Nicole's song Brothers of the Highway is the title track for Dailey & Vincent's new record!

Nicole's song Brothers of the Highway is the title track for Dailey & Vincent's new record. Their 6th album for Rounder Records is set to be released May 7th. An article from Bluegrass Today is below:

Kevin Davis of New Release Tuesday:

http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/albumdetail.php?album_id=12658

This is the first full-length album released by More Than Rubies, a collaboration between Christa Wells and Nicole Witt. From the beginning, Wells and Witt have shared a desire to make music that matters, that stretches beyond entertainment but also stretches the parameters of popular worship music. They strive to be listeners first, and then to create music that reflects the Gospel and communicates honest experience in a fresh and artful way. 

More Than Rubies [More Than Rubies] | Posted March 26, 2013
After several years of touring and writing together, Christa Wells & Nicole Witt offer their first full-length joint recording project, More Than Rubies.  Wells and Witt decided it was time to release a full-length album under a joined name – More Than Rubies – inspired by Proverbs 3:15 which declares that “wisdom is more precious than rubies.”  Since their common purpose in writing and performing is to speak truth in song, this resonated with them deeply. From the beginning, Wells and Witt have shared a desire to make music that matters, that stretches beyond entertainment but also stretches the parameters of popular worship music. They strive to be listeners first, and then to create music that reflects the Gospel and communicates honest experience in a fresh and artful way.original worship songs, all produced in the stripped down piano/violin style their live audiences love. The stirring song “Image of God” was written for a retreat Christa & Nicole hosted along with author/speaker Ann Voskamp (One Thousand Gifts). These songs were written from a place of worship and are intended to lead listeners to that place.
 

“Image of God” opens with a stirring violin part, and is an incredibly tender worship offering to God and a beautiful song. The song has a gorgeous blend of violin, piano and Christa’s stellar vocals. I really love the chorus—"we come in pieces, we come in fragments, we come discolored to the foot of the Cross...our Maker sees us, all that we have been, bonds us together...the image of God."  The song is profound and moving. If you like prayerful songs that bring you to the Throne Room in worship like “Blessings” by Laura Story and “Your Great Name” by Natalie Grant, then don’t miss out on this incredible song for the Church. Nicole sings lead on the next song “Set Free.” The song is upbeat with a hooky hand-clap melody and features the celebratory lyrics—“we’re set free, free, the ‘let my people go kinda set free,’ set free, free, by the Love that came and died and rose again so we can be set free…let them see we have been set free!”

I find myself raising my hands in worship after those opening tracks, and then I’m compelled to reach out horizontally to help show others the love of Jesus. “Dawn of Grace,” “Lay Us Low” and “Pray” are also incredible worship songs. “Dawn of Grace” features Christa’s piano-based prayerful confession where she proclaims“and once I looked on Jesus’ face, it was the dawn of grace.” Nicole weighs in with the second verse and it is a truly moving song that ends with Nicole’s beautiful violin playing. “Father we confess, oh we confess, we have loved You less than ourselves” is the opening line of “Lay Us Low” which is the type of “gourmet” humble offering of praise I’ve longed to sing to God. Settle in and really allow yourself to experience these songs. I get completely overwhelmed in the emotion of this song. When Nicole and Christa together profoundly proclaim “So take us down and lay us low, leave ashes in place of gold, Life Giver, Sustainer, let nothing remain of our pride, from Your mountain on high, lay us low” I well up and the tears start streaming down my face. This song has become my personal anthem as I consistently pray for God to remove all trace of pride before Him. As if those songs weren’t incredible enough, Christa stops me in my tracks with the compelling song “Pray” which is an amazing re-write of The Lord’s Prayer. All believers looking for the words to pray to their Heavenly Father can tenderly and sincerely sing along with Christa and Nicole, “teach us to pray.” Amen. They perform on each other’s songs, Christa primarily on piano and vocals and Nicole on fiddle and vocals.  The distinction between Christa’s folky-piano-pop and Nicole’s country-bluegrass style gives their collaborative work a uniquely textured sound for the simple instrumentation.

“Visible Invisible” challenges listeners that if we as a Church body can rally around the idea that we are admittedly and without shame in need of a Savior, we can trust wholly in Jesus to make us whole. Then we can impact the world as a body of believers. It's our humility in Christ that can speak loudly in this broken world. As the song boldly proclaims, “We are the visible invisible, we are the flesh and bone, Of Your redeeming love, we are, we are Your kingdom unshakeable, Jesus Christ alive in us, the visible invisible.” Amen to that! “Live And Breathe”and “Shepherd God” are encouraging anthems of hope and healing that listeners can cling to in their own trying times. Don’t miss the beautiful harmony in the bridge of the gorgeous song “Even Though” where these anointed women sing in faith:“His grace is like an ocean / His gifts are overflowing / He will care for those who know Him / His promises are certain / we will not walk alone.” I know that many of us struggle with the idea that our past and present mistakes are unforgivable, yet the Bible tells us that isn’t true. Read the great translation in The Message of Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus tells us: “Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.” What an amazing comfort to know that when we struggle with our pain, pride and unloving natures, we can all lay it at the feet of Jesus. A great cover of Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” and the upbeat “Coming To The Light” close out this powerful worship album.

CLOSING THOUGHTS
Singer/Songwriter Christa Wells is best known for writing Natalie Grant's hit single"Held," but her albums leave you breathless. More Than Rubies is a profound listening experience. Nicole’s violin and voice blend seamlessly with Christa’s piano and voice, which is soothing like Sarah McLachlan, Brooke Fraser and Sara Groves. “Image of God” is one of my favorite worship songs. You can’t help but want to reach out and be the Kingdom of God on earth as beautifully expressed in the song. This album grabs me with every song. Truly, every song is amazing, especially “Lay Us Low,”  “Visible Invisible” and “Even Though.” Christa has always had a knack for hitting me where I am spiritually and expressing the prayerful yearnings of my heart. This album is no exception as I get welled up praying along with several of the songs and most of all, I am stirred with compassion to love people as Jesus loves us. That’s the heart behind this album, and thank you Christa and Nicole for blessing us with your music and for singing the Truth of the Gospel for the Kingdom of God. This album soothes, moves and challenges listeners. More Than Rubies by Christa Wells & Nicole Witt is an excellent set of songs that focus on the central themes of asking God to inhabit our inner being and truly allow the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us along with relying solely on the love of Jesus to truly mold our hearts and make us more like Him.  This album is what Christian music is all about—Jesus.

Original Source

Don McAllister's interview @ Bible Doing. Take a moment and check out www.bibledoing.com.

Don McAllister's interview @ Bible Doing. Take a moment and check out www.bibledoing.com.

http://bibledoing.com/nicole-witt-podcast/

http://sjongetjes.wordpress.com/2013/04/15/more-than-rubies/

Listen to my good friend Christa Wells talk about the new More Than Rubies project with Jay Friesen & Brian Mattson

Listen to my good friend Christa Wells talk about the new More Than Rubies project with Jay Friesen & Brian Mattson at Dead Reckoning Radio. Check them out (and their videos at Dead Reckoning TV, too!)

http://drbrianmattson.com/radio/2013/4/26/dead-reckoning-radio-episode-3

More Than Rubies [More Than Rubies] | Posted March 26, 2013
After several years of touring and writing together, Christa Wells & Nicole Witt offer their first full-length joint recording project, More Than Rubies.  Wells and Witt decided it was time to release a full-length album under a joined name – More Than Rubies – inspired by Proverbs 3:15 which declares that “wisdom is more precious than rubies.”  Since their common purpose in writing and performing is to speak truth in song, this resonated with them deeply. From the beginning, Wells and Witt have shared a desire to make music that matters, that stretches beyond entertainment but also stretches the parameters of popular worship music. They strive to be listeners first, and then to create music that reflects the Gospel and communicates honest experience in a fresh and artful way.original worship songs, all produced in the stripped down piano/violin style their live audiences love. The stirring song “Image of God” was written for a retreat Christa & Nicole hosted along with author/speaker Ann Voskamp (One Thousand Gifts). These songs were written from a place of worship and are intended to lead listeners to that place.
 

“Image of God” opens with a stirring violin part, and is an incredibly tender worship offering to God and a beautiful song. The song has a gorgeous blend of violin, piano and Christa’s stellar vocals. I really love the chorus—"we come in pieces, we come in fragments, we come discolored to the foot of the Cross...our Maker sees us, all that we have been, bonds us together...the image of God."  The song is profound and moving. If you like prayerful songs that bring you to the Throne Room in worship like “Blessings” by Laura Story and “Your Great Name” by Natalie Grant, then don’t miss out on this incredible song for the Church. Nicole sings lead on the next song “Set Free.” The song is upbeat with a hooky hand-clap melody and features the celebratory lyrics—“we’re set free, free, the ‘let my people go kinda set free,’ set free, free, by the Love that came and died and rose again so we can be set free…let them see we have been set free!”

I find myself raising my hands in worship after those opening tracks, and then I’m compelled to reach out horizontally to help show others the love of Jesus. “Dawn of Grace,” “Lay Us Low” and “Pray” are also incredible worship songs. “Dawn of Grace” features Christa’s piano-based prayerful confession where she proclaims“and once I looked on Jesus’ face, it was the dawn of grace.” Nicole weighs in with the second verse and it is a truly moving song that ends with Nicole’s beautiful violin playing. “Father we confess, oh we confess, we have loved You less than ourselves” is the opening line of “Lay Us Low” which is the type of “gourmet” humble offering of praise I’ve longed to sing to God. Settle in and really allow yourself to experience these songs. I get completely overwhelmed in the emotion of this song. When Nicole and Christa together profoundly proclaim “So take us down and lay us low, leave ashes in place of gold, Life Giver, Sustainer, let nothing remain of our pride, from Your mountain on high, lay us low” I well up and the tears start streaming down my face. This song has become my personal anthem as I consistently pray for God to remove all trace of pride before Him. As if those songs weren’t incredible enough, Christa stops me in my tracks with the compelling song “Pray” which is an amazing re-write of The Lord’s Prayer. All believers looking for the words to pray to their Heavenly Father can tenderly and sincerely sing along with Christa and Nicole, “teach us to pray.” Amen. They perform on each other’s songs, Christa primarily on piano and vocals and Nicole on fiddle and vocals.  The distinction between Christa’s folky-piano-pop and Nicole’s country-bluegrass style gives their collaborative work a uniquely textured sound for the simple instrumentation.

“Visible Invisible” challenges listeners that if we as a Church body can rally around the idea that we are admittedly and without shame in need of a Savior, we can trust wholly in Jesus to make us whole. Then we can impact the world as a body of believers. It's our humility in Christ that can speak loudly in this broken world. As the song boldly proclaims, “We are the visible invisible, we are the flesh and bone, Of Your redeeming love, we are, we are Your kingdom unshakeable, Jesus Christ alive in us, the visible invisible.” Amen to that! “Live And Breathe”and “Shepherd God” are encouraging anthems of hope and healing that listeners can cling to in their own trying times. Don’t miss the beautiful harmony in the bridge of the gorgeous song “Even Though” where these anointed women sing in faith:“His grace is like an ocean / His gifts are overflowing / He will care for those who know Him / His promises are certain / we will not walk alone.” I know that many of us struggle with the idea that our past and present mistakes are unforgivable, yet the Bible tells us that isn’t true. Read the great translation in The Message of Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus tells us: “Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.” What an amazing comfort to know that when we struggle with our pain, pride and unloving natures, we can all lay it at the feet of Jesus. A great cover of Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” and the upbeat “Coming To The Light” close out this powerful worship album.

CLOSING THOUGHTS
Singer/Songwriter Christa Wells is best known for writing Natalie Grant's hit single"Held," but her albums leave you breathless. More Than Rubies is a profound listening experience. Nicole’s violin and voice blend seamlessly with Christa’s piano and voice, which is soothing like Sarah McLachlan, Brooke Fraser and Sara Groves. “Image of God” is one of my favorite worship songs. You can’t help but want to reach out and be the Kingdom of God on earth as beautifully expressed in the song. This album grabs me with every song. Truly, every song is amazing, especially “Lay Us Low,”  “Visible Invisible” and “Even Though.” Christa has always had a knack for hitting me where I am spiritually and expressing the prayerful yearnings of my heart. This album is no exception as I get welled up praying along with several of the songs and most of all, I am stirred with compassion to love people as Jesus loves us. That’s the heart behind this album, and thank you Christa and Nicole for blessing us with your music and for singing the Truth of the Gospel for the Kingdom of God. This album soothes, moves and challenges listeners. More Than Rubies by Christa Wells & Nicole Witt is an excellent set of songs that focus on the central themes of asking God to inhabit our inner being and truly allow the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us along with relying solely on the love of Jesus to truly mold our hearts and make us more like Him.  This album is what Christian music is all about—Jesus.

More Than Rubies Reviewed by the Examiner

I am reviewing the album “More Than Rubies” from the band of the same name… it’s available on April 23, 2013. The band consists of two Christian songwriters, Christa Wells and Nicole Witt.

You can connect with these artists on Facebook or YouTube.

The album will be available on April 23, 2013 at this site: http://morethanrubies.storenvy.com

Christa Wells is the songwriter behind the hit song “Held” by Natalie Grant. She formed a partnership with Nicole Witt in 2007, when they were assigned to be “co-writers for a day.” Ever since then they’ve been doing music together, “More Than Rubies” will be the first full length album by the duo.

The first track of this album, “Image of God” is just beautiful! That might sound cliché, but there’s no other word for it. These two just work so well together, there’s no wonder they decided to stick together. “Image of God” has beautiful lyrics with a nice relaxing and pretty instrumental. Not to mention the lovely harmonies.

The next track is “Set Free” has a little bit of a country feel to it, vocally that is. It’s catchy and has beautiful vocal work, just like the first track. The lyrics are very nice and I love the arrangement.

Track three, “Dawn of Grace” is absolutely lovely! This track is just very special; I wouldn’t be surprised to hear this being sang by church choirs everywhere.

Now, that I’ve discussed the first three songs… I think instead of talking about every track, I’ll discuss the album as a whole. That way, I won’t give away too much. This is an album you’re going to want to own, it’s a beautiful praise and worship album. You just don’t hear praise as beautiful as this in modern Christian music.

There’s something about the arrangement of the entire album, it’s like angels are singing and playing instruments. I feel like I’m not doing this review, justice and I feel honored to be reviewing this before it’s release date.

If you want music that just puts your spirit at peace, you have to hear this album. This is one of the best debut praise and worship albums I’ve ever heard… well, it’s one of the best praise and worship albums I’ve heard, period. The songwriting is well above anything you’re going to hear in most praise and worship albums, the harmonies are angelic… and the arrangements will put your soul at peace. I cannot say enough good things about this album. I can’t even pick a favorite track from this, but if you insist… I’ll go with “Pray.” Pray is a prayer to God to teach us how to pray.

I have no doubt that Christa Wells and Nicole Witt, AKA “More Than Rubies” are going to bring God so much glory! You’re going to love this album, and I for one can’t wait to hear what’s next for these two. They have this kind of what I would call "pure beauty" to their sound. They harmonize so well and it really is angelic. There's no other word for it. This is how Christian music should sound!

Track 10, “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” is a cover… but the original singer of this tune better watch out, because these two really blessed the Lord and me! You might think I’m “blowing hot air,” but trust me… I have no reason to blow hot air. If I didn’t believe what I’m saying, I wouldn’t say it. I have nothing to gain. This album from track one to track eleven is quality!

I hope that you all will support this album and buy it, because I’m really sick of where Christian music is headed and this album is everything that it should be! I have no complaints, these two were meant to work together and this album will leave you wanting more!

Rating 5/5!

Original Source

The Christian Music Junkie review of More Than Rubies

http://thechristianmusicjunkie.blogspot.com/2013/04/more-than-rubies-self-titled-album.html?m=1

Mama's Blue Dress gets mentioned at CMT. com. Check it out!!!

CMT.com mentions our mainstage performance at Country Throwdown Tour in Nashville. Hey, we're "likeable": http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1689280/gary-allan-graces-nashville-with-songs-about-rain.jhtml

CMT : News : Gary Allan Graces Nashville With "Songs About Rain" www.cmt.com Visit CMT.com for all that is Country Music; Artists, Photos, Videos, Lyrics, Shows, Online Radio and More. Get the latest Country Music News and Videos on your favorite Artists. Get CMT's television schedule and watch your favorite TV shows.

Mama's Blue Dress gets some love from Amercian Songwriter Magazine...

ARTIST: Mama’s Blue Dress

SONG: “Blue Nation”

BIRTHDATE: December 17, 2011

BIRTHPLACE: Nicole’s music room, Nashville

AMBITIONS: Sing our four-part harmonies in an arena, and own a distillery – Mama’s Blue Bourbon anyone?

TURN-OFFS: Valet parking, the sound of nails being filed, fat-free food, and mean people.

TURN-ONS: Wine, good humor, and playing the Country Throwdown Tour.

DREAM GIG: The Opry, The Ryman and Austin City Limits – and would Ellen like a house band?

WORST JOB WE’VE EVER HAD: Bethany and Nicole have both been strolling fiddlers at wedding receptions. Only good part? The free cake.

ULTIMATE VACATION: European tour!

TV ADDICTIONS: “Dancing with the Stars”, “Family Guy”, old movies, and The Weather Channel.

5 PEOPLE WE’D LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Sarah Silverman, Kenny Powers, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Jesus – can they all come the same night?

WE NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT: cell phones, lip gloss, and clean underwear.

WE WROTE THIS SONG: about how much fun it is playing and singing together in this band.

Stream “Blue Nation” and more music from Mama’s Blue Dress at American Songspace. Then come see them perform live at the Country Throwdown Tour in Nashville, TN on July 8th.

CMA review from Rock On Together!

If you haven’t heard Mama’s Blue Dress yet, why in the heck not?! This is a band of four multi-talented women. They write, sing and play on every tune. Some of them play multiple instruments and the harmonies sound like they’ve been singing together for years…instead of only six months. The sound is fresh, fun and folky. They are the Dixie Chicks with a side of Alison Krauss. These women can take a cover and make it their own and then switch to a bluegrass/rap song that just works. Listen to the music. You would be doing your ears a huge favor. Check out “Mama’s Blue Dress,” “All Through The Night” and “Blue Nation.”

http://www.rockontogether.com/blog/2012/06/20/music-review-cma-fan-fest-2012-the-80s-and-carpe-diem/

Also check out this reveiw from Rock on Together: http://www.rockontogether.com/blog/test/

Samantha Stephens, CMT Radio

"A hillbilly Wilson Phillips. Absolutely amazing."

Mike Grimey, Grimey's New and Preloved Music

"Nashville's answer to The Bangles."

American Songwriter Magazine

"A Trishas-like foursome of identically dressed young ladies delivering lovely harmonies." and ""One of the most memorable performances. It felt like a band of sisters recounting stories."

Link to Rock on Together's Review
http://www.rockontogether.com/blog/2012/04/14/music-review-dr-seuss-tin-pan-south-and-inspiration/

04/26/2012 Press Release
http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/mamas-blue-dress/Event?oid=2850294

BROKEN: A June Evening in Nashville

with songwriters and musicians (and very good and talented friends) Christa Wells & Nicole Witt... and myself. (Have you heard Christa and Nicole sing and worship? Soulful and beautiful and all about Jesus.) If you live near Nashville...it'd be an honor & privilege to meet you and worship Him with you -- exploring what it means to be broken and given.

by Ann Voskamp