Caedmon's Call

Caedmon's Call, a Contemporary Christian band that fuses traditional folk stylings with world music and alternative rock influences, is comprised of Cliff Young (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Danielle Young (vocals; married to Cliff, formerly Danielle Glenn), Garett Buell (percussion), Jeff Miller (bass guitar), Todd Bragg (drums), Josh Moore (keys, accordion, harmonica), and Andrew Osenga (guitars, vocals).

History

Caedmon's Call was formed in 1993 with four original members (three of whom still remain), Cliff Young, Danielle Glenn, Todd Bragg, and Aaron Tate. Aaron Tate, however, never intended to tour with the band, and was included in a songwriting capacity only. Derek Webb also joined the band early on, though it is notable that he did not even meet all the band members until after they had played their first show together. In June, 1994, the band released their first album, My Calm//Your Storm, originally a casette-only demo recording. It was re-printed twice the same year with different cover art each time. In 1996 the band signed with now-defunct Christian label Warner Alliance, producing what many fans believe is the band's finest work, their self-titled release. Around this time, Randy Holsapple joined the band.

Related Topics:
1994 - Album - Warner Alliance

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After the collapse of Warner Alliance in 1998, Caedmon's Call signed to Essential Records, where they have remained ever since (at least of 2004).

Related Topics:
Essential Records - 2004

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In the summer of 1999, both Aric and Randy left the band, while Josh and Jeff became official members. In 2003, after the successful release of Back Home, Derek left the band to pursue a solo career. In the spring of 2004, Andrew Osenga, former lead singer of The Normals joined the band.

Related Topics:
2003 - The Normals

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It is also interesting to note that Aaron Tate and Derek Webb shared most of the songwriting duties until the album Back Home, which featured songs by a more diverse set of writers. Randall Goodgame has, in the proceeding years, become one of the band's primary songwriters.

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Meaning behind the name

The band's unusual name was inspired by Caedmon, an Anglo-Saxon monk who lived during the 7th century. Legend has it that Caedmon was afraid to sing in public due to a lack of musical talent, and shied away from occasions where he had to sing. One day, he heard God calling him to sing, but Caedmon refused at first out of fear. Eventually he decided to listen to God, and when he did, he sang beautiful verses that had never been heard before. Many songwriters tried in vain to write songs as good as or better than Caedmon's, but could not because Caedmon's songs came from God. Founding band members Cliff, Danielle, and Aaron decided on the name "Caedmon's Call" after all three heard this rather obscure story during the same week and thought it was fitting.

Related Topics:
Caedmon - Monk

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