Description
XX Years Live is a double disc live album by the American hard rock outfit Resurrection Band (though at this point the band had shortened their name to REZ), independently released on the band’s own label Grrr Records in 1992, in co-operation with Ocean Records, manufactured and distributed by Word.
Nineteen hundred seventy-two was a significant year for contemporary Christian music. Nineteen hundred ninety-two celebrates the twentieth anniversary of Petra, the 2nd Chapter of Acts, and the Resurrection Band, known today simply as Rez. To commemorate this milestone, Grrr Records has assembled a Rez “greatest hits” disc. Unlike most compilations, however, they have elected to offer new renditions of their songs through the recording of a live concert.
The essence of Rez and their Chicago community, Jesus People USA, is their passion for evangelism and authentic Christian living. The live concert has been a prominent arena for Rez and their ministry, having toured the world proclaiming the message of Christ. 20 Years, their second live recording, captures that passion and energy in a complete package.
As the first Christian hard rock/metal/blues band, Rez has never been afraid to confront the harsh realities of life. Glenn and Wendi Kaiser have sung songs that reflect their actual lifestyle in the inner city. Abortion, apartheid, and poverty are just a few of the many timely topics addressed throughout their career, and this concert includes such clasics as «Military Man», «Colours», «White Noise», and «Shadows». 20 Years is truly historical, incorporating songs from each of their previous recordings as well as a few new selections.
No live Rez album would be complete without Kaiser dialogue between songs. While most of the song intros are simple, Wendi’s talk is especially moving and Glenn’s sermonette is absolutely powerful. Like any project, there are weak moments (particularly during some of the song intros), but the bulk of 20 Years is as fresh and vibrant today as when it was originally written and recorded.
The idea of a live recording for this tribute is fitting. Rez has always been known for their agressive performances, and this album captures the highlights of their twenty years in a fresh way – it doesn’t simply repackage old material. Whether this is added to a complete collection of Rez recordings or serves as an introduction to their work, 20 Years is sure to be a treasured collectible. [Kirk Daniel]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/xx-years-live/262572274)
2CD tracklist:
Disc One
1-01. Waves – 2:49
1-02. Military Man – 3:29
1-03. Afrikaans – 3:02
1-04. Attention – 3:47
1-05. Colours – 3:36
1-06. Players – 3:25
1-07. The Struggle – 3:50
1-08. Fiend Or Foul – 5:00
1-09. Alienated – 2:00
1-10. Paint A Picture – 4:26
1-11. Wendi’s Rap – 4:43
1-12. Right On Time – 5:10
1-13. Love Comes Down – 3:25
1-14. White Noise – 5:09
Disc Two
2-01. My Jesus Is All – 4:42
2-02. Lovespeak – 3:25
2-03. In Your Arms – 3:36
2-04. Bargain – 4:50
2-05. Shadows – 4:47
2-06. Somebody To Love – 2:50
2-07. Every Time It Rains – 4:29
2-08. Where Roses Grow – 9:12
2-09. Light/Light – 4:00
2-10. Glenn’s Rap – 5:56
2-11. I Will Do My Last Singing – 4:27
Note: Released both as a double cassette and a double disc by Grrr Records. Available at Bandcamp: https://resurrectionband.bandcamp.com/album/xx-years-live
Album Liner Notes:
Twenty years later we still get a rush remembering what has come to be considered historic by many in the Church. The Jesus Movement and the origin of Resurrection Band shared much in common.
It was the work of a holy and loving God invading a subculture. Tribes of the young, if you will. He also moved on a band of young (in years and spiritually) believers who then followed a clear calling to witness in a rather unprecedented manner via a music style that formerly had been a solid domain of the devil himself. God had redeemed thousands from an enslaved generation. He now had a few solo artists and a handful of bands who were willing to testify of His mercy and the truth of His Word in a musical language that spoke with unique and certain authority to those still in chains.
Youth culture had been laced with rebellion, uncertainty, drugs, and sexual promiscuity. From the very first, the band that was to eventually be known as REZ was founded on biblical teachings and lifestyles of accountability, a path of ministry, freedom from drugs and sexual misconduct. Light and darkness could not mix.
Plenty of mistakes were made, but in God’s grace most were probably avoided because He provided models – many godly, some incredibly ungodly. Lessons were learned from both. The Scriptures coupled with consistent human examples and a healthy dose of Church history prepared the group to be tested. Individually and corporately, tested they were!
With a biblical basis for music ministry, confirmations from Jesus People USA (JPUSA) pastors, and accompanying signs and wonders following each concert. Not so.
Wher did God want us to go (geographically)? How flexible (musically speaking) could we before watering down the sonic credibility of our performances? How long to maintain two complete sets – acoustic and rock? When to record and release something on cassette/vinyl? Ticketed versus love – offering concerts? Etc., etc. . . .
A central burden had been planted in Glenn’s heart before the band was fully formed. There would always be someone or some group of young Christian musicians looking to us for an example of how to do music ministry. Public ministry demanded personal holiness not only for the sake of the bandmembers or their audience, but also for the sake of others who would be influenced toward the same sort of music/mission as REZ. The idea of multiplication in evangelism was just as true in terms of God using us to move others to ministry. Biblical, ethical principles had to be lived out at every level.
Though there was always a very real sense of “belonging” felt by the band, REZ never considered itself the “darling” of contemporary Christian music. They preached too much, too hard, or both. They refused production help from folks who didn’t live with the rawer street sounds that many in REZ’s audience listened to almost exclusively. Integrity had to be a living, sacrificed-for characteristic, not a publicist’s buzzword to generate unit sales of product. Spiritually and musically, all things could be considered. . . but some things would never be negotiable.
If it had not been for the spiritual input as well as the financial backing of Jesus People U.S.A. Covenant Church, REZ most likely would never have happened. And twenty years later could not have continued.
Some things transcend time. God’s grace, presence, and guidance come to mind. And who earns any of these? “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not recieve? And if you recieved it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” (1 Cor. 4:7).
So many gifts – souls committed to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, people entering various areas of the ministry, the JPUSA community, wonderful and faithful wives and children – what more could we ask for?!!!
Here is (as usual) an offering flawed, yet hopefully honest. May it mirror the beggars we all are. May it reflect some facet of the risen Jesus. And may all who are encouraged to follow Him as a result of our offerings bring Him even greater glory.
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