Launch Of An Inspiring Musical CD & A Giveaway

Do you listen to only one style of music, never branching out to try something new?

Today I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on an inspiring musical CD I was recently introduced to. The CD, LOVED by JJ Heller, is being released today. Thanks to Hope and the wonderful folks at Flyby Promotions/Propeller, I also have a copy of the CD to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the giveaway guidelines.

LOVED by JJ Heller

I don’t listen to music as much as I once did. I tend to listen to audio books instead. However, I recently sampled a song from a newly released album that I couldn’t get out of my head.

The song is ‘Who You Are’ by JJ Heller. It’s from her latest CD, LOVED. I would classify the music as contemporary Christian with an edge toward folk and a bit of jazz. The album was co-written by her husband, Dave. All the songs are original and inspire the listener to trust while letting go of fear.

This was my first introduction to Heller. I found her voice mesmerizing. The music was soothing, but had a bit of an upbeat to it. Once I listened to the lyrics, I understand the power of the song more. It’s about having faith no matter the trials one is faced with.

As I listened to the rest of the album, I found the other songs in similar style. They are all faith based. While the music is uplifting, each song deals with facing some of our darkest demons - loss of a child, illness, broken marriages and loneliness. It seems odd to say the lyrics are sad, yet the songs are inspiring through the music and the lovely voice of Heller. 

After listening to the CD numerous times, all I can say is Heller has a soulful sound and the songs a haunting melody.

JJ Heller’s website is http://www.jjheller.com

LOVED by JJ Heller, Stone Table Records, @2013, ASIN: B00BNXCJPM, Runtime Approximately: 38 Minutes, 21 Seconds

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

LOVED Launches Today!
As I reviewed this CD as part of a virtual blog tour and the CD is being released today, I’m going to include some information I don’t usually include with a review. For more on JJ Heller and her music, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.

When JJ and her husband/co-writer, Dave, began writing for their sixth studio album LOVED, life looked a few shades darker, more painful and confusing than it had during the work on their work of the recent past. Over the past few years, the duo steered much of their material toward the whimsical and simple joys of life, love and new parenthood. But, when confronted by illness, death and broken marriages within their community, the Hellers chose to stay true to the weight of their season of life when crafting lyrics this time around.

Here is the music video for Who You Are to give you a glimpse at the beautiful sound of JJ Heller.

Now for the giveaway guidelines. To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win LOVED.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open international. And, just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the musical CD LOVED by JJ Heller is be 8 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, March 20.

Thanks so much for stopping by. What music have you been listening to lately?