Watermark
A Grateful People
Rocketown Records
14 tracks @ 65:16

This is going to be one of my saddest reviews as we say goodbye to Watermark, one of my favorite Christian artists.

Vocalist Christy Nockels explains, “For the past five years I’ve had a baby either on my hip or toddling around me at all times in my home. . . . (T)ruthfully (our kids) have often had whatever was left of me at the end of a long day. . . . (T)hey need the best of who I am, not the leftovers. My ministry and full-time job will be mom to our children.”

You have to admire her for recognizing the things that really matter in this life. Nathan Nockels will continue to work with Christian artists and worship leaders. Christy hopes to eventually focus on mentoring, worship leading, and writing, with an emphasis on young women’s ministry.

This live record was recorded last summer at the Nockels’ home church in Franklin, TN. Among the guest performers are Charlie Hall, Point of Grace, Chris Rice Shane and Shane.

Most of the group’s best known (and loved) songs are here; “Take Me There,” “Gloria,” “Who Am I?” There are a few subtle, but nice new touches on some songs; a mandolin opens “Glory Baby,” while a violin underlies “Who Am I” and vocals are traded off between Nockels and Point of Grace. An electric organ gives “More Than You’ll Ever More” even more of a country-western feel. “It’s proof that we’ve truly got country roots,” Christy says.

One of the best of the live performances is “Captivate Us.” Christy says that Charlie Hall “wrote this song many years ago, and we used to sing this in churches together. . . . (I)t beautifully describes the life and presence of Jesus. There is something indescribable that happens when the three of us sing together, a connection that goes beyond anything we’ve ever experienced with another artist.”

The current (and last?) studio single “Light of the World” is very beautiful and would make a great worship song. It’s inspired by the first chapter in John’s gospel.

If you can, catch Watermark this spring and early summer as they go on their last tour. For dates and locations visit www.watermark-online.com.

Godspeed Watermark.

- Rob S.