STATEMENT OF FAITH AND REVIEWS

We believe in the trinity of the Godhead, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We believe in the inerrancy of the Word, and in its authority to govern our daily lives. We believe in the Holy Spirit, and in His moving in the church today. Finally, we know that God, the creator of all life has a plan for each and every one of us.

For a more detailed explanation, please see the Westminster Confession of Faith, with which we are in agreement.

Azimuth "Alpha & Omega"

Azimuth's newest CD, Alpha & Omega, is a paradoxical blend of musical styles, ranging from the hot licks of Soul Purpose and "Robert Cray-ish" style of Heaven's Door, right through the techno-pop rhythms and minor/major key transitions of songs like Patient Heart that almost defy traditional definitions. There are folk-ish, heart-felt, almost confessions to God in songs like Fallen Tears.

There are celtic-feeling songs like Beside Me, and those looking for upbeat, traditional "Maranatha-style" songs won't be disappointed either. There is a healthy does of those as well. The CD ends with two "epic" songs, Holy War and the title cut of the CD, Alpha & Omega.

I found a surprise on the CD. The jacket lists 13 songs. The last song is over in 4 minutes and 18 seconds. I wondered why my CD player didn't stop... At 5 minutes and 18 seconds into the last cut, there is an un-documented surprise that I won't tell you about. Let's just say that this group of musicians "air it out".

Azimuth is comprised of Paul Gentry, LaVada Beck-Torzewski (no relation to me) and Dan Swan. They are the writers and collaborators on all cuts. There is a long list of top-notch musicians (including a grammy-award-winning cello player, Emil Milan) that contribute to the CD, and I believe that might just be how this group stays fresh and handles so many varied musical styles. Azimuth has been together since 1984 and began as a church special music team and has played in local churches, prisons, youth functions and even coffee houses. They currently only exist in the studio since Paul Gentry is still in the military and travels and LaVada is married and now lives in Colorado. Even so, their ministry still continues through the recorded word.

The group is strong musically and their music is highly produced and orchestrated. Heavy on keyboards and synthesizers, and to my liking, a good mix of acoustic and electric guitars. (Can you tell I am a guitarist??) This is a "musician's group".

If I were pressed to offer any constructive hints to Azimuth, it would be along the lines of the final mixes and production. Technically, the voices are pristine, the harmonies are right on the money, and I find no fault with any of the musicians and their styles. I did notice that I found myself drawn to the music itself. In some instances, lyrics and vocals were overshadowed by the music. I am such a musician that I was probably in my 20's before I realized there were vocalists, and yes, even lyrics in songs (grin), and I actually had to pay attention to what was being said in those lyrics. (I could tell a story here, but I'll spare you all). In fact, I used to think that vocalists were used as "markers" to help keep us musicians together in the songs. (smile, again). As I have matured in my musical styles and practices, particularly with regard to Praise and Worship music, performed to the audience of One (God), I realize how important the words are.

Our worship team struggles with the balance of good musicianship, sound pressure levels, and the very concept of what is appropriate for Praise and Worship to lead others INTO God's presence and to not distract from the worship experience. The only reason I mention that is to encourage those in Contemporary Christian music. You are not alone in this struggle, and don't ever let your focus wander as to why we do what we do. It's got to be glorifying to God.

Having said all this, Azimuth's Alpha & Omega is worthy of adding to your Praise and Worship music collection. In my humble opinion, it is right up there with the big names that we've all heard of. If we can get those folks out of the studio and on the road, perhaps we'll all one day say "I remember seeing Azimuth when.....".

© Allen Beck, MCS, 1999

Everytime I come here (to Javamusic) to find some new music, or just to listen to some of my old favorites, I find myself going back to listen to Azimuth. I liked them when I first heard them, but it seems that I like them more after each listen. I don't know what a critic or reviewer would have to say about Azimuth, but I honestly can't find a single thing that I don't like about them. Even the male vocals on one song are listenable to my "only like to hear women singing" ears!

But of course, the voice of the female singer, LaVada, is what draws me to this group, not to mention that each song is top of the line. Whatever criteria critics and reviewers use when rating a song, they would score high marks on each song. This is "radio ready" music. (It's ON the radio, too!)

First Boss (Javamusic radio guru 2003)

Azimuth "Alpha & Omega"

Alpha & Omega represents about three years of production work, but to be fair it represents nearly 15 years of artistry and ministry. Azimuth was formed in 1985 to preach the Gospel through music. They take their name from a play on the word "azimuth," using it to mean the measurable degree of man's distance from God.

The songs on this CD were written over the course of 13 years, and range from ethereal balladry to Celtic-influenced pop to no-hold-barred rock 'n' roll. Although I enjoyed all aspects of the music, I think the band truly shines through the voice of LaVada Beck-Torzewski on the softer tunes. Her vocals are marvelous, reminding me of Kim Hill or Kathi Troccoli, while they perfectly complement the flowing and floating guitars, keyboards, and percussion.

"Song of Freedom" shows off the band's strengths, with well-choreographed pop instrumentals, Beck-Torzewski's superb vocals, and straight-ahead lyrics that could be considered a "battle cry after the fact." The song is a call to sing of the freedom we have, even in the middle of the battle, because Christ has already won the ultimate victory. "Sing the song of freedom for the battle is won! Build your firm foundation on Jesus Christ the Son. Life everlasting, His power enduring, He'll bring you from the darkness to the light!" Amen!

In my mind, the gem of this CD is without a doubt "Calling Us To Believe," another song fronted by LaVada, but an ethereal ballad rather than a strong pop song. Her strong yet gentle voice flows up and down throughout the song, dynamically matching the song's feel with more than a fair helping of heart and soul. The song seems to match the emotion I am sure Christ must feel every time He looks at this world, crying inside for every lost soul, and calling the world to believe in Him.

"Heaven's Door" has a funky, almost disco-esque feel with more than a hint of blues (probably due to the saxophone) that is quite cool. It's followed by a very sweet song written for one of the band member's wedding in 1989, "Beside Me." The penny whistle in that song adds a nice touch to an already fine song. "Can't Get By On Our Own" reveals its 1980's vintage through the heavily keyboard-influenced rock beat, vocal harmony style, and gritty electric guitars. It's a terrific sound, however, and reminds me of some Stryper music (toned down a bit, though).

All told, Alpha & Omega did not disappoint me. They seem to do quite well with the rock tunes, and the pop-influenced ballads are excellent. I will say though that they would do well to leave the lead vocals to LaVada Beck-Torzewski. With all due respect to the male members' instrumental prowess and songwriting abilities, LaVada's vocal excellence puts her in a class all her own. Bottom line, though, this CD shows the time and energy that was obviously put into its production, and is a fine piece of music.

And don't miss the "hidden" track tacked on to the final song - it shows that LaVada is just as at home singing bad-to-the-bone rock as she is singing pop! The guitar work on the song is also quite impressive.

© David Longenecker, CMRH 1999

Azimuth "Alpha & Omega"

CD release

During a time when main stream Christian music has become more and more devoid of anointed lyrics and substance in general, nothing is more satisfying than putting on an independent recording and finding yourself worshiping in the Lord's presence. Azimuth's first CD release "Alpha and Omega" does just that. This fine mix of pop, rock, and contemporary music is every bit as good as anything heard on top 40's radio and yet isn't stripped bare of the personal expression of God's truth. Complete with well crafted lyrical hooks and melodies Azimuth has hit the ball clear out of the park. On track # 7 "Calling Us To Believe" Lavada Beck Torzewski may have given the ultimate vocal performance on any independent Christian recording. On this track, ethereal keys paint a heavenly visual and an angular guitar solo takes this beauty out, but the icing on this proverbial musical cake is the stunning vocal by Torzewski. Track # 5, "Soul Purpose" sung by Ed Goldfarb is a fun modern pop/rock tune complete with 60's sha la la la's and a groovy "dirty" electric guitar sound. Track # 2 "Wanting You" sung by Paul Gentry, is a catchy alternative pop original. Perhaps the confines presented, at times, by the Christian music industry have resulted in a lessening of spiritual integrity. With this recording, Azimuth has shown that being independent is something to be very proud of.

Azimuth "Gateway"

I have in my possession a work that is not easy to classify. In fact, it really doesn't fit any particular mold; and I like it.

Gateway, by a group called Azimuth is not easy to fit in a box. Its a rich collection of musical abilities and styles. Culminated by Paul Gentry, this album will tickle your musical desires with anything from the pop sounds of "Daybreak", pop-rock sounds of "Caught In A Gray Zone", the Celtic sounds of "Beside Me", the easy-listening sounds of "Dawning Ages", and depart into the straight-ahead-take-no-prisoners-rock-n-roll sounds of songs like "Soul Purpose" and "Runaway". If you even want the beach, check out "Washed Away". I found it reminiscent of the secular bands Styx or Genesis. As for the rock songs, similarities there of Stryper (sound only though-I'll bet!). Paul Gentry seems to head-up the rock numbers, and the fine vocalist LaVada Beck (no relation) melodically croons the slower songs and sings backup vocals elsewhere. Ironically, I found myself thinking that the songs "I'll Be With You" and "Jesus Wept" were well-suited to a Christian movie sound track.

I found this whole album to be beyond reproach from a musical-ability standpoint. I reviewed a cassette, and Side 1 was primarily orchestrated through the electronic keyboard wizzardry (meant in the nicest way) of Ed Goldfarb, who also produced and mixed the album. He is awesome! Side 2's keyboards were done primarily by Dan Swan (also excellent). Both sides were quite good, yet because of the difference in keyboards between the two sides, I felt the overall flow of the work wasn't very cohesive. Even though the vocalists (Gentry/Beck) and the fine guitar work of Paul Fox was throughout the piece, the keyboarding styles differed enough to change the total feel of the work between the two sides. Perhaps on a CD, where all songs flow more continuously, and without the apparent conscious effort to keep the Goldfarb/Swan materials separated, it would flow better.

You may have noticed that I did not mention the drummer and bass player. There actually was a bass player on "Side 2", and his name is Bill Hare. He was good, yet unobtrusive in his work. Shall we say the drums were done by the "microchip brothers"? They were "programmed" (by Goldfarb/Swan), yet I was well into the cassette before I realized it. The sound of them was excellent. Whatever bass work was not live (by Bill Hare) was also "programmed", and quite competent.

To sum up this piece, I'll say what I said in the beginning; "I like it", but I feel compelled to also qualify that statement. First, its highly produced and is truly a studio work. Secondly, the vast majority of the work is performance oriented, so if you are looking for material for your choir or Praise & Worship team, you may want to skip this piece. If you want "crossover" ideas that are performance-oriented and that would appeal to a wide range of age groups, then this is just the ticket for you. Finally, I was SO impressed with Azimuth's technical expertise on their instruments that I found myself being drawn away from the message of the lyrics much of the time. As much as I like the "true-ness" of the instrumentation and production trickery, I believe the real reason for doing any Christian-based music is for one of two possible purposes;

•To praise and worship our Lord God. (To play for an audience of One.)

•To reach out to pre-christians, new christians, or young audiences.

I suspect that Azimuth will be very popular with the later of the two. Written by Allen Beck

Azimuth "Gateway"

Azimuth has done it again with the release of Gateway. It is a great album that will have appeal with everyone. They have been able to perform several completely different styles of music without any problem. They have rock, pop, a little bit of techno, some traditional praise sounds and more. Every one will be able to find a song that fits their musical taste. The songs they have on this album vary in theme. The album doesn't just stick with one central theme, but covers a multitude of Christian subjects. Some of them are, that Jesus is Lord, that we need Him to direct us everyday of our lives. We can find ourselves in a world that is overcoming us with confusion and clouds of gray and that is when we need to turn to God. Then there are the songs that remind us that Jesus died for you and me. All the songs are well written and give a clear and concise message. I definitely recommend this album to the adult contemporary crowd. Written by Sorren Winslow

Azimuth / Gateway

Gateway is an interesting release that literally covers several years of musical influence. Side A of the album was recorded in 1996 and Side B in 1993 and each side sounds extremely different than the other. Azimuth even sounds like different bands in several aspects.

Side A itself provides a variety of music. From poppish "new wave" to haunting ballads to nice rock tunes, Azimuth jumps all over the spectrum. Fortunately, Azimuth is an enjoyable band to listen to and give a nice tight performance. Azimuth's music is mainly keyboard based and therefore much more melodic feeling than a lot of today's modern rock but still artsy enough to maintain an alternative feel to it. The variety of vocalists used through out the album lend to the albums lack of continuity and centralized theme. I think that this is the albums biggest problem, albeit one of the few problems that I had listening to it.

The lyrics are very prayerful and spiritual. There is a lot of honest and introspective thoughts going on here. The messages on the album are as varied as the music but retain their Christ-centric message through out. I really got a lot out of listening to lyrics that were so plain and real when talking about Christ and what it is to follow him.

I think that most folks will find something on this album that they will really like. They have also recorded a couple of tunes this year that are interesting and should lay down the foundation for a very interesting album sometime in the future. Written by Hank Cox

Azimuth "Synergy"

Synergy is an excellent example of a well put together project! There is absolutely no doubt about Azimuth's focus. The Gospel of Christ Jesus permeates the tracks of Synergy. An excellent example of contemporary Christian music, Synergy will have you considering the awesome grace and patience of our Father. The smooth tone of Paul’s vocal tracks only add to the overall contemporary feel with plenty of variety. Not to mention a CD that sports 16 tracks! The engineering is nice and tight along with the musicianship. Well done Azimuth! Written by Jeff Carapella