Vini Contreas
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Vini Contreas

Anza, California, United States | SELF

Anza, California, United States | SELF
Band Christian Acoustic

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"CrossRhythms Review UK"

American singer/songwriter Vini Contreas has spent the last 30 years or so performing, recording demos and leading worship. On 'Kingdom Of Conscience' he has drawn together his years of experience in music ministry to make an impressive first album proper. The nine tracks are acoustically driven with a strong nod to the folksy sound of Bob Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel. Rather than the staple melancholic sound of many singer/songwriters, Vini has created an uplifting album. Opener "The Invitation" is an up-tempo folk tune based around Isaiah 55, with rich harmonies and up-tempo bassline, provided by bassist Brad Cummings. Elsewhere the acoustic guitar is augmented with folksy harmonica on tracks such as "Embrace The Light" and "Give It All To Christ". Lyrically the album challenges and reveals a passion for Jesus such as on "Cross Of Sacrifice" and the Latino "Christ Crucified" which is the standout track with its stabbing horns and rhythmic drums and bass. A simple production enhances the tone of the album and helps create the "coffee-house tone" that Vini has tried to create. A good album full of well written songs.

Mark Lawrence - CrossRythms UK (Aug 7, 2007) - Mark Lawrence


"CrossRhythms Review UK"

American singer/songwriter Vini Contreas has spent the last 30 years or so performing, recording demos and leading worship. On 'Kingdom Of Conscience' he has drawn together his years of experience in music ministry to make an impressive first album proper. The nine tracks are acoustically driven with a strong nod to the folksy sound of Bob Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel. Rather than the staple melancholic sound of many singer/songwriters, Vini has created an uplifting album. Opener "The Invitation" is an up-tempo folk tune based around Isaiah 55, with rich harmonies and up-tempo bassline, provided by bassist Brad Cummings. Elsewhere the acoustic guitar is augmented with folksy harmonica on tracks such as "Embrace The Light" and "Give It All To Christ". Lyrically the album challenges and reveals a passion for Jesus such as on "Cross Of Sacrifice" and the Latino "Christ Crucified" which is the standout track with its stabbing horns and rhythmic drums and bass. A simple production enhances the tone of the album and helps create the "coffee-house tone" that Vini has tried to create. A good album full of well written songs.

Mark Lawrence - CrossRythms UK (Aug 7, 2007) - Mark Lawrence


"NCM Review"

VINI CONTREAS
KINGDOM OF CONSCIENCE
www.vinicontreas.com

From the start of this "Kingdom of Conscience" CD, I was drawn in. It's a gem! Unfamiliar to me, these self-penned ditties tickled my ears with their rationale thought and flowing rhyme. This super song-set is relatively unusual in themes but very competent and inspiring. This is Bob Dylanish (poetic thinking laced with guitar and harmonica) gospel material from an innovative virtuoso from California who is doubtless a grassroots trooper who displays considerable maturity. This CD is ably produced by Rocco Bucci and is sure to be welcomed by die-hard fans of 60s-style folk-troubadours. This CD will - most likely (and rightly) - extend his span of popularity. His “thinking songs” are performed in passionate mode and unadorned charm. His lyrics are married well to his competent melodies. Initially, the artist was unknown to me, but this USA release is a roots-venture commendably produced parading an outstanding folk-talent who is easy-on-the-ear. Well done, Vini!

PAUL DAVIS ww.pauldavisauthor.com - Paul Davis


"In the top 20 releases for '07 at CrossRhythms Radio UK"

Billed as: "The 20 best tracks of 2007 according to Mike Rimmer and Tony Cummings" . . . This year this gracious duo from CrossRhythms Radio in the UK have been so kind to choose one of my tracks released on the NCM Disc this past August, 'Christ Crucified' into their top 20.

Vini Contreas - Christ Crucified
From 'Kingdom Of Conscience' (Independent)
With Mexican horns that sound like they were plucked straight from Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire", this quirky little song catches the ear from the get go. This Californian has put together a song that pitches together the most ridiculously catchy melody with a very deep message of knowing Christ intimately. In a sense, this has the naivety of early Jesus music because it rejoices simply in the truth of the message and yet dressed up in this imaginative arrangement complete with its many fake endings makes it really work.
Mike Rimmer - CrossRhythms Radio


"Suite 101 Review"

http://christian-folk-music.suite101.com/article.cfm/kingdom_of_conscience

Kingdom of Conscience
Review of Vini Contreas' New CCM CD
© Shane Werlinger

May 9, 2007

Independent musician, Vini Contreas, blesses us with his latest acoustic Contemporary Christian Music CD.

God has given each of us talents and abilities for His glory. God has blessed Vini Contreas not only with musical talent, but the ability to preach God’s word via music. Contreas’ new CD, Kingdom of Conscience, has top-notch music that brings a message to all people.

Christian Folk Singer
Contreas’ website describes his music as “thematically 60’s folk, Dylanesque.” That perfectly describes Kingdom of Conscience, on many levels.

The songs are acoustic pieces that would fit well on a Byrd’s album. One could almost expect to hear David Crosby come crooning through the speakers. Instead they are blessed with Contreas’ more than capable vocals.

While the musical style may be “thematically 60’s folk,” “Dylanesque” describes Contreas’ voice. Dylan is without a doubt a legend, but his voice is not up to American Idol standard. Contreas sounds like Dylan, if Dylan’s voice sounded good. How Contreas would fare on American Idol is another subject.

Evangelical Musician
Contreas’ heart is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If Christians had half of his fervor to share the Good News, the world would be a better place. Contreas has a message not only for Christians, but those that don’t know Christ.

Kingdom of Conscience starts off appropriately with “The Invitation”. Contreas takes Isaiah 55 and puts it powerfully to music. The book of Isaiah is filled with prophecy and this invitation is a call to follow Christ from before He was born.

Contreas shows his versatility in “Christ Crucified”. It starts off with the wail of a horn and goes into the strumming guitar with a Spanish flair. As he dazzles us with his talent, he draws the unbeliever in with his message. The song lays out what Christ did for us all and asks the question, “now that we know this, what we gonna do?”

Message for Christians
God has given Contreas a word for Christians as well. “His Truth” reinforces what every Christian already knows; the Bible is God’s truth and something they need to dig into everyday. Christians may know it, but being reminded can only help.

There are also words of warning on Kingdom of Conscience. Contreas tells Christians to “not love the world or the things of the world.” He warns that “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.” The blow is softened by the mellow guitar picking and Contreas’ soothing vocals.

God is in Control
When a musician of the caliber of Contreas comes along, the Christian music scene is blessed. When that same musician lists The Almighty God as executive producer of their CD, great things are possible. Contreas has given this project to God and will reap the reward. Who knows what can happen when God is in control.
- Shane Werlinger


"BuddyHollywood.com Review"

KINGDOM OF CONSCIENCE Is Straight Up Jesus Music
Thursday, 25 October 2007

Kingdom of Conscience
by Vini Contreas
Beautiful Gate Productions

Back in the day acoustic folk-rocker, Vini Contreas made a living playing solo gigs in bars and clubs in the Northeast and Canada. That experience is evident in his current release, Kingdom of Conscience. The classic finger-picking, harmonica and world-wise vocal stylings give an honesty and earthiness that is missing from much of what currently passes for folk-rock.

A cursory listen quickly confirms any passing suspicion you might have that this is a Christian record. An upfront, unabashedly, no-bull, no apologies Christian record I might add – the kind you used to find when LoveSong and Keith Green were making records (and records were still made out of vinyl). “The Invitation,” the opening track, preaches straight from the Good Book. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” Contreas croons. “Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near!”

Contreas and company get a little bit Latin on “Christ Crucified” with its flamenco guitar and staccato trumpet. But it’s back to classic Dylan-esque folk on “Embrace the Light” and “Give It All To Christ.” The shortest tune on the album, “Like A Willow,” might just be the most lyrical of all. Sweet harmonies evoke a gentle longing for solitary communion with the Creator of the great outdoors. “Derek’s Lament,” one of the few collaborative songs on this project, sounds like a great party song for those nights on the beach, sitting around the bonfire with friends.

Contreas gets his most evangelical on the closing track, “Let Him In,” but not in a beat-you-over-the-head-with-a-Bible kind of way. Rather, this is a classic western-folk song that might just have easily been penned by Crosby, Stills and Nash in their pre-Woodstock days - or maybe even Marty Robbins if he was in an Eagles-listening mood.

Barebones production and stark unembellished arrangements make Kingdom of Conscience sounds like it was created in the middle of the Jesus Movement. Somehow, I think that is exactly what Vini Contreas was aiming for. - Written by Mike Parker


"BuddyHollywood.com Review"

KINGDOM OF CONSCIENCE Is Straight Up Jesus Music
Thursday, 25 October 2007

Kingdom of Conscience
by Vini Contreas
Beautiful Gate Productions

Back in the day acoustic folk-rocker, Vini Contreas made a living playing solo gigs in bars and clubs in the Northeast and Canada. That experience is evident in his current release, Kingdom of Conscience. The classic finger-picking, harmonica and world-wise vocal stylings give an honesty and earthiness that is missing from much of what currently passes for folk-rock.

A cursory listen quickly confirms any passing suspicion you might have that this is a Christian record. An upfront, unabashedly, no-bull, no apologies Christian record I might add – the kind you used to find when LoveSong and Keith Green were making records (and records were still made out of vinyl). “The Invitation,” the opening track, preaches straight from the Good Book. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” Contreas croons. “Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near!”

Contreas and company get a little bit Latin on “Christ Crucified” with its flamenco guitar and staccato trumpet. But it’s back to classic Dylan-esque folk on “Embrace the Light” and “Give It All To Christ.” The shortest tune on the album, “Like A Willow,” might just be the most lyrical of all. Sweet harmonies evoke a gentle longing for solitary communion with the Creator of the great outdoors. “Derek’s Lament,” one of the few collaborative songs on this project, sounds like a great party song for those nights on the beach, sitting around the bonfire with friends.

Contreas gets his most evangelical on the closing track, “Let Him In,” but not in a beat-you-over-the-head-with-a-Bible kind of way. Rather, this is a classic western-folk song that might just have easily been penned by Crosby, Stills and Nash in their pre-Woodstock days - or maybe even Marty Robbins if he was in an Eagles-listening mood.

Barebones production and stark unembellished arrangements make Kingdom of Conscience sounds like it was created in the middle of the Jesus Movement. Somehow, I think that is exactly what Vini Contreas was aiming for. - Written by Mike Parker


Discography

March, 2007: Released 'Kingdom of Conscience', This is an Acoustic Contemporary Christian CD. The tone is 'coffee-house'. All originals: 'The Invitation' was co-written with Isaiah the Prophet, Ch 55 and 'Dereks Lament' was written with Derek Moran. These two cuts showcase the rhythm section as well as 'Christ Crucified' which practically jumps out of the speakers with the 'Ring of Fire' trumpets leading the charge . . (thanks, Johnny). Almost two years in the making, 'Kingdom Of Conscience' features Brad Cummings on Bass and Frank Reina on Drums. Vini is doing the Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica thing and we have Willie Murillo playing Trumpets on 'Christ Crucified.' Willie is Brian Setzer's (Orchestra) music director. Frank tours regularly with Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night fame and Brad is one of the best Bass players in the world. Six cuts feature the full rhythm section, Vini does two cuts with Brad and one by himself. If you don't like the music, you have to be impressed with the recording. Vini's tracks were recorded by Michael Gayle at Glynn Sounds, the rhythm section was recorded in Franks Room and the trumpets in Willie's Garage. Michael, Frank and Willie did bang-up jobs in their perspective corners with the final mixing and mastering crisply engineered by Michael at Glynn Sounds. I'll claim responsibility for the sparing production. We took the 'less is more' road and walked it faithfully. This is a great CD, well written and played. All to God's Glory!! . . . . . . Rocco Bucci / Producer

Photos

Bio

Mission Statement:
I believe that the Lord's Mission in my life is: to Love and Honor Him as The Only One and True God, The Almighty God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob!! . . to live by The Spirit and be constantly aware of His sacrifice, to pray without ceasing and to utilize the talents He has given me, that He might bring increase to His Kingdom . . . and to present myself as a bond servant to Him that He might bring glory to Himself in me as He is The Only One deserving of the glory!

Statement of Faith:
I Believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that he is the Son of God. That He emptied himself of His glory to walk the earth as a Man. That He lived, died and rose again on the third day. That He paid for the sins of the world on the cross, that He became sin for us. I believe that He walked in the world according to God the Fathers' plan, doing nothing of Himself but what His Father commanded of Him. I Believe in the Trinity. That God is three persons in one. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That we are born-again when we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior and that we are sealed in salvation by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God. I believe that I am a born-again believer and will be with Jesus in His Kingdom.

Bio:
My Dad bought me my first guitar for my 12th Birthday and I was immediately obsessed. The Beatles had just landed and I couldn't put it down. I wrote my first song at 19 and since then I've pretty much had one going at all times . . to the present day. It was the process of expressing a thought or emotion or capturing a moment in a little musical interlude that I pursued. What a wonderful expression. I've been doing demos since the early 70's. I cut a local record in '76 in Maine. I made a living doing a solo lounge/bar act thru the 70's in New England and eastern Canada until my early 30's at which point I got a 'real' job and played in a few original bands in the Boston scene . . . always recording . . . . . I came to California in '90 to pursue a songwriting career and became a Christian, at which point I pursued the Lord and started writing and playing worship as well as writing contemporary Christian material. At this point, the writing turned into the process of revealing God's plan or expressing His desires or our/my struggles in a musical interlude. Making a point or presenting a thought that encourages us or draws us closer to God and that Glorifies our Savior. Such a privilege. I've had the joy of leading worship at 3 different churches in Southern California and have had the pleasure of leading worship at a couple years worth of Youth Camps. I've put my efforts for the past 2 years into a Contemporary Christian CD just released, called 'Kingdom of Conscience' and at present I'm busy seeking opportunities to share what The Lord has given me . . .