Fernando Ortega set to release first album in five years

Once a leader within the evangelical worship community, Fernando Ortega has taken a different direction as an Anglican music leader and proponent of a resurgent liturgical movement. This new focus is highlighted in Ortega’s July 12th release Come Down O Love Divine (Stylos Records/Word Distribution), a collection of original instrumental songs and lyrical hymns and his first album in five years.

“Come Down O Love Divine is really about a longing for the experience of heaven on earth,” Ortega said in a press statement. “That is how I think we are supposed to approach life, and I think for me, this album is about how every aspect of our lives should be measured out by the narrative of Christ’s life.”

To keep up with the latest on Ortega’s music, visit his official website by clicking here.

Jesus Culture’s Jake Hamilton making big impact with Freedom Calling

The Jesus Culture movement out of Bethel Church in Redding, Calif., has been shaking up the worship community for the past couple of years. On the frontline of that spiritual earthquake is rock-influenced worship artist Jake Hamilton who recently released his sophomore project Freedom Calling. The new album includes 11 original songs and a DVD that features three songs and a 30-minute piece about Hamilton.

“I long to give the Body of Christ a language for reformation and revival through melodies that will be carried on for generations,” Hamilton said in a press release.

For information on Hamilton’s tour dates and his appearances with Jesus Culture, visit the group’s official website here.

Superchick’s Tricia Brock branches out with solo worship debut

Known for her role as lead singer of the quirky but highly melodic pop/rock band Superchick, Tricia Brock is showing another layer of creativity with the week-old release The Road (Inpop Records). Brock’s distinctive voice is evident throughout the record, but the musical background and its lyrical content is more targeted towards worship and adult contemporary listeners.

Brock relied on husband Nick Baumhardt, best known for his work with Stellar Kart, FM Static and Thousand Foot Krutch, to produce the project. Brock’s first single, “You Are My Shepherd” is currently being played on Christian AC stations across the country.

For more details on the new album and Brock’s solo efforts, check out her official website here.

Upcoming album releases (June 21):

Peter Furler – On Fire (Sparrow/EMICMG)
Stuart Townend – The Journey (Kingsway/EMICMG)
Aaron Keyes – Dwell (Kingsway/EMICMG)
Shonlock – Never Odd Or Even (Universal/EMICMG)
The Katinas – Collage (Independent)
August Burns Red – Leveler (Tooth and Nail/EMICMG)
The Martins – New Day (Spring Hill/EMICMG)
The Crimson Armada – Conviction (Razor and Tie/Provident)
These Hearts – Forever Ended Yesterday (Victory Records/Provident)
Ronnie Freeman – Perfect Love (Universal Music/EMICMG)
Danen Kane – Love Is Waiting (Digital Indie Release)
Patrick Paegel – Unfailing Love (Penny’s Gang Records)
Casey Darnell – Coming Alive (North Point Music)
Great Worship Songs Praise Band – The Acoustic Set (Great Worship Songs)
Various artists – EMI Gospel 2011 (EMI Gospel)
Various Artists – Fire It Up (Tooth and Nail Records/EMICMG)
Various Artists – Great Worship Songs For Kids Vol. 5 (Great Worship Songs)
Various Artists – Holy Hip Hop Vol. 11 (Holy Hip Hop)
Various Artists – iWorship @ Home Vol 14 DVD (iWorship)
Various Artists – Time Will Pass You By (Tooth & Nail)

Join Whole Notes tomorrow for an interview with Switchfoot’s Jerome Fontamillas, and coming soon, interviews with Blindside, Royal Tailor, Hillsong United and Burlap To Cashmere.