KINGSWAY
OFFERS MODERN DAY HYMN WRITER, STUART TOWNEND, FEB. 23
Introducing Stuart Townend Features Top 50 CCLI Songs, “In
Christ
Alone,” “How Deep The Father’s
Love”
Nashville,
TN (February 8, 2010) –
Introducing Stuart Townend, releasing Feb. 23, 2010 from Kingsway with
EMI CMG Distribution, recognizes one of the most prolific
“modern
hymn writers” in the world today. The recording
features
UK-based Townend’s “In Christ Alone” and
“How
Deep The Father’s Love.” Both songs are among the
top 50
most sung worship songs in the US, according to CCLI, and are examples
of Townend’s distinctive lyrics that are rich in theology,
poetry
and have contributed to the worshipping life of the church
worldwide. The recording is available for $5 at both physical
and
digital retail outlets everywhere.
Having written at least 119 songs that congregations are singing
(CCLI), Townend’s ability to craft songs with great lyrics
and
accessible melodies has caused some to draw comparisons with the greats
of previous generations, such as Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley.
“The Church has shown its thirst in recent years for songs of
substance and hymnology,” says Steve Nicolle, Kingsway
director,
music and media. “A good melody is not enough, but
depth of
lyric, Scriptural relevance and poetic beauty are required.
This
is the unique quality that Stuart brings to the global worshipping
church.”
Grounded by his commitment to the local church, when asked about his
own songwriting, Townend explains, “It is so important that
our
lives are built not on our feelings or circumstances, but on the Word
of God, and songs can really help us to meditate on and retain
truth. I know from the correspondence I regularly receive
that if
you can express in songs the profound truth of the gospel in a poetic
yet accessible way, they really can have an impact in
people’s
lives.”
Introducing Stuart Townend features six songs, a sampling of his poetic
lyrics and stirring melodies that have impacted millions. The
full track listing follows:
In Christ Alone
Beautiful Saviour
How Deep The Father’s Love (Click this link for
Townend’s
story behind this song)
Salvation’s Song
Speak O Lord
The Power Of The Cross
In addition to writing and recording, Townend is a gifted worship
leader, musician and seminar speaker. He spends a good part
of
his year leading worship at major Christian events, doing solo concerts
and training emerging worship leaders and songwriters. He also attends
and regularly leads worship at Church of Christ the King (CCK) in
Brighton UK, one of the Newfrontiers network of churches headed up by
Terry Virgo. Having studied literature at the University of
Sussex, it is here he met Caroline, whom he married in 1988, and they
now have three children: Joseph, Emma, and Eden.
For more information about Stuart Townend, go to
http://www.stuarttownend.co.uk
and http://www.kingsway.co.uk.