The Free Behold the Lamb Album Player
Our friends at Portland Studios built this spiffy album player for Behold the Lamb of God a few years ago, mainly for the purpose of sharing the music, art, and lyrics with folks who haven’t been exposed to it yet. I just stumbled on it again as it sat quietly in the shadowy dregs of yesteryear’s interweb and thought some of you might find it useful.
In other news, we just finished our last run-through of the show before tonight’s dress rehearsal. The musicians on this tour always impress me, not just with their talent but their humility. What a blessing to be on the road with such fine folks. The tour launches tomorrow night in Elmhurst, IL, which I hear is near Wheaton, which is where the Marion Wade Center is, which is basically a shrine to the Inklings. Which I will visit if at all possible. Which is more information than you bargained for.
I hope to see some Rabbit Roomers on the road.
A.S. Peterson has crafted a work of compelling historical fiction which begs the question, “Can this really be a debut novel?” With dogged fidelity, Peterson captures the spirit, manners, and social conditions present during the American Revolutionary War. We meet colorful, credible characters who navigate the high seas of life and love, dependence and independence, war and peace, truth and consequence, and despite forays into dark places, The Fiddler’s Gun is beautiful, lyrical, and redemptive.
Walt Wangerin, Jr. strikes again.
Janner Igiby lives in Glipwood, a nothing little village in the land of Skree, on the edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. Manhood is on the horizon, but Janner finds it hard to feel much hope for the future. Skree is ruled by foreign oppressors, snake men called the Fangs of Dang, servants of a shadowy emperor named Gnag the Nameless. The Skreeans are weak and weaponless. They’re even tool-less. Any Skreean who needs to use a hoe has to borrow one from the Fangs (and fill out the requisite paperwork). And from time to time, the Black Carriage arrives in Glipwood to carry young Skreeans toward an unknown fate across the Dark Sea.
I am not a fan of Civil War literature; in fact, I have always thought of it as one of those weird sub-genres for obsessive types. They’re almost like Trekkies with their re-enactments and maniacal devotion to detail. It’s just not my thing (although I’m secretly jealous that they get to dress up and shoot cannons).
A Randall Goodgame song is like a great independent movie. Characters deliver lines like they were lifted from a break room, a truck stop, or a downtown diner. Seemingly incongruent scenes are juxtaposed and plot isn’t obvious; in fact, narrative–a good story–is often more evident than linear plot lines. An indie movie, like a Randall Goodgame song, seems to tell itself. Rather than being rudely yanked by a chain through a sequence of contrived events, with a Randall Goodgame song, I have the sense that I’m being allowed a willing, but vicarious sneak peak into the real lives of his real characters.
Sara Groves irritates me just a little bit. With each album she makes, she moves from strength to strength and is always raising the bar with the quality, depth, and lyrical ambition of her work. And as a fellow artist, that’s just a little irritating since it means the rest of us are going to have to work harder if we hope to keep up.
I am outside on my front porch. The yellowed leaves are methodically falling from the black walnut in the yard, my breath is chalky visible in the recent cold snap, and lately I have been exploring the unpleasant nuances of the dark night of a soul - my own, to be exact. It is a strange passion we live out on this over-glorified orb of rock hurtling through space at some rate that I’m sure would astound me were I to know what it was. It is an odd series of days, I am realizing, when you question your own faith more than you question your own doubt. And, indeed, it is these nagging questions which have prompted me to share my thoughts on Andrew Peterson’s 2003 album, Love and Thunder.
11-year old Reuben Land, a character in the 2001 book Peace Like a River, provides narration that is clear-eyed and insightful, yet retains the magic, wonder, and innocence of youth. I found it easy to entrust my imagination to the author’s clever method of telling the story through the sensibilities of a pre-teen boy. An author with lesser skill would have either made the boy too smart-alecky for his own good or impossibly cute.
I just finished a book that upon closing it, I felt like it finished me in a sense. A quiet meditative book that reached down and stirred the deep waters in me. It’s Marilynne Robinson’s 2005 Pulitzer prize winner Gilead, given to me by my friend Andrew Peterson.
Eric Peters’s body of work addresses a diverse range of topics, but hope is a recurring theme that gently percolates in the midst of it all. And yet, somewhere between the 2001 masterpiece Land of the Living, and Scarce, the flavor of hope that Peters’s work emits has evolved closer to a tone that is more resolute than what came before. And though the complexion of hope has a broad range, the lyrics from Scarce–while intermittently contrite and timorous as in previous efforts, are now strengthened and bolstered by roots that have grown deeper, radiating an underlying grit and security.
Having read The Great Divorce many times over the years, I’ve found this classic from the great C.S. Lewis to be full of startling clarity and depth on the differences between Heaven and Hell. The only thing both have in common is that both begin in the human will; we can either let Heaven enter us and rule in us to blossom into love and goodness, or allow Hell to infect and reign in our hearts by the daily refusal to submit to Heaven.
Even if you haven’t heard Room to Breathe, its still likely you’ve heard Andy Gullahorn. He’s what I’d call a heavy lifter by trade. He writes lyrics, plays guitar, arranges vocals and adds production help to the work of artists like Jill Phillips and Andrew Peterson.
Allow me to preface this by telling you that I am a great despiser of gushing reviews. I’d much rather write (or read) a scathing dismemberment of the latest Brett Ratner film or Terry Goodkind book than suffer through four hundred words of overblown hyperbole about even the best of things. But when asked to write some thoughts on Frederick Buechner’s Godric, no amount of distaste for high praise was able to intervene. I hope you’ll take what I say with the understanding that I do not say it readily or lightly.
We’re coming all the way from China to the Huntsville, AL show. Can’t wait to see you guys.
After ten years, I’m finally going to make it to a live performance of BTLOG, and now I find out that it’s opening night for the tour! Tomorrow night cannot come soon enough. See you in Elmhurst!!
“I hope to see some Rabbit Roomers on the road” - Oh you will. Multiple times, in fact.
You would if only you were coming to Atlanta! It’s soooo close to Nashville…think you can swing by?
I’ll be there Friday in Lincoln. Last year a friend and I went to BTLOG for the first time, in Elkhorn, and decided to make it an annual trek. This year we’re bringing 8 family members along for the experience. I have a feeling the size of the group is going to continue growing. (”I’ll tell 2 friends, and they’ll tell 2 friends, and so on, and so on….”) It’s supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow, but clear up before I have to hit the road. Can’t wait!
Fantastic job on the player. Hope you come back New England way next year. Praying for a safe and glorious trip for you all to share the story
See you in Charlotte! Bringing a friend who hasn’t heard of ANY of you before. She’s in for a treat.
Thanks for the link Andrew. We were thinking about heading up to Cleburn, TX (wherever that is) for the show there, but it’s not going to work out. What stinks is that I’ve driven farther for much lamer things.
Ah well, once Russ summarizes the “Where You At?” data and presents it as a slick Power Point presentation at the next RR marketing meeting, I’m sure that Texas will become the hub for RR operations. May God bless your tour!
So excited about this player.. now I can finally share this with all my friends without thinking “Dang it, I so want to burn this but cant do it in good conscience”
China??? How can I compete with China??? Still, first show for me and the Mrs, coming from Northern Ontario (you know, Canada - the place Andrew apparently refuses to play or visit); looking forward to a live BTLOG at the Ryman.
I stumbled upon this player “in the shadowy dregs of yesteryear’s interweb” a few months ago and visit it almost daily. It restores my sanity at work!
Looking forward to seeing the tour in Nashville this year too! There’s nothing like a 13 hour drive from PA to Nashville in mid-December. We really need to bring you guys up to the Philly area next year!
Yes! Go see the wardrobe!
I was so excited to see you guys were FINALLY playing BTLOG somewhere near enough to attend, and if I hadn’t won Swell Season tickets for the same night, I would SOOOOOO be there! Hope y’all have a great show tonight.
Wonderful, wonderful job tonight in Elmhurst! I was grinning like an idiot all week in anticipation, and I wasn’t disappointed.
It was my first BTLOG concert experience and I hope it won’t be my last.
Less than 24 hours ’til BTLOG in Lincoln! Counting the minutes. Good news, by the way, it didn’t snow. But it’s COLD out on the plains tonight! Hope you all packed some warm clothes.
We’ll see you in Nashville and I second the come to Atlanta plea!
Report from Elmhurst concert (my favorite “moments”):
1) The spirit of community that was the goal of this project came through at every single moment, From Jill Phillips’s obvious heart of encouragement toward all of the artists onstage to the way that artists just stepped out of the way when it wasn’t their turn and were just taking in the experience themselves.
2) (An extension of #1) Watching Ben Shive’s mischievous grin while playing the hammered dulcimer turn into a PROUD mischievous grin as he watched Gabe Scott take his turn in the chair.
3) (And this is the one that made me cry) Seeing Evie Coates’s artwork depict a baby, complete with tiny nose and tiny fingers. I know that I gained the deepest understanding I’ve ever had of the fact that GOD became a BABY - the kind that needs to be burped, dressed, and makes stinky messes in diapers. I am more in awe of the Lord than I had ever been before.
Thank you, AP, Andy, Andy, Jill, Ben, Brandon. The Lord has used you to create a true masterpiece. My mother and I left the church speechless, and I pray that it is an experience I can have again, learn something new, and hopefully share the JOY with someone else who is as lacking in understanding of God’s greatness as I am.
Can’t wait for Charlotte NC
I was at the Elmhurst show last night–my first BTLOG in person! Great job, AP & Co.! I second everything Jess Tron said above.
Listening to Behold the Lamb album player was what led me to buy the cd a couple years ago.
Went to the Ryman show last year (drove over from Knoxville). Well worth it. Plus, first time I had listened to a concert at the Ryman and acoustics are unreal! Hearing the audience sing as well at the end was moving. It sounded so beautiful.
Now, how bout Knoxville on the list of dates next year for the 2010 BTLOG tour? Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, etc..?
Love the album player listening to it now while I am on line. Very nice! When are you coming to Minnesota?
Last night marked the fifth consecutive year I have had the good fortune to be in the audience for the annual BTLOG tour. I share that anniversary with many other Nebraskans for whom this event has become a not-to-be-missed marker of the beginning of Advent and the “official” ushering in of the celebration of Christmas. We have often remarked to each other that once you go, you go back, and you bring friends with you. Each telling of “The True Tall Tale” seems to top that of the previous year. What a privilege it is to watch this group of friends join together their hearts, their talents, and their songs, inviting the rest of us to once again Behold the Lamb of God.
As in years past, the first half of the show was done in the round, highlighting the work of the individual artists who make up the tour. Sandra McCracken and Derek Webb, who have family in the area, made a special guest appearance on the stage of this year’s hosting church, Lincoln Berean. Sandra spoke with deep emotion about their long association with the group, calling them “a microcosm of grace” and an example of Christian community. These people truly love each other, and it shows.
Brandon Heath was a special guest this year and rocked the house with “I’m Not Who I Was” and “Give Me Your Eyes”. His performance of “Deliver Us” later in the evening was superb.
Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn sang some of my newest favorites – songs of vulnerability, commitment, forgiveness, redemption and family. Both are amazing songwriters and musicians who raise the bar every year. Respect for their courage and honesty brought me to tears during “Any Other Way”.
Andy Osenga, who sacrificed celebrating his youngest daughter Sadie’s 3rd birthday at home, sang a heartfelt tune in her honor. “I Thank God For You” sweetly conveyed the tender love of a daddy for his daughters and in the process, gave us all a little glimpse of the depth of our Father’s love for us.
I didn’t see it coming, but Ben Shive utterly wrecked me with both “Out of Tune” and “Rise Up”. He could not have known that I had spoken the phrase “It’s been a hard year…” just moments before the show began. Those songs washed over me like a healing tide and it was all I could do to choke back audible sobs.
Our dear Proprietor gave us a tiny little peek of the goodness in store for us on his coming album. It brought to mind a favorite phrase from North or Be Eaten! – “Remember who you are.” Thanks for helping me do that, AP.
After intermission, Andrew led the audience in the singing of “It Is Well With My Soul”. It was a lovely transition into the second half of the show.
Andrew began with a reading from “The Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd-Jones. More than ably accompanied by Gabe Scott, Cason Cooley, Todd Bragg and Matt Slocum, and with a backdrop of beautiful new artwork by Evie Coates, the opening chords were struck. The tale was told once again, in all its glorious beauty – as fresh and lovely as the first time I laid ears on it. It is a cold, hard heart that won’t swell and nearly burst at the splendor of both the truth of the story and of the authenticity in the telling of it. As it has been each year, I left somehow melted down inside, warmed by a feeling of communion with the Holy and with all of the people with whom I shared the experience – artists and audience alike.
This year Andrew concluded with a reading from Colossians 1:13-20: For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…
“Glory to Jesus, ancient and strong, giver of love and the theme of my song, Come to your people, carry us home.”
How good it is to be rescued and safely in the arms of the One who will carry us home.
Great review, Laura. Thanks for posting that.
Well…I finally experienced Behold the Lamb of God live…It was beautiful. Thank you for coming to Cleburne Bible Church. Such gentle,talented and gracious people. Pointing all the glory to Christ. It was a pleasure meeting you all and sharing the evening.After discovering the music player I have recomended it to any and everyone I think might enjoy it…Please come back next year.
Our family attended the Huntsville, AL show, our first BTLOG and it exceeded all our hopes and expectations. Ben’s album has been the soundtrack of 09 for me, especially Rise Up, so to hear him do 2 of those songs live including Rise Up was phenomenal. My wife was excited that she already recognized Gullahorn’s songs from our having had Law of Gravity playing non-stop the past couple of weeks. My daughters loved dancing to Brandon’s songs so much we bought the album on the spot. And we were very grateful for Osenga’s ode to little girls and the God who makes them even as our 2 little ones squirmed in and out of our laps.
As for our proprietor, his new songs were overflowing with gospel goodness and hope, almost as if someone was whispering lies in his ear that he wasn’t a worthy host for this community of grace and concert of truth. Of course he isn’t, none of us are, but his Savior is and it was Jesus and not AP that was clearly the focus as the songs moved forward and climaxed with the ensemble passionately singing the Reprise. Imploring the Lord to “let your justice pass over us,” it was easy to see the tears in AP’s eyes. This was no performance for others, but a personal worship time that the rest of us were invited to join in and we did. My awe and love for God was deepened by my presence and participation on Sunday.
Thanks to each of you for your part in making this the highlight of our time in the US. Now if we can find a way to get this mob to China for a tour.
Merry Christmas to all!
Laura, you got my eyes all wet with that review. Thank you for re-gathering the wonder produced by that evening.
Dan: I’m so glad you got to see it in person! We were there enjoying it with you (5th row, leftmost section on the aisle). I think AP actually grinned at us.
It’s almost unfathomable to me how much I look forward to and cherish this concert when I can make it (third one now). The only explanation is the one Andy gave: “This was no performance for others, but a personal worship time that the rest of us were invited to join in “.
My third annual pilgrimage was to the show on the 19th; I think it was the best one yet. I was very pleasantly surprised by Brandon Heath’s performancez in the round and on “Deliver Us” (and found his strange foot/knee/leg movements while playing in the round oddly adorable, as was Andy O’s hammy foot waggle during Andy G’s “Roast Beef”).
As an aside, from a fellow mid-Michigander–Gabe Scott has mad skills with just about everything, including the credit card machine. One of the ladies at the merch table was completely baffled by the thing (which had somehow become disconnected from the network). He swooped in and took care of things in short order as if he had built the thing himself.
Oh! I have no idea what happened to that previous post. I certainly did NOT mean to type “performancez” that way–with the “z”. Apparently, I’ve got more street cred than I realized.