Kevin Max Movie

Christian music news: Kevin Max High Quality Clip on Gospel Music Vid Ch Pt 3

2009-11-11T00:40:00.000-08:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max w/ Chris Sligh on Gospel Music Vid Ch Pt 2

2009-11-04T00:39:00.000-08:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max w/ Chris Sligh on Gospel Music Vid Ch Pt 1

2009-10-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max - Blind live

2009-10-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Lord of the Rings Kevin Max Fade To Red Music Video

2009-10-14T00:33:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: kevin max seek

2009-10-07T00:31:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max - Blind

2009-09-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max - In the light (Live Finland 2005)

2009-09-23T00:29:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: movie trailer - soupernatural with Kevin max

2009-09-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max: Be

2009-09-09T00:26:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max

2009-09-02T00:25:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max on Real Videos

2009-08-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max - Existence [History Maker]

2009-08-19T01:34:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max and Marc Martel sing "In The Light"

2009-08-12T01:32:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Existence - Kevin Max

2009-08-05T01:31:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max interview: KMax Household

2009-07-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max - Time the Fever to a Boil

2009-07-22T03:03:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Cosmic Trip 2009 - Kevin Max, 19.6. 2009, p3/3

2009-07-15T03:02:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: One Way-One Blood: Kevin Max, featuring Joanne Cash

2009-07-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Cosmic Trip 2009 - Kevin Max, 19.6. 2009, p2/3

2009-07-08T03:01:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max and Marc Martel sing "In The Light"

2009-07-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin max - Traveler

2009-06-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max - Existence (Official Music Video)

2009-06-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin Max - Existence (Official Music Video)

2009-06-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

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Christian music news: Kevin max - Traveler

2009-06-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

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Kevin Max - Blind

2009-05-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

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Kevin Max - Deconstructing Venus

2009-05-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

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Kevin Max - Blind

2009-05-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

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Kevin Max - If I Could Make It Work In Life (Legendado)

2009-05-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

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Kevin Max Existence

2009-04-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

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dPulse To Release Kevin Max's Rare Poetry Project "Raven Songs 101"

2009-04-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

Jesusfreakhideout.com spoke to singer/songwriter Kevin Max yesterday about his latest musical ventures, which include a new full-length album (titled Cotes D'Armor) releasing from dPulse on August 11. In the meantime, Max and dPulse will be releasing his 2003 poetry project, Raven Songs 101, on iTunes. Kevin wrote us...

"dPulse records is releasing RAVEN SONGS 101 (my spoken word project with Adrian Belew) that came out after Stereotype Be..... in 2003, Adrian and I only pressed enough to sell at live shows and made a conscious decision to not look for a label or put it out online....now it seems is the time for it to see the light of day....It is being released on iTunes on April 7th...we will have a sprout widget available then for anybody to listen to tracks"

For more information on Kevin Max, visit the JFH Artists Database.

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Movie Review: "The Imposter" Starring Kevin Max

2009-04-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

The new movie, "The Imposter," tells the age old music industry story: sex, drugs and rock and roll, and the rise and fall of a star. Except this time, we're not talking about some mainstream act; we're talking about Christian music.

The movie centers on musician Johnny C (Kevin Max), husband, father and frontman for popular Christian rock band Grand Design. The group plays all the major Christian churches and venues, sells records and has loyal following. Johnny C has everything an artist could want. He also has an addiction to painkillers and women.

When his wife leaves him and his band kicks him out, Johnny C finds himself broke, homeless, and at rock bottom. Befriended by a church janitor who doesn't pull any punches and a homeless eccentric he can't shake no matter how hard he tries, Johnny C eventually turns his life around.

Well, starts to, anyway. Because that's one of the beautiful things about this movie: no happy ending.

"The Imposter" has it's faults, to be sure. The acting is a little weak at time and Kevin Max looks ... well, bad; the costumes make him look huge ... but the story is spot on, and for a small budget film definitely one of the better ones. Not just because most of us can relate to a story about doing stupid things and suffering the consequences, but because it gives viewers an inside look at Christian music you might not see otherwise.

The average Christian music fan believes that a band that sings about God follows God, and that huge crowds and record sales are all a blessing on a band that's doing ministry. But the reality is that sometime fame and success are curses, and have nothing to do with God.

Believe it or not, there are Christian music artists who don't understand the first thing about God, grace and redemption, who have never personally experienced the things they sing about night after night. (I interviewed Bryan Duncan recently for an article in the Christian Examiner, and he told me, ""I think of all the years I expounded Scripture through music and talked about God's marvelous grace and those kinds of things. I never had much experience on it. I just borrowed what I said and I just cut and pasted what needed to be there to be acceptable in Christian circles. I preached to thousands and lost my own soul."

Yup, there are groupies in the Christian music community who would sleep with a Christian artist if offered the chance. (I once worked with a Christian band that was propositioned more by girls in churches than when they played in bars.)

And yes, there are artists struggling with drugs, alcohol and other additions.

That's not to condemn an entire industry. But there is a myth in our culture that all Christian music artists are perfect, holier than the rest of us, with a special mission from God. After all, they are Christian musicians with big platforms, right?

"The Imposter" does a great job of telling a story about the church, for the church; this isn't necessarily one of those evangelistic movies Christians should be dragging their non-Christian friends to see in the hopes of "getting them saved." It's a film that Christians should watch and then afterwards, examine their own motives about God, Christian music music and everything related to the Christian culture.

Sure, non-Christians will definitely get the message, but ironically there's not "come to Jesus" moment. Johnny C doesn't run down the church aisle at an altar call. No big weepy prayer scene. No happy ever after ending. In fact, not much in his life changes - his wife doesn't want to get back together, he doesn't have a band, his money and fame are still gone. But his relationship with God changes, and we're left seeing the direction that change of heart is taking him.

The film features original music from Kevin Max and Jeff Deyo (who plays Grand Design bandmate James) as well as four songs from Downhere, and a new version of "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas' Kerry Livgren (who plays Prof, the janitor who gives Johnny C the swift "kick in the butt" he needs, with love of course),

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KEVIN MAX AND WIFE AMANDA ANNOUNCE THE BIRTH OF KNIGHTLY CHRISTOBAL MAX

2009-04-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

(NASHVILLE, Tennessee) – Kevin Max's wife Amanda has given birth to their third child, Knightly Christobal Max, who came into the world at 9:23 p.m. on March 24, 2009, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Knightly, who joins big sister London and big brother Wilder, measured 20 inches long and weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.

"We decided to name our third child, Knightly Christobal, after both of our affection for medieval art and history," said Kevin Max. "But all in all, he is looking to be the most modern of all our children, being of raven black hair and sharp blue eyes. I believe being a father is my greatest artistic accomplishment, and Amanda and I look forward to watching him grow and connect to his older brother and sister."

With dcTalk, Max accrued album sales exceeding 8 million, as well as numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. In recent years, Max has explored his art and his faith with several critically acclaimed solo projects, and live performances worldwide. His recently released EP, Crashing Gates, is available now at iTunes.

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Kevin Max on Real Videos

2009-04-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

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2009-03-28T19:06:00.001-07:00

INSERT THE FORM FROM 1SHOPPINGCART HERE

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Kevin Max ~ The Cross

2009-03-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

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-Cloud's Sanctury- Kevin Max

2009-03-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

A Cloud Strife tribute to "Sanctuary" by Kevin Max.

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Kevin Max Platform Plataforma mpg

2009-03-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

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Kevin Max interview: Greensleeves

2009-02-25T19:42:00.000-08:00

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Kevin Max interview: KMax Household

2009-02-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

Kevin Max showing us his house and his wife.

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KEVIN MAX TO EXPAND "CRASHING GATES" EP TO FULL ALBUM

2009-02-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

Following the December release of Kevin Max's latest venture, Crashing Gates, the singer has hit the studio to record four more songs for the full package release. Below is his personal announcement...
"I am finalizing plans with dpulse/fontana/universal for production schedule on the full package release, and follow-up to Crashing Gates, tentatively titled COATS DE AMORE.......this will put me back in the studio for 4 brand new tracks!!!!, plus possible remix on the earlier tracks made available digital only through Crashing Gates EP...this full length will also be made digital as well as distributed internationally as a packaged product....we have been writing and for now the new tracks to be recorded include:
"Dancing in English Churches"
"Walking through Walls (just to get to you)"
"On Yer Bike!"
"I Am A Magnet"
we will be at SXSW this year officially!......at this time no shows have been booked during the week, but i will be attending some of the shows, as dpulse/Universal will undoubtedly want me there next year to support the full length project.
lastly, amanda has come along and is nearing the final month with our latest Max baby.....everyone is doing great and are healthy and happy......pictures at some point....
peace KM"

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Kevin Max - Beautiful Mind with Jordan

2009-02-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

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The Imposter Movie Starring Kevin Max And Jeff Deyo Releases Early 2009

2009-02-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

The new movie "The Imposter" will be available for churches, shipping in time for New Years Eve. For two more weeks, churches can pre-order the movie and receive a $30 discount (using discount code PRE-ORDER). Daniel Millican, writer/director says that he wants to release the movie for exhibition in churches only right now but that a home DVD will become available later in 2009.

In addition, the movie will be playing in select cities throughout 2009. To keep up to date, or to order the movie, visit www.theimpostermovie.com .

Kevin Max (Christian music group dcTalk) is headlining the faith-based motion picture .The Imposter, a modern day prodigal son story set amidst the backdrop of Christian music. The movie also stars Kerry Livgren (Kansas, AD, Proto-Kaw), and Jeff Deyo (formerly Sonicflood).

There's no sexual content or profanity, but the filmmakers recommend the movie for those 13 and up because of issues of infidelity and drug addiction. For trailers, clips and more information, visit www.theimpostermovie.com.

An evening with the Director can be scheduled to make your event even bigger. For costs, contact Serendipitous Films.

What I appreciate about The Imposter is that this movie is well produced, well written and has a great message if you're a disciple, live it.
Randy Cox, Young Adults Pastor, Bethesda Community Church

If God had allowed me a third thumb, I would have it up too. The Imposter is a breath of fresh air; be taking the youth group to see it soon.
Josh Giere, Youth Pastor

"The Imposter" makes two things clear - 1. There are no simple answers, God's people still live in a broken world, and following Jesus doesn't fix all the messes his people make. 2. There is joy and renewal in walking in
the light!
Doug Widger
Director of Student Ministries,
St. Paul Lutheran

I really enjoyed being a part of this film and seeing it as well. It is
thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking at the same time. It should
inspire us all to work hard not to live up to the films title. Chris
Goodwin, Program Director, KVRK

So just how do you deal with the little secrets you've kept in your life
when you're a leader in the Christian community? This movie takes a harsh,
unblinking look at one man's journey. I'ts an intriguing, thought-provoking
story and the music rocks! Dawn Henderson, Promotions Director, KVRK

Frankly I was impressed with the story line, cinematography, acting. I
really liked how the movie ended, not in a tidy conclusion but in a process
of the heart. I am recommending this to everyone I know. Thanks.
-Charlie and Carolee Baugh

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-Cloud's Sanctury- Kevin Max

2009-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

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Kevin Max - Crashing Gates Review

2009-01-28T22:01:00.000-08:00

Artist: Kevin Max

Album Name: Crashing Gates (Digital)

Label: dPulse Recordings

Comments: You might have missed the latest release from Kevin Max this last December because it was only available digitally. Sorry, no nicely wrapped plastic shiny CD case with cover, lyrics and flat round disc with a hole in it. Well, to anyone under twenty that won�t part with their iPod Touch, this might be ok but I have to say, I miss the physical. Now that my complaining is done, Kevin�s latest release called Crashing Gates is a collection of six new songs and one older track updated for 2009. For those familiar with his work, this one won�t disappoint with the exception that it�s only seven songs.

Kevin�s ability to create unique and thought provoking music has always made me a fan. Crashing Gates, like most all of Kevin�s music, is a pure form of experimental rock. This is music that radio tends to shy away from but it makes for a great experience for the �cd� listener. A few highlights include Out of the Wild. The song is an interesting take on our future in this world.   Kevin has performed other songs about eschatology and this one is real good. Your Beautiful Mind 2009 is a rework of the same song from The Imposter album. I absolutely love the slower tone he gave the song. The honest lyrics to this song made it one of my favorites on The Imposter and I like this version ever better. If you don�t spring for all seven tracks, at minimum you should grab this song.   Crashing Gates is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Style: Rock/Alternative

Songs (with song rating):

1.     Traveler (8.5 of 10)

2.     Baby, I�m Your Man (9 of 10)

3.     The Saint Of Lonely Hearts (8.5 of 10)

4.     Future Love Song (9 of 10)

5.     Out Of The Wild (9 of 10)

6.     Crashing Gates and Passing Keepers (8 of 10)

7.     Your Beautiful Mind 2009 (10 of 10)

Favorite Songs: Your Beautiful Mind 2009, Out of the Wild

Overall:    8.85 (Average of song score)

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kevin max electric heart

2009-01-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

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kevin max

2009-01-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

concert

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KEVIN MAX CAMERA BEE SUPER SONIKA

2009-01-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

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kevin max beautiful mind

2009-01-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

concert vision juvenil

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GOD'S UNIVERSE (PLEASE SAVE ME)

2008-12-31T07:29:00.000-08:00

MUSIC VIDEO FEATURING:KEVIN MAX.

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Kevin Max - If I Could Make It Work In Life

2008-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

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Kevin Max Live Interactive Interview 11/12/08

2008-12-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

Live Interactive Interview - 11/12/08

Kevin, born Kevin Max Smith (he later dropped Smith) in 1967 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, started singing when he was young. The adopted son of Max and Elaine Smith, he grew up on a farm where he rode horses and motorcycles and often sang for his familys church. It was in high school, where he sang in theatrical productions, that he began to develop his dream of singing professionally. Kevin began writing music and poetry of his own, and his passion for the art was solidified.

While attending Liberty University (from where he was eventually kicked out), Kevin met Toby McKeehan and Michael Tait, and they began performing music together. In 1987, they formed the Christian rap/hip-hop group DC Talk, which eventually made a deal with Forefront Records. By the time of the groups break-up in 2001, they had become a Contemporary Christian music sensation with three platinum records and four Grammys. Their 1995 album Jesus Freak is still considered one of the most groundbreaking Christian rock albums of all time.

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Making of Crashing Gates

2008-11-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

Kevin Max in the studio mixing the new EP Crashing Gates. www.kevinmax.com

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Believe (is an Act) www.theimpostermovie.com

2008-11-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Music Video from the movie "The Imposter" starring Kevin Max (dcTalk), Jeff Deyo (formerly Sonicflood), Kerry Livgren (Kansas, Proto-Kaw, wrote "Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust in the Wind").

This music video is from the band in the movie "Grand_design".

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KEVIN MAX ADDRESSES RECENT CAR ACCIDENT

2008-11-06T21:54:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Kevin Max was in a minor car accident and thankfully came away just a bit shaken with some bumps and bruises. Today, Kevin sent out a personal response to the accident news...
"Healing...
Thanks to everyone for sending me comments and messages..... i am doing ok.....just a couple of bumps and bruises and a back that feels like meatloaf (not the singer)....what happened in brief- i was en route to studio for mixes in Land Rover, for some reason i looked down to see if i had gotten a call on my phone, looked up and a minivan appeared right in front of me...... i cut hard to the right in the direction of the embankment but rear ended mini van......don't ask how she put on her brakes that fast, but she did......i have been driving Hillsboro road for over 15 years and have never gotten in a fender bender...so, life being life....the driver was not hurt and she was very kind....my rover took a beating, as did i.....i was not wearing my seat belt which threw me around a bit....so i learned my lesson....watch for madly braking soccer moms, and wear your seatbelt....so not Rock and Roll. KM"

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Dc Talk-You consume me (Spanish subtitles)

2008-10-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

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The Imposter Movie Trailer

2008-10-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

This is the first trailer for the feature film coming soon entitled "The Imposter." It stars dcTalk member Kevin Max and Kansas's Kerry Livgren ("Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust in the Wind") and Jeff Deyo (formerly of Sonicflood). The movie is written and directed by Daniel Millican (The Keyman, A Promise Kept).

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Kevin Max - Existence

2008-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

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Kevin Max - The Blood (Infinity Music Distribution)

2008-09-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … the dc Talk vocalist singing gospel standards (and more recent gospel-ish songs), blending styles in a manner reminiscent of Mike Farris, Johnny Cash, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

At a glance … Kevin Max may have been going for "stylized adaptations" of gospel classics on The Blood, but the arrangements are derivative of similar projects and too predictable to be considered innovative or creative.

Whether expressing himself personally, spiritually, or musically, Kevin Max has long been something of an enigma in Christian music. Though he's brought freshness and creativity to the scene, he's never comfortably settled into a solo career with an identifiable sound for more than one album. Some would cite that as proof that Max can't be bound by conventions, but others would counter that he's yet to figure himself out as an artist. Revisiting his previous solo projects (beginning with 2001's Stereotype Be), there's evidence for both sides—a singer/songwriter who strives for innovation, but often compromises it by relying too heavily on his varied influences.

That's exactly what happens again on The Blood. Max is quick to point out that this is not a hymns project or a worship album. But it is still an album of cover songs—namely, "stylized adaptations" of the gospel classics that influenced pop and rock. (Never mind that 4 of the 10 tracks were written in the last 40 years, and thus couldn't have influenced the pop/rock pioneers of the '40s and '50s.)

There's no question that Max has gathered an amazingly diverse list of talent for this project—starting with producer Will Owsley (Amy Grant's guitarist and a talented solo artist in his own right). Along with a number of prominent session musicians (including B3 master Phil Madeira and multi-instrumentalist John Painter), there are enough guest artists here to credit the album as "Kevin Max and Friends."

Unfortunately, the adaptations are more routine than stylized. The album begins with a throwaway cover of "The Old Rugged Cross," with Max doing his best Johnny Cash impersonation to tinny EQ and record scratches, reproducing old-time production values. Other than shortening the hymn to a one-verse prologue, he's done nothing with the song that's different from classic recordings … and that's pretty much the case throughout.

Much is being made of this album's rendition of Prince's "The Cross" because it reunites dc Talk. Of course, the three members have already reconvened for a 2004 remix of tobyMac's "Atmosphere" and their 2002 song "Let's Roll" (a tribute to Todd Beamer). Once you get past the novelty of the reunion, the cover's not all that interesting—Michael Tait is featured for a verse, tobyMac yowls in the background, and it ultimately become repetitive. The Blind Boys of Alabama did a similar but superior (and less repetitive) adaptation of the song for their 2002 album Higher Ground. Max seems to be a Blind Boys fan, since he also covers the group's cover of "Run On for a Long Time" (from 2001's Spirit of the Century) with American Idol finalist Chris Sligh—again, with lesser results....

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

Kevin Max - Holy Night

2008-09-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

A Christmas album consisting of thirteen classic songs sung by Kevin Max. Need I really say more?

While it's tempting to leave the review at that, it would do the artist and the listener a disservice to not elaborate further. Kevin Max, now a veteran in the Christian music industry, has been wowing audiences with his impressive vocal talents since his days in the much acclaimed trio, DC Talk. Upon venturing out on his own a few years ago, Kevin has brought something unique and deep to music. His vocals can rip into your soul through a piercing scream or lull you into a pensive state. His latest release, The Imposter, hit shelves just over a month ago, offering a collection of some of Kevin's best work to date. But with the Christmas season swiftly approaching, Max has crafted together what will most likely be the most timeless project of his career... a Christmas album.

Holy Night pulls its most potent moments through its beautiful simplicities. You won't find an original tune amongst the album's thirteen selections and this might be one of the most enduring aspects of the record. Those who love the Christmas season and especially the classic music that comes along with it will find Holy Night familiar and inviting. Max breathes new life into these traditional songs, adding his personal touches just enough to freshen up the tracks while leaving an undeniable "Christmas feeling" to them. Most of the songs are held back and restrained, carried along by a classy, serenading piano ("God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen") or just a glimmer of synths ("The First Noel"). Holy Night is all the while a sensitive and delicate project. Max presents "Silent Night" as a lullaby while offering what might be the most somber and contemplative version of "Joy To The World" you'll ever hear....

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

Kevin Max - The Imposter (Northern Records)

2008-09-19T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … a broad array of alt-rock and Brit-pop influences including U2, Morrissey, The Killers, Coldplay, Blur, David Bowie, Franz Ferdinand, and Keane.

At a glance … offering more openly spiritual and vulnerable lyrics and a better understanding of his stylistic range, Kevin Max's The Imposter is a slight improvement over his already strong solo debut.

Michael Tait and tobyMac have both done well since parting ways with dc Talk, so why hasn't Kevin Max met with similar success? Three probable reasons come to mind. Max's stylistic direction isn't widely supported by Christian radio, forcing him to try his alt-pop/indie rock with the more competitive mainstream. Related to that, some would say Max's songs haven't shown enough originality, sounding too derivative of his musical influences. And then there's his rock star persona, which rubs some Christians the wrong way, enough to call him arrogant, egotistical, and a poseur; some have even questioned his faith.

All of this is indirectly addressed on Max's second-full length effort, allowing The Imposter to settle the minds of critics while maintaining credibility with the art rock fans expecting depth and creativity. Inspired by two books from Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel and Abba's Child, Max's album title refers to the conflict between flesh and spirit common to all of us. In recent years, Max has left Forefront Records (still the home label for Tait and tobyMac), moved to Los Angeles, signed to the Californian Christian label Northern Records, and networked with several music industry vets. Between the hard knocks he's faced since 2001's Stereotype Be album—in the music biz and through his divorce—the enigmatic singer/songwriter acknowledges that he is indeed flawed, like all of us.

With the confessional title track, he acknowledges the fabrications of his life and pleads for forgiveness, appropriately blurring the distinction between God and earthly relationships. Viewing dc Talk's classic "What if I Stumble" as a prelude to the inevitable, Max's "Platform" asks the tough, Psalm-like questions in the aftermath of sin: "Why'd You choose me when You knew I wasn't tough enough?/Why'd You send me when You knew I would run?/Why'd You put me into places that I didn't want?/Why'd You call me when You knew I would hang up?"

Such vulnerability seems uncharacteristic in light of Max's previous work, and it makes the equally blurry "I Need You, The End" an even more poignant declaration of dependence. "The Imposter's Song" also makes a fitting response with comforting words of grace: "Please believe, you're beautiful when you're not made up … You're beautiful without the makeup." In the catchy radio single "Sanctuary," he longs for the peace and satisfaction that can only come from God: "Hand me the code to your gates of knowledge/Teach me the truth I never learned in college/Let me walk this valley till I find a place called home."

It's not all about Max, however. The gorgeous "Your Beautiful Mind" was written for an atheist friend, outlining a hopeful conversation and conversion. The dark, industrial-flavored rock of "Jump Start Your Electric Heart" is his response to others who live a phony existence: "It's time to draw the shades, eyes are open wide, a brave new world to face/Your maker is ready to connect the hard drive."....

Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review

Kevin Max - Between the Fence & the Universe (Blind Thief Recordings)

2008-09-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

Sounds like … Kevin Max's obvious love for alternative Euro pop/rock acts like U2, David Bowie, Queen, and Robbie Williams.

At a glance … KMax's sound is cool and arty, but it lacks that personal touch to establish him from merely rehashing his influences.

O Kevin Max, where art thou? The other dc Talk brethren have kept themselves busy in the public eye. Michael Tait has released two albums in three years with his band Tait, and had the leading role in last year's acclaimed rock opera !Hero. At the same time, tobyMac has ridden high with two successful solo projects and high profile touring. On top of that, Tait and tobyMac's latest albums were both nominated for Grammy awards in the Best Rock Gospel category. Kevin Max, the enigmatic third member, hasn't achieved the same level of success, despite his critically acclaimed 2001 debut Stereotype Be. Since then, he's had to cope with a failed marriage and an attempt to find a home in the L.A. music scene. It's only just recently that KMax has signed a new record deal with small indie Christian label Northern Records to release his sophomore effort in 2005.

In the meantime, KMax released Between the Fence & the Universe, a six-track EP available through his website and some Christian music stores. (Depending on where you pick it up, you might find a seven-track version that includes a so-so cover of Leonard Cohen's classic "Hallelujah." Despite the title, it's not so much religious as it is a beautifully melancholic love song that's been deemed inappropriate for some stores to carry.) Perhaps it bridges the gap between what we've heard and what's to come, and who's to say some of these songs won't appear on the future release?...

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Stereotype Be - Kevin Max (Forefront)

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Sounds like … sophisticated and progressive pop/rock with a strong European pop influence—fans of Peter Gabriel, U2, Sting, David Bowie, Queen, and John Lennon should eat this up.

At a Glance … Kevin Max's musical influences are too obvious and consequently he doesn't quite make the music his own, but this is undeniably an impressive album of ear candy and thought-provoking lyrics.

Part two of the dc Talk solo album experiment comes from Kevin Max, the man with the soaring tenor voice that sometimes warbles as well as a love for poetry and art rock. Kevin is unquestionably the most enigmatic member of dc Talk, and he's left many people scratching their head at some of the public statements he's made or the behavior he's exhibited on stage—which makes his new solo debut all the more auto-biographical. Through the lyrical content and the general artistic scope of the album, Stereotype Be challenges Christians and non-Christians to step outside their comfort zone and examine the relevance of faith and truth in their daily living.

As you might have picked up from hearing past dc Talk albums, Kevin can be very poetic—and the results are sometimes frustrating but often spectacular. Unlike a lot of Christian music, this isn't an album that's easily figured out from casual listening, and I imagine a lot of listeners will still be scratching their head wondering if this is a "Christian" album. The answer is definitely yes, but you need to explore the album to understand it. It's a recording that asks questions about society and our common struggles in this "Existence," and then attempts to answer those questions by taking comfort that we can simply "Be" what God has created us to be. Several of the other songs relate to this album theme—the desire to be accepted ("I Don't Belong"), the need to be loved ("Dead End Moon"), and the futile pursuit of fame and glamour ("Deconstructing Venus"). The album is similar in message to the book of Ecclesiastes, looking for fulfillment in all the wrong places and eventually finding it in the perfect totality of God. Heady stuff, but it can be quite rewarding after repeated listens.

While you're trying to grasp the meaning behind the songs, what really stands out when listening to Stereotype Be is the sound. Kevin Max's taste leans towards sophisticated European pop, and the album soaks in it with the help of some talented musicians from outside the usual Christian studio musician circles. The album was co-produced by the legendary Adrian Belew, an extremely gifted guitarist who was in the classic art rock band King Crimson and played guitar on some of David Bowie's early works. Adrian also produced "Liquid" and "Flood" for Jars of Clay once upon a time. Joining Adrian is fellow King Crimson alumni Tony Levin, an excellent bass player who's played on just about every Peter Gabriel album (and my oh my, if the opening bass riff to "Be" doesn't sound a lot like Gabriel's "Don't Give Up"). Additional musicians include guitarist William Owsley (who has his own band and has played with Amy Grant), drummer Matt Chamberlain (Tori Amos), and multi-instrumentalist John Painter (dc Talk and Fleming & John). The music is extremely well performed, though I found myself expecting more considering the talent involved—for example, there are some good guitar solos but there could have been more....

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Guest appearances

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* Rich Mullins - To Tell Them
from the 1992 album The World as Best as I Remember It, Volume Two

* Kevin Max - Lonely Moon
from the 1994 album Strong Hand of Love: A Tribute to Mark Heard

* Audio Adrenaline - My World View
from the 1994 album Don't Censor Me

* Passafist - Louie's Solo
from the 1996 album Never Say Dinosaur

* Rich Mullins - If I Could Make It Work, Love's as Strong
from the 1997 album Canticle of the Plains

* Kevin Max - Save Me
from the 1998 album Awesome God: A Tribute to Rich Mullins

* SONICFLOOd - Something About That Name
from the 1999 album SONICFLOOd

* Kevin Max - Help Me Rhonda
from the 2002 album Making God Smile: An Artists' Tribute to the Songs of Beach Boy Brian Wilson

* tobyMac - Atmosphere: Remix
from the 2004 album Welcome to Diverse City

* Playdough - Sandal Sole
from the 2006 album Don't Drink the Water

* Manic Drive - Blue
from the 2007 album Reset & Rewind

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Discography

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Solo
* At the Foot of Heaven (spoken word EP, Starsong, 1995)
* Stereotype Be (Forefront Records, 2001)
* Between the Fence & the Universe (EP, Northern Records, 2004)
* The Imposter (Northern Records, 2005)
* Holy Night (Northern Records, 2005)
* The Blood (2007)
* Crashing Gates and Passing Keepers (Currently in production)

Collaborations
* Sanctuary (2005)
* Existence (2001)
* Be (2001)

Filmography
* Existence (ForeFront Records, 2001)
* Seek Live (Northern Records, 2003)
* Untitled (Blind Thief Publishing, 2003)

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Personal life

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In 1997, Max married Alayna Bennett. They divorced in 2003 for undisclosed reasons.[citation needed] In April 2005, he married Amanda Lynn MacDonald,[5] but stated in an interview

that earlier the two had "a secret wedding and marriage vows were spoken and we had binding agreement together in front of a spiritual leader. But we decided to go with the public

ceremony a little bit later."[6] Their daughter, London, was born on October 7, 2005.[5] They lived in Hollywood, California, until July 2006, when Max and his family moved to Las Vegas,

Nevada.[citation needed] In December 2006, Max announced on his website that he and Amanda were expecting the birth of their second child (a boy) in June 2007. He was born as

Wilder Liam Max at 7:00PM on June 6, 2007.[citation needed] Kevin Max and family have moved back to Nashville where Max has secured a new recording contract. In August 2008,

Kevin announced on his website that he and Amanda are expecting a third child.

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Biography

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Early years

His birth name is Kevin Max Smith, but he legally shortened it to "Kevin Max" in 1997, as a tribute to his birth father. Kevin was himself adopted by the Smith family and grew up in Grand

Rapids, Michigan. Another reason behind changing his name might be because his adoptive brother was named Max. Kevin showed incredible vocal and musical talent early in his life

and his talent grew while at Northpointe Christian High School and later at Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia.

dc Talk

Later, at Liberty University, he met fellow dc Talk bandmates: Toby McKeehan and Michael Tait. Together they formed dc Talk and went on to achieve great success in both Christian

and mainstream music. The band went on to win four Grammy Awards, 16 GMA Dove Awards, and other recognitions. However, they decided to take an extended "intermission" in

2000.

Spirituality

In recent years, Kevin Max has attempted to create a name for himself apart from dc Talk. While he does not shy away from vocally defending his Christian faith, he has expressed a

desire to create art with a universal appeal. He insists, "My music is for a Christian and a Buddhist to pick up and still enjoy, as well as for an atheist. But it is there to prod and ask some

questions: What's my worldview? What do I believe in, and why do I believe it?"

Stereotype Be

The resulting solo album, Stereotype Be, released on August 28, 2001, was praised by Allmusic for "[combining] pop, rock, and world music to create a versatile and intriguing

project."[citation needed] Legendary artists Adrian Belew, Larry Norman, and Tony Levin contributed to the album.

Further projects

While Stereotype Be has developed a considerable cult following, it wasn't well-received in the Christian music market. Soon after its release, Max was dropped from his Christian label,

Forefront Records. Undeterred, Max began to slowly build his solo career through live shows and word-of-mouth. He released independent albums via his website, including an EP

entitled Between the Fence & the Universe and a spoken-word collaboration with Adrian Belew entitled Raven Songs 101, both in 2004.

In fall of 2004, Max's word-of-mouth strategy finally began to pay off. He played the title role in the Visalia Theatre Company / Hutson-Cavale Productions revival of the classic Tim Rice

and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Later that year, he signed a new deal with Northern Records and released a second full-length album,

titled The Imposter, said to "contain...a sound that recalls the passion of early U2, the soul of Jeff Buckley, and the ambiguity of Blur, on October 18, 2005. He released a Christmas

album, titled Holy Night, in time for the 2005 holiday season.

In April 2007, Infinity Music announced that Kevin Max signed onto their label for his next project. His latest album, The Blood, was released on December 26, 2007.[3] According to Max,

"The Blood is not a classic hymns cover project or a white/homogenized version of black gospel or soul music. It's a sensitive and stylized adaption of the music that was at the root of

rock and roll, blues and popular culture."[3]

In February 2008 Kevin Max starred in the independent film The Imposter Movie, on location in Dallas Texas.[4] Kevin plays a character named "Johnny C", a singer who becomes

addicted to Oxycontin and loses his family and job as a Christian Music Star. The movie also features Tom Wright, Troy Baker and many others.

Poetry and writings

Max is also a poet and an author. He has published four books, three of which are poetry books: At the Foot of Heaven (1994), The Detritus of Dorian Gray (2003) and PO.ET.RY

(2005). The other is an autobiography of sorts titled Unfinished Work (2001), an in-depth look at the meaning of each of his songs from Stereotype Be. In addition, Max has a spoken-

word EP album that accompanies his first poetry book At the Foot of Heaven, released in 1995 by Starsong Productions.

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