I've liked Matchbox Twenty since their 1996 debut record, Yourself or Someone Like You. I especially like their front man, Rob Thomas. He is a savvy businessman, but he also someone who likes music and loves artists. He is known to often gripe about the way that big record labels treat young artists. He just doesn't think they put enough time into developing young artists. How well do they write songs? How well do they craft their art in the studio? Are they able to deliver an engaging experience live?

He recently founded a record label to do just that, develop young talent. Good for him! Too many places throw young talent out when they are not ready.

spiritandsong.com is not perfect, but I think we do develop talent. If I can give my buddy some props, that's what Tom Booth has done. He has mentored Matt Maher, Jackie Francois, and Jenny Pixler. He loves to see young talent and give them wings to fly. If you want a good example of that, listen to the song Prepare the Way on Jenny Pixler's Invitation CD. He wrote the song back in 1982 and was waiting for the right person to sing it. Listen to her voice, the musicianship, and the conviction with which she songs. I can think of no better example of artist development.