All songs on "Just As I Am" were recorded with Jason Ketter, Ketter Tech Services, at the Icehouse in Kansas City, Missouri. All professional photographs on site and CD are by Mark Helmuth. www.markhelmuth.com. Through the years I have discovered I have a desire to reach others through music. Each song represents who I am in some way. All of the recordings are simple compositions of piano and my voice. I would like to add instruments, but I am thankful for what each song communicates in its simplicity.
Besides my own songwriting, I have experience in a number of styles of music and various venues. Styles include country, jazz, ballads, pop, contemporary Christian. Venues include weddings, coffeeshops, church events, community events, etc.
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Influences
3/26/09 Even music comes and goes.
It has been a long time since I have been on myspace. I am thinking about how time flies to fast and I can never catch it. But oh well, everyday is different with its own unique flavor, I don't always have to document it and I don't have to be ahead of the game. I just want to be in the game, living life, learning and growing. And that I am doing. It doesn't look like much to those around me, but I know I am on a journey. A journey that changes as I walk along. But I always see my Savior and I walk knowing He is my strength and loves me completely. I don't have any pretty songs today but I have a beautiful Savior. Even music comes and goes, but the word of the Lord stands forever.
People, even more than things, have to be restored,
renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;
never throw out anyone.
I started playing the piano on an old piano from the goodwill when I was around 10 years old. I always wanted to make up my own little tunes. The first song I ever wrote used three notes and three words. That was a song for my Mom. I have come a little farther since then.
I have always had a desire to glorify God through my life. I want to point to Him and discovering how to do this is a learning process. I find that I have been talking to God for years now, sometimes not even realizing it. I remember my late night writings mixed with confusion and hope back when I was in High School. I sat on the back deck and emptied out the heartbreak and despair and then wrote of God's promises to me. I am not sure I ever really believed them though. Over time some of these writings became songs. And now it has become something more common for me to bring some struggle to His feet and Him answer back. I believe what He says more now. And these conversations between us have turned into many more songs. He is changing my thinking about Him, myself and others. No doubt He will continue to do so.
Annie Cretsinger is perfect for the coffee house setting. You can sit back, relax, and be ministered to and comforted by the lovely voice of Annie. There is nothing forced or in your face about the delivery of her music. Her CD, Just As I Am, really says it all about Annie. You listen to her CD and you know Annie. She is so sweet and tender as a person and that really comes through in her music. Annie is a songwriter, musician, and vocalist in the Kansas City area and just a great person to hang with.
Bob Hill, kingcatmusic.com
By chance, I ran across Annie Cretsinger’s music/blog/photo page on myspace.
It turned out to be a happy accident that I’m thankful for.
I’ve known Annie for awhile, she and I were members of the worship team at RiverCity Community Church in Westport. From her myspace page, I was excited to learn that she had recently finished a CD project she titles “Just As I am”. I was anxiously looking forward to listening to her new musical ideas. I knew that she had a crystal voice and gift to communicate but I was soon to learn that she is a unique and compelling writer and pianist. Her music is original, artistically refreshing and provocative. I gave up on “mainstream” Christian music long ago but Annie’s new work makes me completely rethink this and gives me hope about what’s happening in this genre.
Thankfully, there’s no “over-production” here. Simplicity rules; just piano accompaniment and Annie’s unique and refreshing voice rendering soulful, contemplative and sincere worship. Her versatile piano skills truly partner with her tender and sincere vocal style and is worth listening to in it’s own right.
“Just As I Am” is a flowing piece that sounds at once like poetry but soon the chorus turns and brings you face to face with Annie’s deepest thoughts on life and the surrender we all must lose to the Savior to truly know His rescue. No doubt we have all mouthed these words (or something very similar) in prayer. Perhaps many times, over and over again. Annie has captured this heartfelt truth and emotion in melody and rhythm.
There are songs so brilliant that they instantly force you to remember and memorize the chorus melody.
“The Bridge Is Out” is one of those pieces. It’s all about a new story, Annie’s story to freedom. We’ve all experienced a place where there is no clear path, blurry vision or hopelessness. Where does one turn in the dark? How can one cross over when the bridge is out? Annie’s answer is pure and simple; flight. Her voice pierces the air and soars beautifully on the chorus. When you listen to this you’ll find yourself singing along while joyfully remembering the day that God taught you to fly. I did.
“Saving Grace” is a contemplative piece of hope and love reflective of Romans 8 and Psalm 139.
Day to day in a busy world we can lose sight of what’s real in life, Annie’s lyrics point us back in the right direction to God‘s unfailing love. Her words open our eyes (back) to reality with the encouraging reminder; “It was there, it was here, it was there already… Your unfailing love.” I know and pray that this song will encourage you as it did me
After the first few bars of “All That’s Happening”, I realized that it is the artist’s prayer. Listening, we get insight into Annie’s fears, experiences and future hopes. The honest lyrics instantly make me realize and understand that they are also my own fears, experiences and future hopes and probably your‘s also. She beautifully details emotion, doubt and faith, all encapsulated in the frailty of our existence that can only be answered by the Savior.
If you are seeking a fresh sound of encouragement and artistic expression, if you are seeking new insight and hope, give Annie’s music your ear. I was refreshed in my spirit. It’s an instant favorite of mine and her CD may become one of your favorites too.
Mike Miller
www.mikemillermusic.com
Hi Annie Just dropping by to say hello. Hope all is well. Just saw Mercy Me in concert. They put on a great concert. Are you working on any new songs? What have you been up too? I am recovering from back surgery. I'm getting better everyday thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has helped me thru it all. Have a good night. :) Take care and God Bless You!
Hi Annie! Thank you for accepting our friend request; I left it standing for some time.... As I post this, your profile is open in another window; All That's Happening Here just finished and Saving Grace has begun to play.... I am typing slowly and just listening: I can hear that this is who you are, not a personna you are putting on, you are these songs, they are parts of you.
I have a dear friend who pastors a Church not too far from you, in Gladstone, a Church that was built from scratch by another dear friend of mine who has partially retired and moved to Florida now. We do sometimes come to Kansas City, and I have been to your town, also, but it has been a while. The Bridge Is Out is playing, and I'm just letting it. It is settled: I love your music.
I have learned to embed our music player in comments. Our songs are home recorded. Knowing a bit of your style now, I suggest the one entitled You Are My King; I spent nearly ten years with it before completing and recording it. I'm trying to move a little faster these days, LOL.
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