Sons of Korah

Sons of Korah

Performing in Toowoomba, QLD in 2010
Background information
Origin Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Genres CCM, Christian rock, Folk, Latin, Acoustic
Years active 1994–present
Labels Wordsong
Website www.sonsofkorah.com
Members
  • Matthew Jacoby
  • Rod Gear
  • Mike Avery
  • Bruce Walker
  • Rod Wilson
  • Ann-Maree Keefe
Past members
  • Richard Beechey
  • Jason Coghill
  • Marcus Hayden
  • Jayden Lee
  • Mike McCarthy

Sons of Korah are a Christian band founded in 1994 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. They take their name from the biblical family of the same name. They are known for their work in putting music to the book of Psalms.[1] The lyrics for their songs are taken almost verbatim from the book of Psalms.[2] As of 2014, the band has interpreted over 50 of the 150 Psalms into songs. On speaking of the band's focus on the Psalms, founder Matthew Jacoby says "...the psalms are important today because we tend to romanticise spirituality a lot and these songs present biblical spirituality in its original form, very real and yet present in such stunning poetic form. It is a perfect blend of spiritual realism with aesthetic and artistic integrity."[3]

History

Sons of Korah formed in 1994 while the founding members Matthew Jacoby, Jason Coghill and Rod Gear attended the Reformed Theological College in Geelong. In 1996 the band recorded their first album Hand to the Plough. After this release Jason officially left the band however he returned briefly to help record their first widely distributed album Light of Life in 1998. Light of Life was recorded live in the studio on analogue reel-to-reel.[4][5] As a solo artist, Jason has continued to record music based on the Psalms.[6] Redemption Songs was released in November 2000. It is often cited as the band's most popular album.[7] 2001 saw the release of a box set of their recorded albums. The box set included a re-recorded EP version of their first album Hand to the Plough.[8] In 2002 Marcus Hayden left the band to pursue a solo career.[9] Jayden Lee joined in 2004 and helped write many of the songs for their next album Resurrection. Rod Gear did not participate in the recording of this album or it's subsequent tour while he worked on a solo album.[10] Jayden left the band in 2008 and moved to the United States. Mike McCarthy then joined as the group's lead guitarist. Rod also returned to the band after recording a solo album Barak. After appearing on a number of albums as a backing vocalist Ann-Maree Keefe joined Sons of Korah on tour and often opens their concerts as a solo artist. Rain was released in 2008. Reviewers have commented on the "amount of light and shade"[11] in the album calling it "An enthralling musical journey through some of the Bible’s most enduring psalms".[12] Bruce Walker joined the band after the release of Rain, replacing Mike McCarthy as the groups lead guitarist. The band's next album Wait was released in 2011.

On a few occasions past members of the band have had a chance to join again on stage. In 2012 Marcus Hayden played a few songs at a concert in Melbourne.[13] Jayden Lee also had a chance to play with the band again while they toured the United States in 2013.[14] Sons of Korah tour regularly in their home country Australia often appearing at Christian festivals such as Easterfest[15] and Black Stump.[16] They have also toured the United Kingdom,[17] The Netherlands[18] and the United States.[19] They have appeared on ABC Radio National's The Rhythm Divine[20] and BBC Radio York radio shows to support their tours.

Discography

Studio Albums

EP's

Live Albums

References

  1. ↑ "Australian Acoustic Group "Sons of Korah" Are Sold Out To The Psalms". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  2. ↑ "Singing psalms". Retrieved 15 April 2014.
  3. ↑ "Matt Jacoby Reveals All – An Interview with the Sons of Korah". 3 June 2008. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  4. ↑ "Sons of Korah Blog, Light of Life was our first full studio album. We...". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  5. ↑ "Sons of Korah Blog, Sons of Korah Alumni Report: Jason Coghill: Jason...". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  6. ↑ "Ministry of Psalms - Jason Coghill". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  7. ↑ "Sons of Korah Blog, Behind the scenes: Psalm 24. Redemption Songs has...". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  8. ↑ "Sons Of Korah: Acoustic musicianaries bringing a fresh interpretation of the Psalms". 22 September 2010. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  9. ↑ "https://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=223417". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  10. ↑ "sons of korah". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  11. ↑ "http://www.sightmagazine.com.au/stories/music/rain8.10.09.php". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  12. ↑ "Review: Sons of Korah, "RAIN" ← William Chong". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  13. ↑ "Sons of Korah Blog, Pictures of our concert in Melbourne at St. Judes...". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  14. ↑ "Facebook Update". Retrieved 19 January 2014.
  15. ↑ "international | The Australian Gospel Music Festival". Christian Activities. 2005-02-27. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  16. ↑ "Aussie Christian Gigs – Black Stump artists announced + tickets on sale NOW!". Aussiechristiangigs.com.au. 1999-02-22. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  17. ↑ "Aussie band Sons of Korah in town". Boston Standard. 2011-04-27. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  18. ↑ "Sons of Korah terug naar Nederland | Sons of Korah". Sonsofkorah.nl. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  19. ↑ "Is this closest thing to Bible’s King David?". Wnd.com. 2013-09-28. Retrieved 2014-05-12.
  20. ↑ "The Psalms Project - The Rhythm Divine - ABC Radio National (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". Abc.net.au. 2013-08-25. Retrieved 2014-05-12.