Caedmon's Call

    Caedmon's Call

    Houston, Texas27 reviews across 8 releases

    acoustic rockccmfolk rockmodern rock
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    Caedmon's Call formed in Houston in 1993 and spent its early years on the college circuit before signing with Warner Alliance. The group built its sound around acoustic guitars, organic percussion and three contrasting lead voices, with Aaron Tate supplying much of the songwriting without touring. The 1997 debut combined direct Christian rock with quieter folk writing, including the catchy account of a bus driver that became one of its identifying oddities. 40 Acres moved toward muscular guitar pop while retaining the band's clear vocals and reflective lyrics, and the move to Essential Records did not sever its college-oriented roots. On Long Line of Leavers, electric guitar, keyboards and brass pushed the group beyond its earlier acoustic-folk frame. The music remained varied, sometimes within a single song.

    In 1999, Aric Nitzberg and Randy Holsapple left, while Joshua Moore and Jeff Miller became official members. Caedmon's Call then made the worship project In the Company of Angels in 2001, shifting its center toward hymns, congregational material and songs from the band's wider circle. Derek Webb left in 2003 to pursue a solo career, and the writing partnership with Tate had already receded. Andrew Osenga joined in 2004, but Share the Well also redirected the group toward mission work, drawing on music recorded during travel in India and South America. Webb returned for Overdressed in 2007 and contributed to Raising Up the Dead in 2010. After a smaller tour, the band became largely inactive. In 2022, its original lineup reunited to remake the 1997 debut and played anniversary concerts in Nashville in April 2023.

    8 releases reviewed