MUSIC NOTES: Christy Nockels, Kathie Lee Gifford and John Tibbs

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NEW ALBUM FOR CHRISTY NOCKELS - Singer-songwriter/worship leader Christy Nockels released her newest album, Be Held - Lullabies For The Beloved, bringing hope to families nationwide.

A collection of 15 songs intended to encourage parent and child alike, families have shown an outpouring of response, taking to the internet to express how this record has encouraged them, with the Christen Krumm Blog saying "From one mother to another, thank you, Christy. This album is amazing, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with my daughter," with Christen Bohanon calling it "Balm for every soul, lyrically poetic and musically brilliant." Author and speaker Rebekah Lyons had this to say, "There's a sacredness in being KNOWN as a child; seen, safe, secure, and loved. This album isn't just for your children, it unveils your own childhood," while blogger Anisa Darnell shared this heartfelt message, "I cannot tell you all how much these beautiful words and melodies mean to us as they play through our home...this collection of songs is such a timely blessing I pray many will hear."

With such an overwhelming response, Be Held - Lullabies for the Beloved has been a mainstay at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart since its unveiling.

RETELLING OF DAVID & GOLIATH – Three-time EMMY® winner Kathie Lee Gifford unveiled The Little Giant, a new recording that tells the David & Goliath story in a contemporary yet timeless way, on Sept. 29. Regis Philbin (as Jesse) and Broadway notables Aidan Gemme (as David) and Gregg Edelman (as King Saul/Goliath) among others joined voices with the celebrated television and Broadway personality who assumed the role of Sheeba, an ewe with tons of personality. The 30 minute album is filled with 13 new tunes produced by multi-platinum selling David Pomeranz and co-written by Gifford, inspired by the timeless story.

The project stems from a life-changing trip Gifford took to Israel with her husband, legendary football player and sports commentator, Frank Gifford, before he passed in 2015. “There in the valley where David defeated Goliath, Frank and I had a life-transforming experience. We all had been taught that the miracle was that a young boy took down a giant. But in reality, in those days, any shepherd was experienced in killing big animals that threatened the flock. Just as the Lord had prepared David for that one moment, we realized that God has already given each of us a stone to use. That’s the real miracle. The question then becomes ‘What is our stone and how will we use it?’” shares Gifford. “The Little Giant is dedicated to my late husband, Frank. It’s no coincidence that he had a special place in his heart for giants since he played for the New York Giants for 12 years. But more than that, when Frank and I left Israel, we each took a small stone with us and committed to use them however the Lord would lead. This project is the fulfillment of that promise.”

The Little Giant released through New Haven Kids, a division of New Haven Records, which is distributed to the faith-based retail trade through Provident Music Distribution and to mainstream market through SONY Music Distribution.

JOHN TIBBS RELEASES "SHEPHERD" - Singer/songwriter John Tibbs independently released the third single and worship track “Shepherd (feat. Sandra McCracken)” from his Heartland EP set to release Oct. 13 on Windmill & Wave Records with Tone Tree Music distribution and Heritage (an imprint of Bethel Music) digital marketing. Pledgers who preorder the EP at www.pledgemusic.com/projects/johntibbs will receive an instant download of the new song, as well as the project’s title track and Tibbs’ first single, “Won't Let Me Go.

“I've been on a 'faith journey' this last year and a half,” says Tibbs, sharing the impetus behind the new song that was produced by Ben Shive (Colony House, Rend Collective, Ellie Holcomb). “There has been such a divisive political climate around the world that's caused a lot of anger, fear and pain. Maybe it's a brand-new thing, or more likely, my eyes are just now seeing this divisiveness and the reality of our separation from God. Either way, my heart and faith have been shredded apart and reconstructed over and over again.

“Through it all, Psalm 23 has become a cornerstone for me throughout this process,” continues Tibbs, revealing the scripture “Shepherd” is based on. “What I have discovered is that there is freedom found in faith. I want to live and love out of that peace and comfort, looking toward the Lord to guide me as I follow Him.”