Beggar
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Beggar

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The best kept secret in music

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"Scraps of Grace"

Scraps of Grace, by Beggar, is one of those quiet little releases that offers a good, solid listening experience, but runs the risk of getting lost amidst the Big Releases from the Nashville Music Machine. This privately produced CD offers eleven tracks of ‘Jesus Music’ rock and roll that’s refreshingly free from the posturing and pretensions that characterize much of what’s currently on the market.

Although there’s a good strong ‘band’ feeling to the performances on this album, it’s surprising to find that ‘Beggar’ is actually Scott Jibben performing all instruments and vocals, and doing so with credibility and skill, and just the minimum of help on the fourth track, “5:46,” where Al Berven helped out on drums and percussion. It’s Jibben, in fact, who wrote the songs, recorded, engineered, mixed, mastered and produced the project – I’m willing to bet he was also the caterer, but that’s pure speculation on my part… Jibben has a good instinct for writing a song, and a good amount of skill and sophistication in his playing, especially in his guitar work. Lyrically, the album explores Biblical themes, and issues of faith and life as a believer.

“Structures of Stone” starts off the album with a catchy acoustic guitar rhythm-riff that quickly goes into a reggae-like chorus, accompanied by snappy percussion and interrupted by an impressive keyboard flourish. Jibben’s instrumental and production skills are shown to good effect on this opener and throughout the collection of songs. Lurking somewhere between pop and rock, the songs are interestingly structured and inviting, avoiding clichés and managing to throw in little surprises before running their courses. Much of the album is up-tempo, but there are a few songs that slow the pace down a little, like the thoughtful “Born In Heaven.” The album’s title track is a particular treat, featuring a tribal-sounding drum part, innovative guitar lines, and very ‘cool’ octave-apart vocals in a musical stew that really cooks – quite a tour-de-force. Jibben knows how to create a hook, and there are many throughout Scraps of Grace.

This is an impressive first effort, especially considering that it’s a true solo-project. It might have been a good idea to invite an ‘outside hand’ in the production department to tighten up the over-all sound. If there’s one weakness in the album, it’s Jibben’s tendency to go just a bit flat in his vocals, most notably on songs like the otherwise excellent, “One Body,” and “5:46.” This seems to be a characteristic of his vocals, even though there are moments where he stretches his voice to good effect. It would be interesting to see how the performance would change in a more ‘live’ environment with other musicians present to bounce off of.

Beggar is a good concept, and Scraps of Grace is a good project that hints at even greater potential. - The Phantom Tollbooth


"Beggar-Scraps of Grace"

Beggar is a project founded by American Scott Jibben, who wrote and recorded all the music on this CD. On the whole it's a good blend of funky moments, carried along on a wave of Latin influenced rhythms, balanced with epic ballads and slower numbers. The respect I have for this recording is in the extensive use of Scripture - catchy melodies stick in your head, and before you know it, you're humming the Bible. The cunningly named "5:46" is a response inspired by Matthew 5:46, "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?", while "One Body" is lifted straight from Luke 10, 1 Corinthians 9 and 12 - challenge and encouragement to fulfil our corporate responsibility as the body of Christ. Also moving is "Into These Hands", an atmospheric and epic track reflecting on the last days of Jesus' life, again straight from the Word. As a start, it's promising. The music is tight but the production could be worked on - the upbeat numbers could do with fattening up and sometimes the vocals can be hard to make out, but the songs are accomplished and honed. If Scott can get a solid band around him, future recordings will benefit greatly. If you plan on going with a wildcard, you could do worse than pick up 'Scraps Of Grace'. - Cross Rhythms


"Scraps of Grace"

Catchy and fun! "Scraps of Grace" shows the world that Beggar Music refuses to
be categorized into one single, simple style. Scott Jibben will get you movin' with
salsa flavored tunes and a little Stray Cat strut and then show you his softer, more
introspective side by bringing in shades of Billy Joel and Kenny Loggins. But
underneath it all, whether you're tapping your feet or soothing your spirit, he will
remind you of a real Jesus, who deals with real people facing real problems in a real
world. - Christian Music Guide-Kim Jones


Discography

Scraps of Grace

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Bio

Beggar is a Christian band with a new approach to Christian music. We founded this group out of a desire to connect with those searching for their faith as well as to celebrate with those who are unshaken. Lyrically, Beggar paints the canvas with a modern approach to biblical texts, rejoicing as well as asking tough questions about our creation. Musically, Beggar captures and holds on to the listener with a crazy, fun energy and delivers a sound with a passionate cry of emotions. Beggar resonates with hope. It's our goal to help it spread.