Spreading the Gospel Through Music

Record label to release two songs by Circle of Faith music group from Sparta

SPARTA  Circle of Faith, a contemporary Christian music ensemble from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish here, hopes to continue to broaden its ever-widening audience this month as it releases for the first time two of its songs as a “single” on a commercial record label: “Here I Am” and “I Trust in You.”

Circle of Faith, which seeks to spread the Gospel through original music, will play two concerts, both at 7:30 p.m.: one on Saturday, Oct. 17 at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, Long Valley, and another on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sparta. There is no charge for either show, but a free-will offering will be taken up. The concerts will feature TK Pry on vocals, as do the recordings.

During the summer, Circle of Faith signed a contract with a new British label, Break In the Clouds, which has remixed and remastered the two songs for release on 139 digital web sites and, later, on a compact discs. The two songs originate from the ensemble’s first CD, “Always,” which bristles with eight bright pop tunes that cross a dizzying number of decades and styles: pop-rock, soul, big-band jazz, country and even Latin. These light, memorable — and secular — melodies also encourage listeners to consider the deeper, inspirational message of the lyrics: to deepen their faith in Jesus.

In addition, Circle of Faith had been broadening its audience with airplay on broadcast radio stations; Internet radio, such as Jango; music-streaming services, such as Spotify; and video-sharing sites, such as YouTube. The band also can be found on social media at Facebook and Twitter.

“These are pop songs with lyrics of faith. With its different styles, it’s reaching people of all ages. If it helps only one person have a better connection with Jesus, we’ve done our job,” said Suriano, who noted that the 11-piece ensemble — with other core players TK Pry on vocals and Derek Davodowich on electric guitar — will perform new songs at the upcoming concerts. Art Suriano, writes and produces the group’s songs and plays acoustic guitar and keyboards

Samples of Circle of Faith’s music and links to purchasing the “Always” CD and the two songs can be found at www.circleoffaithmusic.com/music.html. Clips of their songs also are posted on YouTube. The CD will be on sale for $10 at the concerts and is available to download on iTunes for $7.92. Art Suriano also is encouraging other parishes to invite Circle of Faith to perform a concert.

[Information: (973) 300-1440 or [email protected].]