May, '04 Update


Def12 plays a very interesting musical style. Beau Cornett says they're "trying to reach those who wouldn't dare set foot in a church." I don't think they'll have trouble in that area. This is good stuff!

I almost forgot this: I asked what the name, def12, meant. Beau said,

"It really has no meaning. Our drummer, Oscar, had given this name to one of the characters in an ATV video game that he plays. When we were talking about a new band name [(from Fire the Choir)], Oscar blurted out "def12". We all just liked the sound of it and felt it might have a broad appeal."

The next artist came to me by way of Chad Bowar, contributing editor for Suite101.com's Heavy Metal and Pop Music topics, and my managing editor. He thought it'd fit my topic area a bit better. I agreed, and within a week, another CD came in the mail.

I opened the package, and the jacket first gave me the impression: "I'm gonna be hearing a rapper." I put it in my player and my first thoughts were, "mellow Stevie Wonder", then "hints of Michael Jackson." I e-mailed Chad and said I'd still do the review, but it'd be an exercise in tact.

I listened to the CD all the way through, and came out with an entirely different attitude toward it than my initial thoughts. Eddie Hedges, former member of Blessid Union of Souls, sings a mixture of styles to include dance pop, MoR, upbeat Gospel, soft and light rock. I find this to be very pleasant music. I'm still surprised. It's soft, but I like it. I'd still say it's way outside the style I'd normally seek for purchase, but Eddie Hedges mixes enough lively stuff in the CD that it held my interest.

Eddie Hedges' music is well polished, and in the past, huge labels have sold his stuff. Here's a quote from his website:

What do Bel Biv Devoe, Shiela E, Johnny Gill, Baby Face, Ru Paul and Blessid Union of Souls have in common? One man, Cincinnati's own Eddie Hedges ­ Drummer, Percussionist, Singer, Songwriter and Producer Extraordinaire. If his name is not immediately familiar, his music is.

Eddie's lyrics are strong in their Christianity. His musical back-up is light, but lively. I believe Eddie Hedges will get lots of air-time when the word gets out! He fits firmly into the Adult Contemporary category

The copyright of the article May, '04 Update in Christian Rock is owned by Paul Landkamer. Permission to republish May, '04 Update in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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