Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News, April 2008: Carmen D’Arcy Releases Debut Project A Place Called Grace To Early Critical Acclaim

Carmen D’Arcy Releases Debut Project A Place Called Grace To Early Critical Acclaim

NEWS SOURCE: Bozeman Media
April 15, 2008

Carmen D'Arcy Indianapolis, IN (April 15, 2008) --- Brickstreet Records/Martingale Music worship artist Carmen D’Arcy releases her debut CD A Place Called Grace April 15th. Produced by Bryan Lenox (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, tobyMac, Sixpence None The Richer), and distributed by Koch Entertainment Distribution, D’Arcy’s debut project showcases her warm, evocative voice along with her powerful gift as a songwriter. D’Arcy co-wrote ten of the eleven songs on the new project.

“Understanding my calling has been an organic, gradual thing; I think that’s often true for many of us,” says D’Arcy. “God does us a huge favor by not freaking us out by letting us in on his vision for our lives too early on in the process. In my case music in general, singing and playing the piano, has always been a central piece of my life, and I’ve used those gifts wherever God has placed me.”

“It’s an awesome thing when you’ve got a whole room of people, asking God to meet them there,” she says. “In those moments my prayer is, ‘God, don’t leave us here. Make us restless for you.’ There’s a place for corporate musical worship but if it’s not a launching pad for something bigger, we might as well pack it up. Anything else is empty. In worship, we’re called to be filled up, moved, changed, turned around and sent out so we can be the light that God uses to change the culture and draw people to himself.”

Already A Place Called Grace has caught the ears of music critics:

“D’Arcy gives listeners one of the best praise & worship albums of the year with A Place Called Grace. D’Arcy’s voice is not just great, but at times pristine…. One of the things that makes [the project] so endearing – it’s not only a great album, but an ego-less one, too.” – Christian Retailing (March 10, 2008)

“Carmen D’Arcy’s CD, A Place Called Grace, is wonderful. It has depth and is easy to sing along. Her songs are in the same league with Chris Tomlin and Darlene Zschech. With Carmen’s talent, this can’t be her first album. Where has she been?” – Al Menconi

“Given the nature of the [worship] genre, it can be a challenge to be original…but this CD shows that worship leaders like D’Arcy are developing their own sound. D’Arcy has a warm voice, and the music is tight with a good mix of tempos.” – Phantom Tollbooth

The song “You Are Everything” is “a song that bursts through in powerful way, extolling God…. [D’Arcy] makes a statement with power-packed vocals and a vertical message that can help listeners to more greatly appreciate God’s nature and sufficiency.” – Christian Music Weekly

Brick Street Records' publishing arm, Worship Wells Songs, publisher of D'Arcy's songs, has also signed a licensing agreement with Music Services. “We are thrilled to represent the licensing rights to Carmen’s songs,” says Don Cason, Vice President, Music Services. “Her songs have great substance and her music is very singable by congregations, both of which are the result of her leading worship regularly. Her music and artistry will make quite an impact to today’s worship.”

D’Arcy’s second single, “Open My Eyes,” will be serviced to Inspo and AC radio in May. For more information on D’Arcy please visit online at www.carmendarcy.com or myspace.com/carmendarcy.

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