From: Andrew T. Rohrs To: Alex Schrader Re: U(y) review Alex Schrader has spent endless hours on this project and it has been well worth the effort. When Alex and I were freshmen together at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, I remember attending one of those mixer things to get us to meet others and make new friends. I remember sitting down with Alex and we talked a little while. Neither one of us really knew what we wanted to do for the rest of our lives, and some of us still don't. I remember Alex telling me he wanted to be a Pastor and still do music at the same time, but was concerned that he wouldn't be able to do both. I comforted him and told him that anything was possible. Alex and I continued to be friends and when he told me that he was putting a CD together of the music he'd written, I was a little skeptical. I thought to myself...only the big name artists have CD's and tapes...who does this guy think he is. He probably doesn't even have enough music to fill one CD. I underestimated his talent. He had so much music, he was able to put together a double CD set entitled "Understood (you)". He asked me to take a listen to it and give him comments. I was still a little apprehensive, but gave it a listen. WOW! The talent that Alex has for writing music in so many different styles was truly amazing. He not only used his talent to create some wonderful music, he also uses it to glorify God. It is a truly inspirational album and can be played at any time of the day or night in a variety of settings. He incorporates different instruments (accoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, percussion, piano) not only to give a little variety, but to make this album enjoyable for people with differing musical tastes. There is a piano piece that he recorded at his home church where his dad is the pastor that is truly amazing. He also has combined the fugal style of Bach with the modern sounds of electric and bass guitar in a fugue that he wrote as a sophomore in college. It may be short, but you can tell that he was well on his way for bigger and better musical compositions. And his arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner" gives new life to a song that some people today do not care to listen to. Alex's devotion to the Lord is truly evident in his works. He spent much time cutting, splicing, editing, and recording to create a piece of craftsmanship that would give glory to God. The other musicians Alex included in the album are also dedicated to making a joyful noise to the Lord. Even though Alex's fiancee, Lori bosma, doesn't think she can sing very well, her voice blends so well with the others that it really adds a higher level of musicality. Dave lyon adds his baritone voice to the mix. Andrew Hathikhanavala is absolutely amazing on the drum set. I have played with him in the Concordia College Jazz Ensemble and am always amazed at the music that comes out of his drumsticks every time he sits down at the set. And when Josh McNaughton and Alex Schrader combine forces on "Pick me up", it is simply amazing. I remember when they first wrote it. Josh came running to my dorm room at midnight, pulled me into the CD of Paul Dorm and asked me to listen to a song that he and Alex had just written that evening. It is a really awesome piece! Alex and crew have spent much time in preparing and creating this album. "Understood (you)" will be a cherished part of anyone's CD collection. "To Cod Alone Be The Glory".