The seeds of vision began with a number of conversations with my family. My children are all adults who one evening began to express their care and respect for me and what I do as a singer/songwriter and as a pastor. They were encouraging me to write books and songs around the message of the Gospel of Jesus. Their words were humbling and penetrating to my heart. Some paraphrased expressions sounded like this: We believe that you should be reaching a greater audience than what you are currently reaching…We think that your perspectives and stories would be well received and are needed in other regions…We love your songs and think it is a shame that others don’t get to experience the gifts that are in you.
With those thoughts tumbling through my heart and mind I began to think of how I might begin this journey. Again, with family, we began to flush out the beginning of a ministry that would later be called: “One Accord Life”. (oneaccordlifeministries.org)The title name was actually from a phrase that I used to say to kids in our youth group and church members that went like this: “One mind, One Heart, One Accord!” meaning that we agreed to be in harmony with one another and pursue a life together that honored our Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
My kids jumped on building websites, blogs, business license, bank accounts and tax exempt ministry status! They are amazing!
All the while I was thinking about what I might write in book form as well as produce as a new music CD for distribution. Concerning a new CD my thoughts went back to what I had experienced and those that I knew that were still in the industry. I had been a part of a number of CD ventures over the years but none that were expressly written and performed by me alone.
My mind went back to a man that I had not seen nor heard from in many, many years…Brian Crabb. Brian is the one who was responsible for starting the extraordinarily talented Christian rock band known as “Serviceman”…of which I was the lead singer and one of the songwriters. I thought: If anyone I know could actually get behind a new CD and help me produce it, manufacture it and promote it…it would be Brian. I still had not contacted him and didn’t even know if he would be at all interested…but once we had met and talked Brian said he was more than willing to help!
After much conversation and going through many songs that I had written over the years we settled upon 4 songs to be recorded. Feeling like this would give us a good feel for what may or may not happen in the future…we then began to talk about schedules, dates and recording venues.
In the midst of these conversations Brian and I had agreed to employ the services, perspectives and talents of Tom Hall…owner of “Earworks Studio” in Kirkland WA…which is a suburb of Seattle WA. Tom also graciously listened to a number of songs and helped us come to the 4 that were chosen to begin this project.
As the three of us began to sort out “Vision” for the sound, instrumentation and implementation of the recording, Brian voiced this: “Wouldn’t it be cool to get Abraham Laboriel and Alex Acuna to lay down bass and percussion on these songs?” I laughed and said: “Yeah that would be cool alright!” Brian said: “Well…I know them and could give them a call if you’d like.” Of course I said: “Call them!” He did…and here I am writing you this story!
As Brian reached out to Abe and Alex…later to be called “The “A” team” (Their personal inside joke), I was so blessed to read their emails back and forth…so gracious…so kind hearted…such endearing brothers in Christ! They both worked out their personal schedules to be able to set a date for the recording!
Meanwhile: Tom, Brian and I drew closer to a date where we would lay down foundational tracks for the 4 songs. We all immediately agreed to call on Don Garberg to help with this process. Don has played keyboards of all kind with many, many artists. We first met in “Serviceman” where he so brilliantly helped to craft some of the most engaging music I have ever had opportunity to be a part of. Don later went on to tour with Ricky Skaggs and do recording session work with many top name artists. After some back and forth emails Don and all were able to reach an agreed date to do the songs.
Our session in Seattle went very well! We recorded guitar/ vocal and percussion in the afternoon and then Don came into the process that evening. Brian and Dayton Stone did the percussion tracks…(The master percussionist, Alex Acuna, would later say that he really liked the percussion that we did that day…way to go Dayton, Brian and Tom!)
When Don got to “Earworks Studio” we were ready for him and me to sit down and play the songs together and do some overdubbing as needed. Don did a phenomenal job and later both Alex and Abe commented on the beauty of Don’s expression on the keys. Can’t wait for you to hear how Don interpreted the music and lyric…really, really great!
Within just a few weeks of completing the foundation tracks for the 4 songs Brian, Dayton and I were flying into LA to meet and record with Abraham Laboriel and Alex Auna. We started at close to 9am and were finished by around noon! That’s fast folks! Recording was done in Alex’s home studio where his drums and percussion instruments were all prepared and mic’d. Abraham was seated in one of the corners with a few pieces of his arsenal (bass guitars) surrounding him.
When we walked into the studio we were immediately greeted by Alex who quickly shook our hands and hugged us welcoming us in and telling us how excited he was to be doing these songs saying: “I told you before Brian…didn’t I tell you that these are beautiful songs?!” (Brian and Tom had previously sent the foundation tracks down to Alex and Abe to listen to and prepare for our time together) I was immediately humbled and felt kind of silly…thinking: These guys do this for a living and they certainly don’t have to say kind things about the songs! I had prepared myself thinking that they would be nice and dutifully complimentary…cause that’s just what you do in that situation…but Alex seemed so sincere…I was blessed to say the least!
Abraham was equally gracious…Warm handshakes and hugs as if we were long lost brothers (I guess we were)! After tracking one of the songs Abraham walked back into the control room and leaned over to me saying: “Brother…thank you for pouring your heart and soul out in these songs for the body of Christ! We so need to sing these songs from our hearts and in our church’s!” I could only get out: “Thank you so much”! Then he said: “These songs are so beautiful…each one is a hit song brother!” I thought: “What? You didn’t just say that! I mean I like the songs and all…but to have you say that has got to be one of the greatest compliments I have ever received!” All I could get out was: “Thank you!”
Each track that both of them laid down is a wonderful contribution to the songs! But more than that…Alex and Abraham gave us memories we will not forget! Both have said that they would make themselves available for the rest of the recording once songs have been chosen! Looking forward to it!
Brian, Dayton and I are all richer for the experience and the making of new friends! Now on to the next recording dates with: Cindy Cashdollar in Austin, Texas!
