New Music Spotlight

Perry LaHaieThere are four new inspirational music offerings issued this spring by artists who have West Michigan roots.

Here's a look:

Perry LaHaie – "Him"

The West Michigan singer-songwriter has a collection of re-imagined hymns and original songs on his latest effort.

Some of the great hymns of the church fashioned by LaHaie include "Amazing Grace (Send Me)," "O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing" (with a new chorus added), "Just As I Am," and "Rock of Ages."

The artist gets contributions from his adult son and daughter (Taylor and Kali Joy, both music artists) for the original "O Mysteries of Mystery."

LaHaie added to the project a song he originally released during last Christmas season – a new interpretation of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." (See the lyric video online. )

LaHaie is also the co-host of the "Perry & Shawna" morning show on Moody Radio Grand Rapids 89.3FM.

Nate Glasper Jr. – "You Are Great"

Nate Glasper JrThis praise song is the latest from Glasper, a church worship leader as well as director of the Calvin University Gospel Choir.

His international experience was a factor in composing this anthem. He wrote the song three years ago while ministering in South Africa. The musical declaration is two fold: an acknowledgement of God as a wonderful Father, followed by a response of gratitude..."You are great, so great!"

Glasper has offered an opportunity to those all over the world whom the new song is touching. Find out more online . Follow the resulting submissions at #youaregreatdeclaration.

The song is available on all music streaming outlets, including apple/iTunes and Spotify. See a YouTube lyric version at https://youtu.be/bCyvop8dGEE

Chris Renzema – "Let The Ground Rest"

Chris RenzemaThis West Michigan-bred singer-songwriter/worship-leader (he was involved in music at Sunshine Community Church during his Grand Rapids days) is now in Nashville and has issued his second album, "Let The Ground Rest."

His folk-acoustic settings underscored with his vulnerable, rather delicate vocals lead the way in songs such as "Keep Me As a Child" and "Better."

You can hear the audio track for Renzema's song "Springtime" online  .

The artist had a concert scheduled March 30 at the Listening Room in Grand Rapids. It was cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled.

Meanwhile, Renzema continues in his role as a worship music leader at one of the campuses of Ethos Church in Nashville.

Landsailors – "Alone/Mend Me"

Two new songs have come from the recent musical pairing of Jeremy Hoekstra and Emma Bieniewicz.

"Alone" and "Mend Me" are the first results of the collaboration.

Hoekstra, worship leader at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, has several solo albums in his catalog. Bieniewicz, an Ada native, is studying viola and violin at GVSU and has played with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.

The joint effort proves a forthright and saavy combination.

"Mend Me" is a prayerful yet affirming ballad draped by Bieniewicz's breathy and interpretive vocals (think Leigh Nash). Both of their voices contribute in the ethereal "Alone." The musical scores benefit from her work on strings.

The new EP is available via Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/56DTqFK8WlxrygAXaBPDXm...

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