Here is a video, cover of a Dylan tune of The Rev and some fine players… Enjoy

The Rev, Paul Clark, Phil Keaggy, Eric Stark, Josh Meyers and Others

Blues Blast Magazine April 2009

The Reverend Jimmie Bratcher - The Electric Rev

Ain’t Skeert Tunes www.theelectricrev.com

The Rev. Jimmie Bratcher is an honest-to-gosh man of the cloth, along with being a pretty hot blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Based in Kansas City, MO, Bratcher brings, as one might expect, a strong gospel influence to his blues music and the songs contained on his latest CD release The Electric Rev., are entertaining and uplifting at the same time. Bratcher uses his music as part of his ministry to preach the word to both the churched and un-churched alike and takes his blues and his message everywhere and anywhere he is needed. He plays in venues ranging from blues clubs to churches to correctional institutions, bringing the Word with him. If his sermons are anything like his CD, Rev. Bratcher surely has a large and growing congregation, as he is one of the more unique and talented characters on the roots music scene today.

When preaching time comes, Bratcher really turns it on, as evidenced on the CD’s opening cut “Call On Me”. The song calls those struggling in their lives and marriages to call on Jesus, letting them know that He is there with them through their darkest hour, all over a sweet gospel groove. Bratcher lays his soul bare on this and other cuts here and speaks directly to what is good in all of us, which is what makes his message understandable by all types of people, not just the already devout. Other highlights on the record include “Green Bananas”, “Pray For Me”, and “Cadillac”. Those looking for a different flavor in the music they love or for deeper lyrical content than the typical big-legged-woman-fuss-fight-boogie themes found in much of the blues may find what they seek as part of Bratcher’s flock.

Reviewer Mike O’Cull is a noted Chicago music writer and Blues Blast contributor. Visit his MySpace page at:
www.myspace.com/mikeocullmusic

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I’ve been on the road this month and MAN it was fabulous. Even after I tell you that I’ve never been colder in my life that this month and it was still fabulous!!!

As in 2008 my friend Mark Gungor invited me to Green Bay, WI for three weekends in a row to help him with a teaching series “How to Beat the Blues”. If the cold in Green Bay wasn’t bad enough I spent last week in Winnipeg and man it was really cold there. I was invited to appear on a TV show “It’s a New Day” and that was a blast.

While in Green Bay ministering at the church we were able to do an “Out of the Box” event in prison. It was the first time that this institution has ever allow anything of this size behind the walls. We were able to do two full concert with altar ministry and it was outstanding.

As we cleared security they gave each of us a visitors id card. In a spontaneous moment while speaking I pointed at one of the men who was wearing an inmate id card and said “how about I trade with you, you take my card and leave and I’ll stay here and do your time”. Needless to say I had his attention and the guards as well. I continued to explain that this is exactly what Jesus did for us all “paid the price for our crime so that we could be free”. It was a powerful moment that I am sure every man there will remember.

Let’s not forget that if it we’re for Jesus, if it wasn’t for Him breaking the chains that held us we would still to this day be bound. I am so glad for the gospel that is the power of God for all mankind.

Here are a couple of pictures from Lambeau Field I had lunch at the stadium t a great place called Curly’s. Next time you’re at a Packer’s game check it out.

Peace….. Jimmie

Well I’ve just finished my third fabulous weekend at Celebration Church in Green Bay, WI by preaching a red hot message. Man was it good, or at least I thought so. The message was titled How to Beat the Blues? So how do you beat the blues? Any way possible… here are three.

1. Sing the Right Song - praise changes everything. Gratitude will keep you healthy read the article “How Faith Can Heal” 2/23 Time Magazine

2. How To Beat the Blues – “Talk to Yourself” I know some of you do this already but do you do it right? Many people talk to themselves in a negative way STOP IT. Start building yourself up instead of tearing yourself down.

3. How To Beat the Blues – “Be Content, 1Tim. 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

Get started…. and beat those blue away….RIGHT NOW…

I did three concerts yesterday two in prison one last night a Cup O Joy in Green Bay, preached twice today and now I’m flying home to hang with Sherri, tomorrow is her birthday. Been gone since 2/13 either in Green Bay or Winnipeg doing TV needless to say I’m looking forward to being home.

Peace,
Jimmie

“REMEMBER”
Creating a Complaint Free Zone (CFZ) for the Holidays #2
Monday, November 26, 2008

Sherri and I did something a few days ago that amazed us both. It hit me square in the chest and knocked me to my knees. What? We dug out a box of old pictures from our past and just “REMEMBERED” how blessed we are and have been.

I know the Bible tells us that we are to “forget those things which are behind” but it also says, “But recall the former days” Hebrews 10:32

We are preparing for our 32nd Anniversary and I decided to bore everyone with a slide show of pictures from our past.  As we dug in that box of old images we discovered this overwhelming appreciation “THANKS” for the faithfulness and the mercy of Jesus, that HE has given us, we “REMEMBERED”. There aren’t a boat load of pictures just a few images that grabbed me by the heart and made me lift my hands and worship Jesus for saving us from sin and ourselves.

I know that this experience will change the way that I celebrate and worship during the holidays this year and maybe for the rest of my life. I sure hope so.

I think we should never under estimate the power of remembering and “Thanksgiving.” It is a key element of our worship and should be a key of character as well. I know how easy it is to get caught up in all the trouble that life throws at us. You know trouble comes and it captures all of your attention and focus. But the thing that keeps us stable is “REMEMBERING” and being thankful for all the good things that Jesus has done for us. Israel had the stones on the Canaan side of the Jordan taken from the river, they were set up as a memorial so they could REMEMBER and give thanks. So I guess I can have some pictures.

I think this picture says it all. I am going to make everyone in my family who comes by for Thanksgiving, before they do anything else, take a look at “the goodness and mercy” that has been following us and if that doesn’t make us thankful, then I guess a big stick is in order. Just Kidding about the Stick!!

We hope you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving !!! REMEMBER and be Thankful.

Jimmie

Imagine a family holiday gathering and nobody is complaining? That would be some kind of a miracle right? Well, I don’t think so; I think it should be the normal. Here are a few tips that we use to create a complaint fee zone.

1. It all starts with you,
It all begins with your attitude, your attitude. WE must realize that our attitude is the driving force of our environment and will assist in the creation of a CFZ for the holidays. You are in control of your attitude or at least you should be and it is really the only one (attitude) that you are responsible for. So don’t let it get out of your control. Have a great attitude!!!  Work on it.

2. Have Fun, too many times we get to uptight and take things too seriously. Lighten up, for crying out loud. Have some fun, tell some jokes, do something stupid. That will be what your kids and grand kids will remember.

3. Clean Up the Stinky,
What do you do when someone comes by with a rotten stinky attitude? You know it ruins it for everyone. Some how that one person takes control of the house, man I hate that. So what can you do? Over take the stinky with what is sweet. Thanksgiving and praise has a way of being infectious and can take over a room when it is present. Try starting some conversations that everyone is thankful about. Go back to a wonderful memory and start taking about that. Sing quietly, whistle, that’s one thing I remember about my Dad, he was always whistling and my Mom always was singing or humming a sweet melody. It is hard for “el stinko” to survive when someone is thankful and really that is what the holidays are suppose to be about.

4. Say What?
Look out that conversation is going to drag you down, you better shut up it’s going to get ugly. Ever feel that way? There are some topics at a family gathering that should not be talked about; something’s you better leave alone or take control of. I had this happen just a few days ago. Some friends of mine were talking about another friend of ours and not talking about him in a very good light. I was in the other room and was overhearing their conversation. One of them asked me if I was “hearing the conversation” and my answer shut them down, I said “I am trying not to hear your conversation”. That was all it took, I wasn’t mean I didn’t say “Hay! Shut up!” although I have been known to do that. But really you can guide people with your words, inspire them to talk about good things, after all there is plenty of time in the right setting, to talk about the problems.

5. Not Everybody Gets a Back Stage Pass
A friend of mine has been on the road with a BIG TIME rock star and they were coming to KC and I called on my friend for some free tickets and back stage passes. He said, “pick up your tickets at the door but “The ROCK STAR” doesn’t let anyone back stage”. What? Little old me? Not allowed why? Because he was in control of his environment it was that simple. Don’t give everyone a back stage pass, don’t allow the trouble makers to take control, you have to control access. There are some folks that you shouldn’t invite and there are some folks that should come a little later in the day. Don’t be controlling but at the same time be in control.

Most of all be deliberate, take some time to pray and prepare and not just the meal. Great times, memorable times can happen spontaneously and but often they are planned and there is nothing wrong with that.  Choose some topics to discuss, find some old pictures or videos anything to help guide you to a great event.