Caedmon's Call
Encyclopedia
Caedmon's Call is a Contemporary Christian
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...

 band which fuses traditional folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....

 with world music
World music
World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...

 and alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...

. They are composed of Cliff Young (lead vocals
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...

 and rhythm guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...

), Danielle Young (vocals; married to Cliff, formerly Danielle Glenn), Derek Webb
Derek Webb
Derek Walsh Webb is an American singer-songwriter who first entered the music industry as a member of the band Caedmon's Call, and later embarked on a successful solo career....

 (vocals, guitars), Andrew Osenga
Andrew Osenga
Andrew Osenga is an American singer/songwriter and progressive rock musician. He also writes, produces, engineers and plays guitar for other artists. Formerly the lead singer of The Normals, which broke up in 2003 for financial and family reasons, Osenga currently pursues a solo career in which he...

 (vocals, guitars), Garett Buell (percussion
Percussion instrument
A percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...

), Jeff Miller (bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....

), Todd Bragg (drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....

), and Josh Moore (keyboard
Electronic keyboard
An electronic keyboard is an electronic or digital keyboard instrument.The major components of a typical modern electronic keyboard are:...

, accordion
Accordion
The accordion is a box-shaped musical instrument of the bellows-driven free-reed aerophone family, sometimes referred to as a squeezebox. A person who plays the accordion is called an accordionist....

, harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...

).

Former members include Doug Elmore (percussion), Cari Harris Moore (vocals), Randy Holsapple (hammond organ
Hammond organ
The Hammond organ is an electric organ invented by Laurens Hammond in 1934 and manufactured by the Hammond Organ Company. While the Hammond organ was originally sold to churches as a lower-cost alternative to the wind-driven pipe organ, in the 1960s and 1970s it became a standard keyboard...

), Aric Nitzberg (bass guitar), Joshua Phillips (pan flute/percussion), and Aaron Tate (songwriting duties). Webb left the band in 2003 to pursue a solo career, but re-joined in 2007 for the recording of Overdressed.

History

Caedmon's Call was formed in 1993 with six original members (three of whom still remain), Cliff Young (whose father and brother are highly successful pastors of megachurch
Megachurch
A megachurch is a church having 2,000 or more in average weekend attendance. The Hartford Institute's database lists more than 1,300 such Protestant churches in the United States. According to that data, approximately 50 churches on the list have attendance ranging from 10,000 to 47,000...

es), Danielle Glenn, Todd Bragg, Cari Harris, Joshua Phillips, Doug Elmore, and Aaron Tate. Tate, however, never intended to tour with the band, and was included in a songwriting capacity only. Derek Webb
Derek Webb
Derek Walsh Webb is an American singer-songwriter who first entered the music industry as a member of the band Caedmon's Call, and later embarked on a successful solo career....

 also joined the band early on, though it is notable that he did not even meet all the band members until after they had played their first show together. In June, 1994, the band released their first album
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...

, My Calm // Your Storm
My Calm // Your Storm
My Calm // Your Storm is the first release from Caedmon's Call. It has been issued at least three times with different covers, of which the one shown is the third...

, originally a cassette-only demo recording. It was re-printed twice the same year with different cover art each time. In 1996 the band signed with now-defunct Christian label Warner Alliance
Warner Alliance
Warner Alliance was a Contemporary Christian imprint of Warner Music Group. Its operations were suspended in 1998. Artists on the label included Billy & Sarah Gaines, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Caedmon's Call, Donnie McClurkin, First Call, Wayne Watson, Take 6, Mid South, and the Worldwide...

, producing their self-titled major label debut. Around this time, Randy Holsapple joined the band. During this time, Kirby Trapolino served as Manager, Micah Ottosen served as Road Manager, and Buddy Ottosen served as Guitar Tech.

After the collapse of Warner Alliance in 1998, Caedmon's Call signed to Essential Records
Essential Records (Christian)
Essential Records is a Contemporary Christian record label based in Franklin, Tennessee. It is a division of a major label, Sony Music Entertainment.-History:...

, where they remained until May 2006.

In the summer of 1999, both Aric and Randy left the band, while Josh and Jeff became official members. In 2003, after the successful release of Back Home
Back Home (Caedmon's Call album)
Back Home is the fifth major album release from Caedmon's Call.- Track listing :# "Only Hope" – 2:54# "You Created" – 3:27# "Walk with Me" – 4:19# "Hands of the Potter" – 3:51# "The Emptiest Day" – 3:51# "The Kingdom" – 4:30...

, Derek left the band to pursue a solo career. In the spring of 2004, Andrew Osenga, former lead singer of The Normals
The Normals
The Normals were an Christian alternative rock band formed in 1998 by Andrew Osenga, Mark Lockett, and Clayton Daily. The name of the band honors their hometown of Normal, Illinois. The band's lineup also included B.J. Aberle, Cason Cooley, Mike Taquino, and Steve Hindalong...

 joined the band.

Aaron Tate and Derek Webb shared most of the songwriting duties until the album Back Home, which featured songs by a more diverse set of writers. Randall Goodgame has, in the proceeding years, become one of the band's primary songwriters.

In 2004, Caedmon's released "Share the Well
Share the Well
Share the Well is the sixth major release from Caedmon's Call.Inspired by the band's trip to India, Brazil and Ecuador, Share the Well explores universal Christian themes in a variety of geographies, with songs that look through the eyes of both visitor and resident...

", a missions album that was critically acclaimed but unable to find a radio audience. The album, which includes songs written by Randall Goodgame, Andrew Osenga (guitar) & Josh Moore (keyboard), was inspired by the band's trip to India, Brazil and Ecuador. In addition to broader Christian themes, Share the Well tackles a variety of social-justice issues, such as hunger and the Dalit's battle for freedom in India.

Meaning behind the name

The band's unusual name was inspired by Cædmon
Cædmon
Cædmon is the earliest English poet whose name is known. An Anglo-Saxon who cared for the animals and was attached to the double monastery of Streonæshalch during the abbacy of St. Hilda , he was originally ignorant of "the art of song" but learned to compose one night in the course of a dream,...

, an Anglo-Saxon cow-herd who lived during the 7th century. Legend has it that Caedmon was afraid to sing in public due to a lack of musical talent, and shied away from occasions where he had to sing. After leaving a feast one night because he was too embarrassed to sing, he lay down in the pasture with the cattle to sleep. An angel appeared to him in a dream, calling him to sing. After refusing, he eventually decided to sing and when he did, he sang beautiful verses that had never been heard before, based on the story of creation and using the style of pre-Christian, Anglo-Saxon poetry. Founding band members Cliff, Danielle, and Aaron decided on the name "Caedmon's Call" after all three heard this story during the same week and thought it was fitting.

Musical Evolution

Over the years, Caedmon's Call have enveloped and adapted many different musical stylings, the most obvious being their folk and alternative rock roots. On their first mainstream, self-titled release(Caedmon's Call
Caedmon's Call (album)
Caedmon's Call is the first major release from Houston, Texas based outfit Caedmon's Call. It was recorded at Nickel & Dime Studios in Avondale Estates, GA .-Track listing:# "Lead of Love" – 3:58...

), the band utilized stylings that ranged from straight-up folk-rock ("Lead of Love", "Coming Home"), rock ("Not the Land"), folk ("This World", "Bus Driver"), and simple acoustic guitar ballads ("Center Aisle").

Their second album, 40 Acres
40 Acres
40 Acres is the 1999 release from Caedmon's Call and made the band known to a wider, and even international, audience. The album explores the way God's redemption intersects with the places and ways people live their daily lives. The album was recorded at The Castle, Franklin, TN with engineers...

, made after the dissolution of Warner Alliance, has a more settled folk-rock sound. Songs such as the Derek Webb-penned "Thankful", for instance, took advantage of those folk-rock stylings, relying heavily on percussion.

Long Line of Leavers
Long Line of Leavers
Long Line of Leavers is a studio album from Caedmon's Call. It was recorded at the following studios:*The Bennett House - Franklin, TN *The Farm - Marvin, NC...

, their third wide-release album, became something of a milestone for the band, including a wider range of instrumentation and stylings. "The Only One" featured a brass accompaniment, something Caedmon's Call had never experimented with before, whereas "The Ballad of San Francisco" was debatably the most folkish song ever included on a Caedmon's Call album. "Prove Me Wrong" was a simple guitar-driven pop song, while "What You Want" stands in the tradition of "Not the Land" as upbeat rock-and-roll.

The albums In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship
In the Company of Angels
In the Company of Angels is a studio album from Caedmon's Call. This more than any other previous album by this band features songs of worship.Recorded at:*Sunrise Studios - Houston, TX *Second Studios - Houston, TX...

and Back Home
Back Home (Caedmon's Call album)
Back Home is the fifth major album release from Caedmon's Call.- Track listing :# "Only Hope" – 2:54# "You Created" – 3:27# "Walk with Me" – 4:19# "Hands of the Potter" – 3:51# "The Emptiest Day" – 3:51# "The Kingdom" – 4:30...

came during an interim phase in which Aaron Tate and Derek Webb were mostly inactive as writers for the band, Aaron only contributing lyrics for the song "Beautiful Mystery" on Back Home and Derek contributing music and lyrics for "Awake My Soul" to that record as well. A diverse array of songwriters provided material for the band. These albums, while still largely driven by the acoustic guitar, were characterized by simpler lyrics and melodies than the band's past material, and more of an adult contemporary feel that did not sit well with most older fans. Many felt the source of the band's relevance to be the hard-hitting, deeply introspective lyrics penned by Tate and Webb, which often included common and obscure Biblical, historical, and popular references cast in new contexts. Caedmon's was often billed or described as "a thinking Christian's band." Lacking these kinds of lyrics, many fans began looking elsewhere.

In 2004, Share the Well
Share the Well
Share the Well is the sixth major release from Caedmon's Call.Inspired by the band's trip to India, Brazil and Ecuador, Share the Well explores universal Christian themes in a variety of geographies, with songs that look through the eyes of both visitor and resident...

proved to be a notable artistic leap for the band. Caedmon's Call decided to incorporate world music
World music
World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...

 influences into the album during mission trips with Compassion International
Compassion International
Compassion International is a Christian child sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world. Compassion International, headquartered in Colorado Springs, functions in 26 countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Haiti, Kenya, and...

 to India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

, Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...

, and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...

. The Indian influence was most prominent on this album, with several Dalit musicians providing instruments and vocals. In addition to Randall Goodgame, Josh Moore and Andrew Osenga emerged as the new primary songwriters for the band.

In 2006, Caedmon's released In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing
In the Company of Angels II
In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing is the seventh major release from Caedmon's Call.In 2001 acoustic folk/pop group Caedmon’s Call released In The Company of Angels: A Call To Worship. The album was celebrated as one of the best selling titles in the Caedmon’s catalog, scanning...

. This sequel to the first In the Company of Angels was recorded despite the band's lack of desire to make the album under pressure from their record label.
It was the last album that the band made for Essential Records
Essential Records (Christian)
Essential Records is a Contemporary Christian record label based in Franklin, Tennessee. It is a division of a major label, Sony Music Entertainment.-History:...

, before parting ways with the label in May 2006. The band is now associated with INO Records
INO Records
INO Records, also known as Fair Trade Services, is an American record label based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, specializing in Contemporary Christian music . It is distributed through Sony Music Entertainment, and was owned by Integrity Media until June 2011. When Integrity Media sold its assets...

, and named their fall 2006 tour "The Emancipation Tour"--possibly in part a reference to their split from their former label.http://caedmonscall.net/2006/05/31/caedmons-call-no-longer-an-essential-recording-artist/

For most of the band's tenure, lead vocals were split somewhat evenly between Cliff Young and Derek Webb. Cliff would usually sing lead on the Aaron Tate songs (he does not usually write his own songs for the group, though he plays a large part in the arrangements), and Derek would sing lead on the songs that he wrote, which were often more personal in nature. Danielle typically sings lead on two to four songs per album; "Piece of Glass" is the only song that she has written for the band (co-written w/ Webb). Once Derek Webb ceased writing songs for the band in the years leading up to his departure, Cliff emerged as the primary vocalist for the band, a role which he retains today, though Danielle has been able to sing lead more frequently as a result of this. The band's newest vocalist, Andrew Osenga, only sang lead four times on two albums; on the song "Bombay Rain" and the hidden track "I Miss You", both of which he wrote for Share the Well, and on "The Story" and "We Give Thanks", from In the Company of Angels II. On the album "Overdressed, Osenga was featured as the lead vocalist on 4 tracks.

On May 22, 2007, it was announced in a press release that Caedmon's Call's first INO release, Overdressed, would be released in late August 2007. This same press release announced the return of Derek Webb to the band after a four-year absence. His replacement, Andrew Osenga, remained in the band as well. http://caedmonscall.net/2007/05/22/the-state-of-caedmons-call-may-2007/

In January, 2008 the band's song Ten Thousand Angels was featured in an episode of Grey's Anatomy (Season 4, Episode 11: Lay Your Hands On Me) while several different scenes played.

In August 2009, Andy Osenga announced that he would not be part of the next Caedmon's Call album, scheduled for sometime in 2010. http://www.andyosenga.com/2009/08/06/i-was-not-in-houston-this-week/ Derek Webb will remain with Caedmon's on this album as well. http://caedmonscall.net/2009/08/02/a-return-to-the-rumor-mill/

Caedmon's Call newest album "Raising Up the Dead" was released for pre-sale on August 2, 2010 in a tiered pricing structure. http://www.caedmonscall.com

Caedmon's Call joined Brite Revolution and each month releases a new (or old, or rare) track, where they released a brief glimpse at their new album. http://caedmonscall.net/2009/08/02/a-return-to-the-rumor-mill/ http://www.briterevolution.com Members of Brite can help support one of Caedmon's most passionate missions, the Dalit Freedom Network.

Band members (current)

  • Todd Bragg – Drums
  • Garett Buell – Percussion
  • Jeff Miller – Bass Guitar
  • Joshua Moore – Keyboards, Accordion, Harmonica
  • Derek Webb - Guitars, Vocals
  • Cliff Young – Lead vocals and rhythm guitar
  • Danielle Young (née Glenn) – Vocals

Albums

  • My Calm // Your Storm
    My Calm // Your Storm
    My Calm // Your Storm is the first release from Caedmon's Call. It has been issued at least three times with different covers, of which the one shown is the third...

    (1994)
  • Caedmon's Call
    Caedmon's Call (album)
    Caedmon's Call is the first major release from Houston, Texas based outfit Caedmon's Call. It was recorded at Nickel & Dime Studios in Avondale Estates, GA .-Track listing:# "Lead of Love" – 3:58...

    (1997)
  • 40 Acres
    40 Acres
    40 Acres is the 1999 release from Caedmon's Call and made the band known to a wider, and even international, audience. The album explores the way God's redemption intersects with the places and ways people live their daily lives. The album was recorded at The Castle, Franklin, TN with engineers...

    (1999)
  • Long Line of Leavers
    Long Line of Leavers
    Long Line of Leavers is a studio album from Caedmon's Call. It was recorded at the following studios:*The Bennett House - Franklin, TN *The Farm - Marvin, NC...

    (2000)
  • In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship
    In the Company of Angels
    In the Company of Angels is a studio album from Caedmon's Call. This more than any other previous album by this band features songs of worship.Recorded at:*Sunrise Studios - Houston, TX *Second Studios - Houston, TX...

    (2001)
  • Back Home
    Back Home (Caedmon's Call album)
    Back Home is the fifth major album release from Caedmon's Call.- Track listing :# "Only Hope" – 2:54# "You Created" – 3:27# "Walk with Me" – 4:19# "Hands of the Potter" – 3:51# "The Emptiest Day" – 3:51# "The Kingdom" – 4:30...

    (2003)
  • Share the Well
    Share the Well
    Share the Well is the sixth major release from Caedmon's Call.Inspired by the band's trip to India, Brazil and Ecuador, Share the Well explores universal Christian themes in a variety of geographies, with songs that look through the eyes of both visitor and resident...

    (2004)
  • In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing
    In the Company of Angels II
    In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing is the seventh major release from Caedmon's Call.In 2001 acoustic folk/pop group Caedmon’s Call released In The Company of Angels: A Call To Worship. The album was celebrated as one of the best selling titles in the Caedmon’s catalog, scanning...

    (2006)
  • Overdressed
    Overdressed
    Overdressed is the eighth major studio release from Caedmon's Call, released in August 2007. It features collaboration with former member and successful solo artist Derek Webb...

    (2007)
  • Raising Up the Dead (2010)

EPs

  • Caedmon's Call
    Caedmon's Call (EP)
    -Track listing:# "In the Shadow of Your Wings" – 5:10# "Not Enough" – 3:35# "Too Tender" – 4:05# "It's Gotta Rain" – 3:39# "All I Know" – 4:50# "Clean Am I" – 4:05-Band members:...

    (1993)
  • Just Don't Want Coffee
    Just Don't Want Coffee
    Just Don't Want Coffee is a 1994 EP by Caedmon's Call.-Track listing:# "Close of Autumn" - 4:56# "Not the Land" - 5:05# "April Showers" - 4:05# "I Just Don't Want Coffee" - 5:57# "Forget What You Know" - 4:49# "Another Ten Miles " - 5:21...

    (1995)
  • Limited Edition Tour EP
    Limited Edition Tour EP
    Limited Edition Tour EP is a 1997 limited edition EP by Caedmon's Call, released to coincide with their major tour of 1997.-Track listing:# "Bus Driver" – 5:11# "Lead of Love" – 3:58# "Center Aisle" – 5:47# "Not the Land" – 5:05...

    (1997)
  • Intimate Portrait
    Intimate Portrait
    Intimate Portrait is a 1997 limited edition EP by Caedmon's Call, released to coincide with their major tour of 1997. It is an enhanced CD with video footage.-Track listing:# "Bus Driver" – 5:12# "April Showers" – 4:05# "Truth" – 5:53...

    (1997)
  • 40 Acres: The Austin Sessions (1999)

Compilations

  • The Guild Collection Vol. 1
    The Guild Collection Vol. 1
    The Guild Collection Vol. 1 was a limited edition release to Guild members. This has become sought after outside the fan community.-Track listing:# "Stupid Kid " - 3:58# "Open Letter" - 4:46# "Not Enough" - 3:33# "Bus Driver" - 5:01...

    (1997)
  • The Guild Collection Vol. 2
    The Guild Collection Vol. 2
    The Guild Collection Vol. 2 was a limited edition Caedmon's Call release to Guild members. This has become sought after outside the fan community. The guild is the groups subscription fan club and its releases have been sought out on the second hand market...

    (1998)
  • Songs from the Guild
    Songs from the Guild
    Songs from the Guild was a short release featuring outtakes from the first three "Collections from the Guild", by the band Caedmon's Call.-Track listing:* Disc - Total time 11:49...

    (2000)
  • The Guild Collection Vol. 3
    The Guild Collection Vol. 3
    The Guild Collection Vol. 3 was a limited edition release in the series "Collections from the Guild", by the band Caedmon's Call.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 0:55# "Hope To Carry On" – 2:57# "Two Of A Kind" – 0:38# "Famous Last Words" – 3:38...

    (2001)
  • Chronicles 1992-2004
    Chronicles 1992-2004
    Chronicles 1992-2004 is the first major collection of this band's work. Caedmon's Call go from strength to strength and change with each studio outing. This survey's the progress to date. Not just a selection of prior studio albums, there is included throughout live reworkings...

    (2004)
  • Thankful: The Best of Caedmon's Call
    Thankful (Caedmon's Call album)
    Thankful: The Best of Caedmon's Call is the second major collection of the band's work. The album was released by their previous record label Essential Records, just a few short weeks before their debut album on a new record label INO Records....

    (2007)

See also

  • Derek Webb
    Derek Webb
    Derek Walsh Webb is an American singer-songwriter who first entered the music industry as a member of the band Caedmon's Call, and later embarked on a successful solo career....

     (former and current band member, solo artist)
  • Andrew Osenga
    Andrew Osenga
    Andrew Osenga is an American singer/songwriter and progressive rock musician. He also writes, produces, engineers and plays guitar for other artists. Formerly the lead singer of The Normals, which broke up in 2003 for financial and family reasons, Osenga currently pursues a solo career in which he...

    (Current band member, solo recording artist, and former lead singer of The Normals)

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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