Gospel Music Week Notes
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

This is my first time to be at Gospel Music Week referred to as GMA here in Nashville. As you may know we have contract a public relations firm to assist us in getting our message out to the world. Here are some notes on what I have been doing.

Sunday evening, April 19 The McCain & CO 11th Guitar Pull
A guitar pull is a Nashville tradition which is basically singer songwriters sharing their songs. Nine artists including “The Rev.” played. The artist ranged from urban, to kids music, from John Schlitt former singer with Petra to Cowboy Dan who has a kids show on Daystar. Every one took a turn and they all loved “Green Bananas”.

Monday, April 20 Interviews,
This week is about art and press meeting together in the same place so that is why I am here. The interviews started this morning with One Mediator TV, a show from Ireland. Then WHIF 93.3 Radio from north Florida, then G Force Radio a show from London England, then a pre-interview with The 700 Club. A pre-interview is to determine if they want to do something with me on the show or not. Then with Fusemix.COM a popular on line web destination.

So that was about 5 hours of talking about myself??? Man it wiped me out. So now I am off to do it again today. Telling people about the Good News about why I am out telling it.

I’ll write more later….

Peace,
Jimmie

Check out this review from the February / March 2009 issue of Blues Revue Magazine

THE REV. JIMMIE BRATCHER
The Electric Rev.
Ain’t Skeert Tunes

The Rev. Jimmie Bratcher looks like someone you might find on an East Coast college campus an intellectual hipster who reads Kant while sipping white wine. It’s all the more startling, then, that “Call On Me,” the opening track of Bratcher’s fine new album, erupts with a blast of righteously down home funk. It’s as if Ray Charles has been reincarnated in the body of a character from a Woody Allen movie.

Bratcher is a study in contradictions. The Kansas City-based performer is an evangelical minister who splits his time between churches and bars. But listeners wary of folks who use religion as a political force can rest easy: Bratcher’s approach, at least on this outing, is universal enough to stand on its own in a multicultural world. This is due in large part to his strong sense of musicianship. Surrounding himself with a cadre of first-rate musicians, Bratcher builds each performance on intelligent and unexpected elements – the tuba, for instance, that rumbles beneath the opening track. Bratcher accompanies himself ably on guitar, and his voice is excellent: clear, soulful, and penetrating, with a built-in elasticity that lets him explore diverse musical forms without straining.

“Green Bananas” is a fun New Orleans-styled shuffle, while “Pray for Me” captures the slow blues intensity of classic Percy Mayfield ballads. “One Rock” arrives with a spirited burst of pure gospel energy, balancing the darker mood of tracks such as “When the Blues Come.” Bratcher’s power diminishes when he embraces heavy rock balladry: The wry humor that makes much of the disc sparkle disappears on heavy-handed tracks such as “Cadillac” and “How Far Down.” This comes as a disappointing surprise, since Bratcher ventures into serious territory elsewhere without sounding leaden. Fortunately, spirits rise for the closing track, a funky cover of “Grits Ain’t Groceries.”

As Bratcher proves on The Electric Rev., blues and gospel aren’t merely acquaintances; they’re branches of the same family tree.

-David Freeland

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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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March 30, 2009

A few days after I believed on Jesus in December 1976 a guy who I had never really meet stopped by my house and dropped off a few records. I had never heard of the artists but they soon became my life line to another world, a better world for sure. Who were the artists? Paul Clark and Phil Keaggy.

Last week I was invited to jam with both Paul & Phil two of my all-time favorite musicians. I was blessed and stressed at the same time. Bless to be invited and stressed because Phil is in my opinion one of the greatest guitar player alive!!! WOW. But I found both these men to be great men of faith and honor. I had a blast.

During sound check Phil walks over and says “hey Jimmie, you ever do this”? He’s giving me a guitar lesson on the spot. Needless to say I came home and have been practicing that riff and you know it will show up someplace in my playing.

Paul is one of the best songwriters in not only Christian music but in my mind all of music. He for sure has spoken to my life.

One of the lessons I have learned from being around successful people is that almost all of them have this really outstanding attitude. They are kind, gracious, encouraging and willing to give. I think it is the coolest thing. Being around people like that makes me want to try harder and be better.

Anyway, I heard there was going to be some bootleg YouTube clips leaked out and when they do I will for sure let you know.

Peace,
Jimmie

PS, if you don’t know who Paul Clark & Phil Keaggy are here are their links.

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

I’m in Green Bay, WI the next two weekends helping my friend Mark Gungor with a series of messages titled “How to Beat the Blues”. This week I’ll be doing a couple of tunes and next week I’ll be preaching and I want your help.

So, How do YOU beat the blues?

Make some comments and if I use you’re I’ll send you some free stuff!!!

Jimmie

I received this story a couple of days ago, “Just wanted to let you know how much my wife and I enjoyed your concert last night!  We heard about it from a co-worker and friend of mine that is a member of the church.” Somebody invited a friend to a concert and they were ministered to. That’s how it works, the kingdom at its essence is a relationship. Someone tells the story, someone hears it and miracles happen.

We are so thankful for your help, without it we would not be able to do all that we do. We are always pressing on and I wanted to share what is about to happen and ask for your help if you’re able.

We have in front of us a huge opportunity. This opportunity will allow more people to hear our story than ever before and what that means is more people will hear the gospel and know Jesus, why? Because they will know who I am and hear our story. But I need a whole lot of help to make this happen.

So, we are hiring a professional storyteller to help us, Lynn McCain president of McCain & Associates a Nashville based public relations firm whose forte is telling stories. She has done it for many years and is considered by many to be one of the best storytellers in the music industry. This is a huge step of faith for us but after prayer, Sherri and I both feel it is the right time for us to take this step. But we need your help.

The campaign will start February 2nd and run for six months. The monthly cost of the campaign will be $3,000.00 per month. OUCH, I know it is a lot of money but how much is one family worth, one couple that hears our story and their marriage is restored, one life that is saved?

Here is a link to our on-line contribution form. If you would like your contribution set up on a monthly debit system please email my assistant Amanda jatrux AT gmail.com. Look it over, pray, give and help tell the story.

For the harvest,

Jimmie

Well in a few days I’m going to be on TV!!!! On February 5, the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will start airing the show I am on “Love Marriage & Stinking Thinking”. It comes on a little late for us central time zone folks 11:30 PM every Thursday. They tell me that there is a possibility that they will re-broadcast it on TBN the following day, when I know for sure I will let you know.

I don’t have exact details of when but I do know the show is also airing on Sky Angel, which I think is part of the DISH Network on Tuesday’s, I think 6:30 PM CST.

We watched a couple of the shows recently and MAN do they ROCK… Mark Gungor is one funny dude with something to say, Nancy Stafford is one fine lady and the band and I hold nothing back. For the first thirteen weeks my band is Dave Autry on drums, Denny Autry, Dave’s Dad on keys, Landy Ewing on bass and Joe McGlohn aka “Smokin’ Joe”.

The format of the show is like a Letterman/Leno kind of a talk show with a live band. For the first thirteen shows there are no guests just us, Mark & Nancy. The open song or theme song for the show is “Lord Make Us Funky” from “The Electric Rev.” the closing song while the audience dances, that’s right a bunch of Christians dancing to “I Love My Baby” from RED. In about half of the shows we do a song or part of a song. Some of them are, Bad Religion, Three Chords, When the Blues Come, and others.

I know that the content of each show will help marriages in a big way. I also know that some of the “super spiritual” may get all riled up but hey. A pastor friend of mine taught me this saying “let the dogs bark cause the train rolls on”.

Email me if you get to see the show….

Peace,
Jimmie

Here is my newest deal!!! A great music video on my song/CD “Man! It’s Christmas”. The video was created by Isaac & Sandra Alongi they own Isaac Alongi Studios in south KC. Isaac brought out the newest HD camera available “RED” all in know about that is the video looks and is fantastic. Thanks Isaac & Sandra.

Look close for Sherri she is in the video a couple of times, she is in the opening shot, those are her really great looking boots and she is giving me money! WOW! My son Jason was busy the day we shot video but my son-in-law Jonathan, daughter Amanda, grand daughter Mikaela and grand son Zayne are in the video too.

I wrote this song just to celebrate all that Christmas is. As a believer in and follower of Jesus Christ the joy of Christmas is something I experience every day. But our culture has latched on to this holiday and made it into what it has become in our nation. I simply wanted to just take about two minutes and eleven seconds and express my love for all things that we celebrate during the holiday season. “Presents, mangers and miseltoe, socking trees and lights that glow, turkey dressing and all that stuff”. I love it all because as Jesus came to this planet with the intent to bring us all back together again as family, so I hope this holiday season is with you you reconciled to God and each other.

So I hope you enjoy the video and the season and with the angels I say “peace on eart and good will to men”.

Peace & Merry Christmas,

Jimmie

Man! It’s Christmas