Title: Ascend
Artist: Dearman, Kirk & Deby
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 689076409124
Genre: Gospel

Kirk and Deby Dearman Bringing Worshipers Beyond A Sacrifice of Praise Few praise and worship songwriters reach the pinnacle of recognition that Kirk and Deby Dearman have with their song, 'We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise'. Translated into every major language and sung in churches around the world, the song ranked in the top 10 for 10 straight years on the charts of Christian Copyright Licensing International: a songwriter's dream. As veterans of the contemporary praise and worship movement, Kirk and Deby have always been grateful for the song's success. And yet today, they would say that worship is much more than a "sacrifice of praise." In fact, what marks their ministry today is bringing worshipers "beyond a sacrifice of praise", addressing the need for intimacy and transparency in worship. "We love to write songs for the church that brings us into His presence," said Kirk. Although these multi-talented artists enjoy all aspects of their ministry, they are most passionate about songwriting. Their gift of blending memorable lyrics with singable melodies, enables them to create timeless classics still sung in churches around the world today. In addition to "Sacrifice of Praise", they have written such worship favorites as, "Instruments of Peace", "All Creation Worships You", "Commune With Me", "To Thee We Ascribe Glory", "Above All Else", "I Will Glory In The Cross" and "We Choose The Fear of the Lord". It all started as Kirk and Deby developed their artistic talents at a young age. When he was just five, Kirk climbed up on a piano bench and taught himself to play. Few who knew him were surprised when his first song was published at 18 years of age. Deby's passion for the arts led her to study dance as a teenager, followed by working as a fashion model for a major agency. The two artists met in a Dallas church, married in 1973 and began their ministry together serving as worship leaders and writing for Maranatha! Music. Years later, Kirk and Deby were inspired by Charlotte Baker's teachings on demonstrating praise to the nations and moved to Europe as missionaries. They co-founded a ministry called, 'Project Exalt!', and using innovative artistic elements, made His praise glorious as they ministered throughout Europe at conferences, cathedrals, concert halls and city festivals. Today, this ministry flourishes under the name of 'Creative Arts Europe'. While in Europe, Kirk and Deby began to learn and appreciate some of the rich truths handed down from church fathers through the ages. Trips to ancient Christian sites in Scotland, Ireland, England and Germany, coupled with reading books about great European church leaders gave birth to the Dearmans' vision of connecting the church present with the church past. "We find that American Christians often don't understand the value of our heritage, including those who've gone before and the price they paid for their faith," said Deby. "We think it's vital for us to connect with the rich heritage of our faith because it will strengthen who we are today." Clearly, Kirk and Deby are passionate about connecting the church present with the church past. So passionate, in fact, that they have created a multi-sensory worship event called 'Come to the Quiet.' With brilliant imagery, moving songs, and inspiring meditations, 'Come to the Quiet' is a life-changing encounter that quiets and refreshes the soul. "We have incorporated elements of historical faith into 'Come To The Quiet' by setting liturgies, creeds and ancient prayers to music," said Deby. "Our mission is to foster a Christ-centered worship encounter, creating a reverential space where senses are stirred, hearts are moved, and both mind and soul are washed through music, scripture, liturgy and the arts." A.W. Tozer said that, "in a typical worship service we spend time trying to stitch the veil together that God gave His Son to tear apart." Kirk and Deby hope that 'Come To The Quiet' and their music can help connect the American church with the timeless expressions of worship that have been passed down through the ages. 'We long to help the church learn to move within the veil and linger there in God's presence," said Kirk. "We believe this is where real ministry takes place: in His presence, face to face." In addition to touring with 'Come To The Quiet' in both America and Europe, the Dearmans offer worship concerts and lead worship in churches and at seminars and conferences. They also lead worship for The Billy Graham Training Center (The Cove) in Asheville, NC and 'The Journey To Wholeness In Christ,' an international conference focusing on personal healing and wholeness. Deby is also a gifted speaker for women's conferences and seminars. Based in Nashville, Kirk and Deby spend their days writing songs, recording, and pursuring Deby's photography. ABOUT KIRK AND DEBY'S NEW CD 'ASCEND': Kirk and Deby's new worship CD entitled 'Ascend,' just released in late April 2006, is a beautiful compilation of new soon-to-be classic worship songs penned by Kirk and Deby. Produced by contemporary Christian songwriter and recording artist Margaret Becker, the songs on this recording range in style from the rousing "Blessed Be God" to the intimate piano/cello ballad, "A Mother Tears;" and from the worshipful, "A Simple Hallelujah" to the celtic-influenced "Be Lifted High." Rounding out the album are: "Draw Me Jesus," "In Your Presence," "Who May Ascend" and " Celtic Blessing." Also included is a bonus track of Kirk and Deby's worship classic "We Bring The Sacrifice of Praise." Would you believe this is the first time the two of them have ever recorded their most well-known song? What a treat it is for Kirk and Deby to include a beautiful new arrangement of this song on the album. The recording features Kirk on vocals, piano and keyboards, joined by Deby on vocals, and Margaret and Deby on background vocals. Others involved in the recording include: Chris Donahue: acoustic guitar and bass; Stephen Leiweke: electric guitar and engineer; Martin Nolan (from Revival in Belfast recordings) on Irish pipes; and Jeremy Buehl (from Caedmon's Call) on drums and percussion. About the CD, Margaret Becker says: "The Dearmans have been a driving force in our worship culture from day one. Always leading the worship community into interesting and unique experiences, their new record continues this rich legacy. 'Ascend' is a moving work. From the beautiful modernized presentation of 'The Old Rugged Cross,' to the anthemic 'We Believe,' this record is classic and progressive all at once. I am excited about the ministry that this collection will usher into lives. What a pleasure it has been to work with Kirk and Deby. They moved me as a young believer, and they move me now." CAUTION: If you like to rock out to cool, edgy, upbeat, comtemporary worship music, you will HATE this CD! But if you are drawn to worship music that calms and soothes your spirit and leads you to a reverential, intimate place with God, this CD is definitely for you!

Tracks:
1.1 Who May Ascend
1.2 Draw Me, Jesus
1.3 Be Lifted High
1.4 A Simple Hallelujah
1.5 In Your Presence
1.6 The Old Rugged Cross
1.7 A Mother's Tears
1.8 Blessed Be God
1.9 We Believe
1.10 Celtic Blessing/We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise