Well, ‘Happy new Year’ to everyone, I can’t believe how quickly the days are flying by already. The first song I want to share today is one that has been a favourite of mine for years.

I want this blog to be a tribute to the ministry of Seventh Day Slumber and their work reaching out to people who are hurting and struggling with life and even contemplating taking their own lives. They are my band in the spotlight today.

The real meaning of Christmas, as Carman says in that song is all about celebrating Jesus, so on that note, and as Cliff Richard used to sign off on his Christmas newsletter, I wish you all a ‘joy-filled, Jesus-filled, peace-filled’ Christmas.

Traditional Christmas carol covers, or reinterpretations is the theme for today. I love to see what various bands can do with a traditional song to make it completely their own.

First up is my favourite ‘How Many Kings’ here by Downhere. I came across this band quite a few years ago now and this song is one that has stuck with me. The lyrics really bring home the true meaning of Christmas, with a great melody and vocals thrown in for good measure.

As promised I’m following on from last time. More of my music memories. I shall keep you waiting a little longer, saving the best till last, for my all time favourite song from my teens.

I was always keen to seek out new music and with no streaming available when I was younger, I had to go to a Christian bookstore and flip through their albums until one took my fancy.

I came across Jason Gray when I was flitting through Spotify, I liked a couple of the songs that I heard, so he is going to be the one in my spotlight this week.

I should imagine there aren’t too many Pastors out there who are metal artists, he is also an exceptionally talented guitarist and some of his early material is purely guitar based or shred as he calls it

Aside from the live performances many of his music videos are also something special to behold, being a mini movie in each one.