Jamie Harvill

To Carb Or Not To Carb?

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-06:00

I've got to lose some serious poundage. In the past three decades I have lost weight through a myriad of programs. Recently I found myself caught in the vortex of uncertainty until I made my final decision.

Lately I have have been a bread-eating machine after we found an ample supply of killer sourdough from our local market---I have stuffed my face with it daily. That was just the tip of the iceberg...

After falling off the wagon of my 2010 weight loss, I ended up in a deadly "eat whatever I see" behavior pattern. It wasn't like I was literally eating furniture or small animals on a whim, it was just a lack of discipline and ignoring the cost of irresponsible eating.So I wrestled with which weight loss method to use. I believe in the Weight Watcher's philosophy of counting calories, but I also had to make a big change with my love affair with starch.

I lost 60 pounds in '04 with a low carb approach, so that's what I have been doing for two weeks now. I do miss my starches, but a thinner "me" is much more attractive! Please pray for me as I attempt to create a more healthy lifestyle. I feel for you guys out there who are doing the same!

Tennessee Crossroads and California's Gold

2012-01-27T11:50:00.000-06:00

I'm looking forward to visiting friends and family on our next trip to California in June. As a native of southern California, I have always been curious about it's history, people, geography and interesting places to visit.

While on a visit to my old stomping grounds in Orange County a few years ago, I told my cousin about a show I love back home on our Nashville PBS station called "Tennessee Crossroads." My cousin suggested I check out their local show called "California's Gold, " one that sounded very similar to "Crossroads." I immediately went to the internet and found listings for "Gold's" current showtimes, along with a bio of it's host, Huell Howser.

It's obvious that Howser isn't from California at all (it's not difficult to figure out after hearing his Southern drawl). According to the bio, his television career began here in Nashville at WSM-TV. While a reporter for WSM, he began a series of "human interest" stories presented during daily news broadcasts. His segments highlighted interesting people and places in and around middle Tennessee; he became extremely popular.

Howser later moved from his native Tennessee to join WCBS-TV in New York City. He migrated to Los Angeles in 1981 to work as a reporter for KCBS-TV. Then in 1987 he joined the public television station KCET/Los Angeles to produce a series of short programs featuring the stories of people from all walks of life throughout "The Golden State." The show morphed into "California's Gold" and has been going strong ever since.

It all makes sense now. "Tennessee Crossroads," one of my favorite weekly shows, has sort of a connection to my home state. As a fairly new resident of middle Tennessee (going on 11 years), I want to learn all about this area. In fact, my family on both sides originated from middle Tennessee. My Great Grandmother was born in the very county where I live today. Like Howser, "Tennessee Crossroads" host Joe Elmore has a folksy demeanor and skillfully draws the viewer into each week's show.

I never plan on leaving Tennessee. But when I visit California, I know I'll be tuning into "California's Gold" every chance I get.

Aha Moment

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000-06:00

Creative people like myself tend to see the big picture. A weakness that goes along with creativity is many times failing to break-down the facts before we set out on a journey. Questions like: "how much time will this take?" and "what will it cost?" seem to be eclipsed by our excitement.

I watched a special on Oprah Winfrey's network the other day. Morgan Freeman gave his life story in what is entitled, "Master Class." I believe Freeman's journey is a lesson in listening closely to the messages God gives us through our everyday circumstances.

One of the most important things he said was that while all of his actor friends seemed to pull out ahead of him in their own careers, he learned that his career was moving at it's own pace; that even though it seemed slow to him, his career was moving in the right direction and at the right speed. How many of those actor friends ended up earning an Academy Award, or have been honored with a Cecil B. De Mille Lifetime Achievement Award--as he was this past week at the 2012 Golden Globes award ceremony?

I feel that Morgan Freeman's "testimony," while not religious, per se, is worth watching. If you are able to catch this extraordinary life story, full of important lessons, please take the time to hunt it down on your T.V. listings and watch it in it's entirety.Below is a promotional segment--poignant none the less.

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Strawberry Shakes

2012-01-23T06:30:00.000-06:00

I've got a new favorite: strawberry shakes from Sonic. I got home from church Sunday and knew that by day's end, I'd have to take a trip to my favorite Spring Hill ice cream place.

I know...shakes are full of calories; full of bad stuff that I shouldn't allow in my presence--let alone in my belly. But that sweet, creamy, cold concoction can make a gloomy day bright. So I seized the opportunity and, after his nap, invited my dad as an accomplice in my little ice cream scheme.

Pop and I pulled up to Sonic. I leaned out, ordered him a chocolate malt and a strawberry shake for me. After the car hop brought the treats, dad and I sat there listening to the 40s channel on my Sirius XM radio, and promptly finished the drinks.

Sometimes I take little times like this for granted, but not last night. Dad and I had a great time together. He told me of the days, back in the 30s and 40s, when he would order a double-decker hamburger and a malt at the original Bob's Big Boy restaurant for under a dollar. It's always fun to catch my dad when the memories flow freely.

There we were in my car, emptying a strawberry shake and a chocolate malt--listening to Billie Holiday, Artie Shaw and the Mills Brothers--watching the rain roll through Spring Hill, Tennessee, on a Sunday evening. Money can't buy that.

Speed Bumps

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Speed bumps can be a hassle. You've got to slow down and take it easy going over them or driving too fast could cause your car to fall apart right there in the roadway. That's one way to look at it.

My dad and I were talking about the speed bumps that God allows in our lives. They're not placed haphazardly or randomly; they come in all sizes and are placed in the roadway of our lives to help us.

Most of the time we rush through life without noticing the scenery, smelling the roses or pondering the many blessings around us. Sometimes a speed bump comes in a variety of "difficulties" like health problems or financial challenges. Whatever the situation, we are forced to slow down and pay attention to our bodies, spending habits, relationships and especially our relationship with God.

Most of the time life's speed bumps pop up while everything seems to be going well. The warning might be a blessing in disguise as God gives us the opportunity to stop, look and listen. Sometimes potential dangers are up ahead and we have no clue.

So when something interrupts our lives, God may be trying to get our attention. We may never know when it'll happen, but if a speed bump appears up ahead, it's better to slow down and make adjustments. Thank God for those pesky things--they save lives!

Gamaliel's Wisdom

2012-01-18T09:59:00.000-06:00

I just finished Chuck Smith's 2003 book, The Man God Uses: 14 Characteristics of a Godly Man. Chuck referenced Acts 5 in one of the chapters, and reminded me of the wisdom Gamaliel spoke to his fellow Pharisees following the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Acts 5:27-28 states:

"The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 'We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,' he said. 'Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.'"

Ironically, when Jesus was on trial, this same group of Jewish leaders asked that Pilot put Jesus' blood on their heads, demanding He be killed--now they are working to avoid blame.
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The plot thickens as the Apostles, now on trial themselves, insist:

"The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins." Acts 5:30-31 (NIV)

Then in verses 33 through 39 we read:

"When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God. (NIV)”

In reading this, I am reminded that it's wise to "consider carefully what you (or we) intend to do." Rash decisions usually lead to failure. When we follow Jesus and obey His Word, we are certain to succeed. It may not be an easy path, but we can count on the Holy Spirit to see us through. If what we do and say "is of human origin, it will fail." If what we do is of God, no one will be able to stop us!

Thank God for Gamaliel, his wisdom, and his courage to step of of the crowd to deliver it.

AM Radio: L.A. in the 60s and 70s

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

KHJ, "Boss Radio," was "the" AM radio station for me to listen to while growing up in southern California in the 60s. Disc Jockey legends like Robert W. Morgan, Charlie Tuna and The Real Don Steele worked their way to L.A. to hold some of the nation's ultimate radio gigs. KEZY was another favorite. In my youth I was entertained by KEZY DJs like Bruce Chandler, Paul Freeman, MikeWagner, Dave Sebastian and Rick Carroll.

The DJs were as important to us as the music they played. Little did I know growing up there that some of the classic music of the last half of the 20th Century was broadcast for the first time from those tiny radio control booths--making an initial impression on Los Angeles and eventually, the world. Some producers in Hollywood were known to finish a mix in the recording studio, run to one of these radio stations and beg the DJs to give it a spin. I was so blessed to have grown up in the midst of all that.

I recently read a great book about the formative years of radio called, The Hits Just Keep on Coming: The History of Top 40 Radio, by Ben Fong Torres. For those like me, who's life has been deeply touched and affected by AM radio, you will find this a very interesting read. It was fascinating to learn how radio would evolve, even to survive competition from the broadcasting behemoth--television.

These days I listen to Sirius XM. But even they use DJs on my beloved "70s on 7" channel, just like KHJ and KEZY did back in the day. The following is an exerpt from an upcoming tribute film to the L.A. studio musicians of AM radio's golden age: The Wrecking Crew. In it, you'll hear some cool anecdotes from folks who were part of, or associated with, the Wrecking Crew. They specifically talk about Todd Storz and Gordon McLendon, from the birth of Top 40 radio to the homogenous nature of radio today.

The Summer of 1969

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

The summer of 1969 is more than just a song by Bryan Adams--I lived it. For my 9th birthday in July, my mom and dad let me stay a week or so with my grandmother.

Surrounded by thousands of other cookie-cutter apartment buildings in San Jose, California, Grandma's place seemed like a safe haven to play "hide and seek," or a game of marbles with the neighborhood kids. But because I was afraid of the boogie man, I rarely left Grandma Zoe's side.

I had ample reason to be afraid. The Zodiac killer was on the loose in greater San Francisco, frightfully near San Jose, murdering young people (The killings occurred between December 1968 and October 1969). Altogether, four men and three women between the ages of 16 and 29 were the unfortunate victims of this vicious maniac (other reports suggest he actually killed dozens more). In any event, I was scared stiff. I can remember seeing the ciphers--coded messages--written by the Zodiac, printed in the newspapers that Grandma Zoe left open on the kitchen table.

1969 was also the summer of Apollo 11 and the first men on Moon. Less than a week before America's youth invaded Woodstock in Upstate New York on August 15th, Charles Manson and his "family" committed the Tate-LaBianca murders in the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles.I clearly remember watching the news on T.V. with my family after returning home to Orange County from my time with Grandma Zoe. It was the day after the Tate murders and a local station was reporting from an L.A. freeway off-ramp while authorities searched the dense vegetation for a gun, a knife, and any evidence purportedly thrown from a suspicious car.

After Manson and his cohorts were apprehended, the entire country--especially those of us who were less than an hour's drive from the horrendous crime scene--sat stunned. This "peace and love" hippie, Charles Manson, shattered the "love not war" image of the Haight-Ashbury flower child. We were now looking into the face of a monster. Everything changed that summer.

I know all this seems bleak, but there is a time when a child first realizes the world is a dangerous place--that life is fragile. That summer was my initial wake-up call. I don't live in fear anymore, but all it takes to bring up these memories is a T.V. show like the one I watched last night about the Zodiac killer. It's amazing how one summer can change your little universe...and the whole world, too.

Playing Acoustic Guitar Live

2012-01-11T11:43:00.000-06:00

Most of you acoustic guitarist out there have the same frustrations as me: it's difficult to get a great live acoustic guitar tone.

My studio is equipped to produce wonderful acoustic sounds from my 6, 12, hi-string and classical guitars--as well as my mandolin--through great mic's and preamps. But I've always had to settle for second-rate, under-the-saddle tones live, even with on-board microphones. I'm still not fully satisfied. Don't jump to conclusions--I have great guitars with top-notch pickup systems. It's just that I can't coax a decent, authentic, full, studio-quality tone during a show.

I started my live acoustic journey like everyone else: clueless! Back in 1973, at my first paying gig (a wedding, $35), I shoved a gigantic microphone into the sound-hole of my cheap Japanese dreadnought. Obviously, I fought feedback the whole time.

I grew as a player and jumped into the pro-world when I installed an L.R. Baggs under-the-sadle pickup with an on-board mixer onto my 1976 Martin D-28. It worked well, but the piezo artifacts in the overall sound still irked me. I eventually purchased a Lowden O25, put a Sunrise pickup in the sound hole, an L.R. Baggs under the saddle, and mixed it all together with a Pendulum Audio SPS-1 stereo preamp system. It was a very expensive way to bring my live acoustic tone quality to a decent level. Still, If you can believe it, I wasn't fully pleased.

I read an interview recently with James Taylor in Mix Magazine. Since I've seen JT in concert, and know first-hand the tone he demands from his guitar, I shut up and listen when he addresses his tone secrets. From the Mix interview, JT describes his current live acoustic challenges and solution:

"The Holy Grail of acoustic guitar for live performance is finding a way to get the artifacts out of the transducer. The slight buzz, the quack we’ve all experienced. They’re moving targets, and unfortunately you just can’t dial them out. To me it seems like there’s this little curve of phase cancellation followed by augmentation that occurs with each note, and it’s not static enough that you can find it easily. This is the major thing we’ve dealt with, and right now we have a pretty good handle on taming the problem using Fishman’s Aura acoustic-imaging blender."

I currently only take my Composite Acoustics GX Performer dreadnought out live. I love it! It has an L.R. Baggs iBeam mixer on board (you'd be extremely surprised how this guitar sounds in the air--it is physically light and resists the temptation to change it's tuning with drastic temperature fluctuations while getting it out of the car and into the venue).

I've got the Fishman Aura 16 blender and agree with JT: it's the best solution for good live tone so far (you'll have to make your own judgement). I'm one step closer to live acoustic nirvana! Anything beats a microphone bouncing around the inside of my acoustic, just to get heard above the drums.

John Stanko: Five Regrets

2012-01-09T09:05:00.000-06:00

My friend, John Stanko, has been sending out "Monday Memos" for years. I am on his email list and am encouraged each time I receive one. John was my boss back in the 90s when I traveled the U.S. with Integrity Music's Worship International, conducting workshops in churches as a speaker and musician.

John's workshop classes back then were always encouraging and very funny. His emphasis on discovering ones life purpose challenged me, and has helped me define my own life journey and purpose. I encourage you to check out his website and to subscribe to his Monday Memo. The following is John's latest Memo. It always grabs my attention when the heading says something about regret and dying. I hope you enjoy and benefit from this today. ________________________________________________

The Five Regrets of the Dying

I found a link to an article over the holidays and wanted to share it first chance I had, so this looks like a good week. It's written by an Australian woman, Bronnie Ware, and can be found in its entirety here. I will summarize the five points of her article "The Five Regrets of The Dying," and focus on one point in particular.

THE FIVE REGRETS
Here are the five regrets that Bronnie discovered in working with those patients close to death over the years:

I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
I wish I didn't work so hard.
I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
I wish that I had let myself be happier.

Here is what Ware had to say about the first point, the courage to be true to self and not others:

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

DON'T LET IT BE YOUR REGRET
It takes courage to be true to yourself and who God created you to be. Before David went out to fight Goliath, King Saul tried to have David wear his (Saul's) battle armor. Saul was a tall man, however, and the armor didn't fit. David did not try and please the king. Instead he rejected the armor and took along his sling shot, something that was more true to who he was. His success is legendary (see 1 Samuel 17:38-40).

Are you wearing someone else's armor? If you are, then you are headed for the number one regret expressed by the dying. Don't do it! I cannot say what you should do, but I can only urge you to follow your heart and stop living your life for someone else, unless however it is for the Lord. I was challenged by this list and I hope you are, too. Now get about the work of living before it's too late.

Richie Furay Rides Again

2012-01-06T06:30:00.000-06:00

If there are any forefathers of country rock, Richie Furay would certainly be one of them. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee helped launch Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills, Neil Young and Bruce Palmer back in 1965.

"'In Springfield, Richie was a key singer and key writer,' said Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke, who attended a show in Oakland. 'In a sense, Richie was the anchor. He was the center as well as a central figure. I thought he was one of the highlights of the show.'"*

"'Richie's voice was great texture along with Stephen's voice and the angst that was going on at that time," Jim Messina [Poco, Loggins and Messina] said. "When he (Richie) sang, he wasn't only singing, he was bolting out electricity.' But creative tensions and personality conflicts caused the band to implode."*

Furay's pop music career also helped birth the group Poco and then later, the Souther, Hillman, Furay Band. During the heyday, a crisis in his marriage started Richie on a journey of faith. In 1983, Furay decided to focus his energies on ministry, and ever since has been pastor of Calvary Chapel in Broomfield, Colorado.

As a pastor, Furay still plays and sings with the Richie Furay Band, made up of multi-generational members from his church worship band and youngest daughter, Jesse Furay Lynch.

Last year, Neil Young called on Furay and Stills to join him as Buffalo Springfield for a charity event, and then for a set at the 2011 Bannaroo festival in Tennessee. Because of the positive vibe in the group and egos of the past staying in the past, it looks like the Buffalo Springfield will ride again--at least for a tour scheduled in 2012.

After the 30-date tour, Richie Furay will return to his humble status as pastor of the local Calvary Chapel in Broomfield, Colorado, but the world will have been reminded that he also was, and is, a rock and roll pioneer.

* Quotes taken from a July 16, 2011 Denver Post article by Jeremy P. Meyer

A Case For Angels

2012-01-04T10:28:00.000-06:00

Last year Brenda and I walked away from a car accident that would surely have killed us if God hadn't have settled our out-of-control car onto the median of an interstate highway, out of the way of oncoming traffic. We both crawled from the driver-side window into safety.

How many times have you avoided catastrophe in your life? I bet many times you never saw it coming and probably didn't even realize you were in harm's way until afterward, when you stared chillingly into the tragedy that could have been. Like Mr. Magoo, we blindly walk through life, unaware of the many dangers that zoom right past us.

I saw a video on the web today where a lady was just missed being crushed by two cars that collided in an intersection and bounced up on the sidewalk where she was walking. Supposedly, 15 seconds into the video, an angel swooped-in to rescue her (I couldn't make it out on my screen). Even if it was faked--made up by some skilled special effects computer wiz--it still reminded me of the daily miracles we experience, even those that happen when we aren't paying attention.

I believe in angels. Why? Because God's Word has much to say about them. Have I seen one? I don't know, but I hear that they sometimes blend right in as regular humans, sent to do God's work. Angels will never bring attention to themselves because they are there to bring glory to God and to do His bidding (Psalm 103:19-22).

The word "angel" actually comes from the Greek word aggelos, which means “messenger.” The matching Hebrew word mal'akh has the same meaning. God dispatches these heavenly messengers to intervene in our earthly lives, and it probably happens to us without our knowledge.

I can look back in my life and soberly recount the instances where it was probably an angel sent by God that saved me from an otherwise deadly fate. I bet you can too!

When Creativity and Faith Collide

2012-01-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

While watching the final scenes of 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last week, I was reminded of an exchange between Willy Wonka and Charlie. Wonka's candy isn't selling so well, so he returns to Charlie after the boy turned down ownership of the chocolate factory (Wonka wouldn't allow Charlie's family to come with him).

Charlie asks Willy, "What do you have against my family?" Wonka replies, "It’s not just your family. It’s thewhole idea of. . . You know, they’re always telling you what to do,what not to do, and it’s not conducive to a creative atmosphere." Like Wonka, artists don't want interference from anyone or anything that could inhibit creativity. But as Christians, when faith and creativity collide, we must allow God into the creative process.

Creative types like me are dazzled by new opportunities to write, compose, record, etc., and many times find ourselves overwhelmed with too many ideas from which to choose. These ideas can be good and noble ones, but we must ask ourselves: How will this creative idea serve the Kingdom? To what will I most wisely and effectively give my creative energies and resources?

The reality is, I have limited time, resources and audience, so I must ask God for inspiration and direction. This requires discipline and trust, and it has much to do with focusing my energies only on God-ordained assignments. How do we know the difference between God-ordained and me-ordained? It's always good to seek wise counsel from others, pray and study the Word. Sometimes it's an inner witness of the Holy Spirit that keeps us moving forward on an idea. In any event, faith will always be a part of our journey as believers.

If we let God be Lord of our artistic endeavors, He will certainly bring us opportunities in the new year to express ourselves in ways that glorify Him. After all, isn't that what art is all about?

2011: A Year of Faith

2011-12-30T06:30:00.000-06:00

This year has been one of transition for us. I left my position as worship leader in May, a God-assignment I had for seven years. My dad had heart surgery and came to permanently live with us in July. My brother Jon and I put dad's house in North Carolina on the market in November. All of these changes involved faith.

The opportunity to exercise faith is a two-edged sword: on one side, it's a chance to grow and go places spiritually that I've never been; on the other side, life can get tough and uncomfortable when you decide to walk out on a faith-limb. Everything--finances, timing, ministry assignments, career--is left there in the hands of God.

The decision to trust God means I cannot depend on my own sight, intuition, experience, common sense, etc.. The process is one that I wouldn't recommend to the faint of heart. The Scripture passage in Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)"

Something comes to mind when I think of walking in faith--a scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In order to reach the Holy Grail, Indy must traverse a deep chasm. There are no stairs, no suspension bridge or ropes to help him across. His father's diary--the source from which he gathers the information on how to cross the impossible breach--requires him to take a leap of faith.

"Impossible," Indy says. "Nobody can jump this! It's a leap of Faith." "You must believe, boy!" cries Dad from his deathbed. "You must believe!"

Indy stepped forward onto an invisible walkway. Through faith, he made it across. Like Indy, God will make a way for us where there seems to be no way. Isaiah 43:19 says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (NIV)"

In 2011, God encouraged Brenda and I to take steps toward the impossible--to places we never would have gone on our own. We have likened this adventure to packing up and taking a ship to another land. We have to believe that, as God calls, He wants us to trust. Joshua 1:9 says: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (NIV)”

With this encouragement, we will continue to walk in faith. We have seen many miracles appear before our eyes in 2011. 2012 looks to be a landmark year for us, too. Keep reading these posts in the coming year and you can keep up with our exciting journey.

May God richly bless and strengthen you and your loved ones in 2012.

Pots, Pans and Romance

2011-12-28T06:30:00.000-06:00

The Christmas celebration isn't over until all the dishes are washed and put back in their resting place. If you're like me, you can't even bear to go to bed with dirty dishes waiting to be dealt with in the morning. I even like the stove and counter tops to be shiny when I turn off the kitchen light. Brenda and I made a deal a long time ago: she cooks and I clean up. It has worked well for us thus far.

The problem some marriages encounter is a lack of cooperation on the husband's part to help the wife in the kitchen. I'm not saying that I am any kind of example for other guys to follow, but a slew of marital problems would cease to exist if we dudes got off of our lazy backside to help around the house. They say that romance starts in the kitchen; it's about time we test that adage!

Many times our high standards can be a hindrance, especially during the Holidays. We want so bad to impress our friends and family that we stress ourselves out of the joy of the season. This year Brenda and I decided that we would give each other a break and offer dinner in a casual way: serve-yourself with paper plates. It certainly saved me a boat-load of work after dinner. The clean-up was almost instantaneous; all I had left were the pots and pans, with a stove and counters to polish. Sometimes giving each other a break can remedy frustration. Our wives deserve to sit down and visit with company too.

So gentlemen, listen closely: be the first to get up from the table and carry the dishes and serving bowls to the sink--commence kitchen clean-up duty, and make it a nightly habit. If paper and plastic help to make the season bright, then so be it. I guarantee, married life will begin to improve....even before the New Year begins!

Southern Rock At It's Best

2011-12-26T06:30:00.000-06:00

I have enjoyed a lot of concert broadcasts over the past few months on HDNet and the Audience Network (DirecTV). Just last night, while surfing the TV on Christmas Eve, my son-in-law, Adam, and I stumbled upon a live concert. We were pleasantly surprised by the Atlanta band, Blackberry Smoke (BBS).

These guys look like something out of California Jam, 1974--with their long hair, bell-bottom jeans and mutton-chops. Their sound is totally southern rock, and, as performers, song writers, singers and players, they are probably the best act of their kind touring today. I saw The Allman Brothers a few years ago; even with Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks on guitars, I think BBS gives them a run for their money! BBS even worked their way through an excellent cover of The Allman Brothers' "Midnight Rider" during the concert last night.

I cut my teeth on the Charlie Daniels Band, The Outlaws, Skynyrd, ZZ Top, The Allman Brothers, Great Southern, etc., and, in my opinion, BBS stands up to any southern rock outfit past and present; their status has yet to catch-up with their abilities.

As you know, I often like to recommend bands and singers here on my blog, but I do not--in any way--endorse their extra curricular behavior!

These guys have been cruising under the radar for over ten years now. I think it is time they make a dent in the music industry.Hey, if Zac Brown and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top love these guys--and you love guitar rock with boogie-woogie piano, and tube-driven Hammond organ swirl, killer songs, solos and singing--you should give Blackberry Smoke a listen.

2011-12-25T09:40:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas...

from our home to yours!

Gingerbread house by my wife Brenda and decorated with the help of our daughter Betsy

Home on Christmas

2011-12-23T09:06:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve. I am so happy this year to enjoy the season again. In fact, I have enjoyed the Christmas season this year more than any other time. As a musician I play at every worship celebration, and Christmas is the Church's biggest celebration of the year--along side Easter.

I'm not complaining...I love the Lord, enjoy singing and playing my guitar, and I love people. But since Christmas Day falls on a Sunday in 2011, many churches are having a huge Christmas Eve service (even multiple options) as well as full services on Sunday. I guess this is gonna sound wrong no matter how I put it: I'm glad my church decided to give Sunday morning to families this year. You heard me, no church Sunday morning! What a concept...

A lot of people have a difficult time with the notion of no church on Christmas Day. I understand. And even though I consider myself a very dedicated Christian--to the point of choosing a career as a worship pastor--I still am happy to wake up and spend the day with my family.

This past fall, one large church in California gave up a whole weekend of services to go into the community and help the needy, to make necessary repairs to the homes of widows, and to generally say to the community, "We care." The greatest part of the project was that they went out into the community and didn't ask for people to come to them.

Sometimes it's good to give our families a rest. As a church staff, we operate on the generous strength of volunteers. Many times, without doing a quick "cost/benefit" analysis on the projects our churches undertake throughout the year, we can tax our volunteers to the point of exhaustion.

I'm glad to be home with my family on Christmas morning. Tomorrow afternoon on Christmas Eve, though, I will be playing and worshiping with my church family. All of this activity reminds me of the Mary and Martha story: there is a time to work and a time to rest. I'm sure Jesus will let me stay home...just this once!

The Most Beautiful Girl

2011-12-21T06:30:00.000-06:00

Hey, did you happen to see the most beautiful girl in the world? Yep, I'm married to her!

Happy 26th anniversary! I love you!

Alyssa Bonagura: Killing Me

2011-12-19T09:52:00.000-06:00

The Harvills and Sadlers got together last night at our place for some homemade pizza and long-overdue hang time. The natural conversational divide after dinner occurs when Brenda and Debra move with their coffee into the living room and Gary and I move up to the studio and talk guitars, music and whatever else.

Gary suggested we look at a website featuring new music from the young artist Alyssa Bonagura. I was so blown away by this new song and singer that I wanted to share it with you. This incredible artistry represents what is largely missing in music today. "Killing Me" is just the tip of the iceberg for this talented lady, who has a new pop release coming out in 2012. I am a big fan of the simple musical treatment that she and co-writer/ co-performer Tyler Wilkinson use in this video.

Alyssa plays most of these instruments, engineers the recording and even does the final mix. She's in her early twenties, for goodness sake!

Enjoy.

Walt Disney and The Sherman Brothers

2011-12-16T06:40:00.150-06:00

The first time I saw a professional songwriter at work was in the 1961 Disney animated feature, The 101 Dalmatians. Most likely I saw it at our local Fox Fullerton theater a few years after it's original run. I watched Roger Radcliffe, the aspiring song-smith and male lead of the movie, pounding-out ideas on the upright piano in his London bachelor flat. "Could a person really make money by writing songs?" I wondered. My answer would come some thirty years later with my first published song, Ancient of Days.

(L to R) Robert, Richard and Walt

My childhood was filled with Disney music from movies like Mary Poppins, The Parent Trap and The Jungle Book. Many years later I learned that the guys behind the tunes in these three movies, as well as the indelible It's A Small World, were brothers, Robert and Richard Sherman.

Robert, two and one-half years older than Richard, grew up the polar opposite of his brother: Richard was outgoing and Robert, very much reserved. Their push-pull personalities served them well as a creative duo, but less so when not working. I found out much more about the brothers by watching an excellent documentary, The Boys: the Sherman Brothers’ Story. I was surprised to learn that they are basically strangers these days--Richard lives in Hollywood, and Robert resides in England. Sadly, as displayed throughout the documentary, they have little in common. Other than song writing and being born to the same parents, they don't seem to enjoy one another. As a cinematic voyeur, one gazes through the window of this movie, never to witness a genuine exchange of warmth between the two.

The documentary starts with the Sherman boyhood days in New York City, then to their eventual re-location to Los Angeles. Richard takes the viewer on a present-day tour of a backyard garage, once owned by the family, where their collaboration started. He also scouts some of their early stomping grounds around Hollywood.

In 1958, they wrote a song called Tall Paul for Mouseketeer Judy Harriet. The song was then covered by another Mouseketeer, the popular teen sensation Annette Funicello. This caught the attention of Walt Disney. The Sherman Brothers were promptly signed as Disney staff writers. Subsequently, their first song with Disney was The Strummin' Song. Robert and Richard quickly became a staple in the company's movie production machine.

Walt Disney's favorite Sherman Brothers song was Feed the Birds from the movie Mary Poppins. Walt asked them to perform it often at his office piano, leaving their boss misty-eyed most every time. Robert and Richard also had success away from the Disney Studios with music from movies like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

With numerous awards between them, Robert and Richard Sherman continue to inspire new generations with their songs. I am grateful for their influence in my own songwriting. My prayer is that someday they make peace with each other. Fame and fortune pale in comparison to the importance of brotherhood and family.

A Necessary Rest

2011-12-14T10:14:00.001-06:00

In May of 2011 I left the position of worship leader at a church--a job I was blessed to have for almost seven years. For a year-and-a-half before that, I played guitar there as a hired gun almost every weekend. So altogether, I was blessed with over eight years at the church.

It was my decision to end it. Some smarter folks than I would probably stay-on because of the security factor, but I needed to close the curtain when the show was over. I was tired and uninspired. The drive was 40 minutes each way. Some weekends I had to travel 320 miles to complete the schedule of services, and then I was back in my cubicle on Monday morning to start it all over again. After eight years, I was thankful for the opportunity to serve these saints--to learn so much about managing a large congregation (7,000 attendees) and the resultant weekly ministry responsibilities. But I knew my position there had run it's course, so I put in my resignation.

The tricky part was: I didn't have any clue what was next. My greatest concern was that I get back to balance again and go from there. Because of some savings and income from songwriting and production, Brenda and I could make it through financially without the church income... for a few months, anyway. Little did we know that several months later we would still be praying for the next chapter to open up.

In the mean time, we visited churches all over the greater Nashville area, giving little thought to anything close to home. One Sunday in July, we decided to visit a church around the corner from our neighborhood. We had seen the growth of that little church from it's inception--meeting in a high school--to it's full-blown campus, beautifully crafted out of an empty Kroger grocery store. We walked in, loved the folks, the pastor, the worship, the vibe, and were generally blown away. Could a wonderful place like this be so close to home?

Since that day, Brenda, my dad and I have called The People's Church of Spring Hill home. Like all ministers, I needed a break and, for months, sat with the congregation to regain my strength. Just a month-or-so ago I started playing and singing on the worship team. I feel refreshed and energized, and am grateful to be back in the game!

Every minister needs a break. It's dangerous for our families, churches and our health to keep plodding-through without a time of refreshing. I am thankful for the break I've had, and I'm excited about 2012 and all that God is doing.

The Muscle Shoals Sound

2011-12-12T13:07:00.005-06:00

A string of R&B hits by such artists as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Clarence Carter were recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in the early 1960s, and helped launch a phenomenon that would become the "Muscle Shoals sound." Detroit had Motown, Nashville had country, Memphis had Stax, L.A. and New York had their signature sounds, but Muscle Shoals had a rock, R&B and soul-sound all of it's own.

Among those drawn to the Shoals was Paul Simon, who came in search of the band behind the recording that many call the essence of the Muscle Shoals sound: "I'll Take You There" by the Staple Singers. Simon's collaboration with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section produced the hits "Kodachrome" and "Loves Me Like a Rock."*

I was recording a project with my friend Lenny LeBlanc several years ago in his studio, just outside of Muscle Shoals. Between sessions, the late-great Ava Aldridge, writer of Dr. Hook's "Sharing the Night Together"--who was also singing on the session--took me on a tour of the Shoals in her great-big Cadillac. I saw the studios like FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound, where great music was made--and still is to this day. She then drove me to a small, nondescript store-front, with no more than 800 feet of space inside, and told me that the Rolling Stones recorded "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses" for the Sticky Fingers album there in December of 1969. As we peeped through the dusty window into the shadows of the abandoned store, she pointed to the back restroom area. There, Ava told me, the signatures and notes of many famous artists most likely still cover the walls. Wow--I had to stop for a moment to take it all in!

The Osmonds recorded "One Bad Apple" in Muscle Shoals. Mac Davis recorded "Baby, Don't Get Hooked on Me" and Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves a Woman" was recorded there, too.

When I think back to that little impromptu tour Ava gave me more than twenty years ago, I am amazed that so few people know about the city of Muscle Shoals. Just like Bethlehem--considered insignificant, yet chosen as the birthplace of the King of Kings--Muscle Shoals, though diminutive in stature. was chosen to give birth to incredible music; it's greatness is profound.

Rest in peace, Ava Aldridge. Although you've been gone for several years now, your influence will be felt for generations to come.

*Excerpts from an article by Debbie Elliott: The Legendary Muscle Shoals Sound.

What's In A Name?

2011-12-09T06:17:00.003-06:00

For goodness sake, are you as tired of all the name changing going on as I am? Just this week the governor of Rhode Island, Lincoln Chafee, called the Statehouse Christmas tree a "Holiday Tree", and he's catching a lot of flack for it. What's next?

My nephew Jonathan, an avid Disney aficionado, Tweeted this week that the Walt Disney Company has been slowly taking father Walt's name out of several corporate logos, to simply read--Disney. The Muppets movie, now in theaters, is conspicuously missing "Walt" in the castle logo at the beginning of the film, leaving just the founder's last name. Other Disney logos have changed over the past year as well, including Disney's California Adventure Park changed to Disney California Adventure. The names of several shops in both North American Magic Kingdoms have changed over the years as sponsorships come and go. Has this changed the perception of Disney? Does a moniker really make the product?

The Disney name game doesn't compare to the "Christmas Tree" versus "Holiday Tree" ballyhoo. I think the tree fiasco is a game the governor of Rhode Island has already lost to the overwhelming majority. You see, no matter what one wants to call this season, everyone knows what it's all about: BABY JESUS! I think it's pretty silly that a politician would try and lessen it's importance by instituting a name change. Isn't "holiday" a contraction of "Holy Day"? The joke's on you, Mr. Chafee!

Sheepish

2011-12-07T07:51:00.004-06:00

Random stack of ready-to-knit colors

My home is filled with color...not just warmth, love, rest and solace. All of those qualities define our sanctuary--thanks to my sweet wife. But the particular color I describe comes from all of the yarn that she spins. I'm not talking about tall tales here, but the real thing. My wife loves everything about fiber--all the way from cleaning and dying a fleece, spinning it, to knitting, what to me are, works of art.

Cleaned fleece, ready to spin

When people come into our home, there is usually a knitting project, in some stage of progress, laying in a basket, atop beautifully-spun yarn. Most of it is from sheep, but some of it comes from exotic places like the coat of a rabbit (angora), alpaca and silk, even plant sources like linen and hemp. Sometimes you have to watch where you sit around here or you'll get a rude reminder by the protruding needles to plant your rear elsewhere--this is a knitting zone!

Brenda does all of this because she loves it. Some Saturdays, when she's decided it's gonna be a dye day, the stove is crammed with kettles, boiling bright colors into the fibers of wool from average barnyard sheep. After the dyed fleeces are dried (spread out over the entire patio table and chairs in the backyard), they are somehow smoothed-out, spun, plied and formed into hanks that stack nicely into colorful rows of soon-to-be mittens--even a funky cap.

Bobbins filled with newly-spun fiber

All in all, Brenda doesn't ask for much, just a good cup of coffee and a few square yards of real estate to place all of her paraphernalia, like a drum carder (cleans the wool), spinning wheel, shelving for finished skeins of yarn and bins of raw, un-cleaned wool, straight from the naked backs of freshly shorn sheep. Hey, did I mention that she is beautiful, too, and an amazing cook?

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that I've got it made around here. After all, she's been stumbling around my guitars and amps for over two-and-a-half decades now. We will celebrate our 26th anniversary on December 21st. My life is filled with fiber, and sometimes a few sneezing spells, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Foundations For Young Artists

2011-12-05T05:44:00.007-06:00

You've probably heard it said, too: "Boy, this butter tastes better than margarine!" Some people have never tried the original, so they make judgements by the knock-offs. This is backward and, unfortunately, the way so many young artists in our culture base their opinions these days. It's true with every genre of art, and life in general.

Brenda led me to an interesting blog post recently, chronicling a meeting between author Ian Morgan Cron and the great composer/musician Rob Mathes in a Connecticut Starbucks. They were stunned when their attention was averted toward the background music coming from the overhead speakers:

“Do you hear that?” Rob said, his expression darkening.

“Hear what?” I said. “Listen,” he said, glaring at the white speaker grilles above our heads. “Do you know that song?”

I closed my eyes and strained to hear the music over the hiss and gurgle of milk being steamed for someone’s cappuccino. I shrugged. “Nope,” I said. “I can’t make it out."

Rob threw his hands up in the air. “That’s a cut off Miles Davis record Kind of Blue,” he said, his voice rising with indignation.

“Alright,” I said. “Apparently this bothers you.”
“It’s Miles Davis!" he said, slapping the tabletop with his hand.

I’ve known Rob for 30 years. He’s talented. He’s smart. He’s not afraid to speak his mind.

“When brilliant compositions are used for background music it desensitizes people to their genius,” he continued.

I paused. “You mean familiarity breeds contempt?” I said.

“Precisely. If an amazing piece of music is constantly playing in the background your admiration for it doesn’t increase, it diminishes. It becomes no big deal,” Rob said, imitating someone trying to speak and yawn at the same time.

What we expose our children to, many times, is a weak (to say it mildly) version of the original. My objections to the classical education I was being fed in my first round of college became an epiphany when I started my second, more serious, round as a married 25-year-old. I saw that a classical education brought me back to the origins of great art, music and literature--with a proper historical context--to which all other great creative work is traced.

In a Fast Company website interview by Rick Tetzeli, director Martin Scorsese talks about how to lead a creative life and how to pass the torch to younger generations:

"At this point," says Scorsese, "I find that the excitement of a young student or filmmaker can get me excited again. I like showing them things and seeing how their minds open up, seeing the way their response then gets expressed in their own work."

"His biggest teaching project these days is his 12-year-old daughter, Francesca. He's trying to give her a cultural foundation that seems less readily available these days. "I'm concerned about a culture where everything is immediate and then discarded," he says. "I'm exposing her to stuff like musicals and Ray Harryhausen spectaculars, Frank Capra films. I just read her a children's version of The Iliad. I wanted her to know where it all comes from. Every story, I told her, every story is in here, The Iliad."

"Three months ago," he remembers, gesturing to the room around us, "I had a screening here for the family. Francesca had responded to Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, and to Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, so I decided to try It Happened One Night. I had kind of dismissed the film, which some critics love, of course, but then I realized I had only seen it on a small screen, on television. So I got a 35-millimeter print in here, and we screened it. And I discovered it was a masterpiece. The way Colbert and Gable move, their body language. It's really quite remarkable!"

We must take our children and students back to the originals, to study them and discover what makes them so great. That's why I like to see the look on a kid's face when he hears a stellar vintage guitar though a great tube amp, or a vocalist's performance through a classic microphone and preamp. We must teach the next generation that a promising artistic future springs from an understanding of the great work that came before them--to learn from the best and stop trying to imitate the cheap, margarine knock-offs.

'Til the Next Gas Station

2011-12-02T06:30:00.062-06:00

The melancholic afternoon shadows and crisp, cool evenings of late help create a backdrop for reflective inner dialog about the future. I had a relaxing, wonderful summer and fall, but now it's time to make some decisions.

I came upon a couple of videos today promoting a new music software that features Nashville drummer Harry Stinson and producer/engineer Chuck Ainlay. Both guys gushed about the virtues of Nashville, from a creative and personal perspective (I heartily agree!). Stinson said that he came to a place in his career, back in the mid-70s, where he felt stagnant and ready to get to a new level. He soon received a call from the folk/rock group America to fill-in for their drummer, who had an accident and needed to leave the road. Harry's name came up in conversation as a great replacement. He had 24 hours to get ready. So he gathered up all of the America records he could find, met the band in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, spent a meager hour and a half in rehearsal, did the show that night, and finished up the tour. What a cool place to be in life: ready, at the right time and place, when opportunity comes knocking!

Living in a community like Nashville, it's easy to forget that this a very special and unique place. It's also a tough place if you are here to make a living as a musician. I, too, am ready for the next season of my career. I am doing my best to stay adept at my craft, even though, at times, it's easy to get discouraged. This small bit of encouragement from Harry and Chuck today was like a drink of cold water. Sometimes I'm tempted to pack it in and try to make a living with something non-musical altogether. But really... what would I do? This is all I know; I've been playing music professionally since 1980. Sometimes it takes even a YouTube video to realize that I'm doing exactly what I should be: writing, playing, producing and looking to God for sustenance.

A musician's life is like a crazy adventure where you just start driving, don't ever look back in the rear-view mirror, and enjoy the ride until your gas light comes on. Just when it seems like the adventure's over, miraculously, there's a gas station right over the hill. You get filled up again and head back out on the highway!

Cooperation

2011-11-30T06:29:00.006-06:00

My mother was a spoiled woman. Before she died in 1997, she never filled a gas tank or opened a door for herself, that's because my dad made sure of it!

When I attempt to open a door for a lady at the grocery store, for example, sometimes I get a dirty look, like I'm showing they are the weaker gender. I personally believe men are weaker because we don't endure childbirth and the greatest share of child-rearing like they do. Also, the challenge of dealing with the atrocious behavior of a great number of males should prove that women are superior! My opening doors for women is simply an extension of my personal respect for them.

So, if I am to show respect to women, it takes cooperation on their part. The same is true with my spiritual life. It behooves me to cooperate with God when, in His Word, He says He wants to help me; He wants to open doors of blessing in my life. By rushing through life without honoring God--not waiting for Him, and not trusting in his lead--we, in effect, miss-out on the benefit of His favor. It takes faith to cooperate. When we hang back and let Him open the doors, we partake in the great things He has for us on the other side.

Through cooperation, mom practiced a spiritual principle, whether she knew it or not.

My Summer of '82 Rock and Roll Adventure

2011-11-28T06:00:00.031-06:00

Me and Trent Pollack on the bus, somewhere in Turkey, '82

It's hard to believe that thirty years ago next summer, Trent Pollack and I--along with four others, including my brother, Jon--were riding on a bus across Turkey, having a ridiculously great time. We were able to see ancient sites that were visited by the Apostle Paul and places where civilizations once thrived, now deserted and cluttered with decaying stone pillars.

The summer of '82 was also filled with music: the soundtrack to our dusty journey, bumping over the Mediterranean landscape, included the newly released Asia and Toto 4 albums (whenever I hear those songs today, I'm instantly transported back there). How many 22-23 year-old kids get to play rock and roll next to the Black Sea, or lay in the sun on a Greek or an Italian island, between gigs?

The most indelible memory is from the first day of our USO tour, just after we landed in Turkey and settled into our hotel. Staying in a small town, close to the main square, Jon and Trent--ready to party at the drop of a suitcase--made their way to the outdoor market to peruse the local ladies, and grab a snack before dinner. Ignoring the USO lecture we received back at the hotel, warning us to wash raw fruit before eating it, the guys were up for scoring anything remotely edible. While buying a few "harmless" pieces of fruit, Jon and Trent--draped in long, blond tresses, donning gaudy Hawaiian shirts and brightly-colored Spandex pants--created quite a stir with the local young ladies and soon in their digestive systems.

After the guys arrived back to the hotel, they told me where they had been. As the manager of this motley crew, I was trying to recover from the long day of travel and didn't really care where anyone with the band went as long as they made call-time. Jon and Trent then proceeded to tell me about the unwashed fruit they just purchased and consumed. Needless to say, they quickly began to feel the rumblings of their error, deep within their bowels. It took a few days, but the two were soon back in commission, frequent bathroom visits notwithstanding!

All in all, we had an unforgettable time. We saw Naples, the Isle of Capri, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Pompeii and Sorrento in Italy; Istanbul and cities mentioned in the Bible such as Ephesus while in Turkey; Zaragoza and Madrid in Spain; Athens and the Acropolis in Greece--just to name a few. We even had time to play concerts for the American soldiers stationed in these areas!

Wow, it seems like yesterday--I actually wore Spandex pants back then, tied my sparkly-red shirt-tail around my waist and primped my 80s hair-band blonde mane. No wonder the soldiers made fun of me as I walked around the base on my off-time. I would, too, if I saw a clown like me back then. But, oh, what a summer that was!

All I Really Need To Know in Life, I Learned In A Band

2011-11-23T07:36:00.002-06:00

Well, now that I see the title, the subject really seems a little provocative. I didn't mean for that to happen, but if you have have been reading this so far, maybe it was worth the miscommunication. Of course, not "all of life" is contained here, but it's a good start.

I spent six years, non-stop, on the road. All during that time I never unpacked my suitcase completely. Even when I went to my parent's home on a break, I kept everything in my familiar traveling box. The tough thing about traveling in a band are the tight quarters and lack of privacy. Because of this challenge, I learned the art of getting along with people--all kinds of people. To survive, I had to surrender and give up my way to make way for the group. Yes, I had to compromise. I want to humbly share a few nuggets of wisdom I learned while rolling down the endless highway and traversing the airways around the globe, playing in a band.

1. Be kind

Understanding, grace, forgiveness and patience, among other virtues, all come to mind while living close to others. Most days in a band are cool. But when it's your turn to have a bad day, you want others to show you kindness. Honor the personal space of others.

2. Go the extra mile

Help carry the luggage for the girls in your band; open doors for them. Keep extras in your gear box for when others are in a fix, like extra picks, strings, batteries, etc. Volunteer to do the dirty work like stacking gear in the equipment truck and loading luggage under the bus.

3. Be on-time

The chronically late disrespect others with their behavior. They lose trust and it impacts relationships. Show the rest of the band how important they are by respecting the call-time. Be early!

4. Always tune-up

I think I spend more time tuning than playing. In life it's important to always be tuning-up our relationships (be aware of my surroundings and the people in them). My relationship to God is most important. If everyone tunes to the same pitch, life is so much better in a band!

5. Hang out with the crew

The crew is your greatest ally; they can make or break you in performance. The best friendships I ever made on the road were with behind-the-scenes people. After a show, ride the bus with the crew. It'll be hilarious and you'll always have folks watching out for you. Dis the crew and you'll soon be out of the band!

6. Be the person others want on their team

Be a person others are grateful for--thankful for the excellence you bring with regard to playing, singing and performing. You help take the band to the next level and you're a joy to be around.

7. Know your limits but always strive for improvement

Don't drag the band down by promising what you can't deliver in performance. Always be learning new things (listening to new sounds, styles, gear, etc.), Don't settle into stagnation, Grow, grow, grow!

8. Learn the importance of deodorant

Practice good hygiene. Learn how to dress for success in the band. Most social situations will have an unwritten dress code--learn it as fast as you can. Don't totally "give up" on off days. Others still have to live with you in close proximity.

9. Be a giver

Be on the look-out for ways to bless others. Don't be the jerk who always lets someone else pick up their tab. Look for ways to anonymously make someone's day. It'll be a double blessing.

10. Respect the road manager

We may not always agree with the decisions of our bosses, but be the one who makes their job a little easier through compliance. They have responsibilities and commitments to people and things that don't always flow into our personal orbit. So understanding goes a long way with them. Don't sit back and watch injustices pile-up, either. Respectfully and privately convey your grievances, and don't be a chronic complainer.

11. Know when to leave the band

We all come to the end of a job. We either outgrow the band or the band outgrows us. Maybe it's just time to move on to a new place. Bring it to an end gracefully. If you are a valuable team member, the news will always hit hard. Give proper notice, speak judiciously to others about it, don't burn bridges, and, if at all possible, create a lasting legacy that will dispel negative talk after you're gone.

Christmastime: Music To My Ears

2011-11-21T07:10:00.000-06:00

I have to admit it: I'm a sucker for all things Christmas. I always look forward to the day when Sirius XM starts-up their dedicated holiday music channels. I pick the traditional station out of the several offerings--the one that plays the standards with singers like Perry Como, Nat King Cole, and all of the fare that I was raised on.

Now that the Christmas holidays officially start the day after Halloween, on November 1st (that's what Wal Mart wants us to think, anyway), we are now given permission to have two full months of Holly, Jolly Christmas and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree to enjoy. I'm not complaining. Even though the leaves are still stubbornly clinging to the trees (it's November 21st), and I haven't put my warm-weather clothes away because the temps are leveling-out at 65 degrees here in middle Tennessee, I love listening to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, pretending that the "weather outside is frightful" as I cruise up I-65 toward the mall.

I also love to haul-out all of the holiday movies, dust them off and make plans to upgrade them from DVD to BluRay. Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, and Elf--I named off movies that are fairly new, even though I still love to watch It's A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol in black and white on Christmas Eve. It seems that everyone loves Christmas or they wouldn't put those Christmas scenes in non-Christmas movies to make us feel all warm and cozy.

For me, like many adults, I harken back to the day when I could fall asleep in the back seat of my parent's '57 Chevy, on the way home from a family holiday gathering; when Dad would lift my half-asleep body out of the car, carry me into my warm bed and tuck me in for the night. I must say, I loved doing that for my own kids.

The one holiday event that I refuse to join is getting up at 2 AM to stand in line at Best Buy or Target on Black Friday. I'll let my kids do that. Other than that exception, I'll take everything that Christmas has to give. And it all starts and ends with the music--at least for me.

Songwriter Wisdom, Part 2: Residual Income

2011-11-18T09:07:00.000-06:00

What a blessing it is to create something once and receive residual (passive, or recurring) income from it for years to come--even while I am sleeping! If you can score a song on a record, or even better, a hit record, you can make money sitting at home. You may need to keep your day job for a while, but if you have true writing talent (no, your mother's opinion doesn't count!), patience, willingness to network with other writers, can live lean and have a little faith, you, too, may someday make a living...making stuff up! I have so much to be thankful for, including my more than 20 years as a professional songwriter. I want to explore the residual income sources available to folks like me!

Broken down into three main sub-categories, here is an example of my own income stream:

BMI (ASCAP ; SESAC)
Each writer (or administrative agent, if contracted to do so) must register his/her works with one of these three U.S. performance rights organizations. It's their job to keep track of performances throughout the world, and to distribute income quarterly on behalf of the writer and publisher (separate entities), from radio, TV, movies, etc.. BMI says it best about themselves:

BMI is committed to protecting copyright to ensure that its songwriters, composers and music publishers are fairly compensated for the use of their work. BMI also values its relationships with those businesses that use music, offering access to the world’s most popular music for hundreds of thousands of licensees throughout the United States.

Record Companies/ Independent Projects
When I establish my own publishing company--in my case through BMI--I either manage the work by myself, or work with an administrative person or company to take care of that on my behalf. As my self-published songs are recorded by record companies or individuals, they come to me or my "admin" person for a use license. All subsequent income from those sales are funneled through my publishing company and paid to me quarterly. If I sign my publishing over to another publishing company, in whole or in part (forfeiting all or a portion of the ownership of my songs), I will receive only my publisher's and writer's share--divisible by how many publishers and writers are on the song. The publishers of the song are responsible to collect the monies related to the song's usage and to send a royalty check to me each quarter.

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International)
As a writer of Christian songs used in worship services and various religious events throughout the world, I give consent to my copyright administrator to register each of those applicable songs with CCLI. CCLI (similar to what BMI does for me with radio, TV and movies, etc.) keeps track of the world-wide song performances of my songs through the reporting of thousands of licensed users. When I sign-over my songs to another publishing company, they are responsible to register, administrate, receive and distribute CCLI royalties on my behalf (CCLI royalties are distributed twice per year). CCLI can be quite beneficial since a song, especially in the worship music genre, can potentially amass greater income through live church-service performances, increasing revenue beyond the normal shelf-life and commercial sale of a recorded song.

I don't pretend to qualify as a one-stop information source for songwriters and residual income. This list is, by no means, a complete one. I have only delved into the more general aspects of earning income as a songwriter. However, I do have friends (believe it or not!) who have extensive practical, legal, procedural knowledge and information. These experts can help you--as an individual writer, church, or organization--to find answers to your particular copyright query.

Copyright Solver
ICS Law Group

Remember, each small tributary, or even trickle of income, can together flow into a combined income stream that, even in my case, adds up to a sizable, significant living. The secret is to have many songs working for you. Keep writing, keep the faith and keep in the game--even when it seems that the stream is running dry. Pray for rain!

My Guitar Pick Odyssey

2011-11-16T06:05:00.031-06:00

What a seemingly benign subject: the guitar pick. Most of us kept on using the same type of guitar pick that we were given as kids, along with our first pack of Black Diamond guitar strings and our handy Mel Bay Guitar Method book. Somehow we adapted to a certain comfort level, and that first pick developed into a habit, then an unconscious part of our playing experience.

I started out, like most kids in the 60s, with the teardrop-style Fender medium pick. (It was so cool that Fender was building all of that cool gear in my hometown of Fullerton back then). My favorite was a Fender medium, because it worked well with acoustic and electric. I later moved to the Herco Gold because it had the teardrop shape and the medium thickness, but it also had a raised pattern that doubled as a "slip-proof grip", with a great surface to grab the strings for those "Billy Gibbons moments". You could also break strings if you dug-in too forcefully!

To this day, I like to use thumb picks for finger-style playing, and I am still resorting to the Fender medium flat-pick for everything else. Sometimes, when I play my high-string or my 12-string acoustics in a recording session, I will use a thin pick. They create a more percussive sound--kind of like that of playing cards in the spokes of your bicycle wheel (remember that?).

I purchased some equipment lately from Fat Tone Guitars. In the shipment I found a complimentary guitar pick, emblazoned with the Fat Tone logo. They call it the Plexi Guitar Pick. I took it out of the package, grabbed my Les Paul, and was surprised how much I loved the feel, even though it was at least a millimeter, or more, thick. The smooth, rounded ends made it feel at home and familiar at my fingertips.

Because of this revelation, I am going to do more guitar pick exploring. I will start by getting this new plexi pick into rotation, and I will also pay a visit to V-Picks here in Nashville to demo some of the other available "thick pick" options. After all, that first Fender medium was given to me in 1967. It's about time I pay attention to this rather diminutive, yet important part of my playing!

Tonya Cowart: Safe In the Harbor

2011-11-14T10:16:00.002-06:00

It's always a shock when you hear that a friend has died. It's especially so when that friend is your age, because you realize how fragile life can be, and that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone, regardless of age. In the case of my friend Tonya Cowart, I heard about it through a Facebook message from a mutual friend in Mobile, Alabama, where Tonya lived her whole life.

(L to R) Scott, Tonya and Danny

I'll never forget the generosity that Tonya and her husband, Danny, showed me over twenty years ago when they asked me to produce their vocal group, Last Light Band--which also included Scott McLeod--in the studio. They gave me a lot of space to be creative and, basically, kicked me off into a career of producing and recording my own projects. My work on their first record gave me the confidence to head-into a very fulfilling songwriting career with Integrity Music, right there, nestled in the cozy Christian music community of Mobile.

My songwriting with Integrity drew me away from working with the Last Light Band and, eventually, my family moved to North Carolina and then to the Nashville area, where we have been living for the past ten years. A mutual friend from Mobile, who now lives in Murfreesboro, TN, and attends a church I served recently, walked up between services and handed me a cell phone. I was delighted to hear , "Hi Jamie, this is Tonya!" That was a year ago. Since then, I haven't seen or heard about Tonya, Danny or Scott until the awful news that she had passed on November 9th.

I don't know yet how she died; it doesn't matter anyway. Her voice, sweetness, vulnerability and love for God and people resonate in my memory. As a teen-age mother, she struggled through many difficulties, and even throughout her life--filled with loving family, friends and a devoted husband--the bruises from that tough journey were never far from the surface. I believe that is why she connected so well with her audiences, and that she could sing her songs with such commitment and authenticity. I am forever grateful that she recorded a song I co-wrote with Nancy Gordon called Belle of the Ball. The many awards the Last Light Band has garnered over the years publicly confirm that Tonya, Danny and Scott have touched countless lives with their music.

After hearing the sad news, I watched a video of Tonya singing Safe In the Harbor. It's spine-tingling to hear her sing those lyrics, knowing she is now in Heaven and safe there in the arms of her Savior. I'll miss you, Tonya.

Full Number-Ones

2011-11-12T06:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, after jumping out of the shower, the clock read 11:10. I had to wait a minute to solemnly celebrate the moment of full number-ones on the clock to match the the 11-11-11 on the calendar. Just like when the Millennium came and went--11 years ago--I felt nothing!

Tom Harvill 1944-'45

I was fully aware that it was Veterans Day, though. 67 years ago, on 11-11-1944, my dad took a bus to somewhere in Los Angeles and, along with his other teenaged comrades, joined the Navy for the final year of WWII. Dad not only served the remainder of the war, but was called back to serve in the Korean War, too. I am very proud of him.

My mom and dad were only married a short time when he had to go back in to the service. I can't imagine the horror of many a young bride who suffered the news of losing their loved one on a foreign battlefield, or anywhere, for that matter. Thankfully, my mom never had to receive that news. Dad came back from two wars and, as a result, I was born in 1960.

Thanks dad, and all of the other veterans who served our country bravely and unselfishly. God bless you all!

It's Not Too Late

2011-11-09T06:15:00.009-06:00

The recent news of legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno's alleged involvement in a terrible controversy is proof that it's not too late, at the age of 84, to suffer the consequences of a bad decision...if that's what the evidence brings to light.

Some people make their big mistakes early in life, and the painful experience creates an indelible impression that helps them steer-clear of controversy later on. Some folks, like a few Presidential candidates of late, and within the past decade, have tried to hide bad behavior, only to have to answer for it when they become a public figure.

I am amazed that Billy Graham, who celebrates his 93rd birthday this week, has been able to uphold his good reputation. I read somewhere that he would have an assistant search his hotel room for female stowaways before he entered for the night. He would also cover the hotel TV with a face towel, weighted by his Bible, to avoid the temptation to make poor viewing decisions.

We all do stupid stuff as kids. I have said things to people (or have not said things I should have) that I regret to this day. I have taken the easy-route too many times. I have sought God's forgiveness more often than I can count for unacceptable behavior which, in most instances, was done while I was fully aware of it. God's patience with me is amazing!

The problem is, and I say it again: It's not too late to mess up a life filled with winning streaks. One bad move and past triumphs get eclipsed by a single error in judgement. It would be wrong to play the judge and jury against head coach Paterno, but it is a warning that each of us should heed: It's not too late...

When You Feel Stuck

2011-11-07T09:18:00.000-06:00

Brenda and I were talking this morning over coffee about the Godly way to approach life, especially when we find ourselves in difficult situations, feeling stuck in a rut. Even in the idle points of life we must be active in heart, constantly making decisions on how and where to walk in our journey. Moving forward is the key. Keep walking and find the way out of that stifling chasm!

Psalm 34 is a chapter in the Bible that is rich with answers for almost every area of life. I know it's tempting sometimes to stop walking, count our grievances, seethe in bitterness and attempt to get even with the people who have hurt us. But the wisdom contained here would encourage us to move on.

Psalm 34:12-22
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Here are a few things I take away from this powerful chapter in the Psalms:

1. Be quiet (Proverbs 17: 28- even a fool seems wise when he keeps his mouth shut!)
2. Pursue things that promote peace in your own life and in others--in thought, word and deed.
3. Remember that the Lord keeps an eye on His children and, like a good parent, rescues us from bullies in this life (maybe not when we want Him to, but in due time. See #5).
4. God's kids will experience troubles in this life, but He protects us and leads us successfully through them.
5. God will show justice to our enemies. We must keep walking, and place our trust in Him to rescue us and take care of our foes.

If we keep walking, even if it's in total faith, we'll one day come into a clearing on our pathway and realize a whole new universe of opportunities, just waiting on us to arrive.

Danger: Leftover Halloween Candy

2011-11-04T11:05:00.000-05:00

We are still devouring the candy leftover from Halloween. We only had about 20 kids come to the door this year, proving that the local churches have done a good job stealing the Trick-Or-Treaters from the streets to partake in community fall festivals. The problem with leftover candy is that I just can't walk by the candy bowl without giving it a stir and snagging my favorite sweets--a billion times a day.

My dad, who is living with us now, admitted to me this morning that he and my mom rummaged through our candy sacks as kids, the night of each Halloween, to confiscate the more desirable delights for themselves. The next morning, neither me nor my brothers ever had a clue that we'd been bamboozled!

My favorite Halloween fare these days is candy corn. My daughter-in-law, Amber, has

upped the ante and added peanuts and candy corn together to make a delectable and deadly mixture of sweet and salty. I am two-thirds through the plastic container she sent over via Josh, and I just can't say "no" to that pesky, delicious concoction.

The problem is that, as soon as Halloween is over, Christmas is upon us. Christmas candy is the toughest to avoid, not to mention the seasonal supply of eggnog and boiled custard winking at me from the grocery milk section. What to do?

Even though I feel guilty as the Halloween candy is being consumed, and the fallen sugar-high leaves me lifeless and sprawled-out in the recliner, the guilt of not eating the leftovers proves to be a more formidable opponent. So we just resign and pick through that blasted bowl of goodness till the very last wrapper is tossed. After all, we need to make room for the peanut brittle Betsy's in-laws have promised us before Thanksgiving!

Home Studio Nightmares

2011-11-02T05:30:00.009-05:00

As I have written before, we live in a city (county, region, etc.) where you can throw a rock from your backyard and hit a musician with a funky, starched "keith urban" hairdo. You might even break the window of a home studio after it bounces off the musician's noggin! You see, there is a studio in every other bonus room or basement in our city of Spring Hill, Tennessee. You can count me in that home studio demographic, too. (You wouldn't believe the artists who are cutting records in home studios!)

With this in mind, I want to pass-on some sage advice by fellow studio owner, Joe Gilder, from HomeStudioCorner.com. It's well worth the re-post.

______________________________________________

3 Home Studio Nightmares to Avoid

You know I couldn’t let Halloween go by without some sort of Halloween-themed post, right? Right.

I’ve had plenty of “scary moments” over the years in my studio. After all, you put your blood, sweat, and tears into the thing, an it definitely hurts when things don’t go exactly as planned.

If you’re just starting out, here are a few things you want to avoid as much as possible. If you’ve been recording for years, you should read this too and make sure you’re not getting lazy. Any of these can happen, and most of them are avoidable.

Losing Your Work

This is one of the scariest scenarios. You’ve been working for months, maybe even years, on a project. You’ve logged countless hours putting together this masterpiece of audio glory.

Then one day it happens.

You walk into your studio, fire up your computer and your hard drive and…nothing. Two hours later you have come to the horrifying realization that your hard drive has crashed, and your data is lost forever.

Now, there’s a good chance the data can be recovered, but it’s not unheard of for the drive to be damaged too badly to recover anything…or the data could be corrupted.

I’ve had this happen to more friends than I can remember. It’s not as “rare” as you might think. The truth is that your hard drive IS going to fail…one day. Are you running your entire studio off of one hard drive? If so, you need to stop what you’re doing right now, find a separate drive, and back everything up. Seriously.

Nothing demoralizes you more than losing something you’ve worked so hard on. The chances of you being willing to start over from scratch are slim.

Always, always, ALWAYS back up your projects. Some folks would say back them up to two different places. At least back it up once.

I’ll be honest, I go through spells where I’m lazy and don’t feel like backing up. But I remember how horrible it would feel to have to do that work all over again, and I start backing up.

There are lots of solutions for backup — automatic backup (Time Machine) and automatic online backup (services like Carbonite). I usually just drag and drop the files to a separate hard drive. Whatever you do, have a system in place and BACK YOUR STUFF UP.

Losing Your Gear

If your interface dies, your studio is dead in the water. Same with your computer. Are you doing everything you can to protect these important parts of your studio?

Taking care of your gear could be as simple as not letting it sit in the back seat of your car on a hot summer day, and making sure you put your condenser microphones back in the case when you’re done with them.

However, there are a couple extra things you can (and probably should) do.

Power Conditioner

If you don’t have a power conditioner in your studio, you should start budgeting for one. You can get a decent one for under $200. I’ve told you before why you need a power conditioner. Power surges are a fact of life. Electronic equipment doesn’t respond well to these, and that little $3 plastic power strip you just found in the closet won’t do much to protect your gear.

You need something that will withstand a powerful surge. I think of it as life insurance for my equipment. And it’s completely worth the investment. There are other benefits to power conditioners too, which you can read about here.

AppleCare and Warranties

If you’re a Mac user like me, then seriously consider buying AppleCare with your next purchase. It extends the warranty coverage out to 3 years, which is a really long time in the life of a computer. I don’t like warranties, and I don’t buy them…except for AppleCare. It could save you thousands if your computer decides to die on you 18 months after you bought it.

Also consider buying more gear from Sweetwater. They’re awesome (and here are a bunch of reasons why I think so), but they also have a free 2-Year Warranty of virtually everything they sell. That’s a big deal. All you have to do is buy your gear there, and it’s included. Very cool.

Losing Your Time

And finally, if losing your work and your gear isn’t a nightmare enough, it can be just as painful to lose your time. What do I mean?

I’m talking about those projects that you are so excited about at first, but then they take you months and months to every complete…or perhaps you never complete them. There are two reasons why this happens:

Poor Planning

If you don’t finish a project, it’s probably because you didn’t plan it well. Perhaps you got so excited about having that first recording session that you decided not to actually listen to the song and do some pre-production on it beforehand. This is by far one of the biggest time-wasters in the studio. If you spend 10 weeks on a song, only to realize that you wish you had rewritten some of the chords, added a bridge, and recorded it 5 bpm slower, you’re stuck. It’s nearly impossible to go in and make those changes after you’ve recorded a bunch of parts.

Take the time to plan out the song. It doesn’t have to be a big, complicated process. Just take a half hour to make sure YOU know how you want it to sound in the end. That way you can work towards that goal.

Poor Goal-Setting

Speaking of goals, you need them in your studio. Another word for goal? A deadline.

Deadlines force you to finish projects. Without them, you’ll just click around the screen, night after night, until the next thing you know it’s 5 months later and you haven’t finished a dang thing.

Set a deadline and go for it!

Pumpkins, Funnel Cakes and Elvis

2011-10-31T06:11:00.061-05:00

For the first time in 10 years, since we've become residents of Williamson County, I was able to stroll unhurried Saturday afternoon with Brenda, my daughter Betsy and her husband Adam at the downtown Franklin, TN, PumpkinFest.

It reminded me of the days, 30 years ago, when I was on the road. We played many outdoor state fairs and festivals where the sweet smell of fried funnel cakes and smokey barbeque floated on the crisp autumn breeze. Many children and pets alike were in full Halloween regalia last weekend--even some crazy, gutsy adults.

At the music stage, right in front of the newly-restored Franklin Theater, we stopped for a moment to watch a group of dancers, dressed as zombies, interpret Michael Jackson's famous moves from the Thriller video. Also taking the stage was an Elvis impersonator, decked out in an iconic high-collar, one-piece suit emblazoned with a "Waste Management" logo, singing to the tune of C.C. Rider: "Oh, re----re-cycle. Re-cycle...when you are done!" It seemed to fit the laid-back family atmosphere, even in it's over-the-top corniness.

Betsy and Dad at the Franklin PumpkinFest, 2011

The time I spend with my family is truly precious. I'm thankful that our schedule this summer and fall has been fairly open; we haven't had this opportunity in many years. I know this relaxing time may change at any moment. But while I can stop and smell the barbeque, eat a fried turnover, and peruse local arts and crafts displays along Main Street on a lazy Saturday afternoon, I'm gonna do it-- because fall is my favorite time of year. Happy Halloween, everyone!

Shaw Retro-Mod 15 Combo

2011-10-28T06:16:00.203-05:00

I love the speaker porthole!

Kevin Shaw, the maker of this new amp, is gonna be mad that I'm showing it here. He prefers to create amplifier heads with separate cabs, and doesn't want anyone to get the idea that he's getting into the combo business. I have three other Shaw amps, including a Shaw Retro-Mod 15 in the piggy-back configuration, but I really wanted a grab-and-go amp that works well with pedals, for when I get out and play live. When I asked him to consider making me a combo version, he grit his teeth, shook his head and said, "Just this once!"

The economy has messed with everyone's finances, so getting a new amp without trading or selling other gear was impossible. I had to let go of some of my much-loved stuff, but this black beauty seriously eclipsed the gear I sold to obtain it.

L to R: power, light, standby, tone, volume, boost, input

I appreciate the simplicity: volume, tone and a boost switch. Of course my favorite speaker, the WGS Reaper 30, is part of the tone I love in most all of my amps--and here, it's no exception. The beautifully clean chassis contains new parts along with rescued pieces from a "mojo-soaked" Hammond organ (thus, Retro-Mod!). I love that Kevin has taken the low-end flub away from the typical 5E3 circuit, Tweed-type tone, so the dual 6V6 Fender-esque vibe shines through in all of it's glory. Again, the front-end takes pedals extraordinarily well. But get that volume cranked-up to eight and nine, with just a guitar plugged in, and the amp gets crunchy, creamy--and loud! The guitar volume can be adjusted to create the various tones needed for an entire gig!

WGS Reaper speaker! Notice the two mid-60s RCA 6V6 power tubes.

So many manufacturers add extra buttons, knobs and dials, but the tone has a tendency to suffer as it gets pushed through all of those sonic trails. This simple yet elegant combo makes the great tone I get in my studio, with the head and cab version, possible. This way, I can carry that killer tone wherever I go.

Sorry, Kevin. I spilled the beans!

Paper or Plastic?

2011-10-26T08:36:00.001-05:00

It used to be a standard question at the grocery store: "Will that be paper or plastic?" I always liked paper bags because they smelled so good and you could cover your school books with them in the fall. Plastic is handy, but it just isn't the same. In it's "shininess" it can also be cold. I will attempt to compare paper and plastic to some worship experiences I've had.

Paper is organic. Sometimes we witness a worship experience that is so down-to-earth and simple--just like a paper bag. Many times the musicians and singers don't perform up to professional standards but, for some reason, it generally works. There's much room for improvement, but the overall feel of sweetness and connectivity is present. Many churches fall into this category; they can use a lot of work in the presentation, but they get an A+ in authenticity.

On the other hand, there are churches who have rushed into the "plastic" mode where the presentation is slick but the "heart" is missing. I am a big proponent of excellence (notice my many "Great Moments In Worship" blog post series). I prefer preparation to just "winging it". I like to think through the stage moves, conduct a thorough rehearsal, and coordinate with other aspects of the service and the hospitality teams. But at a certain point, we must learn to relax and connect with God and the congregation. I think it's more helpful for a worship team to be at rest, instead of a team who are trying to put-on a show.

Preparation and planning are the roads to the ultimate destination: a one-on-one, personal connection with God. No one wants to come to church and experience a bunch of puppets-on-strings lead us in worship. If I had my way, I'd choose the down-home method, including mistakes, intonation problems and a set that doesn't quite flow, over fake or forced (it pains me to type that!). I believe that in our race to create great worship presentations, we can make the mistake of rushing right past simplicity. I always try to shoot for a balance.

So what will it be this week, paper or plastic?

Unclaimed Baggage

2011-10-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

My brother Jon and I took the long way to my dad's place in North Carolina over the weekend. We zoomed right past signs to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, where lost luggage and other unspoken-for items from the airlines are sold. I've never been, but my son, Josh, tells me it's full of cool stuff to be had at a fraction of the retail price. Too bad it was closed when we flew by Friday night, but the phrase "unclaimed baggage" really got me to thinking...

Isn't it true that if everyone owned up to their part in family problems, we could actually make things easier for future generations? I remember quizzing my grandmother years ago about a touchy subject relating to persons in our family tree. She shut me down so fast, I was sent away with nothing more than, "We don't talk about that!" I remember being furious but respectful at the same time because grandma was, well--grandma. To this day, the questions go unanswered and are buried along with my deceased relatives.

I think Brenda and I have been pretty forthright with our kids. In fact, it's no secret to them the many mistakes we've made as parents and, generally, as ignorant folks. We certainly have made some clumsy choices along life's way. I think it's good to own-up to our failures and ask for forgiveness sooner than...never.

I wouldn't want to perpetuate any secrets, but would rather expose poor human behavior to my children, even if it involves highly respected family members. I still feel the rejection and remember being angry when grandma turned me away all those years ago.

As long as the baggage stored in dark corners of our personal and family's lives go unclaimed, we will continue the streak of failure, loss, disappointment, shame and fear, until we deal with it once and for all before God. Lord, help us.

Coffee Strategery

2011-10-21T07:33:00.002-05:00

I know I am a complex person; it's evidenced in my coffee snobbery. When I go on trips, like the one I'm taking this weekend, regular McDonald's coffee won't do it for me. (a Starbucks drive-thru is hard to find in rural North Carolina!). I know I've written about this before, but as I prepare for the trek to North Carolina this evening with my brother, I have to think about coffee as seriously as my other travel items. Underwear: check. Socks: check. Medicine: check. Shaving kit: check. Cuban coffee, sweetener, creamer, Melitta cone filter coffeemaker: check!

This summer, as I traveled back and forth to help my dad with his surgeries, I took my Keurig "rig" with me in a cooler that was the perfect caddy to pack all of my coffee supplies. It was a breeze to roll everything from the car to the hotel room. None of that stale hotel room coffee for me, no sir! I didn't miss a great coffee opportunity if I could help it.

On this weekend's trip, it's no exception. Instead of carrying my cafe on wheels, though, I've decided to pare down a bit and simply bring an old-school drip coffee maker. No, not the Mr. Coffee variety, but a drip-system that goes back to the middle ages: hot, boiling water poured over fresh, dark-roasted coffee into a simple, 10-cup glass carafe.

Melitta drip coffee: boil water, pour over fresh coffee, enjoy!

My friend Debra Sadler showed me this process, and when we make coffee for more than one person, especially in the morning, and to save $$$ on K cups, this method of brewing creates the best coffee I've ever had outside of Europe and, closer to home, New Orleans.

Don't ask me why I complicate my life so much. I can only shrug my shoulders and roll my eyes--mostly because I don't want to explain myself. And, as a warning, please wait until I've had my coffee before spewing forth your criticism. You'!l regret it!

The Great Exchange

2011-10-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

This week an Israeli prisoner of war was released in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Outside of the way-too-early presidential campaigning, and continuing reports of the dismal economy, the news of the exchange almost eclipsed the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, but not quite. Shouldn't this news rule the airwaves?

I am so utterly floored by the fact that a country would deem a person so valuable, they would send over 1,000 enemy combatants back to their homeland in trade for the life of this one man. As an American, I have to ask: "Am I that valuable to my country?" I don't think so. All I know is that, to God, I am that valuable.

The Bible says in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (NIV). God gave his only Son (one solitary person) to free us (the whole of humanity) from death, to spend eternal life in His presence. God exchanged his Son so that I would go back to the place I came from, not to re-arm and become a soldier fighting against His kingdom, but rather to tell others about His love and this wonderful gift of freedom.

I know its obvious but, in today's news cycle, the comparison probably won't be made. I'm thankful that today I can benefit, too, in a greater exchange. Our value, according to God, was well worth the trade for His Son's life. I am blown away by that generosity!

Real Friends

2011-10-17T10:23:00.001-05:00

I saw this photo last night and immediately posted it on my Facebook wall. According to the "likes" and the comments, it was a big hit. As I looked at it again this morning, it reminded me of the value of a good friend.

You know when you do something unaware, like leave the house without zipping up your pants, or you still have evidence of breakfast on your face when you get to work? Hours later you realize you've been the office idiot. Well, its so true: humor is usually found in someone else's misfortune...until we're the brunt of the joke.

A good friend will always rush to our rescue, albeit after a few chuckles. Brenda is my best friend and has saved me from countless embarrassing moments, most recently, by telling me I shouldn't write a certain something in my blog. My daughter is my friend, too, because she is quick to say, "Daddy, are you really gonna wear that?"

Sometimes I am quick to point out what I think is wrong, when its not the best time or thing to do. Thank God for my wife, she will jump in front of a bullet for me like a Secret Service agent shielding the President of the United States. Again, she has saved me numerous times.

Back to the photo...Poor Ray Charles was stuck out there in an embarrassing situation for who knows how long. Probably, the photo was altered. But in any event, everyone needs a friend to get us out of awkward situations. I'm sure Mr. Charles had stagehands to make the fix in a nano-second!

My goal this week is to be a true friend and run to the rescue when a pal needs me the most. It could be mustard on the chin, toilet paper hanging out the back of their pants, or any number of humiliating situations. I can't guarantee my friend's loyalty, but I can certainly be there to help steer them out of social danger during a clueless moment. As the Sicilian proverb says: "Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty."

Magazines

2011-10-14T10:36:00.001-05:00

Magazines have been an important part of my my life ever since I was small. My dad always had a shelf filled with National Geographic magazines that came in handy for school projects. I don't know if he ever found out that we would cut and paste the pictures into school reports. Highlights and Boy's Life magazines filled my life as a child. I remember collecting Reader's Digest magazines one Christmas because my scout troop were folding them into little Christmas trees and giving the painted and glittered beauties away as gifts. (I still get Reader's Digest, albeit the Kindle version).

The thing about magazines for me is that they smell so good when you open them. My magazines of choice today are usually music oriented. So when I crack one open, the ink whiff starts it all, and then the thought of very cool music gear inside, waiting to be perused, is exciting (I know, I need to get out more)! Mix Magazine, Vintage Guitar, and Premier Guitar are the magazines I will stand at the curb and wait for. I instinctively know when one of those choice mags are coming my way: something in the wind tells me and, lo and behold, a few days later, one of them will appear!

I have a secret magazine subscription. No, it's not the illicit types you're thinking of. I love Reminiscence Magazine. It contains writings from regular people who share their memories of the good ol' days. It is an old people's magazine, supposedly, but I have seen articles by folks around my age in there. So, technically, I am of the appropriate age to read it. My dad had some of his writings published in Reminiscence, so he usually had stacks waiting for me to devour when we'd visit him in North Carolina before he moved in with us. Now his subscription comes to my door and I love it!

People magazine is another fave. Everyone in my family devours it, except for Brenda. She has her own set of magazines that she reads, mostly of the knitting, spinning and book review variety. Needless to say, we are sufficiently magazine-d at the Harvill house. I bet if you come over, and when you feel at home, before you excuse yourself to use the restroom, you'll look around the room and ask with a hushed voice, "Where's the new issue of People?"

Songwriter Wisdom, Part 1

2011-10-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

I have been blessed for the past 20 years to make a living as a songwriter. I always felt I should be paying to write songs because its such a blast. Don't get me wrong, its hard work; its a skill. I've always said, and I'll say it again: "A great song isn't written, its re-written." Great songs with killer lyrics are not spit out in 15 minutes. Yes, the first draft may have taken a few minutes. But by the time you have shaped and re-shaped it, its kinda like making pasta the old fashioned way: you roll it out, fold it, run it through a "truth press", fold it again, run it through a "cut-the-fat press", fold it again, run it through a "just an acoustic guitar press", then cut it into the sumptuous strips that are the beginnings of a tasty Italian dish! Great songwriters don't settle!

I have been asked by many a first-time writer for some guidance in what to do if their song is chosen for a recording. Here are a few suggestions:

1) Jump for joy! You are about a fraction of a percentage of the population of the world who will ever have that opportunity. Treat the "first time" wisely and you will have a better chance at making songwriting your career. That leads me to...

2) There is no such thing as a "standard" publishing deal. The deal will be as good as you are valuable to the artist, producer, record company, etc. The "standard" spiel is given so you'll give up valuable income to others in the food chain. My feeling is that the writer should own as much of the publishing as possible and, of course, the full percentage of the writer's share, according to the number of writers on the song. There are times, however, when sharing is wise...

3) Sometimes giving up a percentage of publishing is wise when: a) its your fist cut and your willingness to share gives your song a fighting chance to stay on the song list; b) you are a new writer and have been invited by a producer or artist to write songs for a specific project; c) you're new and have a better chance of your song making more income with a major label and great distribution. (my first cut and my subsequent 8-years as a staff writer with Integrity Music meant I gave-up 100% of my publishing, but they sold a bunch of records...I still make a great living on those songs I signed 20 years ago. Since 2000, I've been independent and rarely split publishing).

4) Not all cuts are the same. In other words, just because your song gets on a record doesn't mean you'll make any money. In Christian music, from which I hail, a single CD may have the shelf-life of a year, maybe two. If a record doesn't fly, you may only get a few bucks out of it, if you are fortunate. Seasonal projects, like Christmas records, are only alive for a few months at a time. Choral music, or what the industry calls "print", doesn't always bring a windfall. If your song was previously recorded for another project and you get a "print" cut, then that's better. You have to be smart and know where the original song placement will be because, after you sign the publishing away, its next to impossible to adjust it, outside of a skilled lawyer and a bunch of legal fees So, decide the fate of your song and its future by the quality of the cut.

Everyone in the music business knows that everything rises and falls with the song. The song is what's valuable, not necessarily the artist or band. Remember, a song can be recorded an infinite amount of times, and the subsequent income streams can feed you and your loved-ones for years. This is all part of the wisdom a songwriter must apply in order to succeed.

Next time, I will discuss income streams and the many ways a song can potentially generate revenue. Remember: Not everybody can write songs--its a God-given skill; songs aren't written, they're re-written and you gotta know the business to make a living in it. Be wise, always be a learner, and stay humble!

Identity Gift

2011-10-10T09:39:00.002-05:00

There are very few things that get my blood pumping in an instant; one of them was when I found out from my credit card company recently that I was a victim of identity fraud. This news sent me into a frenzy to put a stop on my account. On another occasion, when applying for a home loan, our credit report showed that Brenda and I owned a boat and a second home (I wish!). We cleared up the problem eventually, but that scare is something I'll never forget, and we are duly suspicious when handing over our credit card to pay for a meal. Identity fraud is frightening, to say the least!

In a sermon yesterday at our church, I heard something that I want to pass on to you today. The pastor preached about our identity in Christ, as Children of God, from 1 John. I never before saw it so clearly: "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1, NIV)

When someone steals our identity through obtaining our Social Security number or other private information, they can take on full authority in our behalf to make purchases. I read recently of a person who stole the identity of the former bass player with the Eagles, Randy Meisner. The impersonator was booking gigs and getting free drinks from bars all across the country. Meisner himself was even thought to be his own impersonator at one point!

In Christ, though, we have taken on the gift of God's identity. Our sin is forgiven and we are covered by His righteousness. The Bible says: "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." (Romans 8:17, NIV) That means as children of God we share all of the benefits as "first-born sons" in his household. We are fully covered by His identity in regard to health, wealth, physical and spiritual protection and future hope. Through our new identity in God we are also saved from an eternal hell.

So instead of an identity theft, I can celebrate an identity gift today. Its something that can turn a gray sky into blue. I am a child of the King! I need to live like it.

Growing Up with the Eagles

2011-10-07T09:17:00.001-05:00

The Eagles were my generation's Beatles. You might argue the point, but if you look back, both groups started out doing a lot of cover songs, and their real talent emerged in writing and performing their own material. With the Eagles, there were two guys who definitely and unquestionably were the leaders: Don Henley and Glen Frey. With the Beatles: John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Over the years, certain members of the Eagles would wrestle with who were in charge. But the fact remained, and the dissenters always lost the struggle to eventually go their own way.

Now, in 2011, There are several books telling the story of the birth, flight, death, rebirth and continued flight of the Eagles. Folks my age (too young to remember the Beatles on Ed Sullivan but teenagers in the early 70s) would see similarities with the Fab Four. With both groups, the "song" was king and the record production--clean and perfected. Though exuding a casual, laid-back persona as country rockers, the Eagles helped set a high bar for any other group to dare follow. They made enemies early on with east coast rock critics when some members of the Eagles spoke negatively about certain New York bands of the period. The Eagles found disdain by critics for decades but obviously have weathered the storm and have, like the Phoenix, risen out of the ashes to fly again, and again.

A great book by Ben Fong-Torres, "Eagles," presents a first-hand, "been there" perspective of the band in a well-written, photo-laden, "coffee table worthy" but well-worth-the-read, history. Fong-Torres, a former writer and editor with Rolling Stone magazine, is one of my favorite writers, and he himself interviewed the Eagles back when they were willing to give them. I've read most, if not all, of the Eagles books available, including Don Felder's "Heaven and Hell." This new offering starts with a baseball game in the late 70s between the Rolling Stone magazine staff and the Eagles (Rolling Stone lost). The Eagles would see their own demise soon after the magazine did an Eagles cover story in 1979. Fong-Torres' book weaves through all of the phases of the group's life and line-up through today. I never tire of reading about the Eagles' fascinating story!

A few interesting facts about the Eagles that may surprise you:

--Their first gig was at Disneyland as a back-up band for Linda Ronstadt. Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon were the more experienced members of the group. But by the second record, Don Henley and Glenn Frey quickly became the front-runners as lead writers and singers.

--Though touted as the embodiment of the southern California country rock sound, none of the original Eagles were from southern California: Don Henley was from Texas; Glenn Frey from Michigan; Randy Meisner from Nebraska; and Bernie Leadon from Minnesota/Florida (Timothy B. Schmidt, a Meisner replacement before "The Long Run" album, was from central California in Sacramento).

--Their first record was completely recorded in England with producer/ engineer Glyn Johns, who had previously worked with the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

--Before the Eagles, Randy Meisner, the high-singing bass player, auditioned for the group Poco, beating out Timothy B. Schmidt (another high-tenor/ bass picker). When Meisner left Poco, Schmidt took his place. When Meisner left the Eagles, Schmidt replaced him there, too!

New Harvill | Sadler song: Hope of the World

2011-10-05T06:42:00.000-05:00

Finally, Gary and I have finished mixing "Hope of the World!" This is a Christmas version of the song which will eventually be on our forthcoming 2012 CD, sans the Christmas fade at the end. We have been working on this project for a while now and can't wait for all of the songs to be totally finished and released.

In the coming weeks, as I wrote here before, we will be going live with our new website where anyone can sign-up for our newsletter and receive a free download of "Hope of the World." If you make a special request to me personally, I just might get you a lead-sheet with all the chords and lyrics. We will be offering this special promotion through Thanksgiving 2011, then it will be available at all of the download stores like iTunes. I will keep you posted here when we plan release the complete CD in 2012.

Please give a listen to the song on the player below. Tell me what you think. Blessings!

Changing My Mind

2011-10-03T10:20:00.001-05:00

I appreciate my friend John Stanko and his weekly Monday Memo, where today he wrote: "I was wrong." He went back to an old four-point teaching about failure and realized the last point wasn't accurate, so he re-wrote it. Maybe he didn't see the error before, or maybe his views have changed over the years. Whatever the case, he was flexible enough to change his mind.

One of the many things my college experience did for me was to think critically--not with a negative penchant to dominate or prove somebody wrong for the fun of it--but with the intention to research and think through all of the possible angles before giving the statement or belief a hand-stamp of approval. Some bosses, religious leaders and even educators (even though they espouse an open mind) think this critical process is subversive. I believe it is Biblical.

I ran across some faulty business maxims recently that possibly have been taken for granted since many highly regarded authors have either professed or have referred to the following statements as "truth." While I don't necessarily endorse Alexander Kjerulf lock, stock and barrel, his challenge to these five top business maxims caught my attention:

Old maxim #1: Failure is not an option
Meaning: We absolutely, positively must succeed.

Guess what: No matter how many times you repeat this maxim, failure remains an option. Closing your eyes to this fact only makes you more likely to fail. Putting pressure on people to always succeed makes mistakes more likely because:
People who work under pressure are less effective
People resist reporting bad news
People close their eyes to signs of trouble
New maxim: Failure happens. Deal with it.

Old maxim #2: The customer is always right
Meaning: The customer is king. We satisfy our customers’ every need.

No. No, no, no. This tired business maxim often means that loyal hardworking employees are scorned in favor of unreasonable customers. It also, ironically, results in bad customer service.

New maxim: Happy employees means happy customers.

Old maxim #3: Never be satisfied
Meaning: You can never be satisified and complacent in business. You’ve always gotta want more.

This is a bad mistake which rests on a very fundamental misconception, namely that being satisfied means that you stop acting. That satisfaction breeds complacency and therefore that a happy, satisfied company will be passive. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, a constant sense of dissatisfaction in an organization sends one powerful message: We’re not good enough! The irony is that this results in worse performance.

This is not about closing your eyes and pretending things are great if they’re not. It’s about appreciating the fact that people in constant states of dissatisfaction erode an organization’s will and ability to act. The trick is to appreciate what you have and still aim for more.

New maxim: Always be appreciative but never complacent.

Old maxim #4: Nice guys finish last
Meaning: We can’t be too nice in business. In fact, being nice may hinder your career and impede results.

That’s just not true, of course we should be nice at work. This doesn’t mean that you have to be nice to all of the people all of the time, but it means that you absolutely can be a nice person and succeed in business. Unpleasant people hurt the bottom line. In a networked world reputation matters, and it’s more important to be generous and likeable than to be ruthless and efficient.

New maxim: Nice guys get the job done.

Old maxim #5: Grow or die
Meaning: A business is either growing or dying. A business can’t be successful if it’s not growing.

Sometimes a business might be better off spending a quarter or a year not growing but simply consolidating existing business. Consequently not growing or even shrinking does not automatically represent business failure.

New maxim: Grow when you gotta.

When I mentioned "Biblical" earlier, I was referring to Acts 17:11 and what the Apostle Paul said about some of his students: "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (NIV)."

Even if you don't agree with my philosophy, the Apostle Paul, or even Alexander Kjerulf's revised maxims, it is noble to scrutinize what people say and make a solid examination before laying our lives down on a doctrine, opinion or a theory. I am impressed when someone does find error, especially in a teaching they themselves taught. It's okay to change your mind. That's called true repentance!

(The "Top 5 Business Maxims That Need to Go" article by Alexander Kjerulf is borrowed from the website, Chief Happiness Officer.)

Alan Parsons Talks About His Work with the Beatles

2011-10-01T09:08:00.002-05:00

Grandpa's TV

2011-09-30T08:01:00.007-05:00

No, my daughter Betsy isn't pregnant, nor is Josh's wife, Amber. Brenda just called me "grandpa" last night as we were scanning the TV for something to watch. Her nickname is given in reference to some of the shows I tend to like. As we were looking through the Thursday night lineup after our beloved The Office and Parks and Recreation were finished, I thumbed through the DVR list and found a fresh episode of the local PBS station's Tennessee Crossroads. Each episode, as they tell it. "...travels the highways and byways of Tennessee, highlighting the personalities, crafts, places, foods and events that make Tennessee special and its character unique." I pushed play and the first thing Brenda did was look in my direction to say, "You're gonna watch one of your 'grandpa' shows again."

She says the same when I watch an episode of the Lawrence Welk Show. I know it sounds silly, but I love to go back in time, listen to the old songs, make fun of the outrageous costumes and styles, and mock Bobby, along with his dancing partner of the week. But generally, I sink into the cozy armchair that is my memory of growing up in the 60s and 70s, during family gatherings and holidays.

There's another show I watch on RFD-TV (what they themselves call Rural America’s Most Important Network). It's Larry's Country Diner. The show is taped here in Nashville from a fake diner, hosted by Larry Black and his cast of small-town characters, along with a sheriff and my favorite gossip, Nadine. She always breaks into the diner unannounced and humorously ruminates on the days doings in a "Church Lady-meets-Minnie Pearl" sort of way. I love the corny humor. Again, it's probably me reaching back to a simple, less-complicated time in life. Brenda automatically leaves the room when I am watching any these shows.

I have been sampling some of the new fall TV offerings and, frankly, many of them are a bit crass for my taste. I can't believe I'm casting judgement like an old man sitting on a park bench. To be fair, there are a lot of great shows on, and I gobble them up weekly via my trusted DVR. But I will continue to watch my "old guy" shows, even if I'm all alone. Grandpa fits me pretty well--I guess I'll be a real one soon enough, anyway!

We Are Not Powerless

2011-09-28T08:57:00.008-05:00

This morning I awoke to the power being out in our house. The silence--no air conditioning noise, inside or out; TVs off; computers out, etc.--made everything deathly quiet. My mind raced to the conclusion: "What do I do now?"

I was relieved when--after wondering if I paid the power bill, and running through a mental list of how I was gonna get stuff done with no electricity--in just under an hour, the ceiling fan over my head started turning and all was back to normal.

Sometimes things unexpectedly happen in life, just like a power outage. Maybe an accident, an illness, a job loss, or a marital/ relational difficulty stops us in our tracks. The first thing we think (i.e. power bill) is: "What did I do (or not do) to get in this predicament?" Many times there are no answers. Then we think: "How can life go on?" The situation we find ourselves in can bring about a complete halt in activity.

I have learned that life can go on even in the midst of debilitating circumstances. The fact is: we are not powerless. Even the most mundane activities can keep our lives moving. Brenda and I have often reminded each other what Elizabeth Elliot has said on the subject:

"When I went back to my jungle station after the death of my first husband, Jim Elliot, I was faced with many confusions and uncertainties. I had a good many new roles, besides that of being a single parent and a widow. I was alone on a jungle station that Jim and I had manned together. I had to learn to do all kinds of things, which I was not trained or prepared in any way to do. It was a great help to me simply to do the next thing.

Have you had the experience of feeling as if you've got far too many burdens to bear, far too many people to take care of, far too many things on your list to do? You just can't possibly do it, and you get in a panic and you just want to sit down and collapse in a pile and feel sorry for yourself.
Well, I've felt that way a good many times in my life, and I go back over and over again to an old Saxon legend, which I'm told is carved in an old English parson somewhere by the sea. I don't know where this is. But this is a poem which was written about that legend. The legend is 'Do the next thing.'

The poem says, 'Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing.' That is a wonderfully saving truth. Just do the next thing."

(From a Back to the Bible transcript, Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc.)

So when life throws us a challenge, like a power outage, there are certainly somethings we will not be able to do. But if we improvise, lighting candles and making use of the quiet moment, we may begin to hear the still, small voice of God speaking to us (1 Kings 19:12). And that just might be the reason for the "power outage" God allowed in our life.

I have to remember: the electricity will return; it always does.

Instrumentals

2011-09-26T08:14:00.006-05:00

I have always enjoyed instrumentals. I was born in 1960 when Percy Faith's "Theme From A Summer Place" was playing on every radio in the country. My dad raised me on Big Band Swing and my mom, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. My ear was always attuned to surf guitar instrumentals, dripping with reverb, and accompanying the myth that brought so many to the beaches not far from my Fullerton home. Even as a southern Californian, I was drawn to Bluegrass and country music with all the furious guitar picking.

Without a single word, the listener is free to wander through an instrumental's sonic wonderland, creating personal vistas and story lines. A simple melody in a hymn can fill us with emotion--stirring memories of loved ones, inspiring faith and devotion.

After all these years, I am compelled to produce my own instrumental CD. I have picked a few hymns with familiar melodies, but most of the songs are new compositions including electric and acoustic offerings. A few of the songs were written many years ago, just waiting for an opportunity like this to come out of hiding. Other songs were recently inspired. I have several songs in various stages of production. When I have ten, mixed and mastered, I will release the CD on all of the internet download sites like iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazonmp3.com.

I am so excited! I have been working hard on a daily basis to keep on track for an early 2012 release. I will update everyone with a few teasers as songs become ready to present.

By the way, Gary Sadler and I are putting final touches on a Christmas song we wrote called "Hope of the World." We will have it as a free download beginning sometime in October. We want to bring attention to the fact that our new CD will finally be coming out in the first quarter of 2012. We will announce the free download website in the coming weeks. So if you sign up for our newsletter, you can have the song to enjoy over the holidays. We are very excited about the new CD. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I'll keep you posted on the instrumental and the new Harvill|Sadler project!

My 10 Favorite Summer CDs of 2011

2011-09-23T06:36:00.001-05:00

As days get shorter and fall begins to cast it's long shadow over the land, I want to mention 10 of this year's music releases that became my summer soundtrack.

First, I have to mention Tedeschi Trucks Band and their excellent release, Revelator. I got to see the Allman Brothers two years ago and was impressed with Derek Trucks and his flawless slide guitar playing. After listening to his wife Susan Tedeschi sing, I was sold on the complete package. The songs and the production compliment the excellent performances.

Second, I loved Keb Mo's Reflection CD. I wasn't an avid listener before Reflection, but seeing him perform "Whole Enchilada" on Conan O'Brien gave me the curiosity to listen to the entire record. Its layered with excellent electric and acoustic guitar with a "Steely Dan" treatment here and there, augmented by killer lady background vocals. A must get!

Third, I'll have to mention George Thorogood and his 2120 South Michigan Avenue. I normally wouldn't have gone in this direction if it were not for Amazonmp3.com offering the record at a crazy discount. When I listened to the first track, "Going Back," and the ZZ Top-like riff, I was gonna listen to this record all the way through. I have. Several times...and now I'm a fan!

Fourth, I want to mention Glen Campbell and his swansong recording, Ghost on the Canvas. I wrote about this on a blog recently. It really is a wonderful production surrounding Campbell's voice, guitar work and great songs. I was delighted to see Campbell put trust in his producer, Julian Raymond, to bring a modern sound to this record. It reminds me of Rick Rubin's work with Johnny Cash--not in sound or production, but in utilizing a visionary producer who can inspire, focus and craft the performance of a legend.

Fifth, Levon Helm and the Ramble at the Ryman CD. What can I say? I adored his recent studio albums, Dirt Farmer and Electric Dirt. So a live version of similar goodness was welcomed. Special guests like Sheryl Crow, John Hiatt and Buddy Miller bring variety to the record. A real fun listen!

Sixth, Michael Franks and Time Together. I became a fan with 1977's Sleeping Gypsy and have followed him ever since. I was fortunate enough to see him live at the Franklin (TN) Jazz Festival in 2001. His records are the soundtrack to summer. Plus, he's a huge Antonio Carlos Jobim fan, like me!

Seventh, J.D. Souther: Natural History. Wow. This guy has written everything...well almost. He has co-written several Eagles hits and penned many Linda Ronstadt songs. His most recent "hit" Eagles song, is "How Long," from the Long Road Out of Eden CD. He also co-wrote the Eagles songs " "Sad Cafe" from The Long Run, "New Kid In Town" and "Best of My Love." His famous solo hit was 1979's "You're Only Lonely." Souther's Natural History CD contains fresh, un-plugged versions of most of the songs just mentioned. His tenor voice still shines.

Eighth, Steve Miller: Let Your Hair Down. Miller has been pigeon-holed with "The Joker" and "Fly Like An Eagle." His latest two records were released on his own label and really spotlight his blues guitar chops. Let Your Hair Down was the second to be released, Bingo! was the first. I champion an artist who doesn't wait for some big record company to promote their music. Miller already has a sturdy following, so he made the records he wanted to make--his way. Score!

Ninth, Social Distortion: Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes. These guys have been around forever. This record is one I would have never sampled except for an Amazonmp3.com deal. I downloaded it and was swept-up in killer guitar tones, great vocals and excellent lyrics. Plus, these guys are my age, and are from my hometown of Fullerton, California!

Tenth, Peter Wolf. Okay, so he didn't release a record this year. Still, Peter is a huge favorite of mine. I was a marginal fan way back in his J. Geils Band days. They made a few super hits in the early eighties and catapulted into mega status with, "Centerfold" and "Freeze-Frame." I always loved his voice, though. Several years ago I saw Wolf perform on T.V. as a solo artist promoting his 2002 Sleepless record. I became a huge fan after I heard the whole CD. His writing and singing are still stellar, but his production--with all the great guitar and organic keyboard layering--is riveting to me. I had to go back and gobble-up 1998's Fool's Parade. His latest, 2010's Midnight Souvenirs, just ups the ante for me.

I'm looking for the new records out this fall from Ryan Adams, Coldplay, Brian Wilson and Vince Gill. I hope they won't disappoint. I'll let you know...

Dear Church Administrator...

2011-09-20T07:55:00.013-05:00

There has been much written about the pastor/ worship leader relationship, but up until now, I haven't seen a proper perspective given from the worship leader. While understanding the great need for organization and administration in the church, I feel that there has been a proliferation of corporate doctrine streaming into church leadership as of late, where the Senior Pastor and/or Administrative Pastor are inadvertently becoming more like CEOs rather than shepherds. Thus, church leaders can make the mistake of forcing worship leaders into a corporate mold rather than foster creativity, for which they were hired and are paid to accomplish (a warm, personal, excellently delivered opportunity for the congregation to experience the presence of God). I understand that there is a level of organization and preparedness with which a worship leader must function to prosper on a church staff. But a great worship leader with great administrative abilities usually doesn't exist--there must be a mix, with worship leading being the primary skill set.

Every once in a while I come across an article or a blog that is worth re-posting. I have served on church staffs for more than 30 years and rarely do I see a commentary that articulates a matter as well as the following piece. When I read the post in it's original form, out of the eleven points made, some of them didn't resonate with me and, frankly, some were controversial. As a result, I didn't re-post the blog in it's entirety, but have included the points where I found myself hollering, "Yes!" (To see the original post and all eleven points, I have included a link at the end).

The author is Carlos Whittaker. He has served on staff at at Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA, one of the three North Point Community Church campuses. He is currently a worship leader and recording artist with Integrity Music.

Dear administrator person who oversees [the] worship leader…

1. It’s not that they don’t want to be organized, it’s just that they won’t ever have that skill set, because you hired them to do something else. Help them. Don’t grade them.

2. You’re view looking at the back of people’s heads as they worship is only 1/2 the view. Trust what your worship leader sees and he will trust what you see. Both of your perspectives are vital.

3. “Office Hours” need not be primarily in your office. They need to be outside of the offices to be inspired. Let them.

4. If you are going to call them a “worship leader” then let them actually “lead” something else other than songs on a Sunday. Give them leadership opportunities with your staff.

5. Let them off at least one Sunday every 8 weeks. And let your preacher off too. There is nothing worse than creating a culture of robotic worship leadership and preaching. It will bring freshness. I promise.

6. You let the pastor preach from notes. Give them a confidence monitor for those new songs.

7. Relationship will go much farther than Performance Reviews. If there is no relationship, they will dread and despise anything you say in those review meetings. If there is relationship, they will not only take notes, but grow in their leadership faster than Usain Bolt on his best day.

Link to original blog post:
11 Tips For The Administrator Who Oversees The Worship Leader

I'll Always Remember the Alamo

2011-09-18T05:42:00.014-05:00

I spent the weekend in San Antonio officiating a wedding for some friends. Since the ceremony wasn't until Saturday evening, I took advantage of the beautiful Riverwalk and other sites, just a stroll from my hotel.

A light rain forced me indoors for a short rest, but I had one more stop before the wedding: The Alamo. As I came upon the mission facade--the famous backdrop for all movies and photos--it seemed so small in real life. I thought of Pee Wee Herman with his odyssey and search for the stolen red bike. And I confirm, there is no basement in the Alamo.

In a courtyard, I listened to a lecture about the turmoil which led up to the historic siege on the small mission outpost in 1836. I made my way to the museum and then to the gift shop. When I approached a young lady there about the IMAX film shown on the premises, she looked at me and asked the question I have been dreading. "Sir, are you a senior?" I know I didn't misunderstand her; she didn't say señor--as in Spanish for mister. Yep, I'm certain. She looked straight at me and basically communicated, "Hey old man, if you are as old as I think you are, you can save a few bucks on the movie. And by the way, wheelchairs are available if you need one." Well, she really didn't say that...but it's what my heart heard, anyway! Really, a senior citizen?

So if you're 51 years old, visiting San Antonio, and have a little gray in you beard and at the temples, don't ask a young person for ticket prices. They just might remind you that death is eminent. And for that incident, I'll always remember the Alamo!

Analog

2011-09-16T10:02:00.008-05:00

Today started with an early morning scurry to get to the airport for a 7:15 flight to San Antonio, TX. I am half way to my destination, sitting in Houston with my laptop, writing this.

The process for each trip always involves making sure each electronic device is fully charged, every needed accessory is packed and my reservations are intact with an e-ticket waiting. Today, I am fully wireless. I can reach anyone and, unfortunately, can be reached by everyone. I have all of my magazines available in digital form on my iPad, email and IM on my Android, and all of my work files stored on my MacBook. All of this was but a geeky dream 20 years ago.

The problem is, I still like real magazines and real books. Even though my Kindle is filled with e-books, there's still something about the tactile experience of turning real pages and, most importantly, the smell of the ink on paper.

I like vinyl records, too. The experience of listening to them one side at a time, all the while studying the liner notes and pictures, is something kids can't relate to today. I still definitely prefer real tube guitar amplifiers over digital, virtual amps. Some musicians still prefer analog 2-inch tape over digital recording.

As I ponder the days of analog with the shag carpeted, orange-hue of the Seventies, and never being "connected," I begin to see that I really never want to go back there. So many advantages are brought to us via digital. When I traveled in the old days, I had to depend on payphones or hotel operators to communicate with family. That adventure was always full of logistical and financial challenges, especially with overseas travel.

So, as I finish this, I am hearing the call to get on the flight to San Antonio. Hey, never mind all of that foolishness about analog. It's a good memory, but I'll take digital over analog any day. I'll finish this, check my email messages on the phone and head down the aisle to my seat...maybe do a few last-minute things on my iPad before they close the door and make us turn our toys off.

At least travel is still analog. One day, maybe we'll be looking back to when people traveled without a Star Trek transporter "beaming us up." Until then, I'll be patient.

Lou Gramm: Foreigner

2011-09-14T09:05:00.005-05:00

It was in the summer of 1977, during a date after an Angels game, that I first heard Foreigner and the song "Feels Like the First Time" on my car radio. I was blown away! The lead singer of this new group, Lou Gramm, would become one of the greatest singers in rock history. I rushed to the record store to buy the self-titled Foreigner album, studied the illustrated cover (photo at left) and read the liner notes. I learned that the band was comprised of six guys--three British and three Americans. Soon, the music went viral and the whole world knew of Foreigner. Just like the phenomena with the group Boston a year earlier, everyone had a copy of their record.

The two standout members in Foreigner were also the chief songwriters of the group. Mick Jones, a guitar-slinging refugee from the English group, Spooky Tooth, was out to create a super-group culled from both sides of the pond. Youthful Lou Gramm, a golden-voiced Rochester, New York native, auditioned for the band while on hiatus from his own group, The Black Sheep. In early 1977, after Gramm spent several days in NYC with Jones, putting his iconic vocals on the soon to be famous tracks, he was invited to be the front man of Foreigner.

Over the years, Foreigner released back to back albums with singles adding up to several top hits, including songs like "Cold As Ice," "Hot Blooded," "I Want To Know What Love Is," "Waiting For A Girl Like You," and "Juke Box Hero."

2011 marks the 30th anniversary of Foreigner 4 which, arguably, is the masterpiece of their career. Its hard to fathom that three decades have passed since I purchased that cassette tape in a record store somewhere in the midwest while on tour with my own band. That record inspired me as a guitar player, singer and songwriter. My loyalty to the band continues even as Foreigner releases a Wal Mart exclusive, three-disc set this week (a fresh recording of their hits, along with an unplugged acoustic version, and a concert DVD, filmed earlier in March, 2011). Needless to say, I am a big fan.

Foreigner has experienced personnel changes on just about every album since their debut in 1977. In 1992, Lou Gramm made a decision to get sober and, in the process of recovery, became a Christian. He continued to tour and record with the group even as evolving radio formats refused to play their new songs--only the older hits. Gramm made a few solo records and remained with the group until a brain tumor brought everything to a screeching halt. Three months after the surgery, Gramm was back on the road with the band. Over the ensuing months, his health wasn't getting better and his weight gain, due to therapeutic steroids, added an extra 100 pounds to this previously lanky rocker's frame. Audiences were shocked.

He has since left Foreigner to form his own self-titled group, along with his two brothers. I came upon an interview today from the CBN website that Lou Gramm gave in November, 2009. I was inspired with his story and testimony. Even as Foreigner releases a new CD this week, Lou Gramm's legacy still resounds in the hearts of fans to this day.

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National Day of Encouragement

2011-09-12T06:30:00.000-05:00

Today, September 12, 2011, has been designated the National Day of Encouragement. Brenda tweeted this last week and made the point that it is appropriate placement, following the tenth anniversary of the attacks on 9/11.

Sometimes we need to retreat--to take cover and rest after a day like yesterday. It was hard to dodge the many 9/11 specials all over TV. I saw one program on MSNBC that touted the injustices inflicted on detainees at Guantanamo Bay. If there was a more inappropriate day to air that special, I know not one. It was so sad to see families on other networks as they tearfully remembered their fallen loved ones.

So a Day of Encouragement is due. Sometimes the road gets long, we get weary and faith can waver. I'm ready for some good news today. It may be in the form of a compliment, or as a great future opportunity. Today, the greatest hope and encouragement comes from God. When I read Jeremiah 29:11, my spirit is lifted: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Basking in the warmth of those words, have a great National Day of Encouragement!

9/11: We Must Never Forget

2011-09-09T07:10:00.010-05:00

At the age of 15, my father sat in a movie theater near Los Angeles in December of 1941. The feature was suddenly halted and every serviceman in attendance was summoned to duty. Japan had just bombed Pearl Harbor, a little known name to Americans back then. It would become an infamous place on the map, and the occasion an infamous day in American history. The moment is vivid in my dad's mind each time he tells the story. He usually ends the account with, "We must never forget."

In 2001, we had just sold our home in North Carolina, looking to relocate to Tennessee and, in the mean time, were staying with Brenda's parents for a few days in Mobile, Alabama. We gathered around the living room TV after the news broke that the first tower had been struck. We continued to watch in disbelief as the awful truth slowly unfolded and world changed before our eyes. Brenda and I mentioned how, just a few years earlier, we rode the subway to the Towers on a trip to New York and took the iconic escalators that led many to their doom. It was a helpless sight to see the jumpers, and to realize that thousands were trapped with no recourse but to wait and pray for rescue. It was a terrible day-- one that could make a happy-go-lucky person become cynical and bitter.

I was just 3 years old when the world changed back in November, 1963. As Kennedy lay lifeless in a Dallas hospital, the people of this great country reacted in much the same fashion as on 9/11, my elders tell me. What was once a post-WWII climate of positivity and economic prosperity--with babies being born in record numbers, new home building and interstate highways creating a single nation out of scattered regions-- instantly became a more fearful place as Kennedy faced-down Kruschev, close to home, during the Bay of Pigs debacle. When Kennedy was struck down a few years later, it ushered in a new brand of fright: America was vulnerable to attack from within it's own borders. Whatever the case, the fact is, we Americans are vulnerable. We seem to forget, over time. When our economy is on an upswing, and our bellies are full, the threat to our freedom becomes a hazy memory from the past.

This weekend, as we sit around the TV to take in all of the 9/11 tenth anniversary remembrances, we must also remember that a dark world exists outside our comfy homes. I'm not trying to be morose, just speaking the truth. Our naive tendency is to believe that good dwells in all humanity. I will say now that, outside of the Spirit of God, evil dwells in the heart of man. In the Bible, Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (NIV)" Where there is an opportunity for power, humans will do whatever it takes to gain the upper hand. Therefore, we must never forget that dreadful day when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and into that lonely field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We must never forget--because if we're not careful, it could happen again.

We must remember the rescuers and the fallen this weekend . The many souls who perished in the flames and rubble will forever be honored in our hearts and in history. Like my dad says, "We must never forget."

Songs, the Church and the Truth

2011-09-07T15:53:00.006-05:00

When I visited my alma mater last week, I ran into an old friend from Truth, Alicia Williamson Garcia, who is now teaching there at the University of Mobile. She feels her contribution to students who pass through the very popular worship leadership track is to inform them how very important theology is when leading a worship team and/or writing songs. I think she is going to be very effective--the church will benefit as much as the graduate.

I have been asked over the years by many Christian song writers to listen to their song demos. Usually, my biggest critiques have been in the areas of song style and theology. (I am a lyric hound., and a big area of concern for me is in this area, but I won't bore you with details about lyric writing here). As to style, I am surprised how many writers are copying musical styles from 15 or 20 years back. I ask them if they listen to the radio or some sort of Top 40 format, just to keep in touch with listeners. I am not surprised when they say, "No." What? If you are gonna be a writer, then read! And if you are gonna be a songwriter, listen to music! When it comes to theology, Its imperative that every thought, assertion and teaching is in-line with Scripture. We must strain every lyric we write through the filter of the Word of God, otherwise, we are being irresponsible toward God, the Church, and ourselves as artists.

Its mind-boggling how many poorly written songs make it into church worship services. If we are allowing artists, song writers. publishers and record companies to be the purveyors of truth in our churches, we are foolish. With every song that we consider for our worship services, it is our responsibility, as worship leaders and pastors, to look over every lyric and scrutinize the accuracy of the message before we take it to the next step and introduce it to our congregations.

The advantage of many (not all!) great hymns is that they have stood the test of time with their timeless melodies and Truth-based lyrics. Just because a great artist sings it, the music is killer and we really like the way it makes us feel, doesn't mean we should use it. Is it based on the Bible, or is it just a great rhyme?

ATTENTION SONGWRITERS: a song isn't written, it's re-written! I am not impressed with someone who says they wrote a certain song in 15 minutes. Edit a song until it has no holes in it. Then, and only then, should you demo a song. Even at that point, it should be open to changes.

Guitar is King on Reality TV

2011-09-05T11:03:00.003-05:00

Have you noticed the killer guitar tracks coming from TV shows like Pawn Stars, Storage Wars and many other similar reality shows? The soundtracks from these shows are more interesting than much of the music released by many groups these days.

For fellow guitar players, it is a veritable tone library of different amps, guitars, pedals and styles. I am so impressed with these 10-second ditties that are jam-packed into each show; there is a ton of creative guitar riffing going on. Since I've written and recorded my share of theme music and jingles in the past, I am very impressed with this work!

Thanks to Google, it only took a minute to run down one of the production houses from which many of these TV soundtracks are procured. The company, Jingle Punks, supplies the opening theme music for Pawn Stars. If you need theme music, and have a ton of money to pay for licensing, you, too, can work out a deal with a company like Punks.

A few months ago I caught a marathon showing of back-to-back episodes of Sons of Guns. The opening theme was so incredible, I did a Google-search on the song. I quickly found that Buddy Miller--the Nashville guitar picker, singer and artist--wrote this song, Shelter Me, for his Universal United House Of Prayer CD. When I heard Miller's version online, it wasn't the same one. But with some searching around, I found that the "Guns" theme song is covered by blues artist, Tab Benoit.

The state of the electric guitar is riding strong these days, and the soundtracks to so many TV shows prove it. Now, if these riffs, tones and this craftsmanship can be applied to some of the music released by artists nowadays, maybe the music industry will someday see an up-swing in sales. I'm just sayin'...

My Days at Mobile College

2011-09-03T08:49:00.005-05:00

The University of Mobile turns 50 this year. In just a few weeks, the school will celebrate this landmark through what is called Project Serve--a university-wide day of service that celebrates the school’s culture of service. On Sept. 16 the entire student body, faculty and staff will volunteer throughout the Mobile, Alabama area. The event will build on the university’s ongoing commitment to Christian service as a visible reminder of the call upon each person’s life to be God’s hands and feet in a lost world.

Looking into my hazy future as a young man in the summer of 1985, coming off of a six-year road gig as a traveling musician, I knew it was time to face the "education" question. Actually, I was convinced of the necessity to finish my college degree, a journey that halfheartedly started in 1978. My road experience, albeit rich and rewarding, was a young man's game, and I didn't want to be living on a bus for the rest of my life! Although I loved playing music, I needed a sturdier foundation on which to build a family. Brenda Ramsey, a beautiful girl from Mobile (whom I'd met in September, 1983, at a chapel service while with Truth), was "the one" I wanted to marry. I also knew that ministry was in my future. So, a college education was a necessity for all of this to happen. With help from Roger Breland, I enrolled in what was then called Mobile College in the fall of 1985. Not only would I be taking on a four-year degree, but Mobile, Alabama became my new home.

I graduated in 1989 with honors. Brenda was by my side, and by that time, Josh and Betsy were toddlers. We were as poor as could be, but I had a full scholarship and student loans didn't bog us down after graduation. We would struggle financially for a few more years until I co-wrote a little song named Ancient of Days with Gary Sadler in the summer of 1991.

I visited the campus yesterday, barely recognizing the hallways and buildings through which I traversed for four years. I was a religion major and a music minor, so the trails I made over my tenure there were restricted mostly to a small cluster of classrooms and labs. I was reminded how I adapted to school-life quickly back then--my future depended on it! Memories were stirred as I walked around with my son, Josh, and niece, Megan (currently a student).

Some may ask me, "Why did you need college degree to be a songwriter?" I know it's possible to make it without one. But the richness of my studies in theology, writing and practical ministry have prepared me to be a better artist in the church. I am dedicated to serving God's people as a minister as well as a musician.

My days at Mobile College, now the University of Mobile, are a rich part of who I am. I would love to sow back into the students there someday, if at all possible. I am proud to be a graduate of U of M!

I was blessed to be featured as an alumni in the Spring 2011 issue of the University of Mobile Magazine. Check it out!

The Dance of Grace

2011-08-31T09:09:00.007-05:00

I took my daily walk yesterday and, while enjoying the exercise, I listened to the new CD that Glen Campbell just released called "Ghost on the Canvas." I was drawn to a stand-out song on the CD called "It's Your Amazing Grace." The final lyric caught my attention as these words trailed out at the end of the song: "...Your amazing grace keeps us together."

Because of our familiarity with the old hymn, the phrase "amazing grace" can sail right over our heads if we're not careful. But if we stop to ponder the word grace--unmerited or unearned favor--we are again drawn to this incredible, "amazing" offer of redemption from God: He buys us back out of slavery into fellowship with Himself through the blood of His Son. We are arrogant to think that, as sinful humans, we could ever uphold our part of this amazing offer of grace through our own wit or strength. It is only by His work--His invitation, sacrifice, forgiveness and justification--that our salvation is even possible. No human effort could ever bring about this salvation; no human effort could ever maintain it.

When I take a walk, it would be ludicrous to suppose that my exercise regime is the reason my heart beats. Rather, my walking is a conscious effort to cooperate with God to keep my heart healthy. It is only by the grace of God (the beat keeper) that my heart pumps blood and my lungs breathe. So, we should be very careful to distinguish between God's grace and our cooperation as followers of Christ. He leads the dance. The New Living Translation version of Ephesians 2:9 aptly states: "Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it."

Truly, it is only God's grace that glues together the relationship between God and man. I am only a humble, cooperative servant who, in obedience, walks one foot in front of the other toward God's call. I believe that God holds onto us and not the reverse. Likewise, I also believe that we must, as James 4:8 states: "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (NIV)." We must repent from sin and draw near to Him; that is our part in this dance of Grace.

I was blessed recently by reading this profound statement: "The cross is the sign that God has solved all the world’s problems without requiring a single human being to do a single religious thing."

I thank God for fresh air, time alone with Him, and the exercise I get while walking the loop around my neighborhood. I especially thank God for the words that caught my ear on the new Glen Campbell CD, reminding me that His amazing grace is what keeps our relationship together...He's holding onto me!

Steve Jobs: Find What You Love

2011-08-29T08:16:00.011-05:00

While reading the online version of the Wall Street Journal last week, I came across a life-changing article. Steve Jobs, who has been at the helm of Apple Inc twice--and started two companies, NeXT and Pixar in between--gave a commencement address in 2005 at Stanford University. In the speech, he made several observations about life that I want to highlight. I believe it is always wise to listen to a person who has looked death in the eye, and has come back from the encounter as a sober messenger with lessons learned. Jobs, just last week, stepped down as CEO of Apple for medical reasons. Here is a bullet version of his main points from the address and, in numbers, what I took away from it..

Connect the dots

1. Sometimes our failures and difficulties lead us to where we are ultimately meant to be.
2. Know when to let go of things that seem right and honorable for someone else in exchange for what you know is the right path for you.
3. God has a future and a hope for everyone.

Jobs says, "...you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

The Importance of Loss and Love

1. When we face rejection or failure, especially from something or someone very important to us, it may help us launch into a direction that we may have never before considered.

"I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life."

2. Love what you do.

"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith. I'm convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle."

Finding Life in Death

1. If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

2. Its okay to make life corrections--to start over, even in the middle of life.

"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

3. Time is limited--don't waste it.
4. Live your own life, not someone else's.

"Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

In Conclusion...

1. Stay hungry.
2. Stay foolish.

"When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation...It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: 'Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.' It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you."

___________________________________________________

My faith in Christ is my "true north," and the peace and instruction I receive from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God helps me to navigate the treacherous waters of life. Even as he hasn't professed faith in Jesus publicly, Steve Jobs has given to those who listen to this commencement address a compass of wisdom from which to set life-goals and dreams.

I pray for Job's health and strength as he and his family wind through some of the toughest terrain of their lives so far. Thank you, Steve, for your wisdom and the courage to share it.

Happy 20th Birthday, Ancient of Days!

2011-08-27T08:46:00.007-05:00

Gary Sadler and I were working on our new project in his studio last Thursday when he reminded me that 20 years ago, around August 15th, we wrote "Ancient of Days." Little did we know then that the song would change our lives.

As I look back, I am grateful for the opportunity to follow my heart. I have always done what I loved, and being a songwriter has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. The song changed my life and that of my family (photo: Gary and Debra Sadler with Brenda and I at a favorite Franklin, TN eatery).

Below is an excerpt from an article written 8 years ago by Debra Akins about the writing of "Ancient of Days." Thanks Gary! This tune has linked us for life and opened up a floodgate of great songs, some of which will be released real soon.

It’s been 12 years since songwriters Jamie Harvill and Gary Sadler wrote “Ancient of Days,” one of the most celebrated worship songs performed in congregations around the world today. And while these two songwriters have gone on to pen and record numerous worship standards, both collectively and individually, it was this song that became the catalyst that helped catapult their careers to international levels. Harvill still wonders at the magnitude such a moment of inspiration can have – both on the songwriter and on those who are impacted by hearing the song.

“It has gone far beyond my wildest dreams,” says Harvill. “I have been blessed to visit many foreign countries and have heard it performed in several languages. It is truly a gift from God. I feel like the proverbial lizard in the king’s palace. It has opened many otherwise closed doors for me. Through this song, God gave Gary and me an opportunity to begin our careers and to go on to write many more songs of worship, but no matter how many others I write, I will always be recognized as the co-writer of ‘Ancient of Days.’”

Harvill and Sadler brought their families together in the spring and summer of 1991, converging at Harvill’s small rental house in Mobile, Alabama. With four children and four adults crammed into a two-bedroom, 1-bathroom house, the two songwriters were somehow able to write together in a small bedroom Harvill had converted into a studio.

“Our inspiration was Daniel 7:22,” Harvill explains. “Daniel’s vision includes the ‘Ancient of Days,’ and that His kingdom shall not pass away. We loved the heavenly, worshipful imagery.”

Sadler had already come up with the song’s title and a basic verse melody. Harvill had been listening at the time to a South African writer and performer named Johnny Klegg, and had begun to imitate some of Klegg’s ethnic drum patterns just for fun. Some of those same sounds became the direction the two writers took when they began to put together the pieces of “Ancient of Days.” Harvill credits worship pioneer and friend Gerrit Gustafson for championing the song and ultimately pitching it to Integrity Music.

“Gary and I had never had a song recorded on a national label before,” Harvill shares. “When it made the list for Ron Kenoly’s Lift Him Up album, we were ecstatic. When we realized that it would include a bass, flute and percussion solo, making the song last more than seven minutes, we knew that God was up to something big!”

Harvill, who wrote his first poems as a child, crafted his very first song, “Albatross,” when he was 13 years old. Growing up in Southern California, he claims he wasn’t great at sports, but learned early on through church plays and school choruses that he was interested in music. Playing guitar, singing and writing songs became second nature to him.

After Harvill and Sadler completed “Ancient of Days” in the spring/summer of 1991, Kenoly’s live recording was scheduled to take place in
Virginia Beach that October. Harvill brought his parents and family along with him to the event, and remembers the night vividly.

“When the song was being performed, I remember looking over at my mother, who has since passed away, and seeing the look of wonder in her eyes,” says Harvill. “I knew at that moment my folks realized that all of the loud garage band practices, music lessons and never-ending requests for guitar gear became worth it in an instant. That night was the beginning of my songwriting career.”

After moving to the Nashville area a few years ago, Harvill gets together with Sadler every week to write. While their musical styles vary, they both write music and lyrics and have formed a collaborative partnership that has produced a collection of songs they plan to record on their own CD that they hope to complete by mid-2004.

“Gary and I are known mostly as songwriters,” says Harvill, “but we are also musicians, singers and ministers. We are going to do it all by ourselves if that’s what it takes to create music and share it with the church. I know God has anointed our partnership.”

The "White" Amplifier

2011-08-24T07:46:00.010-05:00

On May 20, 1954, Forrest White joined Leo Fender and his burgeoning Fender Electric Instrument Company in Fullerton, California, as General Manager. In early 1955, an employee came into building #3 at the Fullerton factory and asked Forrest what he wanted to do with the white nameplates that just arrived. He told the messenger to send them back because Fender nameplates only came in brown or chrome. The brave messenger came back with, "No, you don't understand; they are 'White.'" The employee proceeded to show Forrest the nameplates with his own name boldly inscribed. It would soon grace a "studio" amplifier model that Leo was developing for the new "White Instrument Company." Leo surprised Forrest that day; even as General Manager, White had no idea what Mr. Fender was up to, and that his boss had named this new line after him.

The first White Amplifier was born soon after the nameplate incident. In his book, The Fender Inside Story, Forrest White (photo) wrote that they received the first White sales order, #402, for the new studio line--a White Amp Model 80 and a 6-String Lap Steel--on September 13, 1955. The units were constructed in October and November, just weeks later. The White lap steel guitar and amp usually came as a set and were sold at music instruction studios. Fender also planned a White student standard guitar, but never put it into production (Fender: The Sound heard 'Round the World by Richard R. Smith).

I was able to talk with Adam Grimm, co-owner of Satellite Amps, at the Nashville Amp Expo last weekend. His company announced in June, 2011 that they will be recreating the original White Higher Fidelity amplifiers. They are making spot on reproductions--as close to the originals as possible.

Adam expressed to me that full rights to the name and design were acquired by Satellite. As you can see in the photos below from the amp show, it is not white in color, but a variation on battleship gray. Satellite, as shown in both photos, has added an optional extension speaker cabinet, not originally offered by Fender, which is convertible from closed to open back. Adam told me that the original series had varying cabinet depths, but that they settled on the current one. The original series, just like many Fender products, went through various changes in certain aesthetics over it's lifetime--like a "square" power switch and some detailing around some of the controls. As Satellite proceeds with this model, some of the details may change in future incarnations. (In the photos I took of the reproduction, the toggle and chrome chassis are basic).

Adam also explained that, because of the safety and health issues surrounding the chroming process, these shiny chassis are hard to come by, and are expensive. Mojo Musical Supply still carries several chrome options.

The White Amplifier at Fender had a short run and, according to Adam Grimm, the number of amps manufactured is in question.

Forrest White went on to serve as Vice President of Fender. He also worked at Rickenbacker, CMI and Music Man. He died of cancer in 1994.

Below is a demo video of the Satellite Amplifier "White Higher Fidelity Amp" by Doug Myer From Mountain Cat Guitars:

Baby Bets

2011-08-22T08:32:00.008-05:00

My daughter, Betsy, has surprised me at every stage of her life. She started out as a fighter: stubborn, and didn't want to go to sleep because she wanted to be in the middle of everything that was going on around her. I would have to hold her against my shoulder as an infant so she'd go to sleep. I had long hair back then, so she would lay on my shoulder and curl a strand of my hair until it wrapped tight around her finger. Unfortunately, right about that time, she was asleep. So I had to carefully take her to her bed, lay her down and untangle her finger from the lock of my hair without waking her and starting the dance all over again.

I have images of Betsy with almost white blonde hair, standing on the front porch in her mom's red high heel shoes, singing to the top of her lungs into a hairbrush. She has never been shy about speaking her mind to either of us. Maybe sometimes as a teenager, her wilfulness crossed the line from expressing herself to disrespect, but not often. She has a streak of her father in her DNA, so I know where that stuff comes from and I notice it quicker than anyone else. I'm not one to stand around and watch someone expel obvious B.S. without being confronted, and neither is Betsy.

How did these kids grow up so fast? How did they make it through unscathed? I know Brenda and I spent countless times praying for both Betsy and her older brother, Joshua. It isn't too early to start praying for them, by the way--for their spouses, their place in the world, their salvation and membership in the Kingdom of God. There were bumps and challenges along the way, but our trust in God for Betsy and Josh was not betrayed. He was faithful at every turn, and I want to encourage those folks who are reluctant to have children because of the risks that today's world brings: it is so worth it! As my dad always says, "What would life be if, at the end, there were no children to accompany us?" We wanted kids because we wanted to raise a family of our own and to leave a legacy. Children are so rewarding.

Betsy is a beautiful girl with a great husband, Adam. We are blessed that they have moved back to Nashville from Memphis after Adam's law school graduation in May. They are awaiting the results of Adam's bar exam last month.

I see Brenda shining through in Betsy. Surprisingly, they have become so alike in many ways. She still has that radical streak that her dad has though, God bless her!

Here's a video she made last week of 15 crazy facts about her--just a few answers to questions to get to know her. She has a wonderful blog, too. I'm a proud papa!

The Summer of Dad

2011-08-19T11:50:00.005-05:00

Sometimes we have to change a tire on the way to work. To compound the frustration, it might be raining cats & dogs. We finally get to work soggy and frustrated, only to find out that an accident sending some to the hospital occurred at the exact time and on the same road you would have taken if not for the interruption. Thank God for flat tires! Who knows how many times God saves us and the blessings He brings us--while we're not paying attention.

Earlier this spring, my dad had a crick in his hip that caused him to limp when getting the mail at the end of his driveway, His across-the-street neighbor saw him struggle and suggested a chiropractor; dad made an appointment. The x-ray showed nothing wrong with his hip but, instead, revealed a possible life-threatening aortic aneurism. Dad's subsequent appointment with a specialist confirmed a serious condition which required immediate surgery.

At the same time, I left a position as a worship leader--one I had for almost seven years. Brenda and I trusted God for His provision since we had no other job to jump into. Thank God, as a songwriter, song royalties are a major source of our income. So we trusted God to show us a new direction. Frankly, the prospect of a new adventure was invigorating, but the flesh always craves physical proof that we'd be okay over the next several months. Through it all, my spirit always echoed the Lord, "I will provide!"

As I left my position and "financial security," dad's medical difficulties and pending surgery fell conveniently into my newly cleared schedule. As June marched on, I realized that it was God Who made it possible for me tend to my dad's needs and to spend the summer hanging out together.

Since the surgery six weeks ago, dad has miraculously recovered. He has since left his home in North Carolina to permanently moved in with Brenda and me. He has always been reluctant to intrude on anyone, yet dad's moving in with us has been anything but an intrusion. In fact, I have had the best summer in years! The opportunity has given us the time to spend long hours talking about my childhood days and his life before he married my mother. How can money buy any of the experiences I've had over the past three months? I look forward to many more years with my dad as we are now officially house mates!

Please take a moment and visit my dad's website, one that my son Josh developed several years ago. The site will introduce you to a real cool guy named Tom Harvill. I know you will see how great this summer has been for me.

Joshua

2011-08-16T07:45:00.016-05:00

Just over a month after our first wedding anniversary, Joshua Arthur Harvill was born on January 30th, 1987. He was a hit with the nurses in the maternity ward because his smile created prominent dimples on his face.

When he was only a few weeks old, Brenda jumped (actually hobbled) at the chance to get out of the house for a dinner invitation at a friend's home. With a full belly, Josh fell asleep. So Brenda put him down on a soft place between two stereo speakers. At some time during the evening, the host wasn't thinking and cranked some music on the stereo. Josh never flinched--just kept on sleeping-- like he was at home with loud music!

His sister Betsy was born a year and a month after him in March, 1988. Brenda brought the disciplined, quiet, patient and stalwart aspect to our child-rearing duties. I brought the "crazy dreamer" to the game as I was still at college while my kids were born. Even though I was pursuing a bachelor's degree, I longed to be a musician and a song writer in the long run. My kids probably got a real balance with the both of us as parents. Thanks God for my sweet wife!

Josh was and is a true artist. He would always be drawing some kind of super hero or a human-animal hybrid (usually with huge claws)! He also loved music. We have a video of Josh and me sitting in our living room with our backs to the camera listening and singing to songs I had recorded. He was probably 7 years old then, and I said to Josh that someday he could work with me on a recording project. Little did we know then how true that would be in the future.

Josh told me one day that he wanted to play drums, not guitar, and hoped I wouldn't be disappointed. So Brenda set out pots and pans with wooden spoons on the kitchen floor for Josh to practice. His uncle Jon is a drummer and, for some reason, we had Jon's drums set up at my house. Joshua was so tempted to jump on them and start pounding away. We held him back from that so he wouldn't hurt his uncle's gear. Cookware had to do!

After my mother's death in 1997, we moved from Mobile, Alabama to North Carolina so we could live near my dad. We soon started a new church with a local pastor, Mike Snelgrove. The first drummer we had on our new worship team was dying of cancer and we turned to Josh as our drummer, even though, up to that point, he had no real "kit" experience. He just got up there, took the sticks and was incredible. He was a natural right away! He even had to stand up to hit the crash cymbals, but then he'd quickly sit down in a split-second to start grooving again between the hi-hat, snare and kick drum. That was when he was 13. We bought him his own kit soon after and he has since turned into a marvelous, professional drummer.

He has a great reputation for being not only a great live player, but also an excellent session drummer. He has the ability to read music, find the right part and bring signature licks and grooves to each song. I use him exclusively on all of my projects because he is so good.

A few nights ago I sat in the audience while he recorded drums for a live album. He did so well--every lick, groove and fill were expertly executed. No fixes, just straight through from the first song all the way to the last. That's-a-my-boy!

He's married now to a beautiful girl named Amber. They are starting out on a journey just like Brenda and I did 26 years ago. I pray he has the courage to blast through all of the naysayers who might try to talk him out of pursuing his dreams. The funny thing is, he has since learned to play the guitar and keyboards--he can sing, too. Now that he's graduated from college, I know he will set the world on fire. Maybe someday he will let me play on his project!

There Goes the Neighborhood!

2011-08-15T12:29:00.005-05:00

My neighborhood is filled with musicians. Unlike most American communities, we have sound guys, managers, producers, arrangers, singers, songwriters, recording engineers, and musicians of every stripe and style making their home here. Thirty miles south of Nashville, we live in a small town called Spring Hill, just on the outer edge of what Music City offers in the way of shopping, food and entertainment. We just choose to live a little further out of the craziness in a quaint, sleepy hamlet. You see, those who play in touring bands with the big acts, along with all of the peripheral supply persons for the music industry, escape to somewhere...and they all seem to live here in my little town!

I say "they" but it is really "we." As a songwriter and a studio player myself, I am one of those crazy musician types who stand in line at Home Depot, or grab a bite to eat at Cracker Barrel. Its just that the folks I'm talking about have hairdos and tattoos that are hard to miss. Its not unusual to see a country or a Christian music artist driving around town or getting a to-go coffee at Starbucks. The locals don't do double-takes anymore because they are used to it. Its not uncommon for me to hear the muffled yet prominent sounds of a recording session emanating from a few of the homes on my daily walking route. Again, the neighbors kind of expect it. I have yet to hear my neighbors complain as I crank-up the guitar amps during recording sessions in my own home (Its amazing how many famous records have been recorded in neighborhoods just like mine).

I prefer the relative quiet of my little neighborhood. I also appreciate the inclusiveness that our town offers the many musicians here. I know I live in an unusual place. Its not strange, just not like anywhere else--except for maybe New York or LA. The big exception is that you can actually raise a family here with great schools, churches and amenities--all the while enjoying the wide-open spaces that middle Tennessee offers.

I'll miss it when "riff-raff" like accountants and business-types move in. Then we can say, "There goes the neighborhood!"

Nashville Amp Exo

2011-08-12T09:40:00.005-05:00

For those of you in the Nashville area, its just a week until August 19-21 when Creation Audio Labs and Pedaltrain sponsor the third annual Nashville Amp Expo. It will be held at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Brentwood, off of Old Hickory Blvd.

Each person pays only $5 per day to visit the exhibitors who are set-up in hotel rooms lining several floors. There are no volume limits since the hotel will be taken over by tone freaks (not a place for the late-summer vacation traveler who is seeking peace and quiet)!

Along with exhibits are seminars and concerts to attend. My old friend, former band-mate and fusion guitarist extraordinaire, Denny Jiosa, will be performing on Sunday night the 21st.

The cool thing is meeting all of the makers of great guitar and studio gear, along with a plethora of accessories, and having the opportunity to ask delving questions about the designs, build processes, company philosophies and tone--straight to the owners and designers. This year I will be helping my buddy Kevin Shaw as he is exhibiting the great Shaw Audio handmade tube amps that I love and use.

I will be there for the whole show, so please come by and say hello. You never know who you'll see there hanging out in the hallways. And by the way, everyone is on an equal footing at the Expo, as opposed to the NAMM shows in Anaheim and Nashville, which are all about the retailers. This event is about the player and the product producer meeting one-on-one to talk tone. You can purchase and take home some new gear, too!

Below is a demo that I made for Kevin of the new Shaw JCM 20 amp. Its a tune I wrote and performed called "Shaw-Shanked," demonstrating the great classic Marshall-esque tones emanating from the brand-new amp. You have got to come by and check out this plus more of Kevin's amps next weekend at the Nashville Amp Expo.

Surprise Me, God!

2011-08-10T08:34:00.006-05:00

I have taken a bit of a rest this summer. With the beginning of June commencing the hiatus, Brenda and I took a radical turn from a seven-year career trajectory. We made the decision at the end of May to embark on a radical adventure--one that many would call foolish. Mom always said, "Don't end something unless you have something to immediately take it's place." Well mom, this time I went with my gut and totally disobeyed your teaching.

I left my position as a worship leader and decided to hit "reset" on my career, life direction and the resultant future. This time I am leaving it completely up to God to redirect my steps. You see, I am very good at making my own way. I have a street-fighter hunger to dominate my circumstances so that things will go my way. I've been hungry enough at times to lean-in hard to get what I want--to do whatever it takes to get what I have my "tractor beam" desire set upon. The trouble is, with that mindset I usually meet with failure as my plans take a nose-dive and spiral out of control. Don't we all have the propensity to be lord of our own lives?

This time I want to be a complete fool and let God choose the direction for me!

What the world calls wise (calculating risks, cautious forward movement, get what you can while you can) doesn't ring true to me. I am tired of going for what I want and am willing to say, "God, surprise me!" If I sound like my life before May, 2011 was just a selfish journey, then I have not clearly communicated. God has been in most of what I have accomplished, even though I've made mistakes. What I mean to say is: I am tired of trying to figure everything out; I am throwing it all up in the air and, like Christ-following faith-walkers of the past, am willing to see what God has in store.

I don't believe that my creative endeavors of the past will be affected, although if God wants to make changes, I'm cool with it. All I know right now is that there are songs and books to write, music to make, a family to love and support, and most importantly, a Lord to trust, follow and worship. Beyond that, the sky's the limit.

Surprise me, God!

Stamp of Approval

2011-08-08T08:15:00.006-05:00

I grew up in a home where approval was abundant--probably because both of my parents were raised in fractured homes where divorce carved a permanent scar in both of their hearts. Therefore, they knew the importance of encouragement, and I'm grateful for it. But just because we heard encouragement while growing up doesn't mean we don't need it anymore as adults.

The Bible speaks of encouraging words as gold and silver: Proverbs 25:11 states, "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. (NASB)" I believe we have the power to bless other people with encouraging words or curse with negative ones. One blessing that came to me in my early years helped to steer me forward into a music career.

It was Columbus, Ohio in 1980 or 1981, where I came in contact with a brilliant trombonist, and arranger named Stan Morse. He had played in several world-renowned big bands and had worked in television before he became the arranger for American Entertainment Productions. One day in rehearsal he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "You've got what it takes; your gonna make it in music!" Those words gave me the courage to endure in the ensuing years when, at times, I felt like getting off of the rough and tumble road of professional music.

I recently heard Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Chris Hillman, from the Byrds and other assorted folk-rock and country outfits, talk of the importance of encouraging words in his own life. He was in LA in the late 60s and had just finished a show at one of southern California's premier country music performance venues. As his band was taking a break from their set, a tall, bear-of-a-shadow enveloped him from behind, and a large hand appeared on his right shoulder. Looking backward toward the source, Hillman was surprised to see his childhood TV hero, Tex Ritter, whom he had never met, looming over him. Tex said something like, "Keep it up young man, you're gonna make it in this business!" Those life-giving words helped drive Hillman forward as an architect of the country rock sound that flooded California and the world in years to come.

I don't know why some people refuse to encourage others. Maybe because they don't want to seem vulnerable or "soft." Maybe because they never knew encouragement themselves. I believe it is my duty to help others if it is in my power to do so. The Bible states in James 4:17, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them (NIV)." I believe it is important that we, especially as Christians, give encouragement and mentoring when the opportunity arises. We will probably never know the blessing we deposit in the hearts of people when we are obedient to the opportunity.

Be a mentor to someone. There maybe a person out there today--and it maybe your own child--who needs your stamp of approval.

Tax-Free Weekend

2011-08-04T16:13:00.006-05:00

Is it just me or do you see the stupidity in this tax-free weekend mumbo-jumbo? Every time I go online to order something, I get it tax-free anyway, many times with free shipping. I shop Amazon.com often because I'm obligated. Last Christmas I signed-up for the "Prime" membership which enables me to get items with the special "Prime" designation including free two-day delivery. I intended to take full advantage of the free trial, but as most folks do, I blew it and forgot to cancel before they charged me almost $100. Did I save money? Only if I use this "Prime" thing and nothing else until this year's Christmas.

I watched a 2007 Apple Computer documentary a few nights ago. Interviewed were several people camping outside an Apple store for as long as five days, anticipating the release of the first iPhone. What is it that makes people think they are getting an advantage when they lose five days of work waiting in some crazy line with a slew of other maniacs for a stupid cell phone?

The same goes for Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. I tried to join-in the festivities one year but came away with only a few DVDs and a headache. Standing in a line wrapped around Best Buy at three o'clock in the morning is costly for me--very, very expensive--especially for my body.

Brenda told me she heard a rumor that Congress is trying to make online shopping stores like Amazon pay retroactively for all of the gazillions of dollars in unpaid sales tax. I say fine. In fact, I will be glad to make a trade with Uncle Sam and the IRS: If they are willing to discontinue income tax in trade for a consumer tax on purchased items, I'd be ecstatic! I bet we'd close the gap on the deficit in short order!

But no, things don't go as easy as that. So the State of Tennessee ostensibly gives us a tax-free weekend (limited to certain products, mind you) at the end of summer to help families with back-to-school expenses and to stimulate the economy. I know the real reason is for the government to convince us that we can't live without their generosity.

I'll just continue to make my orders online and wait a few days for the big brown truck to squeal it's brakes at the curb in front of my house. From computer to curb with no taxes--every day of the year--now that's shopping!

Fountains of Wayne

2011-08-03T06:31:00.006-05:00

How can anyone resist a song for the common man. Not like Springsteen's characters, with young girls holding on tightly to studly motorcycle riders--hair blowing in the wind--tearing down Thunder Road. What I mean is a song written for regular, non-motor-scootin' males like me...who have problems, too much weight around the middle, and who are over 40 (or over 50, in my case!). Fountains of Wayne is a band for the common man, and they write the greatest 3 1/2 minute odes to lonely losers of this world. Their records are filled with stories of the lovelorn, sentimental, stuck-in-childhood geek, still living in his parent's basement.

If that description didn't offend you, stick around and Fountains of Wayne will hit a nerve. I think they write these songs so convincingly because they see the characters in themselves. The band's name--taken from a now-defunct garden center somewhere in the Northeast--suggests the absurdity that many of their songs convey. The band consists of members Chris Collingwood, Adam Schlesinger, Jody Porter and Brian Young. A quick listen to any of their CDs will reveal a mastery of the guitar-layered anthem, supporting a fine but "Wierd Al-like" lead vocal. Hidden in the background playing bass is probably the most famous silent partner in any band: Adam Schlesinger. Collingwood and Schlesinger are the band's songwriters, but Adam Schlesinger has written for several movie projects, including the title song for "That Thing You Do." He also wrote the theme song for 2007's "Music and Lyrics." Many of their songs make a cameo in TV shows and commercials. Not bad for a bunch of guys who would blend into any amusement park--kids and wives in tow.

The song "Stacy's Mom" is probably the most recognizable in their repertoire, but it would be an insult to judge their range by just that one hit. They are masterful with melodies and craftsmen at turning a phrase. When you listen to both 2005's "Welcome Interstate Managers" and the 2007 "Traffic and Weather" CDs, it seems as if one is led through a cinematic carnival ride, replete with charming characters, idiots, romance, clowns and sadness. I am so impressed with their ability to set new scenes with each song, using various musical styles, brilliant arrangements and artful instrumentation.

Just yesterday, Fountains of Wayne released a new project called, "Sky Full of Holes." Instead of jangly guitars and 80s synthesizers dominating the sound-scape, acoustic guitars take a front seat in this set. The wry character studies are still present, and the dopy dreamers still grace the stage throughout. I just bought the CD, so I am becoming familiar with the songs. The great thing is that AmazonMP3 has the album available for download for just $3.99. I'm sure that deal will go away in a hurry.

For the average guy, this band has a knack for uncovering the bottled-up emotions that many of us bury and ignore as we get older. Unlike Springsteen, I can get lost in a crowd like the Fountains of Wayne guys. I prefer it that way.

Sleeping In on Sunday

2011-08-01T07:15:00.005-05:00

I was lying in bed Sunday morning, mulling it over in my head: why should I get out of this warm, comfortable womb to go to church? It took some convincing, especially after the trumpet music from the Sunday Morning show on CBS started to play that old familiar run of notes. It was safe there in my room; no hassles, full acceptance-- and nothing was being asked of me except for my coffee cup to be refilled.

You see, for the greatest part of our married life, we have been "professional Christians." That is to say, we have been paid staff members in churches. Over the years we have served several churches in Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee. (I had my first staff position in California as a youth minister at Lutheran church in my hometown of Fullerton at just 19 years old). I have been a professional Christian for 32 years now. Frankly, I have gotten to the point where I have been asking what other non-professional Christians have asked for years: why should I go? A salary is a great motivator to get the professionals to church, but what about those who have no attachment other than guilt, religious duty, or to keep that family burial plot in the church graveyard?

I know that George Barna and Rick Warren have amply addressed the subject of "purpose driven" and "why do we do this church thing." Still, in 2011, after reading all of the books, attending (even leading) seminars on church, I sat there wondering why I should even roll out of bed.

I have seen my neighbors cutting their lawns on Sunday morning as I peeled out of my driveway on the way to work...um, I mean church. I may have even scoffed a time or two at their lack of religious devotion. I have seen them retrieve their morning paper in their bath robes, having no intention of getting to a local place of worship. Maybe they didn't know the Lord; maybe they had tried church and it seemed a big waste of time--and maybe I looked at them with envy. I must admit, I have to ask the question: is going to church this morning worth it? Will I find warmth there, acceptance, grace, patience and friendship? God knows we all need it, desperately. Judgement is cheap and easier to dole out than the costly commitment to walk along side a brother or sister who is having a hard time. I know full well the tendency to avoid the time-consuming effort of helping those in need.

So, as I pulled the sheets over my shoulder and wrestled with the temptation to stay there for a while longer, I resisted and rolled out of bed. Even as a professional Christian, I lose focus on why I go to church, what brought me here in the first place, and what is it that we can do to better serve our communities for Jesus. Guilt won't do it, and "Mama said so" won't do it.

I need to reconnect with the force that brought me to that Christian coffee house in 1975 when I was 15. I received Christ there because I felt the love of Jesus through the people who invited me. It wasn't a traditional religious setting, just an old house set up to host Bible studies, serve coffee and stale donuts, and to meet people's spiritual needs. If those things aren't present in our churches this coming Sunday, we'd do better to roll over and catch a few more minutes of sweet sleep.

America: The Band

2011-07-27T09:45:00.020-05:00

In 1971, as my elementary school-aged childhood was morphing into the middle school years, I started to pay attention to songs on the radio with more of an ear toward melody and lyrics. Acoustic music allowed those aspects of songs to come through loud and clear. I remember hearing "A Horse With No Name" on the radio and immediately decided that I needed to jump the back fence to the record shop behind our home in Fullerton, a suburb of Los Angeles.

There I was introduced to the group America, and the mysterious album cover featuring the three group members, along with a backdrop photo of three 19th century Native Americans. Somehow I collected enough money to buy the album. As much as I can remember, aside from wanting to be in a band like the Beatles the year before, I wanted to follow the folk-rock music style that was then on the rise in southern California. I decided to become an acoustic guitar player and a singer-songwriter.

At first, everyone mistook America's first single, "A Horse With No Name," for a Neil Young song. (Soon after, I was to learn of Neil and Crosby, Still and Nash, and became a life-long fan as well). By the time America's second album, "Homecoming," was released, just a year later in 1972, I was hooked. Birthday money from my uncle helped me procure this obvious homage to California. "Don't Cross the River" and "Ventura Highway" were my favorites, and the nation's as well. Three more records would be released over as many years.

During high school, I drifted into the sounds of the Eagles and CSN&Y, away from the group America, who ironically got their start as U.S. Air Force brats living in England. (While their fathers served in the Armed Forces, the American high school students--Dan Peek, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley--met and eventually put together the band).

I have always enjoyed vocal harmony, and I give credit to the guys in America for some of my early musical education. In 1978, Dan Peek, then a new convert to Christianity, decided to leave the band. He released the single, "All Things Are Possible" as a solo artist on a Christian label in 1979. A few years later, Peek released a "Christian" version of his hit song with America, "Lonely People," for which he is best known.

Dewey and Gerry remain a duo to this day, and just released a new America CD on July 26th-- a collection of songs from some of their favorite artists. It is titled "Back Pages." Like their most recent major release, 2007's "Here and Now," "Back Pages" is excellent and worthy of purchase for die-hard America fans and newly acquainted listeners alike.

Coincidentally and ironically, I learned yesterday that Dan Peek passed away in his sleep just a few days prior on July 24th. He was 60. I recently read the biography that Peek wrote about his journey with the group America. I will have to say that after finishing the book, "The America Story," I came away feeling sad. In it, he explained his reasons for leaving the group in it's prime. There is no need, in my opinion, to justify getting away from a toxic lifestyle that led to drug abuse, alcohol abuse and infidelity--no matter how successful the venture.

America is still going strong, and it seems by their excellent record production and full touring schedule, they will be for years to come.

I offer my condolences to the family of Dan Peek. I pray for God's comfort and grace for his wife and father. He had no children.

Relational Collateral

2011-07-25T08:15:00.011-05:00

I recently watched, for the second time, the excellent PBS documentary, Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times. Since I grew up in greater Los Angeles, I always gravitate to anything related to the history of Orange County (my old stomping ground), Los Angeles and Hollywood. The film first aired in 2009.

The documentary examines the growth of modern-day Los Angeles during the Chandler era at the Los Angeles Times. It also traces the emanation of multi-ethnic, modern Los Angeles during the single-family reign of four publishers at the respected newspaper: Harrison Gray Otis, Harry Chandler, Norman Chandler and Otis Chandler.

The evolution of the newspaper--from it's conservative, anti-union beginnings, to Otis Chanders' ascent as publisher in 1960--came into a new era with the young leaders' desire to create a more liberal-leaning paper, and to appease the East Coast elite who felt, "The Times was regarded as a bad newspaper from a hick town." Otis increased the budget of the paper three fold, allowing it to expand its coverage. The Times then became a critically lauded newspaper. In Otis Chandler's tenure, the paper expanded from two outside offices to 34 foreign and domestic bureaus.

Robert Lloyd, a reviewer of the film for The Los Angeles Times in 2009 wrote, "If there's a hero in the film--albeit a flawed and ultimately failed hero -- it's Otis Chandler. Surfer, bodybuilder, bushy-haired blond Adonis, Otis, who was made publisher in 1960 at age 32, took The Times from a provincial house organ to a nationally respected newspaper. But he alienated conservative family members (and Nixon, who put him on his enemies list) along the way. And when he stepped down as publisher, he went outside the family to hire (Thomas) Johnson (the first non-family publisher in nearly a century and the paper’s fifth publisher). "Otis didn't feel his children were as outstanding as he was," observes his first wife, Marilyn Brant. "Otis didn't like competition from his children."

To add insult to injury, Otis' lifelong friend, Bob Emmet, according to the documentary website, wryly observed, “Otis and his mother (Dorothy Chandler, another major influence in L.A.) were always the victims. It was always somebody else’s fault.”

The most poignant lessons that I brought away from this film were those of friendship, alliances, influence and relational collateral. Along the way Otis succeeded in broadening the paper's appeal, it's readership, as well as a more favorable journalistic reputation among the East Coast elite. In the process though, he alienated his associates, his close friends, and most importantly, his family. He managed to disassociate himself to the point that when he needed support, while the sale of the paper to the Tribune Company of Chicago for $8.3 billion was being leveraged, no one was around for him. His arrogance pushed everyone away. He had no alliances.

John Maxwell says, "Leadership is influence. No more, no less." In his book, Developing the Leader Within You, Maxwell illustrates the degree of influence a leader actually has. You can be a:

Level 1: Position.
People follow because they have to.
Level 2: Permission.
People follow because they want to.
Level 3: Production
People follow because of what you have done.
Level 4: People Development
People follow because of what you have done for them.
Level 5: Person-hood
People follow because of who you are and what you represent

The story of Otis Chandler and his family's ascent in the newspaper trade, along with their part in the growth of Los Angeles, illustrates clearly that without relational collateral, true leadership is no where to be found. As the angel wrote to George Baily in It's A Wonderful Life, "Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends."

Chandler died at his home in Ojai, California at 78 due to the effects of Lewy body disease.

Cool

2011-07-20T10:33:00.007-05:00

What is it that makes cool cool? Why do we make James Dean, Ernest Hemingway, Indiana Jones and Steve McQueen iconic representations of the definition? Cool transcends style, age and riches. Poor folks can be just as cool as the rich guy with a sports car.

Sometimes our own attempt to be cool comes off looking forced--like when we desperately try to keep up with styles and trends--vulnerable to cunning salesmanship. A deep-V-neck t-shirt with a scarf, I recently heard someone say, looks confusing--too hot for sleeves but too cold above the shoulders. Really?

As a resident of the Nashville area, it's fun to watch the tourists invade town with their cowboy outfits, all detailed down to the silver-tipped western boots and leather duster. Even country artists don't wear hats offstage. It's a costume!

Haircuts...don't get me started! When my son in law, Adam, and I visited the Carolinas last week, a dear friend looked at us with our similar hair styles and said, "I didn't get the memo about how to comb my hair today." I could have taken it as an insult, but I refrained from any retribution, knowing that Nashville is cutting edge (wink) and that this week's fashion wave hasn't hit western North Carolina yet. Poor souls (insert a condescending roll of the eyes).

Cool comes in all sizes, colors, ages, genders, and it shows up in every era of history; it isn't a respecter of persons and certainly doesn't tolerate fools. Cool usually happens when we're not trying, when we're not looking in the mirror or self-conscious.

Who knew that "geek" would someday become "sheik." Stick around and you might be cool for 15 seconds. Just don't hang on to the mullet or the Hammer pants you've had in mothballs for 15 years. They will never come back...or will they?

In any event, cool is quiet, brave, doesn't follow the crowd, and doesn't care for your opinion. Cool knows the truth and isn't afraid to live it out. When those qualities go out of style, I guess I'd just rather be old fashioned.

Home Soon

2011-07-19T18:00:00.003-05:00

Hospitals, airports and fast-food restaurants are not designed to spend a lot of time in. I have spent my fill in a hospital this week, all to see my dad get a new lease on life.

There is a transient quality about these places. They really aren't a destination, just places we pass through on the way to where we're really headed. Even the decor is designed to not allow us to get too comfortable. The chairs aren't cushy; the colors are dull and uninspiring. The designers are challenged to create spaces that make you want to spend as little time in there as possible--hopefully just enough time to get back on track and into the bustle of life.

So many different stories surround me here in this hospital waiting room tonight. Some families look exhausted, waiting for word on a loved one. Some receive bad news and the pain is painted on each face. I am glad that my dad, though in a very serious predicament with an aortic aneurism, is expected to walk out of this place in a few days--a better, healthier version of himself--ready to travel to his new home in Tennessee with Brenda and me.

I think the greatest destination for me is home. I will go through all kinds of stuff to get there. There's nothing like the first whiff of home after walking in the door from a long trip. I am grateful that at the end of my day, with all of its challenges, I am safe, sound and at rest there.

Thank God I don't have to spend more than a few days here in this transient place. Getting dad home is why I endure. Like with airports, I am fine with them until a flight is delayed and quick journey turns into a burden. I anticipate a quick recovery and a safe trip back to Spring Hill. We'll be home soon.

The Story Wins

2011-07-15T07:21:00.008-05:00

With movie-goers these days, a film's value is often measured by the amount of special effects used. But I am a story guy, through and through. So when I see a movie trailer where the special effects compliment a great story, then I might go see it in the theater. Otherwise, I'd rather stay home.

When I buy the blu-ray of a certain movie, its usually because it's a classic, or I want to watch it again several times, and/or for the extra features. Sometimes I am more interested in the special features than the actual movie. That's why in the past, I went on the "cheap" and leaned on Netflix when the blu-ray was released. More recently though, many studios have gotten "wise" and don't include any extras at all with the movie. You have to throw-down big bucks to buy the "combo pack" and get the cool stuff.

When I recently dug back into my Wizard of Oz 70th anniversary blu-ray special features, I was amazed at how practical and down-to-earth the effects were. Of course in 1938, optical effects were limited. But it is amazing how "ahead-of-it's time" the photography looks in the restored version. On my 1080p HD television, the picture is so clear, it looks just as modern as any movie shot yesterday with an HD camera. The great thing about Oz is it's great story. So with the restoration and the new surround sound, it is even more spectacular.

This week, three documentaries focused on the creation of Harry Potter's music, special effects and the overall conceptualization were aired on The Biography Channel, in anticipation of Harry Potter's final installment. A movie so driven by story must ring true to an audience, especially for those millions of readers who have already lived in the Harry Potter world through the books, prior to seeing them played-out on screen. For the producers, directors and technicians of the series, there was a great challenge to remain true to J. K. Rowling's original literary vision. I believe they have succeeded so far--even triumphed.

This summer, many films are completely based on special effects. It also seems that everything is in 3D, too. With that, I am wary and will avoid most of the summer fare. When something like The King's Speech comes in with a great story and amazing acting, I will be there at the Carmike Theater in Franklin--popcorn and all. To me, no matter how spectacular the visuals are, the story wins, every time.

Turning the Page

2011-07-13T08:24:00.007-05:00

My dad is built like a tank. At 84 he's made it through life so far without any serious health problems. The majority of time that he's spent in hospitals has been in waiting rooms. Today he is the patient, and I'm the one in the waiting room, hanging out with my son-in-law, Adam.

Since my mother passed away 14 years ago, Pop has been living all by himself most of the time. Brenda, the kids and I moved to North Carolina to be with him for four years after Mom died. (He and Mom moved to the Carolinas from southern California after he retired in 1982). After our tenure in the Carolinas, we decided to move to the Nashville area in 2001, knowing Pop was physically and emotionally able to live by himself.

As I sit here this morning in a Charlotte hospital, waiting for the doctors to put a stint somewhere in his cardiovascular system, my mind is full, thinking about how quick, or not so quickly, he will recover. We are ready to do whatever it takes to give him the best recovery possible. There is yet another surgery that he must endure to insure an aortic aneurism, his primary health issue, is taken care of. I anticipate a full recovery, and hopefully very soon.

Its funny how we as children of aging parents become parents to them at some point. If Pop had it his way, he wouldn't bother us with anything. My dad's health has been stellar so far. So to come upon this "bump in the road" has been a surprise to him. He really is a young man in his heart, although he is well aware of his inability to keep up with younger folks. He will just have to get used to being doted upon and being served for a change. He deserves it!

The reality is: its probably time to turn the page and make provisions for the future. That might mean Brenda and I will host Pop in Tennessee. In any event, he is stubborn and won't give in easily. He's a fighter--that's what has kept him around so long--way past the age of most members of his family. You go, dad!

There Is Hope

2011-07-11T08:19:00.003-05:00

I've heard hope defined as "faith holding out its hand in the dark.” When things are bleak, hope can be the only thing that will keep us alive.

Viktor Frankl (March 26, 1905-September 2, 1997), a Holocaust survivor and famous author, said this regarding his book Man's Search for Meaning: "I had wanted simply to convey to the reader by way of concrete example that life holds a potential meaning under any conditions, even the most miserable ones. And I thought that if the point were demonstrated in a situation as extreme as that in a concentration camp, my book might gain a hearing. I therefore felt responsible for writing down what I had gone through, for I thought it might be helpful to people who are prone to despair."

From a Vienna, Austria obituary dated September 3, 1997:

Frankl survived the Holocaust, even though he was in four Nazi death camps including Auschwitz from 1942-45, but his parents and other members of his family died in the concentration camps. During and partly because of his suffering in concentration camps, Frankl developed a revolutionary approach to psychotherapy known as logotherapy. At the core of his theory is the belief that humanity's primary motivational force is the search for meaning, and the work of the logotherapist centers on helping the patient find personal meaning in life, however dismal the circumstances may be.

Frankl said: "There is nothing in the world, I venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions as the knowledge that there is a meaning in one's life." According to logotherapy, meaning can be discovered by three ways: "(1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering," he wrote. "We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation," he insisted, a theory he gradually developed as a concentration camp survivor. "As such, I also bear witness to the unexpected extent to which man is capable of defying and braving even the worst conditions conceivable," he wrote.

Last night I watched an ABC report about the young woman, Jaycee Dugard, who was kidnapped and held in captivity for 18 years until she was rescued on August 26,2009 by law enforcement officials. She was abducted at 11 years of age in June, 1991 by the convicted sex offender and parolee, Phillip Garrido.

To hear Jaycee tell her story is horrifying. With all of the abuse she suffered under the manipulative and evil hands of her captors, she still managed to defy and brave the worst conditions imaginable. She gave birth to two girls during here imprisonment--fathered by Garrido, under the seemingly dismissive eye of his wife. Her daughters were 15 and 11 years old when they were rescued (she was able to school her children in math, history, English and social studies, even with her own limited 5th grade education).

All through her captivity Jaycee would look into the sky and peer at the moon, just as she and her mother did before she was stolen from her Lake Tahoe, California home. On the evening of her freedom, she and her mother, 12o miles apart, both looked into the sky at a full moon and hoped, once again, to be reunited. Just hours would pass from that upward glance until the 18 year separation between mother and daughter would finally come to an end.

Sometimes hope is all we have- maybe a dream or a sliver of purpose in life. But one thing is for sure: our despair does not go unnoticed by God. Even through the darkest days, He is there. May we look up to the sky tonight toward the moon as it shines and pray for strength. There is hope.

Tedeschi Trucks Band: Revelator

2011-07-08T07:42:00.001-05:00

About a year and a half ago, Brenda and I were invited to an Allman Brothers concert here in Nashville. I am a huge fan of the old Allman Brothers as well as the more recent guitarists in the band: Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. I have followed Haynes with Govt. Mule (even met him at the NAMM show in Anaheim a few years ago) and already had a CD of Truck's solo band. So needless to say, I was excited to see them play together that night. I was especially taken with Derek Truck's fluidity on the slide guitar. He barely moved and remained expressionless as he played, but the fire coming off of his fingers was blinding. Trucks was the "stand-out" at the concert.

I wasn't as familiar with Susan Tedeschi. Other than articles in guitar magazines and ads for her recordings, I only knew that she was an great blues player and singer.

I recently downloaded the Tedeschi Trucks Band "Revelator" CD. Learning that Tedeschi and Trucks were a married couple, I was curious just how their music would meld. Tedeschi's vocals are superb, reminding me of Bonnie Raitt. She's capable of going head to head with any R&B artist out there--white or black. Along with a stellar band and her husband's masterful guitar playing, Tedeschi has a great platform from which to shine. The record is filled with wonderfully written songs, and there's not a dud in the bunch (with a couple of hidden surprises, too!). The warm yet punchy mix is so smooth--like I'm listening to a great 70s record--only hiss-free, super tight and in high definition. There is a good blend of electric and acoustic music here, too.

The couple are assisted by a gathering of various musicians from each of their solo bands, specially assembled for this new venture. I read that they both were tired of traveling in separate bands, sometimes spending weeks apart from their two children and each other. So they disbanded their solo efforts and joined forces in 2010 to form the Tedeschi Trucks Band. "Revelator" came out in January, 2011.

This is a CD that stands out, head and shoulders, above most projects in the crowded release schedule this year. The effort is not a "look at me," self-indulgent guitar fest, but balanced--filled with great tones, tunes, grooves and singing. In short, it's a gumbo-meets-delta-meets-Stax-meets-southern rocking delight!

Playing With Truth

2011-07-06T12:42:00.006-05:00

I just put the finishing touches on a new recording by the group Truth. They are doing a 40th anniversary tour this fall and, through the arranging and production leadership of Steven V. Taylor, Truth will have this project available at their merchandise table during the tour. I am honored to add my guitar playing to this project. Back in the early 80s I played with Truth for two and a half years. So its poetic that I have the opportunity to "join" them one last time on this recording.

I started my journey with Truth after spending three years with American Entertainment Productions. In AEP, I learned the entertainment skills that are necessary to hold an audience's attention (For those who have done outside fairs and other such venues, these particular audiences are a challenge to get focused, for any length of time). In the group Truth, I learned about ministering to the Church and the many denominational challenges that exist. I owe a lot to Truth's leader, Roger Breland, as he, unlike any other, has an incredible skill with audiences. We were able to see hundreds come to Christ during my tenure, and many more up until they did their last concert on June 16, 2002 in Nashville.

Truth, at that point, was 31 years old. Roger had taken it as far as it could go. He went on to become the the Director of the Center for Performing Arts at the University of Mobile in Alabama (my Alma mater). Presently, under Roger's leadership, the university has 15 performing ensembles and has presented concerts to audiences in local churches, conventions, The White House and Europe. God has really used Roger in a great way and I think this 40th anniversary tour is a great way to remind the Church of just that.

Information on the tour can be found at the Truth40 website. I am proud to continue my connection with Roger Breland and Truth. I pray God's blessings on the tour. The kids that Roger has chosen to participate have no idea that, like me, in 30 years they will still be talking about the experience!

The Fantastic 4th of July!

2011-07-04T08:21:00.008-05:00

Today was one of the most anticipated days for me as a kid: Independence Day. It still is! As I wake this morning, we are staying with my brother Jon in Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of miles from our home town of Fullerton, California. Back on the West Coast when we were growing up, the few weeks preceding the 4th were filled with anticipation. It began as the various firework stands around our neighborhood would be assembled each year.

Black Cat, Freedom and Red Devil were the three rival firework brands that prayed on the fantasies of young kids like me growing up in the 60s. Families were loyal to their brands (for some reason, I remember ours being Freedom fireworks). One year, the church we (barely) attended sponsored a Freedom stand, and I was able to help fill bags with fiery delights. I also had the privilege of reaching up to the rear shelf and bringing down the mammoth-sized boxes filled with various stuff that could cost up to $30. That was a boat-load of money back then to put out on an event that was over in 30 minutes. I remember our neighbors down the street. They always bought the super-duper family box; all eyes were peeled when they started lighting their stash. In fact, social prominence on our street was governed by how many fireworks you lit on the 4th, and if you had a pool in your back yard.

On the morning after the 4th, remnants of the previous night's fun littered the streets. There were several dark circles on sidewalks in front of our homes. Also, there was evidence of "snakes" that, when lit, would slither out of the flame like a black cheese puff. We always had a plethora of sparklers, and the used metal sticks were strewn everywhere. Burnt-out cones and gnarled pieces of charred cardboard were left on driveways to be picked-up when daylight made the damage easier to see.

Where I live today, we are allowed to set-off serious fireworks--stuff that the Fullerton police would arrest us for back in the 60s! In Tennessee, as in most of the South, bottle rockets, firecrackers and light-up-the sky kind of displays are legal and sold everywhere. These flying, exploding wonders trump the old days in California, I'll have to admit.

It was always sad to see the firework stands come down. It was kind of like the day after Christmas for me. I did have one thing to look forward to in the week ahead, and that was my birthday on July 10th. This year it'll be 51 for me, but I'm still a kid at heart when it comes to the fantastic 4th of July!

Retracing the Tracks of Life

2011-07-02T07:49:00.005-05:00

Today Brenda was looking through some photos that she wanted to put on her "magic" frame--you know, the ones that play photos on a video screen. She found some pictures from when we all went to California for a week, just before Josh was to start his first year of school. There we were at Disneyland: Brenda and I in our 90s hair, and the kids hugging Mickey. The memories come flooding back. And as I celebrate the passing time and the blessings of family and friends, I wonder if there were things that I could have done, as a dad and husband, to make our lives even better.

This week I spent a lot of time in my studio recording. I am the guitar player, the engineer and the editor since producers look to me to bring the whole kit and caboodle. Even after I record the individual guitar parts, I go back through each track to make sure they are clean and that no outside noises or unwanted material remains. I do cross-fades, zero-out dead space and combine each piece into a whole. I do the same process for every guitar track before I send out the finished product to the various people I work with. This process takes a lot of time. I have to make several decisions on the spot, make fixes if necessary, and move on to the next several seconds of audio. In order to keep going, I need to trust the little decisions I make along the way. And by the time I get to the end of each track, I make one last scan over the whole thing before committing. I record songs that require ten guitar parts sometimes. So to not waste time, I must learn to trust my instincts as I go along.

This process of retracing my guitar tracks applies to life. We could spend an inordinate amount of time second guessing our decisions. But if we make good decisions along the way--little insignificant ones, at least in the broad scheme--they all add up to a great life with no regrets. Yes, I wish for a lot of things: maybe that I could have gone in other directions with my career. But I know that the small choices I made were the right ones. So I have to trust myself and God Who guides me.

I am so proud of the way my family has grown. Brenda is my chief blessing in life. As we all travel down to Birmingham for the 4th to see my brother Jon and his family, I am so grateful that Josh and Betsy, along with their spouses, will join us. Man, how time flies!

All Amped Up with Shaw

2011-06-29T15:24:00.008-05:00

I just returned from my buddy Kevin Shaw's shop. Every time I go over there I get in a heap of trouble. Kevin's amplifiers are so beautiful and sound so great; I usually return home infatuated and start dreaming of a new Shaw acquisition!!

Kevin and I have been talking about a Marshall JCM 800 type of an amp configuration. I've been looking to acquire one which majors on classic 70s Marshall crunch tones. I am a Foreigner/ Mick Jones fan, and also appreciate the guitarist in Loverboy and his killer tone ("Turn Me Loose," "The Kid Is Hot Tonight"). So, Kevin took the challenge and created this purple beast for me. Mr. Shaw is a genius! My son Josh and I went to the shop this morning, plugged in a humbucker guitar and cranked it up. WOW--it was all there: the beautiful harmonics and overtones were inspiring!

I am currently doing several recording projects in my studio: some for me and some for other folks. This new monster adds the ingredients to the soup that, so far, I've only gotten from using pedals. I am back to just a guitar, a cable and an amp for my Marshall tones...just like the old days when I first started playing in a band!

Here's Kevin's own description from his Facebook page of this yet-to-be-named beast:

"I just finished a custom amp for Jamie Harvill: a JCM800 preamp (with a few tweaks) feeding a 6V6 power section. He wanted some high gain crunch without killing the neighbors. This one measures out a little less than 20 watts. I added a 6 position tone contour switch in the preamp, which is amazingly effective at high gain, and a second stage "fat" switch. Sometimes I feel like Burger King where you can "have it your way!" Now it is off to shop to finish the case."

Thanks Kevin! Check out his website. I am going to do some audio samples of this amp in the next few weeks. They will be posted on Kevin's website at SHAW AUDIO.

A Trip Through the Heartland

2011-06-27T08:07:00.003-05:00

Its been thirty years since I lived in the Midwest. Last week, Brenda and I made a loop from Nashville to Columbus, Ohio, then to Cleveland, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and back home.

Taking the trip helped confirm the affection I've always had for the heartland, ever since I first arrived in Columbus in January, 1980. The hard-working, clean-living people of the this part of the country left an indelible imprint on the heart of a bright-eyed 19 year old from southern California. When I first came to Ohio (our production company was based in Columbus) to play music, I was not only enchanted by the beautiful farmland that rolled on forever, but I was also impressed by the generosity of the people. I was astonished at how these tough folks could endure the unpredictable winters they were given, year after year. I learned several things during my three-year stay in Ohio. One of the most valuable was: don't let challenges define you, but allow difficulties to refine you and make you a better person. I witnessed a tough, resilient people make a beautiful life out of struggles with the earth, the weather and the gamble inherent in farming.

Even when we would travel through the Canadian heartland back in the day--to play fairs and exhibitions in the remotest of places one could imagine--the people were so gracious. I remember that Canadians, especially, would be very reserved during our performances but would stun us afterward when they gushed and expressed how much they loved our music. They adored country music, especially the old stuff.

Our trip last week was unforgettable. I am pleased that I could share the experience with my bride--I had yet to meet her until 1983 when I relocated to Mobile, Alabama to play with the group, Truth. Brenda took some great photos and is as impressed with the beautiful Midwest as I am. Thanks to our dear friends Wes and Heidi Turner, and my old boss, Gary Henley, for showing us such generous hospitality while in Columbus. We'll be back!

The Missing Piece: Duane Allman's Slide

2011-06-24T06:17:00.006-05:00

The The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language defines an icon as an image; a representation; an important and enduring symbol. Indiana Jones' whip is iconic; Michael Jackson's glove is iconic; Paul McCartney's Hofner left-handed bass is iconic. When thinking of the early Allman Brothers Band, its hard to separate Duane Allman from a Les Paul guitar and his Coricidin glass bottle slide.

I met Jeff and his wife, Beth, after I moved to Mobile, Alabama in 1985 and married Brenda. We had Josh a year and a month after we wed. I knew a lady from my Truth days who introduced Brenda and I to Jeff and Beth. Like us, they had a newborn and had only been married for a short time too. Jeff played keys and sang beautifully. Brenda and Beth were both raised in Mobile and shared much in common. We all hit it off quickly and Jeff and I started a band. Some time after, Beth brought me a 4" x 2" x 1" box containing a glass guitar slide. She proceeded to tell me that in her pre-Jesus years she traveled the country with the Allman Brothers and for a time was engaged to their tour manager, Twiggs Lyndon. She made a huge life-change in the years since Twiggs. With her new marriage and child, Beth felt the need to make a break from her past, so she gave me the Coricidin bottle as a gift.

Beth told me that some years after Duane died, she and Twiggs went to Duane's mother's house and traded a `38 Ford Coupe for one of Duane's Les Paul guitars that, for years, had been quietly laying under a bed. After the trade, Twiggs had the guitar re-fretted. And in the company of Beth, he took the old frets and pounded them into the back side of the guitar to form Duane's name. In that guitar's case were found a bottle slide and a hairband that Duane used to pull his hair back into a ponytail. Twiggs gave these items to Beth as a gift. At some point Beth and Twiggs broke their engagement. She carried the slide and hairband with her across the country where she eventually met and married Jeff in California.

Beth felt that, as the items held a connection to her past, she'd do better to give them to me. So when I opened the box, needless to say, I was speechless.

Brenda and I toured the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio yesterday and came across this very guitar that Beth and Twiggs transformed years ago. Over time the guitar changed hands and at some point was owned by guitarist Steve Morse. It finally made it's way back home to Duane's daughter, Galadrielle. She has generously given permission to display the guitar in Cleveland.

I feel very blessed to have that slide in my possession. I have been asked since if I would donate it to the Hall of Fame Museum. I guess its selfish, but I don't want to part with it. Maybe I will in the future. I still relish the fact that I have the missing piece.

Show Biz Days in Columbus, Ohio

2011-06-22T06:27:00.009-05:00

I had a great evening with an old road buddy last night here in Columbus, OH who has opened up his photo archive to let me do some scanning. I unearthed these photos displayed here. I can't believe its been over 30 years since these photos were snapped. Notice the Eagles-esque picture of our First National Band. It was during the Urban Cowboy craze. The other photo is the show group called Life. We were going overseas to Germany and Iceland in 1980 with the USO and this was the promo shot. My friend Wes gave me one of these funky flowered costumes that one of us guys wore to take home with me. Lots of fun and memory lane walking here in Columbus, Ohio!

Gone Too Soon

2011-06-20T07:37:00.006-05:00

I used to wince growing up as my family watched TV and my dad would point to the old black and white TV and say, "That movie is full of dead people!" He was raised in the 1930s and 40s, and all of his movie heroes were getting up in age by the 1960s. He'd also look at old photos like Lincoln's 2nd inauguration and say something similar. The eerie thing about Lincoln's photo is that every single person walking and breathing in that picture is truly dead--no exaggeration!

Yesterday I saw that Clarence Clemons, the iconic sax player for Bruce Springsteen, succumbed to a massive stroke over the weekend. He was 69. The beginning of June carried some sad news to many, myself included, that singer/songwriter Andrew Gold, 59, died of a heart attack in his sleep. Gold was a musical hero of mine and is best known for writing "Lonely Boy." I followed him years before as he became the wunderkind multi-instrumentalist and vocalist for Linda Ronstadt's band in the 70s. Just a few years ago another personal hero, Dan Fogelberg, passed away too soon at 56 from complications relating to prostate cancer--an illness he had been battling for some time. I am understanding my father more and more lately as I witness the demise of folks from my generation.

It makes one think about mortality and the promises we heard in school like "we can be all we want to be." The sad thing is most of the folks who pass away relatively young probably weren't ready to go; they had more dreams to fulfill and more songs and records to record. One thing I know for sure, we are never promised tomorrow. Some of us, like my dad, are blessed to live long lives (85 this year!). My grandmother lived to be almost 100. Sadly, my mother passed away at the young age of 67. No one knows the day or the time.

Life is finite...at least here on earth. I believe in eternal life after death, though--that God exists and a real heaven awaits those who are redeemed in Christ. I know that seems old-fashioned to some reading this, but I really have a deep, anchored trust that when it is my time, I will pass into eternity with my Lord. A Christian isn't guaranteed a longer life than a non-Christian. But the Bible does teach that if we live good, faith-filled lives--trusting in God for our future and being content in Him--we can make provision for our lives and enjoy the resultant health benefits of a positive attitude (Proverbs 17:22, 1 Timothy 6:6).

Even with all that being said, I am saddened when I read of the deaths of life-long heroes. Most of my musical mentors are 10 years older than me; that puts them in their sixties these days. But even as death is real and possibly eminent, I want to live my life to the fullest, even to the end.

Thanks for the music Clarence, Andrew and Dan. Your lives have certainly enriched mine!

In Hot Water

2011-06-17T06:47:00.004-05:00

There's nothing worse than getting into a shower, ready for a rejuvenating 20-minute sauna experience, only to find there is just enough hot water available to fill a tea cup. The next sucky thing is that the pressure coming off of the shower spigot is about as powerful as a vegetable irrigation system at the local grocery store. I like to travel, not because I adore crowded planes and shuttle buses, but for the fact that most decent hotel rooms have hot water and pretty serious water pressure. In other words, to get a good shower, I have to leave home! That's just plain wrong.

Because of this serious problem in our home, growing increasingly worse over the past two years, it was finally time to get my beloved shower back in working order. A few years ago I had a plumber come out and survey the problem. Of course when mechanics, electricians and plumbers see me coming, their eyes usually light up with matching jackpot symbols like a Vegas slot machine (they put two and two together: musician equals idiot with zero fix-it skills). They immediately start to plan their Redneck Riviera vacation at Gulf Shores as they add-up the potential financial damage they'll be creating for me.

The plumber who came over on this occasion let me off fairly easy and suggested a simple water heater flush. "Okay?" was my ignorant reply (he could have said "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!" from Mary Poppins and I would have said, "Cool..sounds great!!"). He proceeded to hook a garden hose up to the water heater sitting in the back corner of my garage. After the better part of an hour, he bled that cylinder dry (what he did while the water water was draining is still a mystery). When it was through, the guy pointed to the runoff in my driveway: I couldn't believe the amount of sand that made its home in my water heater over the previous eight years. Its bowels were exposed, transforming the concrete drive into what looked like the Sahara Desert!

He snapped a bubble on a huge chuck of pink gum then proceeded to suggest I get a new water heater. After tallying-up the charges, he plopped a piece of paper into my palm that read: $750. "And we'll even haul the old one away," he said offhandedly while simultaneously checking text messages on his cell. Snapping his flip-phone shut, he zoomed-in for my idiot-musician response. I surprised him with, "Maybe next time..." He shook his head with disapproval, rolled up the garden hose and threw it in the truck. It landed right next to the brand-new water heater that he hoped to offload on me.

So, two years later, its time to replace that dinosaur in my garage. My buddy Kevin is coming over this morning to help me. No, let me rephrase that...Kevin is coming over and I'm gonna help him...errr...get in his way. Hopefully, after the problem has been corrected, tomorrow morning I can lean up against the corner of my shower to let that scalding hot water cascade down my back and wash another "honey-do" off the list. Next item: the upstairs air conditioner drain isn't working. I guess I better see if my buddy's available...

Ralphie's House

2011-06-15T07:44:00.014-05:00

So, where else do you go when in Cleveland other than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Ralphie's house from "A Christmas Story." Yes, it still stands, as well as many of the other sites that were used in the filming of the movie, including the Chinese restaurant and Higbee's Department Store (pictured: Ralphie's house today).

Since the movie opened in 1983, it has snowballed into a must-see Christmas movie for many Americans. It is surprising to learn that when it was released a week before Thanksgiving in 1983, the movie was received to moderate success. By Christmas, a few weeks later, it was only being shown in a few theaters across the country. Because of television reruns, the movie has had a chance to percolate in people's hearts, enough so that by December 2007, AOL ranked the film their #1 Christmas movie of all time.

The movie is endearing to me because it depicts an imperfect family, quirks and all. Even though the characterization of many of the people in the film are cartoon-like, their faults were redeemed by the end of the movie. The father's "cuss like a sailor" dialogue and the mother's overprotecting qualities made it real for many. I wasn't raised in the mid-west in the 40s like Ralphie, but I grew up in the 60s in Orange County, California where many of the same characters were scattered throughout my neighborhood: bullies, wild dogs, mythical school teachers and best-buddies. The biggest character in the movie was Christmastime...and we all love that time of year. Thanks to Ted Turner, "A Christmas Story" is always on during the holidays.

After the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Brenda and I are going across town to pay a visit to Ralphie's house. Christmas will come a little early this year.

J.D. Souther

2011-06-13T08:20:00.009-05:00

I have said it before: songs from our youth are like soundtracks to our lives; when hearing them as older people, we are transported back to those days--the feelings, sights and smells all come rushing back. No group is better than the Eagles at contributing to the soundtrack of my generation.

The songs that came from the Eagles truly bathed my life with the wonders of the American West. They painted images of the desert--replete with cactus, mountains, and mesas--along with mythical mansions where you can check in but never leave. All of these pictures created a fantasy that I longed to set out and find like a musical Don Quixote. When I left home and started my musical career, I eventually realized that those images were all marketing ploys. But man, do I ever love the thought that somewhere out there a place exists where all of those fables are true!

Isn't it crazy how we are transfixed by songs from our youth? I fell in love with the music of America, Dan Fogelberg, Linda Ronstadt and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young for the same reason: they sang of a place where I wanted to live. I wanted to join them--sing and play along-side them. The dream sort of crumbles when you find that your musical heroes are made of flesh and blood--that they can sing out of tune--just like you.

But sometimes the magic is suspended for a few moments, just like it was Friday night when Brenda, my brother Jon, his wife Beth and I saw J.D. Souther in concert at Work Play in Birmingham. Many may not recognize his name, but J. D. Souther helped the Eagles sculpt those images as co-writer on many of their songs. "New Kid In Town," "Best of My Love," "Heartache Tonight," and "The Sad Cafe," to name a few. You probably remember his voice on James Taylor's "Her Town Too." As a performer, his own recording charted #7 on the pop charts called "You're Only Lonely." Souther's voice and writing also graced Linda Ronstadt records with songs such as "Prisoner in Disguise" and "Faithless Love." J.D. is a powerful performing artist in his own right.

I was looking at new releases a few weeks back when I saw that Souther had a new CD coming out called "Natural History." The recording covers several of the songs mentioned above in a stripped-down, acoustic fashion. The CD is certainly one to purchase, especially if you are a fan of Ronstadt and the Eagles. I searched online and noticed that the concert in Birmingham was just weeks away. I had to go see him.

So, as we sat there in that booth Friday night watching him sing those songs live, I was carried back to my teen-aged years of unbridled dreams and musical passion. I still have that drive to play and sing, but I'm wise to the fables that my musical heroes spun back in the day. After the concert my brother bought the new CD, exchanged words with Souther and procured a silver autograph. I walked away from Work Play that night full--full of great memories and the passion to get back to writing the songs that are waiting to be birthed in my own heart.

My Rock and Roll Pilgrimage

2011-06-10T06:56:00.004-05:00

Musicians are driven. We will endure poverty, rejection, bad gigs, stuffy, smelly buses and vans, sketchy motel rooms, junk food, long stretches away from loved ones and long stretches with some people who we can't stand. There is a primal need to keep pressing on to the nebulous goal of the perfect gig. We always tell ourselves, "It's right around the corner!" The reality is, we don't have a destination. Yes, we have the rehearsals, the gigs, the promise of a new audience in a new city, but the true reason we endure is hidden in the deep recesses of our psyche.

Something about music reaches the mind, heart and emotion of a musician differently than the normal person. I can remember, even as a child, deep feelings of love, sadness, longing, etc., when I heard a song on the radio or stereo. Distant memories of "Happy Together" by the Turtles, "Yesterday" by the Beatles, and "When I Was Seventeen" by Frank Sinatra come to mind. I don't know exactly when I decided to play the guitar, but I knew that when I heard music I wanted to re-create the emotions I felt when I listened to it.

My ability to hear harmony and sing on pitch caught my mother's ear as a youngster. She had an incredible musical ability herself which she applied to singing harmony and playing the piano. I guess since the guitar was the preeminent expressive instrument of my generation, I opted for one of those. I got my first one around 1967, and after fiddling around a bit, I realized I took to the 6 strings like I took to singing harmony.

Something in music keeps driving me. All through middle school, high school, and college I kept playing. Even when my band mates fell away because of a girlfriend, a job, or because they were sick of it all, I decided to keep on. I'm 51 in a month and I'm still on course! So many folks like me end up here in Nashville. We all look like refugees, carrying our instrument on one shoulder and a sack full of broken dreams on the other. Most of us are way past discouragement, so we keep walking.

I love my profession. It has taken me through 31 years of joy, sorrow, world travel and new vistas. The most valuable gift that I have from my travels is my beautiful wife, who decided 25 years ago to join me on this crazy journey.

So, it's time for a road trip for me and Brenda. I was too busy doing Christmas rehearsals last December to properly celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary (I deeply regret that!). So we're gonna pack it up and take a trip to Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where a new Beatles exhibit opens. We will also visit some of my old stomping grounds where I once lived in Columbus, and stay with some dear friends. Then we will go to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to visit Sweetwater Sound to see Alan Parsons give a lecture (yes, the Alan Parsons of Beatles, Pink Floyd and the Alan Parsons Project fame!).

I look forward to being with my bride and making this pilgrimage, of sorts. It's not to replace a spiritual trip to Jerusalem--but pretty close. My journey as a music guy won't end until my heart stops beating. Until then, I'm gonna be playing, singing, writing and listening--trying to create the same emotion that put me on this road in the first place.