Comments on: Mark Bishop on Fields of Love http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music and culture Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:45:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: SouthernGospelBlog.com » CD Review: “The Fields of Love” (Mark Bishop) http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-485730 SouthernGospelBlog.com » CD Review: “The Fields of Love” (Mark Bishop) Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:01:08 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-485730 [...] to the song, prompting the question of whether Bishop would release any singles from the album. He said he would–that he had made sure to include two radio-friendly songs on the project. It’s [...] […] to the song, prompting the question of whether Bishop would release any singles from the album. He said he would–that he had made sure to include two radio-friendly songs on the project. It’s […]

]]> By: Mark Gray http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-470916 Mark Gray Fri, 30 May 2008 16:00:16 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-470916 Seldom would I ever critique anyone else’s work. Greg Bentley at Crossroads tuned me on to the ministry of Mark Bishop about 6 years ago. I have to say that was the beginning of great admiration for a young man obviously more concerned about ministry than entertainment. His music is entertaining, but the Gospel is always paramount in the lyrics he so skillfully pens down. Greg sent me this newest musical endeavor this last week and I took about a 45 minute break to devote listening to it without interruption. One problem though was I was driving my Chevy truck while listening. I nearly had to pull over at least times as I was either blinded by tears or incapacitated by waving arms during a shouting spell. I was raised listening to Gospel music. My family had a Sunday morning ritual of biscuits & gravy, Gospel Caravan and the Gospel Singing Jubilee. I don’t think I am a novice when it comes to knowing great Gospel music when I hear it. OK, here goes. I have NEVER been so moved by any recording as I have been by “The Fields of Love.” I have to say this latest from Mark Bishop is his Opus! I believe it is the best overall project I have had the honor of listening to. On the way to the airport this morning I had my wife and daughter listen to it without interruption. Both responded as I did and my wife went through at least one travel size Kleenex package. I whole heartily recommend this wonderful new masterpiece from Mark. Great job Mark and I hope Crossroads lets me keep some on my own table so I might introduce others to this unbelievable new CD. In His service, Mark Gray Psalms 104:33 Seldom would I ever critique anyone else’s work. Greg Bentley at Crossroads
tuned me on to the ministry of Mark Bishop about 6 years ago. I have to say that was the beginning of great admiration for a young man obviously more concerned about ministry than entertainment. His music is entertaining, but the Gospel is always paramount in the lyrics he so skillfully pens down.

Greg sent me this newest musical endeavor this last week and I took about a 45 minute break to devote listening to it without interruption. One problem though was I was driving my Chevy truck while listening. I nearly had to pull over at least times as I was either blinded by tears or incapacitated by waving arms during a shouting spell.

I was raised listening to Gospel music. My family had a Sunday morning ritual of biscuits & gravy, Gospel Caravan and the Gospel Singing Jubilee. I don’t think I am a novice when it comes to knowing great Gospel music when I hear it. OK, here goes. I have NEVER been so moved by any recording as I have been by “The Fields of Love.” I have to say this latest from Mark Bishop is his Opus! I believe it is the best overall project I have had the honor of listening to. On the way to the airport this morning I had my wife and daughter listen to it without interruption. Both responded as I did and my wife went through at least one travel size Kleenex package.

I whole heartily recommend this wonderful new masterpiece from Mark. Great job Mark and I hope Crossroads lets me keep some on my own table so I might introduce others to this unbelievable new CD.

In His service,

Mark Gray
Psalms 104:33

]]> By: CVH http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-468749 CVH Thu, 29 May 2008 17:56:59 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-468749 I haven't listened to the project yet but I appreciate Mark's comments and his willingness to follow his creative instincts. No professional musician can afford to risk that much every time out nor should they. But I'm guessing a lot wouldn't even try. Some artists spend entire careers cranking out the same project over and over, contributing to the overall lack of innovation and the narrowing of creative scope that has been occuring in SG and Christian music for the last few years. On the other hand, you don't need to reinvent the wheel every time either; there has to be a level of continuity and familiarity or you'll lose your audience (and probably not be able to attract a new one that often). The goal, over several years and projects, is balance. I applaud Mark for taking a chance and working hard on something that is obviously so close to his heart. I'd be willing to 'grade on a curve' for whatever conceptual or creative shortcomings it may contain precisely because he was willing to take a risk and satisfy this part of his calling. No project is perfect; but even if it falls short, there is something too often missed in this industry in what he has attempted - artistic integrity. I haven’t listened to the project yet but I appreciate Mark’s comments and his willingness to follow his creative instincts. No professional musician can afford to risk that much every time out nor should they. But I’m guessing a lot wouldn’t even try. Some artists spend entire careers cranking out the same project over and over, contributing to the overall lack of innovation and the narrowing of creative scope that has been occuring in SG and Christian music for the last few years.

On the other hand, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time either; there has to be a level of continuity and familiarity or you’ll lose your audience (and probably not be able to attract a new one that often). The goal, over several years and projects, is balance.

I applaud Mark for taking a chance and working hard on something that is obviously so close to his heart. I’d be willing to ‘grade on a curve’ for whatever conceptual or creative shortcomings it may contain precisely because he was willing to take a risk and satisfy this part of his calling. No project is perfect; but even if it falls short, there is something too often missed in this industry in what he has attempted - artistic integrity.

]]> By: Craig http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-467213 Craig Thu, 29 May 2008 02:29:47 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2008/05/28/mark-bishop-on-fields-of-love/#comment-467213 I downloaded the CD and really enjoyed it. I grew up around southern gospel but rarely listen to it anymore. I regularly read this blog just to keep up with what is going on. Fields of Love sounded very interesting and very atypical of the genre. I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I liked and was moved by the story and music of this CD. Thanks for making available. I downloaded the CD and really enjoyed it. I grew up around southern gospel but rarely listen to it anymore. I regularly read this blog just to keep up with what is going on. Fields of Love sounded very interesting and very atypical of the genre. I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I liked and was moved by the story and music of this CD. Thanks for making available.

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