Vini Contreas: Press

Billed as: "The 20 best tracks of 2007 according to Mike Rimmer and Tony Cummings" . . . This year this gracious duo from CrossRhythms Radio in the UK have been so kind to choose one of my tracks released on the NCM Disc this past August, 'Christ Crucified' into their top 20.

Thanks so much Mike and Tony. Big Blessings to you both in the New Year!!!

FYI: I'll be Interviewed on 3/4/08 by Mike Rimmer on his Show Rimmerama at 7pm in the UK. You can listen to it on the Internet at: www.crossrhythms.co.uk

Check out what Mike had to say on the Press page.

Vini Contreas - Christ Crucified
From 'Kingdom Of Conscience' (Independent)
With Mexican horns that sound like they were plucked straight from Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire", this quirky little song catches the ear from the get go. This Californian has put together a song that pitches together the most ridiculously catchy melody with a very deep message of knowing Christ intimately. In a sense, this has the naivety of early Jesus music because it rejoices simply in the truth of the message and yet dressed up in this imaginative arrangement complete with its many fake endings makes it really work.
Mike Rimmer

KINGDOM OF CONSCIENCE
Is Straight Up Jesus Music
Written by Mike Parker
Thursday, 25 October 2007

Kingdom of Conscience
by Vini Contreas
Beautiful Gate Productions

Back in the day, acoustic folk-rocker, Vini Contreas made a living playing solo gigs in bars and clubs in the Northeast and Canada. That experience is evident in his current release, Kingdom of Conscience. The classic finger-picking, harmonica and world-wise vocal stylings give an honesty and earthiness that is missing from much of what currently passes for folk-rock.

A cursory listen quickly confirms any passing suspicion you might have that this is a Christian record. An upfront, unabashedly, no-bull, no apologies Christian record I might add – the kind you used to find when LoveSong and Keith Green were making records (and records were still made out of vinyl). “The Invitation,” the opening track, preaches straight from the Good Book. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” Contreas croons. “Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near!”

Contreas and company get a little bit Latin on “Christ Crucified” with its flamenco guitar and staccato trumpet. But it’s back to classic Dylan-esque folk on “Embrace the Light” and “Give It All To Christ.” The shortest tune on the album, “Like A Willow,” might just be the most lyrical of all. Sweet harmonies evoke a gentle longing for solitary communion with the Creator of the great outdoors. “Derek’s Lament,” one of the few collaborative songs on this project, sounds like a great party song for those nights on the beach, sitting around the bonfire with friends.

Contreas gets his most evangelical on the closing track, “Let Him In,” but not in a beat-you-over-the-head-with-a-Bible kind of way. Rather, this is a classic western-folk song that might just have easily been penned by Crosby, Stills and Nash in their pre-Woodstock days - or maybe even Marty Robbins if he was in an Eagles-listening mood.

Barebones production and stark unembellished arrangements make Kingdom of Conscience sounds like it was created in the middle of the Jesus Movement. Somehow, I think that is exactly what Vini Contreas was aiming for.

www.vinicontreas.com
Last Updated ( Thursday, 25 October 2007 )

CD REVIEW BY PAUL DAVIS
VINI CONTREAS / KINGDOM OF CONSCIENCE

From the start of this "Kingdom of Conscience" CD, I was drawn in. It's a gem! Unfamiliar to me, these self-penned ditties tickled my ears with their rationale thought and flowing rhyme. This super song-set is relatively unusual in themes but very competent and inspiring. This is Bob Dylanish (poetic thinking laced with guitar and harmonica) gospel material from an innovative virtuoso from California who is doubtless a grassroots trooper who displays considerable maturity. This CD is ably produced by Rocco Bucci and is sure to be welcomed by die-hard fans of 60s-style folk-troubadours. This CD will - most likely (and rightly) - extend his span of popularity. His “thinking songs” are performed in passionate mode and unadorned charm. His lyrics are married well to his competent melodies. Initially, the artist was unknown to me, but this USA release is a roots-venture commendably produced parading an outstanding folk-talent who is easy-on-the-ear. Well done, Vini!

PAUL DAVIS
www.pauldavisauthor.com www.newchristianmusic.co.uk

'Kingdom Of Conscience'
Reviewed by: Mark Lawrence / Cross Rhythms
RATING: 8

American singer/songwriter Vini Contreas has spent the last 30 years or so performing, recording demos and leading worship. On 'Kingdom Of Conscience' he has drawn together his years of experience in music ministry to make an impressive first album proper. The nine tracks are acoustically driven with a strong nod to the folksy sound of Bob Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel. Rather than the staple melancholic sound of many singer/songwriters Vini has created an uplifting album. Opener "Invitation" is an up-tempo folk tune based around Isaiah 55, with rich harmonies and up-tempo bassline, provided by bassist Brad Cummings. Elsewhere the acoustic guitar is augmented with folksy harmonica on tracks such as "Embrace The Light" and "Give It All To Christ". Lyrically the album challenges and reveals a passion for Jesus such as on "Cross Of Sacrifice" and the Latino "Christ Crucified" which is the standout track with its stabbing horns and rhythmic drums and bass. A simple production enhances the tone of the album and helps create the "coffee-house tone" that Vini has tried to create. A good album full of well written songs.

Kingdom of Conscience
Review of Vini Contreas' New CCM CD
© Shane Werlinger

May 9, 2007

Independent musician, Vini Contreas, blesses us with his latest acoustic Contemporary Christian Music CD.

God has given each of us talents and abilities for His glory. God has blessed Vini Contreas not only with musical talent, but the ability to preach God’s word via music. Contreas’ new CD, Kingdom of Conscience, has top-notch music that brings a message to all people.

Christian Folk Singer
Contreas’ website describes his music as “thematically 60’s folk, Dylanesque.” That perfectly describes Kingdom of Conscience, on many levels.

The songs are acoustic pieces that would fit well on a Byrd’s album. One could almost expect to hear David Crosby come crooning through the speakers. Instead they are blessed with Contreas’ more than capable vocals.

While the musical style may be “thematically 60’s folk,” “Dylanesque” describes Contreas’ voice. Dylan is without a doubt a legend, but his voice is not up to American Idol standard. Contreas sounds like Dylan, if Dylan’s voice sounded good. How Contreas would fare on American Idol is another subject.

Evangelical Musician
Contreas’ heart is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If Christians had half of his fervor to share the Good News, the world would be a better place. Contreas has a message not only for Christians, but those that don’t know Christ.

Kingdom of Conscience starts off appropriately with “The Invitation”. Contreas takes Isaiah 55 and puts it powerfully to music. The book of Isaiah is filled with prophecy and this invitation is a call to follow Christ from before He was born.

Contreas shows his versatility in “Christ Crucified”. It starts off with the wail of a horn and goes into the strumming guitar with a Spanish flair. As he dazzles us with his talent, he draws the unbeliever in with his message. The song lays out what Christ did for us all and asks the question, “now that we know this, what we gonna do?”

Message for Christians
God has given Contreas a word for Christians as well. “His Truth” reinforces what every Christian already knows; the Bible is God’s truth and something they need to dig into everyday. Christians may know it, but being reminded can only help.

There are also words of warning on Kingdom of Conscience. Contreas tells Christians to “not love the world or the things of the world.” He warns that “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.” The blow is softened by the mellow guitar picking and Contreas’ soothing vocals.

God is in Control
When a musician of the caliber of Contreas comes along, the Christian music scene is blessed. When that same musician lists The Almighty God as executive producer of their CD, great things are possible. Contreas has given this project to God and will reap the reward. Who knows what can happen when God is in control.