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Sing Aloud Unto God Our Strength! (From Psalm 81)
Message for July 2008, from Psalm 119
"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage."

Welcome to American Classic Recordings(TM*)!

American Classic Recordings (ACR) is an independent, artist-operated record label producing professional-quality recordings by people who live or have lived in America and who love our country. Our earliest releases feature country, Gospel, and pop music.

We want to honor God, America, and all the world by bringing under one label the most uplifting new music being generated in our times. Every album that bears the ACR label will show some evidence of the Holy Spirit at work through words and music. Over time, we hope to have at least one artist in every region of the country.

ACR is always happy to hear from new friends, but at this time, we cannot accept any new artists. First we need to fulfill the promises we have made to artists around the country who are waiting for us to release their music! (See the Associates tab above.) We want to be faithful, like our Lord.

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Scriptural Basis for the Label
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” (Psalm 100)

Joy in the Lord will infuse all of the music this label creates, in every mood and genre.

“Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”
(Matthew 15:16)

This label will help musical and visual artists show their light to others.

“The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.” (Matthew 25: 16 - 17, in the Parable of the Talents)

We will strive to enable investing stewards to gain a good return on their investment of talent, time, and/or treasure.

The founders are believing Christians who feel a deep kinship with all who share a faith in the God of Abraham. We respect freedom of worship and freedom of thought, welcoming co-artists of all varieties and shades of belief and searching. Yet it is the Holy Spirit Who shall guide this endeavor. All song lyrics will be consistent with Christ-centered values, while respecting the artist's need for personal and honest expression of the truth as the artist sees it.

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More About the Company and Our Artists
The founders of this label are recording artists who wish to produce excellent music out of the heart of America. We seek to serve the needs of uniquely gifted artists who may lack the funds, contacts, and/or experience to make recordings on their own, including:

• Singers
• Instrumentalists
• Songwriters

Many stars have added their talent to this enterprise as advisors, composers, featured artists, or songwriters.

For a list of all our artists and friends, please visit the ASSOCIATES module at the top of this site.
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Releases
Coming soon:

More than a Regular Joe/Crosses (2 songs) August 2008 (Freddie Johnson)

Also: Look for original song releases in 2008-2009 by Grace, Truth, and Deliverance Band; Sharon Nesbitt; David Bouknight; Banastre Tarleton; Brian "Preacha" Houey; and Eric Glover.

Album releases so far:

Car Wash - Pop-Soul-Rock (1 song) May 2008 (John Perry)

Station/I'm Not Stupid - Rock-Jazz (2 songs) April 2008

Time to Rise - Christian Rock (12 songs) March 2008 (Ricky Byrum)

I Gotta Dawg/Gettin' Right with the Man - Country (2 songs) February 2008 (Johnnt Owens)

Rappin' for God - Holy HipHop (1 song) January 2008 (Blizard and Bishop)

Breaking Through - Country (12 songs) November 2007 (Luanne Hunt)

Texas/Liberty - Country (2 songs) October 2007

I Relove You/Je Retaime - Jazz (2 songs) September 2007

Day of Praise - Gospel (4 songs) April 2007 (Welsey Robinson)

My Country - Country (14 songs) May 2006

We Thank You - Patriotic (1 song) April 2006

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Blizard and Bishop Rap with God!
Rappin' with God, featuring The Young Ones, is here at last!
These two talented brothers joined ACR in 2007, and their single album rocketed out the first week of January 2008. (We were aiming for New Year's Eve, but had to ring in the New Year with hope and faith instead of an album!).

Rappin' for God, featuring Blizard and Bishop, debuts Jarvis Smith as a producer for AmericanClassicRecordings.com

And now let's here from Cheyenne Poole, manager for the artists since their earliest days :)

“Rappin' for God is a debut album for Blizard and Bishop, but they have been rapping since they were little boys. They used to watch the other rappers on TV, and they decided that they wanted to make a career out of rapping, with God in their hearts, so they could give young people some positive role models. They recorded these tracks with Andy Pow.

Bishop, who is 18, graduated from Pine Forest High School in June 2006. He always encourages Blizard to do well in school, and they practice their music every day. Blizard, who is 14, goes to Springlake Middle School, where he has been getting all As and Bs. They are excited to be signed by American Classic Recordings.”

Cheyenne Poole
Cheyenne’s Music Management
Spring Lake, North Carolina
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Christian Rock Band TEARBOOK Joins ACR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 8, 2008

Tearbook, a Christian rock band from Williamsport Pennsylvania, signed today with American Classic Recordings of Fairfax, Virginia. Tearbook is 5 teen guys on fire for the Lord. In 2007, Tearbook played in about 30 live concerts, including Project 86, Falling Up, & Phil Joel at Fusion Fest in Selinsgrove Pa.

Band Members
Trevor Pool Lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Taylor Pool Bass Guitar
Brandon Vartenisian Rhythm guitar, vocals
Luke Brady Drums, vocals
Dale Upright Lead guitar


"I challenge anyone to listen to this band and come away unchanged," said Alexandra Lajoux, ACR Founder. "We give God the glory for bringing them to the label. He has a plan and we are happy to help it unfold!"

Tearbook can be heard on their web site myspace.com/tearbook, and you can see a music video that they did a year ago, before adding their 5th band member by going to youtube or Godtube and doing a search for Tearbook; it will come right up.

To book the band, contact Kevin Pool, Tearbook Band Manager,
570-601-6737
kevinpoolpa@aol.com
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Luanne Hunt Joins American Classic Recordings with "Breaking Through"
For Immediate Release

AMERICAN CLASSIC RECORDINGS
SINGER/SONGWRITER LUANNE HUNT TOPS INDIE.COM CHART
IN JANUARY 2008


Luanne Hunt, an acclaimed singer/songwriter in the Americana and Christian genres, has continued to wow fans since signing a recording contract with the Fairfax, VA-based record label American Classic Recordings, a unit of Alexis & Co. Music Studios, LLC.

The Southern California resident’s CD “Breaking Through” released on the label November 1, 2007. The project features eight original tunes, as well as covers of the 1772 hymn “There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood,” and the 1968 Simon and Garfunkle hit “Scarborough Fair.”

“Breaking Through” was produced by Eric Uglum, who has worked with Alison Krauss, Ron Block, Cherryholmes, Nickel Creek, Sara Watkins, Stuart Duncan and other bluegrass and Americana artists.

“Luanne Hunt has inspired thousands with the touching beauty of her voice and spirit. I am so happy that she is getting the recognition she deserves,” said Alexandra Lajoux, ACR founder.

...In the early 2000’s, Luanne ventured into the recording studio to produce “Lost In Your Love,” a CD of 10 self-penned Christian songs. The project garnered rave reviews from critics and fans.

“After listening to Luanne’s beautiful CD, all I can say is ‘Wow!” said recording artist Al Jarreau.

Riding on the success of “Lost In Your Love,” Hunt released four more independent CDs: “I’m So Happy,” “Moving God, Moving Mountains!” “Chapters and Verse,” and “He Was There.” Various singles from all of the projects have received airplay on radio stations in the United States and Canada. Additionally, “I’m So Happy!” has become a fan favorite on the Internet with nearly 2,000 downloads.

Hunt recently produced her first music video, “The Miracle In You,” a track on “Breaking Through.” The video is featured on www.youtube.com, www.ourstage.com and www.myspace.com. American Classic Recordings (ACR) is an independent record label producing sound recordings in all major American genres ....
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Johnny Owens Brings Real Country to ACR
One of the latest and greatest additions to the American Classic Recordings lineup is Johnny Owens, who hails from Crescent City Florida.

Johnny is a Nashville Recording Artist. His music is a mix of styles. Rock,Country, and Blues. All carry a "Good News" message!
All blended into one unique sound called Devil Stompin' Music!

Johnny has a TV show which is aired in two locations, TV 27 in Jacksonville Florida, and KLHU TV in Las Vegas. His show is about to become nationwide!

His new ACR single combines two right-minded songs...one about the joys of havin' a dog in the back of a truck -- yeah! -- the other says it's high time to get right with the man upstairs.

Johnny puts it plain and true, and puts you in a good mood while he does it. Come listen! Go to our music page for a link to his album. For more about Johnny, see the music links at the end of our home page.
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ACR Releases Liberty
AMERICA WELCOMES YOU

We are an all-American label, featuring American artists who love this country, but if you are visiting from another land, please know that your heart full of hope is welcome here. Our song LIBERTY welcomes you with words and music by Alexandra Lajoux.

With the exception of her French song, Je Retaime, Alexandra's songs are mostly American in spirit; yet they have attracted visits from neighbors to the north - Canada - and south - Mexico,Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Argentina--and other continents--Africa (Benin, Cameroon, Egypt, Uganda),and the Middle East (Israel, Bahrain, Iran, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), Europe (Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, the Scandanavian countries--Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden), and the United Kingdom), greater Asia (China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Phillipines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, plus India and Pakistan), as well as Russia, Kazakhstan, the Ukraine, and "down under" --Australia and New Zealand....and many more. (A current list is on her singer's website on soundclick.com.)

Fluent in French, German, and Spanish, with rudimentary knowledge of Italian, Japanese, and ancient Latin, she has traveled to and lived in some of these places, but there's no place like home...USA!

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Ricky Byrum Dedicates Time to Rise to Jeff Preziotti
TIME TO RISE (a note from Ricky Byrum)

This is Ricky Byrum. Thanks for checking me out. I am a singer; guitarist and bassist. I have been fortunate enough to write and record my music with bands and as a solo artist. I have been writing an array of music for some time now. I like all kinds of music and enjoy working w/ most styles. I ’ve been in many great bands. See my bio @ www.rickybyrum.com.

Due to the passing of Jeff Preziotti - Apostolos drummer and my long time FRIEND and former Gangway band mate on Jan 8th 2008, my next cd will be entitled ( Time To Rise ). Dedicated to the nicest dude I ever met! Miss ya bro. Save me a spot in the band... It will be released on my new label (American Classic Recordings ). Hear the new single here on Myspace and look for the "Time To Rise" cd at : http://cdbaby.com/cd/rickybyrum.

A portion of all proceeds will go to the Children’s hospitals and the Red Cross and other charities. It’s what I do to give a little something back. Thanks for making a difference any way you can. I’d like to create a way of donations which would include other means such as can goods; clothing, time etc. Many people still need prayer and support in each community we live. Once again thanks, especially for the kids; the sick, and GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY !!!!!!!

Peace to you and yours, Ricky Byrum www.rickybyrum.com



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My Country Is Your Country
The Debut Album of American Classic Recordings-- a unique blend of country, folk, gospel, and bluegrass conveying the joys and sorrows behind the scenes of ordinary life in America. The album's title song, "We Thank You," gives a venue for a community chorus to express heartfelt appreciation for the men and women serving in our nation's armed forces. "Good Guys" reinforces the theme of valor in service to God and country.

Guest artists on the MY COUNTRY album with Alexandra (whose friends call her variously Alexis, Alexandria, and Alex) include guitarists Andrew Acosta, Steve Magnusen, and Jeff Severson; virtuoso string player and pianist Christopher Sexton (appearing courtesy of Pinecastle Records); trumpet player Curt Christensen (a trumpeter with a premier military band in Washington, D.C.); and bass player Mark Lysher. In 2007, Chris was named Fiddle Player of the Year by the National Society For The Preservation Of Bluegrass Music In America. Congratulations, Chris! Joining Alexandra as vocalists are gospel singer Doc McKenzie of Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, mountain music impresario Andrew Acosta, and rocker Eric Townsend. Co-produced by Alexandra Lajoux and Jeff Severson, with special contributions from Andrew Acosta, Stu Gardner, and Darryl Henley. For a list of choral singers, please see the credits to "We Thank You," posted on this site. Recording Engineer for this project was Mike Andreski, Cue Recording Studios, Falls Church, Virginia, managed by Dusty Rose.



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Photo of June 2, 2007 - All Praise Session Photos by Rick Steele
Joy ruled when the gifted choirs of Hunter Memorial A.M.E. Church and First A.M.E. Church joined together at Cue Studios Joe Warfield (songwriter with BMI) and Doris Thomas (President of the First A.M.E., Alexandria, choir), with the welcome help of Gospel artistf John Tillery. What fun it was to sing praises to the Lord! Click on the picture to feel the Spirit! PS: Photographer Rick Steele is a world-class guitarist and singer, and has served alongside U.S. troops in Iraq as a dedicated military photographer.
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Praise Continues
American Classic Recordings has sponsored a continuation of the Day of Praise project, featuring many notable Gospel musicians local to the Washington, DC, area.

Recent recording sessions have been hosted by Larry Clouse, "living Mozart," and owner of the Skyline Music Studios in Falls Church, Virginia.

It all started thanks to Wesley Robinson, a founding Artist of the label. He introduced ACR management (Alexandra Lajoux) to the First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Choir of Alexandria Virginia, headed by Doris Thomas, visionary president; and directed by gifted composer,arranger, and singer Joe Warfield.

These four joined the chorus along with other singers from FAME as well as Woodstream Church (MD), Ebenezer AME, Hunter Memorial Baptist (MD), to be led by the best Executive Producer: The Holy Spirit!

The first two songs to be released on the album will be the ones directed by Brother Joe: What a Friend We Have in Jesus and He is Great.

In addition to the four mentioned, other choral singers on the projectt include Missionary Charisma Wooten, Vanessa Hester, Connie Walker, Gayle McMahan, William Whitfield III, Violet Stith, Rose Lewis, Sheila Williams, Octovia Davis, Sheila Walter, Robert Maddox, Fexis Wilson, and Roxanne Anderson.

ACR sends special thanks to Larry Clouse, who provided a day of studio time and a warm welcome in February 2008, and to Keith Burrell of Cue Recording, the site of the original recording in June 2007.

Two additional talents added their professional services to this project: Jarvis Smith, an accomplished Gospel and R&B musician and sound recording engineer; and John Tillery, Gospel recording artist (introduced to ACR by Wesley Robinson).


We thank you all, as each person made a valuable contribution! If anyone has any questions about this recording series, or wishes to participate in future ones, feel free to call American Classic Recordings at 202-255-7562.

The journey to record this album has been long, but we thank God that we are still moving forward.

Be Blessed, Alexandra

PS: This project recently encountered severe difficulties. With prayer, we shall overcome them. Thank you, Lord, for opportunities to witness to Your unending love and grace.

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Sheet Music for ACR Tunes Now Available
Would you like to play one of our songs at your next concert?

Sheet music is now available for the following songs:

FROM MY COUNTRY

Borderline
Heart on My Sleeve
My Man
Just Not Now
One Shoe
Every Mountaintop
Daddys Crown
Mi Teddy
Who's Walkin' Who?
Magdalena - Coming Back
Good Guys
Get Up and Go
We Thank You

Song themes in MY COUNTRY include trials of codependency ("Borderline"), heartbreak and healing ("Heart on My Sleeve," "Just Not Now"), joys of adoption ("Mi Teddy"), anguish of temptation ("My Man"), despair of addiction and hope of recovery ("One Shoe," "Every Mountaintop"), a changing neighborhood seen in walks with a faithful dog ("Who's Walkin' Who"), zeal for worship and service ("Get Up and Go"), and the nature of true love--seen in Jesus's love for Mary Magdalene: "Magdalena: Coming Back" is the Christian answer to the Da Vinci code! The secret bonus rockabilly track about scorned love could make you laugh or cry, depending.

FROM DAY OF PRAISE

Holy Spirit


If you have heard another song and would like sheet music for it, please let us know and we will prepare it.

The sheet music is in lead sheet style, showing the notes to play for the melody, as well as the chords (letter name of chord) to play for piano or guitar.

Upon request, we can email you a PDF (for $1.95 per song) or mail you the sheet music (for $2.95 per song). In return, we would ask that you mail us a check for the indicated amount, after you recieve the music.
You may make as many copies as you like.

Sincerely,
Alexandra Lajoux
President
American Classic Recordings
Fairfax VA
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Music Links
Christian Country

LUANNE HUNT - signed
http://luannehuntmusic.com/

JOHNNY OWENS - signed
www.myspace.com/johnnyowens1

FREDDIE JOHNSON - signed
www.freddiejohnsonsmusic.com


Christian Rock

TEARBOOK - signed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-DrZMXkkWE

RICKY BYRUM - signed
http://www.rickybyrum.com/RickyByrum/Home.html


Christian HipHop

BLIZARD AND BISHOP - signed
http://cdbaby.com/cd/blizardbishop


Gospel

DAVID BOUKNIGHT - signed

DAY OF PRAISE – produced by ACR
Part 1 http://cdbaby.com/cd/wradops
Part 2 pending


Jazz Praise

VARUN CHITNIS - invited (already recording)


Beebop

JOHN PERRY - signed
http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnperry

Variety

ALEXANDRA LAJOUX
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lajoux1
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lajoux2
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lajoux3
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lajoux4
http://cdbaby.com/cd/lajoux5
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=525166

MUCH MORE MUSIC TO COME!
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Live Shows
ACR artists love performing live. This pictures shows ACR founder Alexandra Lajoux with percussionist Earl Richardson and songwriter, playwright, and actress Paula Alprin. For more live performance information, click on the NEWS section at the top of the home page. And be blessed, for God is good and ever faithful.
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There Could Be No Greater Honor Than This Testimony of a Soldier Devoted to Our Freedom
Thank you, Mrs. Lajoux for your thoughts and gratitude that you have expressed in your wonderful song of thanks and dedication to all of my brothers in arms in the field and back in garrison waiting to be deployed back. I am an Army Infantry soldier and have been in the service since 1979 when I joined to get our people back from Iran but we were not allowed to then. I got out of the Army in 01 and woke up
one morning in September and turn on the tube and the next day gave back my retirement to reenlist to fight this scourge of humanity and even though there has been many close calls and many friends lost since and with the knowledge that I may pay the ultimate price myself, the values that you have said so well in your song will keep me driving on. It takes a lot to make these jaded old eyes to tear up, God knows they have seen many bad and painfull things over the years but your song
made me do just that. I hold a deep respect and love for those like you in our great nation and will continue to serve her until we are all safe and free of the threat of terror and those who would surely destroy our way of life. Let me leave with this line that I learned from my first Ranger DI who served in Korea and Vietnam and maybe you can understand more than you already do as to why I fight and
serve.

"Men and Woman sleep more soundly in their beds at night because hard men are willing to do violence on their behalf."

That is a statement made by Sir Winston Churchill back in WWII. I am proud to be one of those men on your behalf and on all of America's behalf. Thank you once again for your faith and gratitude for our service I think I am safe to say it for all of us in this historic struggle.

Your servant,

Sgt. Russell E. Massey
Co. B, 3/7 Infantry, 3rd ID
Fort Stewart, Ga.
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Poem for the Fallen
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Set to music by American Composer Charles Ives (1874-1954)


IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
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This site and its links are dedicated to our brave U.S. and Allied troops.
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