songwriter sessions

David Wilcox: Farthest Shore

2007-12-04T08:37:00.001+01:00

Song lyrics | Farthest Shore lyrics

I'm getting a few songs ready for an all night session on Thursday north of Dublin. One of my favorites is this one by David Wilcox. I may actually record it later and put it up for you. We'll see. In the mean time it gives me a chance to try this nifty new widget that scrolls song lyrics.

Fun stuff.

Brace yourself for something refreshing!

2007-06-04T16:32:00.000+02:00

Friends keep me up on talented young players. Enter Erik Mongrain...

This guy's a blast to watch. The part the really gets me is watching him as he realizes the crowd is with him. In fact, the audience is standing to listen as if they felt the need to express their respect. I think you'll agree it is merited.

Enjoy.

Durand

Here's a look at the band

2007-06-02T19:28:00.000+02:00

From left to right, Marj (sound and A/V) and Russ (guitar/keys/voice) Speiser, Matt Keller (lead guitar/voice) me (guitar/bass/voice) and Ruth (keys/voice) Robinson.

If you're reading the Journey So Far, you've already seen the poster I threw together without any real photos for it. It works.

Musically we start rehearsing this week. It'll be good to get a sense of just what we can do together. We've all played together before, but this is a first unplugged and without a drummer. We'll keep it initimate and hope everyone enjoys it.

Lost

2007-05-08T16:58:00.001+02:00

We've been on a desert island for the last couple of weeks and will be for months to come. Well, maybe it's not quite that bad, but for a blogger without internet at his house it can feel a bit like being cut off from the world. I'll work toward a decent post this week (from the office.)

Sorry for the silence.

Durand

Music Video: The Way it Goes Down

2007-03-14T16:19:00.000+01:00

I wrote the lyrics to this tune many years ago, but was never happy with the music accompaniment I was trying to force myself to write in. Then last year I picked up the lyrics after listening to some of my favorite old school rockers and the chords and melody just came together.

Why is it that we're better at self-destructive tendencies than healthy ones? This tune is not exactly a "hey let's listen to "The Way it Goes Down" and get cheered up" kind of song. But then neither are the stories Ecclesiastes from the Bible. But God used them in my life to help me recognize that the world is broken and only he can make it right.

This is for all of us who can see ourselves or someone we love in one of the stories.

Durand

Music Video: Why, Why, Why

2007-03-13T17:42:00.000+01:00

I penned the original version of this song while living in Brussels, Belgium. The city was covered with signs of progress in some ways and insufferable loss in others. Why? Does it have to be like this?

I love my daughter's church in Denver, Scum of the Earth. I'll never look at homeless people the same. I loved the fact that at Scum we didn't just "feed" the homeless. We shared a meal each week with these people whose journey has taken them through things that grieve the heart of God and should awaken compassion in ours. At least it does mine.

Music Video: Wouldn't Know Love

2007-03-09T19:42:00.000+01:00

Here's a song I wrote a couple of years ago and am just getting around to using in concerts. It's really a song for all those people who want love and are afraid of it at the same time. You see it in the "I don't need anyone" kind of stances people take. We were meant for intimacy, but after the pain of "romance" a lot of people just give up the search.

Feedback is welcome.

Andy Mckee... check this guy out!

2007-02-16T03:32:00.000+01:00

My niece Leslie Phillips in Amsterdam (wonderful musician in her own right) sent me a link to new (to me) artist named Andy Mckee. If you think you've heard everything there is to acoustic playing, you'd better sit down... Here's his official website... http://www.andymckee.com/

Figures he'd be playing a Lowden...

Enjoy.

Durand

Songwriting is still alive and well on CMT

2007-02-09T21:12:00.000+01:00

We're staying in an apartment that currently has Country Music Television. I didn't realize I was a country music fan until I realized that the songwriters have migrated there. The ones that still know how to tell a story and make it irresistable with the kind of music the story deserves.

Fun stuff. I felt like I was home the other night. (True confessions) We'd just watched American Idol (I've since repented.) I looked at Ruth and said I'd never make the cut if I would audition, and it would probably so humiliate me I'd stop singing all together.

Then later that night, I saw Crossroads on CMT with Brad Paisley and John Meyer playing together. It was wonderful watching them playing on each others tunes. Then, don't ask me why, but Meyer turns to the interviewer and said, he was in the shower singing recently and realized he'd never survive the American Idol cut. OK, so that's where the similarities between John Meyer and I end... but I can dream, can't I?

Music Video: Wanting Me

2007-02-09T21:00:00.000+01:00

Tired of sappy ol' love songs for Valentines Day? This one may be a new to you, but I wrote it several years ago. It's one of those songs that made a difference... at least in me.

I came to the realization a few years back that my love usually ended up being conditional, with strings attached. "I'll love you if" kind of love. I was more subtle than that but it was still there. And it was really hindering the way I loved my wife and kids.

But instead of writing the song from my viewpoint I tried to write it from theirs. It was like getting hit by a truck. It still haunts me in a way that wakes me up when the roots of demandingness sneak back into my world. And at least my wife thinks I'm a better man for it. I hope so.

Wanting Me
©1998 Noel Durand Robinson

Verse 1
Don't ever think I'd go away
I promise you I'm here to stay
But I need room if I'm to grow
To be someone, to be someone
You'd want to know

Chorus
I can't be the things you want
Unless you're wanting me
Please don't try and change me
Into what you'd hoped I'd be

The best that I can do
Is to be myself for you
But I can't be the things you want
Unless you're wanting me

Verse 2
Your disappointment I can feel
I'm made of flesh, not wood or steel
Now here we are, just you and me
Release the chains, release the chains love
Set me free

(Chorus)

Bridge
I'll never meet your expectations
Satisfy your stipulations
They're like a plumbline on the wall
Will I stand or will I fall

(Chorus to end)

Music Video: Count the Days

2007-01-03T17:33:00.000+01:00

It's been 4 years now. A rare condition caused by an extra piece of bone in my shoulder had weakened the main artery in my right arm and lodged clots throughout my hand and arm. Over the coming months, four surgeries were performed to try and save my arm.

The doctor told me he was going to try and save my arm, as he wheeled me into surgery. I found out later that he didn't tell those waiting outside for me the same thing. But as the story unfolded, he in fact was able to repair much of the damage. He called it the miracle arm, and over the weeks I was in hospital, nearly every doctor in the 3000 bed facility came to see it.

Through therapy over the next couple of years, I regained most of the dexterity and a good amount of the strength. I can't do things that require me to work with my hands overhead since only the auxilary blood vessels keep my hand supplied, but at least I was able to relearn how to play guitar.

Bonus time. That's what I call today. This song was already in the works in my head before the incident, but it didn't really take on its meaning until I could learn just how precious every day is.

You don't have to wait to go through what I have to learn how to rightly count the days. Don't waste them.

Durand

Music Video: Home

2007-01-03T08:08:00.000+01:00

This next song is a personal story really. I think of it every time I have to move. As we'll be leaving Denver this weekend for Birmingham, Alabama, I was reminded of the time we'd first moved to Ireland.

Home is a strange concept really. It's not so much about where your stuff is as where your heart is. (Often the two are pretty closely connected.) Anyway, it was our third week in Dublin, when as I sat there enjoying my first cup of coffee, a songwriting contest was announced on the radio (the Gaye Byrne Show for those who'll remember.) The song had to be written on the spot and then entered over the phone within the hour. I never got a chance to play the tune because the line was always busy, but I've enjoyed it as much as any song I've created.

It always takes me back to my first discovery of the sea (50 meters from our house), the hillsides south of Dublin, the abundance of children in Ireland and most of all the friendliness that welcomed me and my family to our new home.

Durand

Ready for some inspiration?

2006-12-16T19:26:00.000+01:00

Olson guitars are amazing, and the people playing them are even more amazing. On their website you can see both in action.

There's well over an hour of videos of great songwriters and guitarists like James Taylor, David Wilcox, Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, Phil Keaggy, Arthur Lee Land, Bill Cooley, Justin Hayward (Moody Blues) and John Cole. Enjoy!
http://www.olsonguitars.com/videovault.html

Music Video: Rewind

2006-12-15T02:10:00.000+01:00

Here's another new one (OK, I finished it about two hours ago...) Hopefully people will relate. I think most of us have wanted to rewind our lives. I'm just glad that it doesn't stop where the song ends. That's what the Gospel is all about. Hopefully my life is a clear example of what second chances are all about.

Rewind
©2006 Noel Durand Robinson

Verse
There are times for reminiscing
And then times to look ahead
One can make my eyes turn misty
And one fills my heart with dread
But the time that lies between them
Holds a trouble all its own
With so much of life behind me
And so little left to show

Chorus
Where's the rewind?
Can't I just begin again?
Where's the rewind
That resets this life I'm in
To try once more to live and love
The way I'd hoped I would
Yes, I'd gladly press the rewind if I could

Verse
I'd be careful with my money
I'd be kinder to my spouse
I'd be quick to lend a helping hand
And slower with my mouth
I would be the first to volunteer
And last to say goodbye
I'd be all the things I know I'm not
At least I hope I'd try
(repeat chorus)

Bridge
I ignore the things I should do
While I do the things I hate
And I've learned to live
With failure and with shame
I've heard every day is like a new beginning
But if I don't change
They'll all turn out the same
(chorus to end)

Music Video: I Think About You

2006-12-12T22:47:00.000+01:00

I just finished my first two songs written using the short cut capo on the Lowden. I can hardly resist playing these days. Anyway, here's one of them called "I Think About You". Let me know what you think. It's a fresh imprint and the cement's still wet, so comments are appreciated.

PS. CastPost.com is down. I decided to try hosting it on YouTube to see if it's any different. Your feedback is appreciated on how it works for you.

I Think About You
©2006 Noel Durand Robinson

Verse 1
As the night slips into dawn
I watch another day begin
And think about you

All the colors come to life
I feel the warmth upon my skin
And think about you

Chorus
I'm amazed by all this beauty
but the greatest mystery
Is the wonder that in all the world
You'd love someone like me
I think about you...

Verse 2
When I hold a newborn baby
Or smell flowers in the spring
I think about you

When I see the snow in winter
Or hear songbirds as they sing
I think about you
(repeat chorus then bridge)

Bridge
(instrumental verse and chorus)

Verse 3
As the red and yellow sunset
melts to evening's blues and grays
I think about you

In the stillness of this starry night
I can almost hear you say
I think about you...
(repeat chorus and fade to end)

If you enjoy guitars...

2006-11-26T17:42:00.000+01:00

I was on the new and improved Lowden Guitars site. There is a fantastic slide show showing George building one of his masterpieces.

Watch and be amazed.

http://www.georgelowden.com/photos/makingof/steelstring/index.html

Snowboarding and short cut capos.

2006-11-13T20:52:00.000+01:00

I started downhill skiing years ago. Loved it. Even taught it for a while. But after a time, it got a little stale, and I ended up mainly helping others as they got started.

Then one day my kids talked me into trying snowboarding. It was like skiing was new, all over again. It was still heading down a snowy mountainside, working on balance, turning, jumps and the like. But it was different enough that I fell in love with the sport all over again.

My good buddy Ken Kipp gave me a little present a couple of weeks ago. A short cut capo. And I watched a great little video on open tunings and DADGAD tuning by one of my songwriting heros, David Wilcox.

Now I can't keep my hands off the guitar. I've done drop D stuff for years, but now it's like a whole new world is opening up. If you've got any good links on instructional videos using special tunings and capo's, let me know. I found the Kayser company that makes the capo has three on their site. Unfortunately the second one's quality of streaming is rubbish. The other two in QuickTime are great. (Did I mention the middle one's in WMF format?) Let me know what you find.

Durand

On the Sport of Song Re-Writing

2006-09-27T21:01:00.000+02:00

I've had songs lying around for years. Some of them weren't interesting enough for me to try and "fix". But others have taken on new life and meaning because I was willing to come back to them and work out the kinks.

I was reading an article by Steve Cook on revising your own songs. Very interesting reading, I must admit. I've always had trouble being objective about my music, but this little lecture outline included some questions on diagnosing your songs that seem quite helpful. Here are a few of them. (Click here and you can download the entire article yourself.)

Is the song focused? Are there unclear phrases? Is the opening line strong. Does the music match the lyric? Is it easy to remember without being "run of the mill".

All that said, I still believe there's nothing better than having someone else you trust and respect to listen to your songs and give feedback. Not just anyone mind you. A lot of people are so "wow'd" by anyone who even attempts to write that they'll tell you it's great even when it's not. Some won't tell you because they don't like criticism; giving it or taking it.

But finding someone who can help you re-write is like finding a tennis partner who's at least as good as you. Play with them, and you'll only improve your game whether you win or lose.

Tennis anyone?

Lamentations and the blues

2006-09-14T00:26:00.000+02:00

(I couldn't decide whether these thoughts should end up on my songwriter blog or my journal called "The Journey So Far" so I put it both places. Courtesy of the Department of Redundancy Department.)

The last several days I've been plowing through the difficult Old Testament book of Lamentations. Actually, I found out it's not a book. It's a poem: five chapters with 22 verses like an acrostic, each starting with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

I always thought acrostics were a little hokey. But then a lot of people think the blues are hokey. Down and out stories as simple as the music they're sung to. But no matter where I've played in the world, people relate to it. Maybe it's because we can all relate to life being hard.

Anyway, back to Lamentations. It's a poem that drives home the dire consequences of rebellion against God.

In yesterday's reading, the writer says (kind of anyway) "Ain't got no mo' freedom (1:1), no mo' friendships (1:2), no mo'glory (1:6), no mo' treasures (1:7), no mo' protection (1:15), no mo' dignity (1:8-9), no mo' provisions (1:11) no mo' strength (1:14), no mo' comfort (1:3,21) and no mo' inner peace (1:20). Now dat's da blues.

Fortunately, today, as continued on I finally got the the bridge. That's the part of the blues where you get a little change of pace, a little glimmer of something new.

Lamentations 3:21-26
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."

There is no doubt that the author of these poems sees the depth of Jerusalem's sin, and the just consequences that have befallen her. And yet...

There's a place in the heart for hope. Not wishful thinking. Facts that point to hope in the midst of disaster. Because of the Lord's great love, his compassions never fail. Not now, not ever. Because he is is faithful, God's promises never fail.

If my fate is God's hands, then I'll wait for him, seek after him, hope in him and wait for the salvation He will surely bring. And keep singing.

Music Video: God Will Provide

2006-08-29T23:14:00.000+02:00

I had to record this tune anyway, because George Vinson is helping me get going on a new CD. The song isn't brand new. In fact, I ripped the idea off Habakkuk (Old Testament prophet), who got it from divine inspiration from God himself. Then I created some lyrics during college days to get out of a major research paper. But in 2000, I finally found a musical setting for it that I could enjoy. Hope you do too.

PS. (And yes, I know there's a typo or two in the subtitles... I'm living with it.

God Will Provide
©2000 Noel Durand Robinson

Chorus
I will rejoice in the Lord
(Tell me) what should I fear
With the Lord at my side
For the Lord is my strength
There’s no valley too low
No mountain too high
All the strength that I need
I know… God will provide

Verse 1
See the power of God
In the works of his hands
From the waves of the sea
To the warm desert sands
Every star sings his name
Even earth shouts his praise
Strong and faithful to save
And forever the same
(repeat chorus then verse 2)

Verse 2
If the blossoms in spring
Or the fruit on the vine
Should decide not to grow
Still I know I'll be fine
Because God is still good
With salvation He'll bless
We don't live by power
But by God's faithfulness
(chorus to end)

A look at the elements of song form

2006-08-10T03:27:00.000+02:00

You may think this is really "old school", but once you understand how the different elements of a song work, you begin to see why some songs stand out above others.

Let's take a quick look at the different elements of a song's form. (If my examples look like a walk down Memory Lane, that's because I live near there.)

Introductions help establish the key, tempo and mood of a song. You'll know you've found a strong introduction when everyone recognizes the song after the first few seconds. An introduction can be little more than a few guitar chords (Sweet Home Alabama), a gentle guitar solo (Stairway to Heaven) or simply unaccompanied voice (Heaven is a place on Earth).

Verses contains the story line and help answer the journalistic questions about who, what, when, where and why. They tend to be more or less the same from one verse to the next and yet they help move the listener along in an unfolding story. A classic example is from the Beatles (Fool on the Hill.) “Day after day (when) alone on a hill (where) the man with the foolish grin (who) is standing perfectly still" (what)

Choruses are usually the most memorable element of a song because they deliver the essential messages, the payoff or the knock-out punch. In fact, the title is often found in the chorus. It would be harder here to find an example of when these things AREN'T true.

Refrains (or streamlined chorus) are similar to choruses but they are usually attached by rhyme or meter to the verse before it. That's what we call a refrain. They're usually short, like Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind. However, If the title appears and there are significant additional lyrics to add to the verse it's more likely a chorus.

Bridges are connecting pieces or transitions from one part of a song to another. Bridges tend to break up the pattern of the verse/chorus and offer a “twist” in the story or a change in attitude through the lyrics. They also introduce new chords or progressions and usually only appear once in the song. Lastly, they help refresh the listener's perspective with fresh melody and harmony or chords. When Otis Redding sings “Looks like nothin’s gonna change” in Dock of the Bay, for instance the song temporarily takes on a whole new feel.

Hooks are simply put the most memorable, distinguishable bit of the song. It could be a lyric, a melody line (played or sung) or both. Try this... "I can't get no...." If you didn't complete the line with "satisfaction" you probably don't own a radio.

Breaks are a little relief from the song so far. It's often either an instrumental solo or rhythm section groove. If there are new chords in it, then it is also an instrumental bridge serving as a break. Try the double guitar solos on "Reelin' In the Years."

Codas (or tags) are the special endings for songs. it could be a chorus in a new key or part of the chorus repeated over and over, like "My baby don't care" in Ticket to Ride by the Beatles.

I'm not saying that you need to like the songs listed above but I'll bet if you analyze the songs you do like you'll see that the songwriters are maximizing the elements of song form. Or even better, look at your own songs. You may find ways of making your music even better by tweaking your use of song form.

Durand

PS. At some point if it's of interest, we can talk about song form combinations or the ways that these elements are placed together and see how these combinations recognize and respect the expectations of the listening public.

Finally, much of this was adapted from an article in Keyboard Magazine, March 1990. Music has moved on in 16 years, but the principles still stand. I highly recommend reading Keyboard Magazine, even though I'm not a keyboard player because guitar players like me need all the help we can get in analyzing and getting out of the little patterns we gravitate toward.

The importance of song form.

2006-08-03T00:43:00.000+02:00

Song writing is a strange thing. Lots of people do it. Few do it well. A lot of us are somewhere in the middle. What do I mean by well? I guess I feel a song needs to say something that makes the message stronger than if it had been prose or a piece of poetry. Something worth getting stuck in your ear. Don't waste good music on bad lyrics or vise versa.

I've been somewhat disappointed by a lot of songs being written lately because of their structure/song form. Or the lack of it.

Songs need structure. It's what keeps them from just becoming a long string of ideas. Modern song form uses different elements in building a story. (verse, chorus or refrain, bridge, pre-chorus, etc.) If you ever played with Legos you'll understand that each kind of element has a different function. Building a great song takes learning to understand what each element's function is and using their strengths to create a song that people will remember and come back to.

Next time maybe we can discuss ways to use the various elements in strengthening our songwriting. In the mean time, leave a comment or question concerning song form you'd like to discuss.

Music Video: Man in the Mirror

2006-07-30T06:23:00.000+02:00

Here's a new song, inspired by the sermon from we heard by Jay Pathak here in Denver. It was one of the more unusual songwriting experiences I've had. Usually I get the chorus first and then move through the rest of the song. But this time, the verse and bridge came almost immediately at the beginning of the week. But it wasn't until today that the rest of it came into place. (If you don't want to hear it, I've put the lyrics here for you to read through.)

I'd appreciate your feedback. The arrangement is basic. The recording is the second time I'd played all the way through it. I'd like to spend some time on it at another time.

Man In The Mirror
©2006 N. Durand Robinson

Verse 1

Plagued by my pain, I am lost and afraid
Broken and bruised by the mess that I've made
Longing for hope, but I'm helpless to change who I am.

Frightened by failures and hiding my face
(I'm) living a lie and deserving disgrace
Pretending I'm fine when I'm far from the man I should be

Chorus

Hold me. I'm amazed at your mercy!
Hold me. I know where I belong
Hold me in the grip of your grace
Let me look in your face 'til the man in the mirror is gone.

Verse 2

I'm so ashamed, I don't know what to do
Wandered away from the love that I knew
Spent all I had hoping I could live life on my own

Feel like a failure who can't pass the test
The man in the mirror needs more than my best
I don't deserve more than fruit from the seed I have sown

Chorus

(Still you) Hold me. I'm amazed at your mercy!
Hold me. Like a prodigal son
(Father) hold me in the grip of your grace
Let me look in your face 'til the man in the mirror is gone.

Bridge

What would make me hold tight to my weakness?
Just to see when I'm weak that he's strong.
If the river of God brings forgiveness
Then I'll dive in that flood and be carried along.

Yes, I'll cling to the cross of my savior
And I'll throw myself down at his feet
For it's there that I gladly surrender
at the place where God's justice and love finally meet.

Chorus

Hold me. I'm amazed at your mercy!
Hold me. When I'm weak you are strong!
(Father) hold me in the grip of your grace
Let me look in your face 'til the man in the mirror is gone.

Let's get connected!

2006-07-22T17:54:00.000+02:00

Some of my favorite fellow musicians: Don and Susie Newby, Marj and Russ Speiser, Chris Janz, Matthias Keller, Jason Howell and George Vinson

I read yesterday that only 1% of bloggers create content. Another 10% interact. The rest just watch. I've just put a new tab at the top of the blog to tell friends about the blog easily. I'd love to have more songwriters sharing their stories.

So far people have emailed me but not made comments. So I took the email me tab off the page. I also put a counter on today. Looks pretty bare at the moment.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing from you. I'll pass on good stuff like music, lyrics, links, books, discs and other resources as I discover them.

Tale of two guitars, part 1

2006-07-21T18:37:00.000+02:00

Note: If you're not an instrumentalist, this post will make no sense to you. You'll think I've gone off the deep end (which is probably true). But if you're a guitarist, I think you'll relate.

I've been blessed with a good guitar since the time I bought my first Martin D-28 for $350 from a girl who'd owned it for a couple of months and then discovered the strings "hurt her fingers".

I thought I was set for life. Unfortunately, on my move to Ireland about 12 years ago I discovered Lowden guitars. I heard a singer/songwriter like myself at a festival doing a soundcheck and couldn't believe my ears. I went over the sound man and asked what processing he was doing to make that awesome sound. He looked at me like I'd insulted his mother and said, "That's a Lowden. You don't put anything on one of those. You just set everything to flat and let the guitar do it's thing."

Now I'm a missionary, I'm basically a skin-flint, and I don't spend money to fix things that aren't broken. There was no logical need for my kids to go hungry so that I could have a second great guitar. I dismissed my urge as selfish and told myself to get over it. End of story, or so I thought.

One of my buddies from the States decided to purchase a Lowden as an investment during a visit with me, so we went up to the factory and hung out with George (Lowden). My buddy didn't know much about guitars so I got to choose. We fell in love with a beautiful double O-25 jumbo. I couldn't play a wrong note. It literally took my breath away.

We took it home, and every time I played it I'd create new song ideas. Seriously. When it left with my friend, I have to say I was heart broken. But on my next trip to the States, he asked me to use it for the tour and find a buyer for it. I relished the time I got to play it, but reluctantly and dutifully sold it to a friend at a supporting church of ours in Alabama.

Over the next years, each time I'd come to the church I got "visiting rights" because he'd let me use it to lead worship at the church. I'd always try and fool myself into thinking I was simply exaggerating its virtues (I NEVER exaggerate!) but every time I'd play it, I'd fall in love all over again.

Then last spring during one of my visits there, my friend shows up to lunch and offers the guitar to me as a gift. I thought he was joking. He'd been planning to give it to his son, who, unbeknownst to him had already purchased a high-end Taylor. I told him I couldn't in good conscience accept the guitar until he'd spoken to his son. He said he would, but in the mean time offered it to me for the duration of my stateside assignment.

And so here I am, falling madly in love with this guitar. The song ideas haven't come to me this abundantly in years. I don't know what the outcome will be. I may be setting myself up for even bigger heartbreak, but at least I'm planning to make the most of our time together.

To be continued...

Playing for a crowd of one.

2006-06-08T14:41:00.000+02:00

I've been writing songs all my life. Some have been recorded or published. A lot have found their way to a stage here and there. But most of the time, I find myself writing for God, for the three big green overstuffed couches in my living room and myself.

Don't get me wrong. My journey with God can be traced in the words of my music. It's one of the most valuable things in my life to share my heart with Him as I write. But I'm often motivated to write songs out of the conversations I have with a stranger or a friend. When the relational element is removed, songwriting turns into a self absorbed, pointless exercise in rhyme and meter, at least for me.

I've actually tried to give up writing this past year. But like Twain said about smoking, I find giving up songwriting easy to do only because I've done it a thousand times. A day, or a week or even months later, I catch myself with an idea I've got stuck like a splinter in my brain and can't shake it until I've worked it into a song.

I'm finding time to love God more deeply these days. I don't even mind having him as the only one in the audience near as much. But I'm meeting a lot of interesting people here in Denver. And their stories bring me a lot. May God give me the creative discipline to share the journey in my songs beyond the walls of my living room.

Co-writing with David

2006-06-08T14:22:00.000+02:00

I was reading about some of the dark chapters in David's life. Greed, immorality, deception, even murder. With such a dark backdrop as this, Psalm 51 shines like a diamond of hope for folks like me. I've put it to music and you can watch me stumble through it on the video included. I started these words years ago, but today the pieces of words, melodies and chords just fell in place.

Be gracious to me by your loving kindness

And by your great compassion blot my sin

Wash me through and through from my iniquity

For only by your grace am I forgiv'n

Against you, you only have I sinned and done what's evil

You're justified and blameless when you judge me

Lord, I was born and raised in sin

But you desire to see the truth within me

Search me O God and know my heart

Try me O Lord and know my thoughts

And see if there be

Any wicked way in me

And lead me in the way of everlasting

O God, search me

"Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for. Through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil." Pr. 16:6. Thanks be to God for his gift of love and faithfulness in Jesus' life, death and resurrection.

Looking back, an overview of our time in Ireland

2006-04-16T22:05:00.000+02:00

Ireland has always been a bit like its weather... unpredictable. We had summer-like moments of warmth from a dazzling sun, followed minutes later by lashing rain or enough corn kernel size hail to cover the streets with an inch of white quickly followed by more sun. If you weather, Ireland's your place. There's lots of it.

Our 10 days in Ireland was like that in more ways than the weather. We felt intense moments of satisfaction sharing the Gospel with people in coffee houses, pubs, restaurants, cultural centers and church halls. There were also times of real disappointment as concerts we'd counted on were either cancelled or never truly confirmed. We went for 4 days with only three engagements to share, followed by 24 hours where we played in four different venues.

But through it all, we saw God working through us and the church partners that organized our events. Our team was made up of three songwriters (myself, George Vinson and Jason Howell) and the team manager (my daughter Laura.) We decided to do one joint program where George (an incredible session guitarist as well as song writer) would act as a sort of live DJ playing along with a couple of Jason's songs, then having us all do one together, followed by a few of my songs and so forth.

For Ireland, it was exactly what the people needed. For our secular audiences, it was relaxed and informal, but interesting and entertaining. For our church partners, it was their first real experience in doing outreach concerts in secular venues. Our goals for the concerts were to befriend the crowds while challenging them with music that described our physical and spiritual journeys and the hope of the Gospel. We wanted to give Christians and their seeker friends something significant to discuss around the tables. Each concert ended with Amazing Grace. We would explain that it was more than a famous folk song to us. It was our story. And as we'd sing, the crowd would join in. Only in Ireland...

We were able to accomplish some other significant things during our stay as well. We led two songwriter clinics, one in Newbridge and the other at the Irish Cultural Center in Dublin. And we were able to do some ministry training with musicians from the Open Arms Community Church, and with the Operation Mobilization Ireland team in Buncrana. We have invitations to partner with the Evangelical Association of Ireland, Open Arms CC, OM, the Irish Bible Institute and a new fellowship in Dublin called The Journey.

We will also be working with the city of Buncrana to help develop a festival next year celebrating the 200th anniversary of John Newton. This slave trader barely made it to shore there after a fierce storm at sea before a second storm came, convincing him that there is a God who answers prayer. His conversion there and the beginning of his penning of Amazing Grace will be the focus of new initiatives there.

I want to thank George Vinson for his partnership with me in the Gospel. His guitar playing is awesome, but his heart for ministry is what I cherish even more.

I also want to thank Jason Howell. Jason remained ever flexible, ever teachable, and amazed people by his maturity in the Lord as much as in his God-given ability to write songs from the heart and perform them like no 17 year old I've ever met.

I want to thank Laura as well, for her ceaseless service to us and to the Lord. The details were what we asked her to take care of. But her steadiness and dependence on the Lord kept us on track more time than she knows. I'll not forget the evening at the pub in Buncrana when we took the stage, you stuck yourself into the midst of a booth with a bunch of people you'd never met, introduced yourself and eventually us to people who with God's help will look back at that night as their first step toward heaven.

Finally, I want to personally thank all who prayed for our trip. There were times when the sun shown, and times where had to run for cover. But God provided out of his amazing grace.

Happy Easter. He is risen.

Durand

Last night in Ireland

2006-04-16T21:57:00.000+02:00

Well, its hard to believe it, but our Ireland trip is drawing to a close. Jason and I are at our lodging for the night in Blackrock, a suburb of Dublin...its around 11:30pm and call time in the morning is 6am!

Im not sure where to begin! We had a pretty early call this morning, as Mike Mullins drove us down from Buncrana to Derry in order to catch the bus to Dublin. I didnt realize it, but Derry is right across the border in Northern Ireland and was the sight of the Bloody Sunday massacre. Most of us think of this as just a U2 song, but Mike took us through town to the actual site where the Catholic protesters were marching. History tells us that a shot rang out, and then the British troops opened fire on the marchers. Derry reminded me of Belfast, with slogans and murals decorating the various buildings. Even the curbs are marked with colors denoting the different neighborhoods (and factions). While the peace is thankfully still in effect (even with the recent assassination of a former British agent in the IRA), there are reminders everywhere of the Troubles that have plagued this country for so long. Both Mike Mullins and my friend up in Belfast, Fr. Martin Curley agree that the only thing that will ever bring peace to this island is the love of Jesus Christ.

Let me tell you about our final gig here. We played in the Irish Cultural Center (I cannot even begin to spell the Irish name for it!); this is a beautiful building in a grand old neighborhood, and this facility is a treasure trove of Irish music. If you want to learn about the history of this incredible music (and learn how to play it), then this is the place! And boy...I got a crash course, too! At the end of the night, our host, Cormac Shaw and a friend (also named Cormac) invited me to play along with them on a couple of traditional Irish melodies (these guys play the fiddle and the flute). I got thrown to the wolves! The two Cormacs are great players and I was struggling to keep up...I had never heard these jigs before, but it was a blast to play. What an incredible honor!

Tonight was another of our songwriting seminars. After playing a few opening songs, we launched into our session, with some great interaction with the participants. We played a few more of our tunes and then we turned the evening into an open mic night. There is a friend of Laura Robinsons (Durands 17 year old daughter who is on the tour with us)...a girl named Lisa who played and sang one of her songs...wow! This place is teeming with incredible talent. We took a quick break to talk to the folks in the crowd, who were so very gracious to us. When we came back, we played a few more tunes, and ended (as always) with Amazing Grace. I had the opportunity to introduce the song, where I shared with the crowd (a mix of believers and non-believers alike) how the grace of this hymn/folk song has been so very real and important in my own life. It was a small seed we planted, but a seed nonetheless that our contacts here will cultivate.

And that is pretty much our mission; to use our music to help the local church reach into their communities and cultivate friendships with seekers. And while this was really a scouting trip for a future tour with the whole band, it was far more successful in that ministries in Newbridge, Buncrana, and Dublin were able to meet new friends and to minister to people who would never come to just another church service.

Jason is fast asleep as I type this, and Im trying not to weep aloud as I think about the people just this week weve met and ministered to; Sinead at the restaurant in Newbridge, and the wedding party at the pub...Seamus and Mary at the Drift Inn at Buncrana...some lads who chatted with us on the street in Buncrana after our first pub date up north (I gave them a CD)...and the many faces of the people I talked to tonight. The names are running together, but God knows each and every one of them and I pray that our friends here will be able to be Christ to them in the days and months ahead.

I just cant believe that God would use me and this music in such a way, but I am so thankful He has. Thank you for making this trip possible and especially for all your prayers. You are all special people in my life and Im glad to be in this journey with you.

Ok...to bed and then to the airport! Until our next trip, keep praying!

God bless you all...

GV

Second day in Buncrana

2006-04-09T20:27:00.000+02:00

Buncrana (part 2)

Ok...where did I leave off? What a great day (so far). This morning, Durand and I helped lead worship at the church here. I gave an oh-so-brief version of my testimony. After the music, we shared communion and Durand challenged us to find new ways for the church to be good neighbors to the community.

After a great Irish lunch of fish and chips, we played at the Drift Inn. Another beautiful pub/restaurant (it was the old train station). Arsenal was playing Manchester, so as
to not offend the fans, we played with the telly left on (but the sound down). Manchester did win, but we had a great time. Jason's song "Love Song For The Curse" went down very well.

The bartender (Paul) loved us and wants to know when we'll be back. There was a great couple
(Seamus and Mary) that I had a wonderful conversation with. Seems that Seamus is a bit of a guitarist himself and he bought my CD (as did Paul); they both asked me to sign their copies. Very sweet folks; It's difficult not to fall in love with these people and this island.

Ok...this update will be in three parts, as it's time for a traditional dinner of spaghetti (traditional at the Vinson home anyway...lol). Tonight we have a concert and we hope that
many of the folks we've met at the two pubs will be there.

Love you gang!!

GV

First night in Buncrana

2006-04-09T20:25:00.000+02:00

Good morning!!

Well, the first half of our journey is over and now we get busy! Yesterday we said our tearful farewells to our new friends in Newbridge and headed into Dublin. Our contact up north, Mike Mullin, was in town for a meeting so we larked about town until he finished.

There is an old saying in Ireland...if you dont like the weather, just wait a few moments. And this couldnt have been closer to the truth! We were hanging in the really cool Temple Bar area and after a great lunch, we continued our sightseeing. It was a bit cold, but very sunny. While we were eating, a hard rain blew in and out as fast as that. Durand and I were visiting the Irish Film Institute when out of nowhere, hail starting falling hard and fast; yes, hail! After about 10 minutes, they came Fat Old Sun acting as if nothing had happened. Way cool!

We had a grand journey traveling up to Buncrana. If you ever get the chance to come to this beautiful island, you simply must! I dont have the vocabulary to describe the glory of it...Ill just say its grand!

Mike Mullen heads a ministry up here called Operation Mobilization (OM), and he lined up another pub for us to play. And if I thought the Newbridge pub was cool, then Roddens was incredible! Its the kind of place where you stepped back in time...very quaint. I fully expected to see Frodo and Sam at a table, and Strider lurking in the corner...lol!

The three of us played about 2 hours to a packed room. They were great! Today we lead worship at Mikes church, this afternoon we play a restaurant, with a full concert at a local venue tonight. I think they were going easy on us down south, as we are slamming up here!

Well, Ill have to finish this update later, as we have to head to the service. By the way, wish Carol a happy birthday...yes, today is her birthday!!

Later, my friends!!

GV

Final Night in Newbridge

2006-04-08T11:12:00.000+02:00

We literally just finished our final concert in Newbridge just moments before. As I type, a crowd of about 60 folks are ‘milling about’ in the main room of the Open Arms Community Church. It was a different night than we had planned, as Tony had to unexpectedly fly home this morning. And while we missed him greatly (Tony has won many fans here...no surprise there!), Durand, Jason, and I turned the night into more of a group effort. I had the wonderful privilege of playing on songs by both guys...and what great songs! Jason has one called “Porcelain” that talks about how breakable we all are. And Durand ended the night with a song of his called “Only Plea” which runs from one chorus that says ‘...we’re guilty’, to the final chorus that declares that we’re ‘...forgiven’.

And that sums up our lives...we are born guilty, but thanks to Christ’s sacrifice, we can be forgiven. I had the chance to play one of my favorite hymns called ‘The Fountain’, which talk about His sacrifice and how we can be washed clean.

All in all, a great end to a great week! Tomorrow we travel up to Buncrana. Keep praying and you’ll hear from us again (and soon!).

Love you guys!

George Vinson

Semper Gumby (Always flexible)

2006-04-06T11:04:00.000+02:00

Today was a strange day, I must admit...but 'it's sorted' as they say over here (meaning it all worked out). We were beginning our first songs during lunch at a local restaurant (very 'posh' or fancy) when the owner of the building (not the restaurant owner that had invited us, who wasn't there) kept saying it was too loud (which it wasn't). Not wanting to burn any bridges for our friends at the Open Arms Church, we decided to punt the music, but to wait until lunch was over before we packed up (so we wouldn't look like we ran off in a huff).

But here's the part that God 'sorted' for us; 2 different ladies came up and asked if we going to play some more. When we explained what happened, they were both very disappointed. So we had young Jason grab his guitar and sing a couple of his songs (he really is gifted). I couldn't resist the fun, so I grabbed my guitar and joined in (we had a blast...a very quiet one, but a blast none the less). So we gave a private concert right there for these 2 ladies. Come to find out, Open Arms has been trying to connect with both of them for a few months, and they just happened to be there! One of them has a degree in Divinity and teaches theology at a local university...wow!

One of the missions groups I work with, Global Mission Project, has a great motto: 'Semper Gumby'...I think it's Latin for 'always flexible'. I am so thankful that we stayed around and allowed God a chance to show off for us!

Tonight we went into town and checked out some local venues. We are doing a workshop at the church tomorrow night, but we're gonna go 'busking' afterwards. Tony and I popped into one joint tonight and as a result, we're going back tomorrow after the workshop and play for these folks.

It just goes to show that it never goes as it's all planned, but thankfully the Father is never surprised!

Love you...continue to pray!!

-George Vinson

Building Bridges in Newbridge

2006-04-05T12:23:00.000+02:00

Our first evening at the church was beautiful. The home groups of the church called Open Arms Community Church came together for an evening of several sets of music with time to chat and enjoy "tea and biscuits" (that's hot tea and cookies for the American southerners reading this!)

Jason Howell did a great job opening the evening. That was a "God thing" since Friday Jason could literally not speak a word because of laryngitis. Of course Tony and George had never heard Jason in person. As he was finishing his set, Tony leaned over to me and said, "well, I'm glad I'm not the one that has to follow his performance." That job was mine.

It was really fun to sing to an Irish audience again. I was able to use songs I'd written while living here to get close to the audience. They were a great bunch and even joined in on a couple of them.

Then George and Tony ended the evening by taking their breath away. Tony's huge voice moved the walls back a few inches as they started the night with an unbelievable rendition of Love Came to Town and ended with Amazing Grace.

The folks were great, and it was obvious that by the end of the night, there'd really been something for everyone there. I believe we'll have some folks from last night inviting guests these next couple of days for the big event on Friday night.

Keep us in your prayers as we play at a music restaurant this afternoon for the general public. We can only say so much but we're helping the church become a visible "good neighbor" in the community, dispelling the rumors here that the church was some kind of cult or sect simply because it wasn't mainline Catholic or Anglican.

More to come.

Durand

Heading for Ireland! April 3-10 2006

2006-04-02T18:24:00.000+02:00

We'll try and keep you up on the latest travels of Durand, George, Tony, Jason, Hala and Laura.