Sweet Chariot
Garden Grove, California, United States
Music
Press
LONG BEACH, CA--(Marketwire - October 7, 2009) - The sound of Christian Rock may never be the same after the premiere, self-titled album from the newly formed California band Sweet Chariot. The group brings together six experienced Christian musicians, each of whom brings a moving and passionate faith to the group's sound. Sweet Chariot redefines the increasingly popular Christian Rock genre for the current generation, in much the same way Daughtry has for the mainstream rock audience, by drawing on elements of multiple music styles to create a new, more relevant sound. To celebrate the release of its first album this month, Sweet Chariot will be performing at The Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana on October 9th.
Sweet Chariot band members all bring their valuable life experiences to the group, making their heartfelt, worshipful songs appealing to a diverse audience. The band's ability to engage and interact with the crowd on an emotional and spiritual level will cement their position as a powerful new voice in the Christian Rock world.
Lead singer Jacki Taylor grew up under the watchful eye of her Grandfather, David E. Schoch, the founder of Bethany Chapel in Long Beach. Jacki originally brought the band members together to write and produce a solo project. Once the original project was complete, the participants were no longer just five musicians; they had become band members.
Jacki's faith has been strong since her childhood, but her daughter's battle with Leukemia strengthened her beliefs. "Life experiences have given the band the motivation for their music, and sharing those experiences is part of the deal," explained Jacki's husband, Curtis Taylor, also a member of a band. Curtis and Jacki's daughter, McKenzi, is now a healthy 7-year-old girl -- a miracle they attribute to the healing power of the Lord. The story of the Taylor family's struggle is told in the raw and reverent track, "Never Alone."
Jacki and Curtis are not the only band members with a touching story. Drummer Eric Wilkins is legally blind, an ailment that forces him to rely on his faith each and every day. Jim Rupe, Ryan Tilo, and Blake Harper each contributes his time, passion, and experiences to the band, along with their talents for playing guitar.
Three members of Sweet Chariot were previously bandmates in Every Day Life (EDL); Curtis Taylor, Eric Wilkins, and Jim Rupe have reunited in Sweet Chariot, but with a whole new musical style that reveals the musicians' focus on worship. As a Christian Rap/Metal band, EDL was heavily involved in the Christian music community. EDL was signed to and released 3 albums with Alarma Records. - Marketwire
Sweet Chariot is a new Christian band from California, made up of lead singer Jacki Taylor and her
husband Curtis, drummer Eric Wilkins and guitarists Ryan Tilo, Blake Harper and Jim Rupe. Jacki and
her husband Curtis have a daughter named McKenzi who has battled Leukemia and Jacki and Curtis
attribute the miraculous healing of their daughter to the power of God. The story of the Taylor’s family
struggle is told in the last song, a dramatic and touching ballad, “Never Alone”.
The album starts off with two mid-tempo rock songs “King Glory” and “I’ll Sing”. Both songs are catchy
and worshipful and Jacki’s vocal style reminds me of Natalie Merchant, both in tone and vulnerability.
The lyrics are easy to identify with as a listener and as a Christian, I liked how quickly I could pick out
biblical references. “Hold On” begins with a Psalm 23 reference “though I walk through the valley, God
You are with me”. “I’ll Sing” includes the lyrics “I’ll sing a thousand hallelujahs, my eyes are fixed on Your
promises”. “The Call” is a prayerful response to our call as Christians to respond to God’s will and
“testify of a Man and a Perfect Love that I can feel again and again, I will answer the call, I will pick up my
cross, I will follow You”.
That type of lyrical style is throughout this solid album and every song kept my interest as I listened to the
very enjoyable melodies and sincere biblical truth. Jacki’s vocal style is vulnerable and appealing as I felt
as though she was singing faithfully from her heart. Keep an eye out for Sweet Chariot, with this type of
sincerity, they deserve some attention from collectors of up and coming talent. You can purchase their
album on iTunes or from the band’s website: http://www.sweetchariotmusic.com
Review Written By: Kevin Davis [kevin.davis@christianmusicreview.org] on 12/7/2009 - ChristianMusicReview.org
Discography
Self Title Album "Sweet Chariot"
Track 1 - King Glory (airplay on crosswalk radio)
Photos
Bio
Sweet Chariot band members all bring their valuable life experiences to the group, making their heartfelt, worshipful songs appealing to a diverse audience. The band's ability to engage and interact with the crowd on an emotional and spiritual level will cement their position as a powerful new voice in the Christian Rock world.
Lead singer Jacki Taylor grew up under the watchful eye of her Grandfather, David E. Schoch, the founder of Bethany Chapel in Long Beach. Jacki originally brought the band members together to write and produce a solo project. Once the original project was complete, the participants were no longer just five musicians; they had become band members.
Jacki's faith has been strong since her childhood, but her daughter's battle with Leukemia strengthened her beliefs. "Life experiences have given the band the motivation for their music, and sharing those experiences is part of the deal," explained Jacki's husband, Curtis Taylor, also a member of a band. Curtis and Jacki's daughter, McKenzi, is now a healthy 7-year-old girl -- a miracle they attribute to the healing power of the Lord. The story of the Taylor family's struggle is told in the raw and reverent track, "Never Alone."
Jacki and Curtis are not the only band members with a touching story. Drummer Eric Wilkins is legally blind, an ailment that forces him to rely on his faith each and every day. Jim Rupe, Ryan Tilo, and Blake Harper each contributes his time, passion, and experiences to the band, along with their talents for playing guitar.
Three members of Sweet Chariot were previously bandmates in Every Day Life (EDL); Curtis Taylor, Eric Wilkins, and Jim Rupe have reunited in Sweet Chariot, but with a whole new musical style that reveals the musicians' focus on worship. As a Christian Rap/Metal band, EDL was heavily involved in the Christian music community. EDL was signed to and released 3 albums with Alarma Records.
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