Lyric Poetry fused over a fabric of Rock Renaissance.

10 MP3 Songs in this album (47:09) !
Related styles: SPIRITUAL: Christian Rock, SPIRITUAL: Contemporary Christian



Details:
We brothers, broken and redeemed, seek not to be exalted, exalting only the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Through music, the language of the soul, we offer finely crafted and bold songs to connect with the broken and seeking. In us they see what they seek: delight in the Lord, embracing His promise, and joy in this gift of life. They see our love for God, Christ and each other. Our music, conduct and presence represent Christ in the world.

Mike McKeown, vocals and guitar, is a gifted singer/songwriter, starting out as a solo pub circuit singer then fronting the classic rock cover band, Pound for Pound, in Dallas. Moving to Austin in 1989, Mike started the bands 14 Bones and Mayan Bike to showcase his original material. He is known as a powerful singer of rock, contemporary sacred, folk and classical music; touching hearts and raising spirits wherever he performs. âOff the Chainâ is Mikeâs third recording project, following 1996âs âSpokeâ with Mayan Bike and 2004âs âMarleyâs Ghostâ with Hilary Kaufman-Smith. Mike moved to the Texas Hill Country in 2005 and recommitted his musical gifts to God. In addition to Cross Over, Mike is a member and tenor soloist for the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir in Marble Falls, Texas, and in demand as a singer at special events. By continuing to say âyesâ to every opportunity to sing or play as called, Mike met his band mates. In January of 2008 Cross Over gathered for the first time and quickly realized the powerful synergy they generated. Mike is married to Luciana and has two children.

Joe Frantz, guitar and vocals, has generations of music talent in his blood, from his father and grandfather's combined 100 years playing classical French horn to his mother's lively Arkansas Baptist Church piano-playing roots. Joe has played acoustic, electric, and pedal steel guitars in various rock and country bands since college. He is a regular Praise and Worship leader at the First United Methodist Church, in Marble Falls, Texas and has performed in various community plays. Joe is married to Deborah and has four children. His heaven on earth is found in his daily prayers and his called ministry of rockin' praise.

Reverend Mike Morris, vocals and keyboard, started playing drums in 4th grade with a set of twins and another school pal. He came from a musical family; his mother played and taught piano and other instruments, and his father played guitar, banjo and harmonica, although no instrument was beyond his reach and ability. Mikeâs grandfather was a Big Band leader in the 1940âs, playing in Austin and St. Louis. Mike has been involved in musical theater most of his life, and has tap, jazz, ballet, and voice. Mike graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2003 and is currently appointed associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Marble Falls, Texas. Mike stays active musically; performing in local bands, community theater and church productions. Mike met Joe as cast members in a production of âOklahoma!â and they began playing together at church and local venues. Then, from the broader Christian community in Burnet County, the other members got together for a few jam sessions, and soon Cross Over was born. Mike is married to Karen and has two children.

Thomas Cooper-Hicks, bass, purchased his first bass guitar in 1997, and since then music with church praise teams every week has become a vital part of his life. Being raised in East Tennessee, Thomas had an equal influence of gospel, country, bluegrass, and rock music. But it was not until his move to the Texas Hill Country in 2001 that Thomas was truly inspired. While working with people like Carla Cooper-Hicks, Jackie English, Brooks Blake, and the individual members of Cross Over, doors were opened, permitting artistic expression beyond Thomasâs education, and experiences beyond his expectations. These people are an expression of the Encouragement and Grace of Jesus Christ through mankind; influence to the faith and music of Thomas. Thomas is married to Carla Cooper-Hicks.

Heath Frantzen, drums, from Austin, Texas, acquired his first drum set when he was 15. Growing up in Austin's bustling music scene, Heath was influenced by a wide spectrum of jazz, blues, fusion, folk, country, classical and rock. He also developed a taste for world beat, Cuban, and African rhythms, and incorporates a multiplicity of styles into his playing. Heath attended the University of North Texas' renown music school, then traveled and performed, eventually returning home to Austin to finish his degrees at The University of Texas. Since then he has played with varied artists in all styles of music. He is with Cross Over because it isn't a typical rock band or a typical Christian band. The music was a blank canvas and he could write parts and help influence the direction of the music.