Saturday, September 27, 1997

Outfront: Potpourri of religious news, events

MICHAEL ENGLISH RETURNS

Michael English is returning to the stage in Fort Worth next Saturday after falling from grace in the world of contemporary Christian music. Three years ago English relinquished his Dove Awards, including Male Performer of the Year, a day after receiving them. At a press conference, he admitted to having an affair that ruined his career and his marriage.

But English is making a comeback with this first appearance in three years. He will perform at 6 p.m. as part of the Texas Quartet Convention. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children under 8 years of age. Call 1-800-514-8889.

See Pg. 2 for an interview with English by special writer Al Dostal.

MUSIC REVIEW

Amy Morriss, "Within the Sound of Your Voice" - * * * *

Label: Myrrh

Description: Bravo to Amy Morriss for this fun mix of dreamy, passionate contemporary pop and rhythm & blues hits. It's Morriss' voice all right, but this time her style is not so easily labeled as in her debut CD in 1995 "I'm a Believer." I hear influences by Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Arends and Ashley Cleveland - no surprise considering she collaborated with songwriters Arends, Cleveland, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan. She also credits influences by Shawn Colvin, Annie Lennox and Jewel.

Artist bio: The title track of "I'm a Believer" and the song "Devotion" went to No. 1, and two other songs made the Top 10. She has also worked on compilation projects, including "At the Foot of the Cross: the Seven Last Words of Christ." She and her husband have a 6-month-old daughter, Emma.

What's good about it: Each song stands on its own lyrically and musically. Morriss can really sing; she's an artist to watch.

-Stacey Beattie Stamps

Knight-Ridder Newspapers

NEW BOOK OUT

Abilenian Eldon Degge has a new book out titled Praying Daily With Paul, an attractive collection of prayers written by Degge based on the Apostle Paul's writings.

The book, designed to be a gift book, was published by Meridian publishers of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Degge is an Abilene freelance graphic design artist and writer. He is a deacon at Southern Hills Church of Christ and is a 1950 gradUAte of Abilene Christian University, where he was valedictorian and president of the senior class.

ONLINE MAGAZINE

An online magazine called Christian History is ideal for people who love to explore the past using the latest technology.

"It connects computerized Christians with their pre-digital spiritual heritage," according to a review in its sister online publication Computing Today.

An online preview features a cover story on the famous "Monkey Trial" in 1925 that pitted high school teacher John Thomas Scopes against the state of Tennessee. Scopes was found guilty of teaching evolution.

The article, subtitled The Rise of Fundamentalism, explores how "the first trial of the century" revealed a great divide separating American Christians.

http://www.christianity.net/christianhistory/