Novella - A Liquid Earth

Thursday 1st October 1992
Novella - A Liquid Earth

STYLE: Hard Music
RATING 6 6 6 6 6 6
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 11539-CAS1694
LABEL: StarSong
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

With metal now splintering into so many sub-divisions plus many long in the tooth groups softening up slightly to strike out for AOR paydirt, it's a confusing time to review a band like Novella. Their second album could   be  tagged (if tag it you must) melodic hard rock. Layered much like 'One Big Sky' this teams new outing is good in parts. Jonathan Pagano is an above average vocal­ist and "Strong" rocks nicely in 4/4 intensity with Kings-X like vocal and harmonies. But after a few tracks it all gets a trifle formulaic. Then, just as you feel you've heard one familiar riff too many, along comes "Fire In The House" which is top quality Christian rock. But is that enough to justify buying the album

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Derek Ferwerda in Atlanta GA @ 02:21 on Aug 26 2014

Hey there it's Derek Ferwerda. Even though I joined the band as the guitarist right after One Big Sky was released, and I co wrote a few of the songs on A Liquid Earth, The One Big Sky CD is still my favorite!! Hands down. I think that One Big Sky is the best Chrsistian rock CD ever. It is what made me want to join Novella. It was the true inspirational and creative song writing of Jonathan Pagano before a clueless record company agenda got in the way. If you want pure uneffected song writing and genius music, listen to One Big Sky. A Liquid Earth is ok, but One Big Sky is and was genius.
Derek "Jan" Ferwerda..... Novella guitarist and guitarist for Jonathan



Posted by Van Alexander in Birmingham, Alabama @ 00:02 on Apr 7 2010

Hey Derek, how's about a Novella reunion album & tour? Do you think this'll ever happen? And while I DO KNOW that the original masters for y'all's first two CDs were supposedly destroyed in a fire, still, w/ all the copies of those two CDs floating around, it shouldn't be TOO HARD to reissue those two CDs OFFICIALLY from one of the copies, now would it? (Continued)



Posted by Guitar Student in Duluth, GA @ 19:36 on Mar 12 2010

Derek works at Perimeter Church in Duluth GA.



Posted by Claudia in New York @ 21:51 on Feb 22 2010

Does anyone know where or how I can contact Derek Ferwerda? He is a distant cousin of mine. My mom needs to talk to his mom, but we just do not know how to do that. Please help!




Posted by James Brady in San Diego, CA @ 05:58 on Feb 2 2010

I'm not all that familiar with this band, however, I'm very familiar with what an amazing musician and person Derek is. Three words: Milburn Music Center! Derek, wherever you are...thanks for your friendship, guidance and brotherhood to a punk kid from chatham! Email me anytime: jbb8434@aol.com

Love and respect!

James Brady



Posted by scott in florida @ 21:15 on Jul 12 2009

Novella's a Liquid Earth is by far the best Christian Rock album ever made. It's thorough rocks my soul and I cannot help but only listen to it at the highest volume level possible, which is Eleven. I don't know whatever happened to the band. I wish they could have been around for a while to make more music. Hopefully without ever changing from the Liquid Earth style.



Posted by David Rupert in Denver, CO @ 22:26 on Feb 1 2009

I pulled out my old Cassette tape and have been amazed at the music...once again.

"Fire in the House" !!! Wow...did i miss that one.

over and over over again I'm playing it

David



Posted by Christopher Merola in Washington, DC @ 21:33 on Jul 25 2008

Derek,

Thanks for all that great music. I have always said that Novella is one the best Christian rock groups I have ever heard -- and I have heard a lot. I have more than 500 cd's.

I was fortunate enough to meet Jonathan Pagano in 1996 when he was on his solo tour. My friends from Michigan put me in touch with Jonathan, as they were friends with his cousin in New Jersey.

I hope there will be a Novella comeback tour one day.

I am on Capitol Hill trying to make a difference in the political arena. I still listen to those two Novella Cd's with the music blaring all over Washington so everyone can hear.

God Bless.

Christopher Merola



Posted by Ivan in Santa Maria CA @ 22:29 on Nov 4 2007

God Bless you guys, for give us this wonderful
and beautiful songs, specially "heavens on my mind"
every time I listen that song, give me valor and courage
to keep walking by the side of Jesus....Oh man!
see you in heaven soon brothers :)



Posted by Derek JAN Ferwerda in USA @ 22:39 on Apr 2 2007

I am thankful for all the positive comments that we still get on ocassion. The Novella journey was truly a blessing to be a part of and I do sincerely hope that the project still blesses all the listeners. Writer-guitarist "Fire in the House", "Bad Place", "Heavens on my Mind", "Let's talk about Love." Derek


Reply by Bert Hiestand in South Bend, IN @ 17:59 on Jan 7 2010

Hi Derek, just wanted to say hi, we met in Nashvlle when you and Jon came over to Rick's house for a true Italian pasta that Giuseppe cooked. I have video of you and Luca jamming on acoustic guitars. A very cool weekend. A lot a water under the bridge since then but God is good, actually better than I expected. Take care, ciao

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Reply by Mike Haines in New York @ 04:43 on Feb 7 2008

There definitely is a lot of positive information about a band that did a solid job, but that does not surprise me knowing how dedicated you have been to your craft all these years.

Hey Derek, what did you have for lunch?

The The The

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Reply by Koos Evenblij in Holland @ 14:06 on Oct 26 2007

Hello Ferwerdaaa!!

I have looking for you all over the internet for a while and all for a sudden I see this website!
I lost your emailadress a while ago.
How is life?
I hope you are fine man!
I am very interested if your parents are alive and if so how they are doing.
I am about to release a single in countries all over the globe..
I do have this funkrock band ASLTW and this will be our first single.
This band is truly mega!!
My drummer and composing buddy is so incredible, that Dan H. once said; this is thé best lifedrummer I ever saw..
We do make sort of a crossover sound between funk-poprock and dance..
On guitar we have Miko Weaver in the band, former Prince guitarist. (1983-1990)
Maybe, if something should happen anywhere with this single it might be fun to have you with us on a tour, if you would like that.

Hope to hear you soon my dear brother!

Ciao and God bless!

Koos EVENBLIJJJJ!!!!!!

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Reply by Nicole Lynch in nowhere special @ 14:20 on Apr 3 2007

This is an incredible band and I'm glad that I've been fortunate enough to know the guitarist/songwriter Derek Ferwerda. The music was and still is amazing.

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