
* Girls of Grace: Q&A with Point of Grace, 2004
* Girls of Grace: Make It Real, 2005
* How You Live, 2008
Christian Music Links!
* Steady On . . . Secured by Love, 1998
* Circle of Friends, 1999
* When Love Came Down at Christmas, 2000
* Girls of Grace, 2002
* Keep the Candle Burning: Reflections from Our Favorite Songs, 2003
* Girls of Grace: Q&A with Point of Grace, 2004
* Girls of Grace: Make It Real, 2005
* How You Live, 2008
Christian Music Links!
Discography
| Album Title | Release Date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Point of Grace | August 23, 1993 | Word |
| The Whole Truth | March 15, 1995 | Word/Epic |
| Life Love & Other Mysteries | September 9, 1996 | |
| Steady On | August 4, 1998 | |
| A Christmas Story | September 27, 1999 | Word/Curb |
| Rarities & Remixes | May 9, 2000 | |
| Free to Fly | May 1, 2001 | |
| Girls of Grace | August 20, 2002 | |
| 24 | April 8, 2003 | |
| I Choose You | October 12, 2004 | |
| Winter Wonderland | October 4, 2005 | |
| How You Live | August 28, 2007 |
Chart singles
| Year | Single | Chart Positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US CHR | US CHR AC | US Country | |||
| 1993 | "I'll Be Believing" | 7 | Point of Grace | ||
| 1994 | "One More Broken Heart" | 20 | |||
| 1994 | "Faith, Hope & Love" | 17 | |||
| 2003 | "Day by Day" | 2 | 1 | 24 | |
| 2004 | "The Love of Christ" | 28 | 26 | Girls of Grace | |
| "I Choose You" | 8 | 8 | I Choose You | ||
| 2005 | "Who Am I?" | 8 | 7 | ||
| "Let There Be Light" | 6 | 6 | Winter Wonderland | ||
| "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" | 25 | 22 | |||
| "Santa Medley" | 38 | ||||
| "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)" | 20 | 18 | |||
| 2007 | "All the World" | 26 | 20 | How You Live | |
| "How You Live (Turn up the Music)"A | 7 | 5 | 52 | ||
- AReleased to country radio in early 2008.
Christian Music Links!
Biography
1991 - 1992: Early Years
Point of Grace got its start at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Denise Masters, Terry Lang and Heather Floyd, who knew each other from Norman, Oklahoma, coincidentally found themselves at OBU, and naturally got involved in music. They sang in a vocal group called 'The Ouachitones,' which was made up of 14 girls. Within the group, the girls formed a trio, and after a sound check for a Ouachitones performance, the girls were singing a cappella when they were told by an onlooker that they should do something together. Shelley Phillips had come from Little Rock, Arkansas to OBU with a scholarship in vocal performance. She sang in a group called the Praise Singers, made up of four girls and four guys and they travelled around the country performing concerts. She became friends with Terry and Heather through Denise, who was her roommate and sister in the social club Chi Delta. After Heather, Terry and Denise made plans to form a trio and sing together over the summer, Denise went back to her dorm room and excitedly told Shelley about their summer plans. After Shelley suggested that the trio became a quartet, it seemed to be the perfect fit.
They called themselves Say So, taken after Psalm 107:2 where it says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so." It truly was a do-it-yourself project, and group's tasks were delegated amongst themselves according to each one's best ability. Heather took care of publicity and album sales, Terry took care of the money, Shelley was in charge of booking and Denise was in charge of all their music. Before their performances, they were the ones who would haul their equipment onstage and set it up. They developed quite a following that summer, and spent the remainder of the year singing every weekend. After many fan requests, they recorded an independent album, and became favorites in the South and Midwest. Despite not seeing a reason to pursue a major record deal, the girls, encouraged by their family members attended the 1992 Music in the Rockies Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado. They wowed the crowd and the judges when they performed "He's The Best Thing" and wound up winning the Overall Grand Prize in the Group competition.
The girls found that, after their performance, there was major record label interest, and by prayerful decision, the group decided to sign with Word Records. They then moved to Nashville to start work on what would become their self-titled debut album.
1993 - 1995: Point of Grace Begins
On August 23, 1993, led by the #1 single "I'll Be Believing," Point of Grace released their self-titled debut album. It was quickly embraced by fans and critics, who compared the group's tight harmonies to that of pop group Wilson Phillips. The album's next five singles also reached the top of the charts, a feat unmatched to this day. Before Point of Grace, the record was held by Gloria Estefan and Mariah Carey with 4 consecutive #1 singles from their debut albums. The group's undeniably catchy sound, inspiring lyrics and fresh-faced image increased their following, and songs like "I'll Be Believing," and "Jesus Will Still Be There" became fan favorites and regulars on their concert set lists to this day. In 1994 they were named New Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards and embarked on a national tour with Wayne Watson for whom they sang backup after opening each concert. After that tour ended, they began doing concerts on their own, and were gone roughly 22 days out of the month. In 1997, their debut album was certified gold by the RIAA and was the #1-selling Christian catolog album of 1998. They were also a part of the Young Messiah Tour and regulars at Disney's Night of Joy concert series.
The girls assembled back in the studio towards the end of 1994 to begin work on the follow-up to Point of Grace. They met with 35 different songwriters and told them where their hearts were at. The songs that were born out of those writing sessions became part of the girls' lives. They worked hard, and on March 15, 1995, The Whole Truth was released. The album's first single, "The Great Divide," shot to #1 and became the girls' seventh consecutive #1 single. Its powerful message of the gospel touched so many lives, and it is to this day a favorite among the members of the group and their listeners. Lyrically, the whole album had an evangelistic feel to it, with its messages about God's love ("Love Like No Other" and "Without The Love Of Jesus"), Christ's sacrifice ("Dying To Reach You" and "The Great Divide") and Christian life ("Gather At The River"), and it spoke into the hearts of many listeners. The album did very well on the charts, charting at #1 and staying there for 13 consecutive weeks. After it left the #1 spot, it remained in the Top 10 for 45 consecutive weeks. It was certified gold by the RIAA in 1997 and the remaining four singles also reached the top of the charts. The girls embarked on a nationwide tour with Phillips, Craig & Dean and special guest Cheri Keaggy, and were also a part of the Young Messiah Farewell Tour, along with artists like Sandi Patty, 4Him and Larnelle Harris. They also contributed songs in several special event albums. They recorded a new rendition of the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" for the Hymns & Voices album; the song "Hold On To Me" for the My Utmost for His Highest project and a new take on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" for the album Christmas Carols Of The Young Messiah. The hard work on The Whole Truth paid off; they were named the 1996 Group of the Year at the Dove Awards and also won Doves for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Album of the Year (The Whole Truth), Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year ("The Great Divide") and Special Event Album of the Year (My Utmost For His Highest).
1996 - 1997: Growing Up
In July 1995 it was announced that the girls signed a major book deal with Simon and Schuster. They were getting noticed by the media and had been featured in major publications such as the Ladies Home Journal and TIME Magazine. The book was written by the girls along with Davin Seay. In it, each member told her life story, and the other chapters were divided into question-and-answer sections were the girls addressed topics like dating, sex, clothes, family life and friends. The girls hoped that this would offer their fans a greater glimpse into their lives and beliefs. Along with writing the book, the girls also began work on their third album. This project was a growing pain of sorts for them. John Mays, the man who had signed them to Word Records, had left his position there as A&R to join Sparrow Records. The girls were left to make all major decisions, and for the first time, were executive producers of their album. They took their time with the record, and the result was Life Love & Other Mysteries, released on September 9, 1996. The book was also released that same day, bearing the subtitle "Advice and Inspiration from Christian Music's #1 Pop Group."
The media was paying attention to Point of Grace. On the day of the album released, Word Records chartered the Dallas Mavericks' DC-9 jet and the girls flew to five different cities in one day to promote their album. They made stops in Grand Rapids, MI; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Oklahoma City, OK and finally ended back in Nashville, TN. During each stop they performed their current single, "Keep The Candle Burning," which went #1 on the day their album released. It became the girls' twelfth consecutive #1 single. A music video with footage from their whirlwind promo tour was released a few months later. The girls announced that they would be co-headlining an arena tour with 4Him, who had just released their album The Message. The tour hit major markets and was very successful, leading both groups to add a spring leg, which went into early summer of 1997. In 1996, the girls contributed the song "Follow The Star" to the album Emmanuel: A Musical Celebration Of The Life Of Christ. They were not able to go on the tour, with Avalon taking their place.
Life Love & Other Mysteries has been one of their most successful albums to date. It was certified gold by the RIAA in 1997 and platinum in 1999. The album debuted at #1 and stayed at the top of the charts for 10 weeks. It was one of the Top 5 selling albums throughout 1997 and one of the Top 10 selling albums in 1998. The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 1997. The girls were also nominated for the 1997 Group of the Year at the Dove Awards and "Keep The Candle Burning" was nominated for Song of the Year. The girls gave a memorable performance of the song during the live The Nashville Network broadcast from the Sommet Center, with the whole audience swaying little flashlights back and forth. The girls continued touring until September of that year and took some time off, due to Denise's first child arriving in October.
1998 - 2000: Artistic Establishment, Media Attention and a Hiatus
Point of Grace began work on their new album in late 1997/early 1998. Brown Bannister, who had previously worked with Steven Curtis Chapman and Amy Grant was brought on to handle production duties. He brought an exciting twist to the girls' music. They were looking for a more progressive, live band sound for this album, and sure enough, there was less programming than their previous efforts. Chris Eaton was also brought along to handle the vocal production for the album, and the results pleased the girls, as the vocal arrangements were far more intricate than before. It would be interesting to apply these vocal arrangements on a live show setting, and on their one-off concert dates in the spring and summer of 1998, the girls previewed some of the new songs, such as "Jesus Is", "Steady On" and "Better Days." They took a pause in the middle of recording for Terry to give birth to her first child in April.
The remaining members appeared at the 1998 Dove Awards without her, where they were nominated for Artist of the Year, Group of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for "Circle Of Friends", but the group went home empty-handed. During The Nashville Network broadcast of the show, pre-show host Kathy Troccoli informed fans of Cole Devore Jones' birth April 15 (a week before the Doves), calling him jokingly Terry and Chris's "tax return".
In July 1998, the girls released their new single, "Steady On" to radio stations, and to promote the album, also entitled Steady On, they released a CD single to Christian bookstores. The single contained the album version of "Steady On", a pop remix and a dance remix, both produced by Tony McAnany. There was also enhanced content on the CD, such as brief bios from the girls, excepts from a new devotional book, a photo gallery and other anecdotes. The album was released on August 4, 1998, and debuted at #1 on the SoundScan sales chart, and remained in the Top 10 for 7 consecutive weeks. It was certified gold by the RIAA in 1999 and platinum in 2002. The lead single and title track soon reached the top of the charts, becoming Point of Grace's 16th consecutive #1 single. Five more singles followed suit, making it a total of 21 consecutive #1's. In October of 1998 the girls launched their first tour as a headliner. The Steady On Tour was also the first time they toured with their own band. Led by Dana Cappillino, the musicians breathed new life into Point of Grace's music. In 1999 they won Dove Awards for Group of the Year and Enhanced CD of the Year for the Steady On CD Single. At the 1999 Grammy Awards, they were nominated for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Steady On. Heather also got married in 1999, in the middle of the tour. They contributed the song "The River" for the Experiencing God album, the song "Forever On And On" for the Streams album project, and "Love Won't Leave You Now" for The Mercy Project, dedicated to Mercy Ministries of America. \ After the Steady On tour closed in the Spring of 1999, the girls began work on their first Christmas release. The album was recorded in Nashville, TN; London, England and Montreal, Canada. Brown Bannister once again handled the production, and A&R man Brent Bourgeois and vocal arranger Chris Eaton were also brought back on. The orchestra, arranged by Carl Marsh and Ronn Huff was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. The end result was a lush, classic collection of holiday favorites and new originals. The girls were proud of their accomplishment, and on September 27, 1999, A Christmas Story was released. The fact that Life Love & Other Mysteries had just been certified platinum and "The Song Is Alive" had just become their 21st #1 song caught the media's attention once again, and they appeared in several media outlets such as Donny & Marie, ABC's The View and The 700 Club, where they plugged A Christmas Story and their participation on Amy Grant's Christmas Tour. All four members started the tour together, but Terry, who was 9 months pregnant with her second child (another son, Luke Marshall), left the tour halfway through, leaving Heather, Shelley and Denise to perform as a trio. After the tour ended, the girls took a year-long hiatus, regrouping occasionally for Women of Faith conferences and one or two one-off dates. To keep their fans happy until the release of their next studio album, Word released Rarities & Remixes a collection of remixed hits from their first two releases, four songs from their independent album, two rare tracks and a live version of "Circle Of Friends". They also performed four songs at the Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville, TN.
2001 - 2003: A Fresh (re)Start, Girls of Grace, and 24 Hits
After a well-deserved hiatus, the girls regrouped in early 2001 to begin work on the follow-up to 1998's Steady On. While the girls approached this recording as if it were the first, their experience led them to call all the shots during the process. They worked with six different producers in this album: Brown Bannister, with whom they had previously worked, David Tyson, Nathan Nockels who played keyboards for them in the Steady On Tour, Tom Laune, Glenn Garrett and Wayne Tester. Each producer brought a different sound from the girls, which is what they were aiming for when they started work on this project. The lead single, "Blue Skies" was an instant radio hit, and soon went #1 on the charts. The album, entitled Free To Fly was released on May 1, 2001, and that same week they opened the Dove Awards telecast, shot at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. They gave a rousing performance of the cut "Begin With Me," complete with a pyrotechnics display. The girls went on to promote the album during the summer of 2001, performing at the major Christian festivals and doing their own concerts, while preparing for the Free To Fly Tour. There were rumors going around that the tour might be cancelled due to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, but Heather cleared this up on a newsletter, stating that now, more than ever, people needed to hear the message of hope. And in honor of the ones who lost their lives in the attacks, they closed each show with a rousing a cappella rendition of "America The Beautiful."
In early 2002, Point of Grace began work on a project that is dear to their hearts to this day. After years of receiving letters and getting questions from teenage girls, they felt as if God was calling them to do something to make a difference in those girls' lives. The Girls of Grace project slowly became a reality. They worked with the Tennessee Choral Academy, and several female artists such as Rachael Lampa, Joy Williams, Out of Eden and Jaci Velasquez contributed to the project with their talents. Point of Grace previewed the Girls of Grace devotional book, workbook, journal and album during the 2002 GMA Week and premiered one of their songs from the project, "All I'll Ever Need," on the 2002 Dove Awards telecast. The girls continued performing concerts until the summer of 2002, when they took a few months off. Shelley and Heather gave birth to their first children in September, and in the same month, Terry gave birth to her third child. The Girls of Grace album was released on August 20, 2002, and the first conference took place in October of the same year in Lakeland, FL. It was a two-day event. To start things up on Friday night, the girls would give a high-energy concert. On Saturday, there were many speakers, such as Susie Shellenberger of BRIO Magazine, Nancy Alcorn of Mercy Ministries of America, and each member of Point of Grace as well. They addressed topics such as self-esteem, sex, family issues, friendships and relationships with God. There were also musical guests. On the first series of Girls of Grace conferences, Joy Williams helped provide music. Out of Eden was there for the 2003 and 2004 conferences. The Katinas also played in a few select 2004 conferences while Jaime Jamgochian and M.O.C. provided music and worship in 2005 and 2006.
After the single "He Sends His Love" became Point of Grace's 24th consecutive #1, Word Records decided to look into the record books to see if the girls had broken a record. Sure enough, the band Alabama had 21 consecutive #1's, and since the girls had broken the record, Word decided to release 24, a commemorative album featuring the group's 24 #1 hits as well as a new song, "Day By Day", which eventually went #1 as well. Along with the album, they released their very first DVD, entitled 7, which contained the videos to "Jesus Will Still Be There," "Dying To Reach You," "Gather At The River," "Keep The Candle Burning," "Circle Of Friends," "Steady On," and "Begin With Me". They also wrote a book, Keep The Candle Burning, which contained reflections on each of their hits. The girls spent the remainder of 2003 doing one-off shows, Girls of Grace concerts and appeared on Michael W. Smith's Christmastime Tour.
2004 - 2006: Lineup changes and New Sound
In November 2003, Terry Jones announced she would be retiring from Point of Grace. She was finding it harder and harder to handle a full-time music career and being a full-time wife and mother to her family. After much prayer, she wrote a letter which was posted on the group's official website, along with a letter from Heather, Shelley and Denise. They made it clear that they had no intentions of carrying on as a trio, and called upon band leader Dana Cappillino's wife Leigh, to join her husband on tour. Terry's last tour with the group was the 2003 Christmastime Tour with Michael W. Smith, and her last concert was in Little Rock, AR, on February 28, 2004. Leigh had been officially on board since January 1, 2004, but her first concert was in Atlanta, GA, on March 12, 2004.
Leigh's first album with Point of Grace was I Choose You, released on October 12, 2004. It displayed a rawer, less glossy sound than before from the group. They also worked with producers with whom they had never worked with such as Mark Hammond, Wayne Kirkpatrick and David Zaffiro. Brent Bourgeois, who produced the song "Forever On And On" from the Streams album also produced one track. The album was the most progressive of their career up to that point. They spent the remainder of 2004 doing promotional appearances and participating once again in Michael W. Smith's Christmastime Tour along with The Katinas. In February 2005, they began the I Choose You Tour with Scott Krippayne and special guest Charity Von. The tour took the girls through 30 cities, and the show's set lists featured cuts from I Choose You as well as songs from their back catalogue. After the tour wrapped, the girls began work on their second Christmas release, again produced by Brown Bannister. The girls spent the summer of 2005 recording the album, which, like A Christmas Story, featured holiday classics and new original songs. Winter Wonderland was released on October 4, 2005. They launched their first Christmas tour, the Winter Wonderland Tour in late November of 2005, playing 16 concerts in varied markets. The show had John David Webster, who was featured on Winter Wonderland, as a special guests, and local choirs participated in every show.
In 2006, the girls resumed their Girls of Grace activities, and began working with Michael Passons, formerly of Avalon, who began to tour with them. On one-off dates, the girls would have acoustic segments where Dana and Michael would be featured on guitar and piano, respectively, along with vocals from the girls. Heather also gave birth to her third child in 2006. The girls launched the 2006 Winter Wonderland Tour with special guest Scott Krippayne.
2007 - 2008: How You Live
The girls spent the first half of 2007 finishing work on their latest release, entitled How You Live. During that time, they contributed an a cappella rendition of the hymn "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name" to the WoW Hymns project, which was released in March 2007. The girls promoted the first two singles, "All The World" and "You Are Good" during GMA Week in April, and have been singing a few album cuts during their recent concerts. The album, produced by Brown Bannister finds the girls returning to their musical roots, with the harmonies they are known for, and an earthy sound not yet explored by the girls. They shot a video to the single "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)", in mid-June in Birmingham, AL, and premiered it on their official website in early July. Led by the single "All The World," they released the album How You Live in late August. "All The World" was reasonably popular and found its way into the Top 40 in the Mediabase charts. The follow-up single, "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)" did far better, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Chart.[1] The album peaked at number fifty-six on the Billboard 200 and at number four on the Top Christian & Gospel Album Charts. The unexpected success of the album and single earned the group five Dove Award nominations, including Song of the Year for "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)," Group of the Year and Artist of the Year. "How You Live" was released to country radio in April 2008, entering the country charts at #56.
In February 2008, the girls embarked on the All The World Tour with special guests Selah and Michael Passons, who has become the group's standard keyboard player.
In February 2008, Point Of Grace was nominated for five Dove Awards, including Group of the Year and Artist of The Year. The girls performed their single "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)" with Cindy Morgan, the song's writer. They were backed by ballerinas and group member Denise Jones displayed her guitar skills for the first time on the telecast. They picked up the award for Country Recorded Song of the Year and Cindy Morgan took home the award for Songwriter of the Year, for "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)." On the same week of the Doves telecast, they made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, solidifying their growing acceptance in the country music market.
In April 2008, the group announced a summer tour entitled the Turn Up The Music Tour with special guest Warren Barfield.
In June 2008, after much speculation, Heather Payne announced that she was retiring from Point Of Grace in order to spend time with her four children and to support her husband in his ministry. Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino and Denise Jones announced they will continue on as a trio, and are recording new music for the re-release of their album How You Live, due out in September 2008. In a recent chat session, Shelley Breen noted the group's recurring keyboard player Michael Passons, who is a solo artist and former Avalon member, has also begun singing selections of the group's older four-part harmonies.
Christian Music Links!
Point of Grace got its start at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Denise Masters, Terry Lang and Heather Floyd, who knew each other from Norman, Oklahoma, coincidentally found themselves at OBU, and naturally got involved in music. They sang in a vocal group called 'The Ouachitones,' which was made up of 14 girls. Within the group, the girls formed a trio, and after a sound check for a Ouachitones performance, the girls were singing a cappella when they were told by an onlooker that they should do something together. Shelley Phillips had come from Little Rock, Arkansas to OBU with a scholarship in vocal performance. She sang in a group called the Praise Singers, made up of four girls and four guys and they travelled around the country performing concerts. She became friends with Terry and Heather through Denise, who was her roommate and sister in the social club Chi Delta. After Heather, Terry and Denise made plans to form a trio and sing together over the summer, Denise went back to her dorm room and excitedly told Shelley about their summer plans. After Shelley suggested that the trio became a quartet, it seemed to be the perfect fit.
They called themselves Say So, taken after Psalm 107:2 where it says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so." It truly was a do-it-yourself project, and group's tasks were delegated amongst themselves according to each one's best ability. Heather took care of publicity and album sales, Terry took care of the money, Shelley was in charge of booking and Denise was in charge of all their music. Before their performances, they were the ones who would haul their equipment onstage and set it up. They developed quite a following that summer, and spent the remainder of the year singing every weekend. After many fan requests, they recorded an independent album, and became favorites in the South and Midwest. Despite not seeing a reason to pursue a major record deal, the girls, encouraged by their family members attended the 1992 Music in the Rockies Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado. They wowed the crowd and the judges when they performed "He's The Best Thing" and wound up winning the Overall Grand Prize in the Group competition.
The girls found that, after their performance, there was major record label interest, and by prayerful decision, the group decided to sign with Word Records. They then moved to Nashville to start work on what would become their self-titled debut album.
1993 - 1995: Point of Grace Begins
On August 23, 1993, led by the #1 single "I'll Be Believing," Point of Grace released their self-titled debut album. It was quickly embraced by fans and critics, who compared the group's tight harmonies to that of pop group Wilson Phillips. The album's next five singles also reached the top of the charts, a feat unmatched to this day. Before Point of Grace, the record was held by Gloria Estefan and Mariah Carey with 4 consecutive #1 singles from their debut albums. The group's undeniably catchy sound, inspiring lyrics and fresh-faced image increased their following, and songs like "I'll Be Believing," and "Jesus Will Still Be There" became fan favorites and regulars on their concert set lists to this day. In 1994 they were named New Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards and embarked on a national tour with Wayne Watson for whom they sang backup after opening each concert. After that tour ended, they began doing concerts on their own, and were gone roughly 22 days out of the month. In 1997, their debut album was certified gold by the RIAA and was the #1-selling Christian catolog album of 1998. They were also a part of the Young Messiah Tour and regulars at Disney's Night of Joy concert series.
The girls assembled back in the studio towards the end of 1994 to begin work on the follow-up to Point of Grace. They met with 35 different songwriters and told them where their hearts were at. The songs that were born out of those writing sessions became part of the girls' lives. They worked hard, and on March 15, 1995, The Whole Truth was released. The album's first single, "The Great Divide," shot to #1 and became the girls' seventh consecutive #1 single. Its powerful message of the gospel touched so many lives, and it is to this day a favorite among the members of the group and their listeners. Lyrically, the whole album had an evangelistic feel to it, with its messages about God's love ("Love Like No Other" and "Without The Love Of Jesus"), Christ's sacrifice ("Dying To Reach You" and "The Great Divide") and Christian life ("Gather At The River"), and it spoke into the hearts of many listeners. The album did very well on the charts, charting at #1 and staying there for 13 consecutive weeks. After it left the #1 spot, it remained in the Top 10 for 45 consecutive weeks. It was certified gold by the RIAA in 1997 and the remaining four singles also reached the top of the charts. The girls embarked on a nationwide tour with Phillips, Craig & Dean and special guest Cheri Keaggy, and were also a part of the Young Messiah Farewell Tour, along with artists like Sandi Patty, 4Him and Larnelle Harris. They also contributed songs in several special event albums. They recorded a new rendition of the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" for the Hymns & Voices album; the song "Hold On To Me" for the My Utmost for His Highest project and a new take on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" for the album Christmas Carols Of The Young Messiah. The hard work on The Whole Truth paid off; they were named the 1996 Group of the Year at the Dove Awards and also won Doves for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Album of the Year (The Whole Truth), Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year ("The Great Divide") and Special Event Album of the Year (My Utmost For His Highest).
1996 - 1997: Growing Up
In July 1995 it was announced that the girls signed a major book deal with Simon and Schuster. They were getting noticed by the media and had been featured in major publications such as the Ladies Home Journal and TIME Magazine. The book was written by the girls along with Davin Seay. In it, each member told her life story, and the other chapters were divided into question-and-answer sections were the girls addressed topics like dating, sex, clothes, family life and friends. The girls hoped that this would offer their fans a greater glimpse into their lives and beliefs. Along with writing the book, the girls also began work on their third album. This project was a growing pain of sorts for them. John Mays, the man who had signed them to Word Records, had left his position there as A&R to join Sparrow Records. The girls were left to make all major decisions, and for the first time, were executive producers of their album. They took their time with the record, and the result was Life Love & Other Mysteries, released on September 9, 1996. The book was also released that same day, bearing the subtitle "Advice and Inspiration from Christian Music's #1 Pop Group."
The media was paying attention to Point of Grace. On the day of the album released, Word Records chartered the Dallas Mavericks' DC-9 jet and the girls flew to five different cities in one day to promote their album. They made stops in Grand Rapids, MI; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Oklahoma City, OK and finally ended back in Nashville, TN. During each stop they performed their current single, "Keep The Candle Burning," which went #1 on the day their album released. It became the girls' twelfth consecutive #1 single. A music video with footage from their whirlwind promo tour was released a few months later. The girls announced that they would be co-headlining an arena tour with 4Him, who had just released their album The Message. The tour hit major markets and was very successful, leading both groups to add a spring leg, which went into early summer of 1997. In 1996, the girls contributed the song "Follow The Star" to the album Emmanuel: A Musical Celebration Of The Life Of Christ. They were not able to go on the tour, with Avalon taking their place.
Life Love & Other Mysteries has been one of their most successful albums to date. It was certified gold by the RIAA in 1997 and platinum in 1999. The album debuted at #1 and stayed at the top of the charts for 10 weeks. It was one of the Top 5 selling albums throughout 1997 and one of the Top 10 selling albums in 1998. The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 1997. The girls were also nominated for the 1997 Group of the Year at the Dove Awards and "Keep The Candle Burning" was nominated for Song of the Year. The girls gave a memorable performance of the song during the live The Nashville Network broadcast from the Sommet Center, with the whole audience swaying little flashlights back and forth. The girls continued touring until September of that year and took some time off, due to Denise's first child arriving in October.
1998 - 2000: Artistic Establishment, Media Attention and a Hiatus
Point of Grace began work on their new album in late 1997/early 1998. Brown Bannister, who had previously worked with Steven Curtis Chapman and Amy Grant was brought on to handle production duties. He brought an exciting twist to the girls' music. They were looking for a more progressive, live band sound for this album, and sure enough, there was less programming than their previous efforts. Chris Eaton was also brought along to handle the vocal production for the album, and the results pleased the girls, as the vocal arrangements were far more intricate than before. It would be interesting to apply these vocal arrangements on a live show setting, and on their one-off concert dates in the spring and summer of 1998, the girls previewed some of the new songs, such as "Jesus Is", "Steady On" and "Better Days." They took a pause in the middle of recording for Terry to give birth to her first child in April.
The remaining members appeared at the 1998 Dove Awards without her, where they were nominated for Artist of the Year, Group of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for "Circle Of Friends", but the group went home empty-handed. During The Nashville Network broadcast of the show, pre-show host Kathy Troccoli informed fans of Cole Devore Jones' birth April 15 (a week before the Doves), calling him jokingly Terry and Chris's "tax return".
In July 1998, the girls released their new single, "Steady On" to radio stations, and to promote the album, also entitled Steady On, they released a CD single to Christian bookstores. The single contained the album version of "Steady On", a pop remix and a dance remix, both produced by Tony McAnany. There was also enhanced content on the CD, such as brief bios from the girls, excepts from a new devotional book, a photo gallery and other anecdotes. The album was released on August 4, 1998, and debuted at #1 on the SoundScan sales chart, and remained in the Top 10 for 7 consecutive weeks. It was certified gold by the RIAA in 1999 and platinum in 2002. The lead single and title track soon reached the top of the charts, becoming Point of Grace's 16th consecutive #1 single. Five more singles followed suit, making it a total of 21 consecutive #1's. In October of 1998 the girls launched their first tour as a headliner. The Steady On Tour was also the first time they toured with their own band. Led by Dana Cappillino, the musicians breathed new life into Point of Grace's music. In 1999 they won Dove Awards for Group of the Year and Enhanced CD of the Year for the Steady On CD Single. At the 1999 Grammy Awards, they were nominated for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for Steady On. Heather also got married in 1999, in the middle of the tour. They contributed the song "The River" for the Experiencing God album, the song "Forever On And On" for the Streams album project, and "Love Won't Leave You Now" for The Mercy Project, dedicated to Mercy Ministries of America. \ After the Steady On tour closed in the Spring of 1999, the girls began work on their first Christmas release. The album was recorded in Nashville, TN; London, England and Montreal, Canada. Brown Bannister once again handled the production, and A&R man Brent Bourgeois and vocal arranger Chris Eaton were also brought back on. The orchestra, arranged by Carl Marsh and Ronn Huff was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London. The end result was a lush, classic collection of holiday favorites and new originals. The girls were proud of their accomplishment, and on September 27, 1999, A Christmas Story was released. The fact that Life Love & Other Mysteries had just been certified platinum and "The Song Is Alive" had just become their 21st #1 song caught the media's attention once again, and they appeared in several media outlets such as Donny & Marie, ABC's The View and The 700 Club, where they plugged A Christmas Story and their participation on Amy Grant's Christmas Tour. All four members started the tour together, but Terry, who was 9 months pregnant with her second child (another son, Luke Marshall), left the tour halfway through, leaving Heather, Shelley and Denise to perform as a trio. After the tour ended, the girls took a year-long hiatus, regrouping occasionally for Women of Faith conferences and one or two one-off dates. To keep their fans happy until the release of their next studio album, Word released Rarities & Remixes a collection of remixed hits from their first two releases, four songs from their independent album, two rare tracks and a live version of "Circle Of Friends". They also performed four songs at the Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville, TN.
2001 - 2003: A Fresh (re)Start, Girls of Grace, and 24 Hits
After a well-deserved hiatus, the girls regrouped in early 2001 to begin work on the follow-up to 1998's Steady On. While the girls approached this recording as if it were the first, their experience led them to call all the shots during the process. They worked with six different producers in this album: Brown Bannister, with whom they had previously worked, David Tyson, Nathan Nockels who played keyboards for them in the Steady On Tour, Tom Laune, Glenn Garrett and Wayne Tester. Each producer brought a different sound from the girls, which is what they were aiming for when they started work on this project. The lead single, "Blue Skies" was an instant radio hit, and soon went #1 on the charts. The album, entitled Free To Fly was released on May 1, 2001, and that same week they opened the Dove Awards telecast, shot at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. They gave a rousing performance of the cut "Begin With Me," complete with a pyrotechnics display. The girls went on to promote the album during the summer of 2001, performing at the major Christian festivals and doing their own concerts, while preparing for the Free To Fly Tour. There were rumors going around that the tour might be cancelled due to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, but Heather cleared this up on a newsletter, stating that now, more than ever, people needed to hear the message of hope. And in honor of the ones who lost their lives in the attacks, they closed each show with a rousing a cappella rendition of "America The Beautiful."
In early 2002, Point of Grace began work on a project that is dear to their hearts to this day. After years of receiving letters and getting questions from teenage girls, they felt as if God was calling them to do something to make a difference in those girls' lives. The Girls of Grace project slowly became a reality. They worked with the Tennessee Choral Academy, and several female artists such as Rachael Lampa, Joy Williams, Out of Eden and Jaci Velasquez contributed to the project with their talents. Point of Grace previewed the Girls of Grace devotional book, workbook, journal and album during the 2002 GMA Week and premiered one of their songs from the project, "All I'll Ever Need," on the 2002 Dove Awards telecast. The girls continued performing concerts until the summer of 2002, when they took a few months off. Shelley and Heather gave birth to their first children in September, and in the same month, Terry gave birth to her third child. The Girls of Grace album was released on August 20, 2002, and the first conference took place in October of the same year in Lakeland, FL. It was a two-day event. To start things up on Friday night, the girls would give a high-energy concert. On Saturday, there were many speakers, such as Susie Shellenberger of BRIO Magazine, Nancy Alcorn of Mercy Ministries of America, and each member of Point of Grace as well. They addressed topics such as self-esteem, sex, family issues, friendships and relationships with God. There were also musical guests. On the first series of Girls of Grace conferences, Joy Williams helped provide music. Out of Eden was there for the 2003 and 2004 conferences. The Katinas also played in a few select 2004 conferences while Jaime Jamgochian and M.O.C. provided music and worship in 2005 and 2006.
After the single "He Sends His Love" became Point of Grace's 24th consecutive #1, Word Records decided to look into the record books to see if the girls had broken a record. Sure enough, the band Alabama had 21 consecutive #1's, and since the girls had broken the record, Word decided to release 24, a commemorative album featuring the group's 24 #1 hits as well as a new song, "Day By Day", which eventually went #1 as well. Along with the album, they released their very first DVD, entitled 7, which contained the videos to "Jesus Will Still Be There," "Dying To Reach You," "Gather At The River," "Keep The Candle Burning," "Circle Of Friends," "Steady On," and "Begin With Me". They also wrote a book, Keep The Candle Burning, which contained reflections on each of their hits. The girls spent the remainder of 2003 doing one-off shows, Girls of Grace concerts and appeared on Michael W. Smith's Christmastime Tour.
2004 - 2006: Lineup changes and New Sound
In November 2003, Terry Jones announced she would be retiring from Point of Grace. She was finding it harder and harder to handle a full-time music career and being a full-time wife and mother to her family. After much prayer, she wrote a letter which was posted on the group's official website, along with a letter from Heather, Shelley and Denise. They made it clear that they had no intentions of carrying on as a trio, and called upon band leader Dana Cappillino's wife Leigh, to join her husband on tour. Terry's last tour with the group was the 2003 Christmastime Tour with Michael W. Smith, and her last concert was in Little Rock, AR, on February 28, 2004. Leigh had been officially on board since January 1, 2004, but her first concert was in Atlanta, GA, on March 12, 2004.
Leigh's first album with Point of Grace was I Choose You, released on October 12, 2004. It displayed a rawer, less glossy sound than before from the group. They also worked with producers with whom they had never worked with such as Mark Hammond, Wayne Kirkpatrick and David Zaffiro. Brent Bourgeois, who produced the song "Forever On And On" from the Streams album also produced one track. The album was the most progressive of their career up to that point. They spent the remainder of 2004 doing promotional appearances and participating once again in Michael W. Smith's Christmastime Tour along with The Katinas. In February 2005, they began the I Choose You Tour with Scott Krippayne and special guest Charity Von. The tour took the girls through 30 cities, and the show's set lists featured cuts from I Choose You as well as songs from their back catalogue. After the tour wrapped, the girls began work on their second Christmas release, again produced by Brown Bannister. The girls spent the summer of 2005 recording the album, which, like A Christmas Story, featured holiday classics and new original songs. Winter Wonderland was released on October 4, 2005. They launched their first Christmas tour, the Winter Wonderland Tour in late November of 2005, playing 16 concerts in varied markets. The show had John David Webster, who was featured on Winter Wonderland, as a special guests, and local choirs participated in every show.
In 2006, the girls resumed their Girls of Grace activities, and began working with Michael Passons, formerly of Avalon, who began to tour with them. On one-off dates, the girls would have acoustic segments where Dana and Michael would be featured on guitar and piano, respectively, along with vocals from the girls. Heather also gave birth to her third child in 2006. The girls launched the 2006 Winter Wonderland Tour with special guest Scott Krippayne.
2007 - 2008: How You Live
The girls spent the first half of 2007 finishing work on their latest release, entitled How You Live. During that time, they contributed an a cappella rendition of the hymn "All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name" to the WoW Hymns project, which was released in March 2007. The girls promoted the first two singles, "All The World" and "You Are Good" during GMA Week in April, and have been singing a few album cuts during their recent concerts. The album, produced by Brown Bannister finds the girls returning to their musical roots, with the harmonies they are known for, and an earthy sound not yet explored by the girls. They shot a video to the single "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)", in mid-June in Birmingham, AL, and premiered it on their official website in early July. Led by the single "All The World," they released the album How You Live in late August. "All The World" was reasonably popular and found its way into the Top 40 in the Mediabase charts. The follow-up single, "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)" did far better, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Chart.[1] The album peaked at number fifty-six on the Billboard 200 and at number four on the Top Christian & Gospel Album Charts. The unexpected success of the album and single earned the group five Dove Award nominations, including Song of the Year for "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)," Group of the Year and Artist of the Year. "How You Live" was released to country radio in April 2008, entering the country charts at #56.
In February 2008, the girls embarked on the All The World Tour with special guests Selah and Michael Passons, who has become the group's standard keyboard player.
In February 2008, Point Of Grace was nominated for five Dove Awards, including Group of the Year and Artist of The Year. The girls performed their single "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)" with Cindy Morgan, the song's writer. They were backed by ballerinas and group member Denise Jones displayed her guitar skills for the first time on the telecast. They picked up the award for Country Recorded Song of the Year and Cindy Morgan took home the award for Songwriter of the Year, for "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)." On the same week of the Doves telecast, they made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, solidifying their growing acceptance in the country music market.
In April 2008, the group announced a summer tour entitled the Turn Up The Music Tour with special guest Warren Barfield.
In June 2008, after much speculation, Heather Payne announced that she was retiring from Point Of Grace in order to spend time with her four children and to support her husband in his ministry. Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino and Denise Jones announced they will continue on as a trio, and are recording new music for the re-release of their album How You Live, due out in September 2008. In a recent chat session, Shelley Breen noted the group's recurring keyboard player Michael Passons, who is a solo artist and former Avalon member, has also begun singing selections of the group's older four-part harmonies.
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Point of Grace
Point of Grace is a group of Christian pop music singers and authors. This all-ladies trio consists of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones, and Leigh Cappillino. The group started out as a quartet in 1991, with original members Breen and Jones, as well as Terry Jones and Heather Payne. In November 2003, Terry Jones decided she needed to spend more time with her family after giving birth to her third child, and left the group, with Cappillino joining in March 2004 for their 2004 release I Choose You. In June 2008, Payne announced her retirement from the group, in order to spend more time with her husband and four children.
In 1998, they added a touring band, with Cappillino's husband, Dana, and Tommy McGee as permanent band members on guitar and on bass, respectively.
In 2006, former Avalon member Michael Passons added his work to the group's live show, and according to Breen in a July 2008 chat, will join the group for older quartet songs.
The group's debut self-titled album was released in 1993; since then, they have been recognized as one of the top Contemporary Christian music bands in the United States. In 2003, they released their ninth album, 24 - a compilation of their 24 consecutive #1 radio singles. To this date, no band in any genre has matched this record. As of 2006 the girls have 27 #1 radio singles.
The group has started a conference for young girls, the Girls of Grace series.
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In 1998, they added a touring band, with Cappillino's husband, Dana, and Tommy McGee as permanent band members on guitar and on bass, respectively.
In 2006, former Avalon member Michael Passons added his work to the group's live show, and according to Breen in a July 2008 chat, will join the group for older quartet songs.
The group's debut self-titled album was released in 1993; since then, they have been recognized as one of the top Contemporary Christian music bands in the United States. In 2003, they released their ninth album, 24 - a compilation of their 24 consecutive #1 radio singles. To this date, no band in any genre has matched this record. As of 2006 the girls have 27 #1 radio singles.
The group has started a conference for young girls, the Girls of Grace series.
Christian Music Links!
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