Just stumbled across an acceptable video of the greatest band too few have heard…

the 77’s!

Enjoy (and it is definitely a song appropriate for this season of lent - as we face our mortality and death).

The Charlie Hall Band played a “show” at our church this past weekend. It was less of a show and more of a worship service. It was an exceptional experience. I have followed Charlie Hall since discovering him through Passion back in ‘96. Frankly, even back then, of those involved in leading the Passion conferences - Charlie was the worship leader I felt I most connected with (through the many recordings) - and it has only taken 12 years to actually see him live!

I had volunteered to help set up for the show and it was probably good I did - as it was a relatively light crew. We were all efficient and well ahead of the curve by the time the band showed. I actually wired a good part of the stage - (yeah, that is what my wife said!) - and it all worked. The only real snafu of set-up was the rented Vox AC-30 wouldn’t emit any sound - so that sent me back to the house to pick up my trusty Fender DeVille 4×10. It was great to hear Kendall (guitarist for The Charlie Hall Band) make my amp soar and sound so beautiful.

Charlie has just released a new album of tunes called, The Bright Sadness. When I first heard it - I knew it was going to be great; because it didn’t sound immediately accessible on a first listen. That is always a clue to me that this is a release worth giving some time to. This is a release that has some longevity (it isn’t just the sound of the moment). I have found that to be true. There are many levels to the recording; layers of sonic goodness and various layers of meaning - this is not your average worship release in my opinion.

It was great to worship along with my church family and with Charlie and his band as they led us through one of my favorite tunes of The Bright Sadness, called simply “Mystery.” The beauty of the songs melody; the intensity and passion of the groove and the great lyrics enhanced by singing possibly the most ancient of Christian creeds - makes this for me a perfect tune.

Here is a taste of the lyrics of Mystery:

Mystery
by Charlie Hall

Sweet Jesus Christ my sanity
Sweet Jesus Christ my clarity
Bread of heaven, broken for me
Cup of salvation held up to drink
Jesus the Mystery

Christ has died and
Christ is risen,
and Christ will come again

Anyway - I can’t commend Charlie Hall’s newest release highly enough - pick it up (and if the chance to see him comes along - take it!).

Set List from 10/12/2008 @ Chippewa Evangelical Free Church

Immanent and transcendent - truly the mystery of God.

Original Painting by Michael O’Brien

“Beyond Us (Only True God)”
Lyrics by Paul Baloche; from the album Our God Saves

Beyond us God within us
Revealed yet we see in part
Transcendent but so near us
Mystery dwelling within our hearts

Father Spirit Son
Only true God
Exalted three in one
Only true God only true God

Majestic God above us
Enthroned yet you wash our feet
Humble but so holy
All of creation bow when you speak

God of all things
God who saves us
God within us
You are God

Buddy Miller is someone I first became familiar with via Emmylou Harris and Pattie Griffin. He has made some fine music himself and along with his talented wife Julie Miller. I came across this beautiful new song (so new it has yet to be named) and had to pass it along. (That Phil Madeira is one talented organ player!)

Help us find “home!”

ht Rustin

It is no secret that I am sort of a freak when it comes to a particular band. Those who know me, know me as one who is more than a fan - more like a fanatic for the Seventy Sevens. For more than 25 years I have enjoyed in both the highest highs and the lowest lows their tunes as the “unofficial, official” soundtrack of my life. The vibe, the words, the emotion all tied up in their releases has collided well with the events that have propelled me through my adolescence, young adulthood, marriage, family and now near empty nest years. In many ways (even mysteriously) the themes and struggles of my life I have seen mirrored and even addressed in each subsequent 77’s release over these past 25 years.

I share all this to say… I am looking forward to adding some new tunes to the 77’s lexicon (aka my life soundtrack)!! They will arrive in my grubby greedy little fanatical hands with the appropriate autographs on June 28th!! I will buy it from Mr. Roe himself as I accompany my bride to see one of their (nowadays) rare live performances in Dayton Ohio at the infamous Canal Street Tavern (an adult beverage AND hearing the 7’s live… now that is a rare treat!) The new tunes are coming in the form of a new release entitled, Holy Ghost Building! It is a disc of standard blues and gospel numbers given the classic Seventy Sevens treatment and I can’t wait to hear this stuff! From the earliest days, old blues standards have been a 77’s staple - their very first release included an old blues tune, Denomination Blues by Washington Phillips - and the seven’s take on Phillips song is a fan favorite that is constantly requested at their live gigs (and this trend has continued through the years - a heavy dose of the blues has always been a strong suit of a 77’s recording). The ensuing blues & gospel fest soon to be released fits very well with the 77’s modus operandi and is highly anticipated (dare I say the older fans have been clamoring for this recording!!). A press release about the new recording follows, as well as their short tour dates (with Mike Roe, Mark Harmon & Bruce Spencer - and a special treat 7’s alumnus David Leonhardt!)… if you are anywhere near (say within 200 miles) any of these shows - do yourself a favor and grab a loved one and enjoy!!

And whether you make a live show or not… do yourself a favor and line the pockets of some great independent musicians and spend a few pennies (okay dollars) and get this recording!

————— for immediate press release ————– from low fidelity & the 77’s ———-

Lo-Fidelity Records and The 77s are proud to present the highly anticipated release of their new studio recording, “Holy Ghost Building.” Recorded over a 2-year stretch, the initial sessions were done quickly, much like Johnny Cash or Elvis recorded their early records at Sun Studios in Memphis. Mike Roe comments, “Those guys would choose a song, play through it to get the feel and arrangement, and while it was all fresh they would just roll the tape. Drawing from literally the same sources they did, we did the same thing….choosing old gospel, blues and bluegrass tunes that said something to us as a band, and then recording them on the spot with no rehearsal….the only difference was we spent a couple years putting the finishing touches on the songs!”

While “Holy Ghost Building” could be called a “return to form” for the band, saying so would also sell short the new depth the band has found in playing these songs. The record has The 77’s touchstones of rock and blues, but they have also included folk, slide guitar, Byrds-era jangle electric 12-strings, and vocal harmonies previously unheard on any 77’s record. Mike says “When folks ask me what this record sounds like, I like to say ‘Elvis, Scotty, Bill & D.J.’ because we did it exactly the way those guys did the early Elvis recordings. It even sounds like them sonically here and there, but thankfully none of that was planned either, which of course makes me very happy. You can’t plan those things without them often sounding planned, and I’m so glad we didn’t. Even the one original tune we tacked on at the end of this project as a bonus treat for the fans was made up on the spot: music, lyrics, melody and all. Talk about risk! But that’s how you end up with records like the ones I loved as a kid, and this one’s got that sound and feeling.

“For a preview off the record, visit the 77’s myspace to hear “Working on a Building,” the first single. The band will feature three new songs off the record leading up to its release.

The first pressing of “Holy Ghost Building” will feature limited edition digipack packaging and is scheduled for release beginning Friday, June 20th to coincide with The 77’s brief return to the road.

The CD will be available online from www.77s.com and www.lo-fidelity.com beginning June 20th as well, although orders will not begin shipping until the following Monday, June 23rd. Please note all dates are subject to change.

Mike Roe, Mark Harmon, David Leonhardt and Bruce Spencer will make a brief return to the road leading up to Cornerstone.

You do not want to miss this tour! Tour dates are as follows:

Friday, June 20th - Marietta GA
3 Bears Cafe
105 North Park Square,
Marietta GA 30060
Green Bracelet will open the show.
Showtime: 8:00PM
Must be 18+ years to attend.
Ticket Price: $12
Tickets available online at www.myspace.com/annemarieperry
(**Advise to buy in advance…this is going to be a full room) Your paypal receipt will be your ticket, please print out and bring to show.

Saturday, June 21 - Hendersonville TN
“The Living Room” at First Baptist Church Hendersonville
106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd.
Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075
Doors: 6:30pm
Showtime: 7:00PM
Lewis and Mary Lea will open the show…
Ticket price: $5.00 at the door.

Sunday, June 22, 2008 - Litchfield, IL
First Baptist Church of Litchfield
608 N Van Buren Street
Litchfield IL 62056
Doors: 6:30pm
Showtime: 7:00pm
Tickets: $8 in advance through itickets, $10 at the door
Litchfield is located off hwy 55 in southern Illinois, 46 miles south of Springfield Illinois and roughly 55 miles north of the Greater St. Louis Metro-East area.

Tuesday, June 24th - Ames IA
Zeke’s (Live Music, Performing Arts, Community Center)
3329 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
Doors: 7:00pm
Showtime: 7:30pm
Tickets: $15
Ticket info at www.zekesames.com
For more info contact Scott Hanson, hansonscott@mac.com (subject 77’s show)

Wednesday, June 25 - Rock Island IL
Comedy Sportz
1818 3rd Ave
Rock Island, IL 61201
Doors: 7:00pm
Showtime: 7:30pm
Ticket Prices: $15-if you purchase by June 13. $18.00 from June 14 - June 24th, $20 on day of show at the door.
Call District Drugs & Compounding Center, Monday through Friday, 10 AM - 5PM to Purchase Tickets. Call @ 309.786.8431 or Toll Free @ 866.842.3351 (Credit Card Payment- Visa/Master Card/Discover)- all sales final. Tickets will be issued “will call” at Door.
For more info contact Jim Perry @ jperry68@mchsi.com (subject 77’s show)
Website for more info: www.districtdrugs.com

Thursday, June 26, 2008
Lo-Fidelity Presents the 77’s at BACKTHIRD AUDIO
www.backthird.com
No tickets will be sold at the door.
This concert is being held in the beautiful “live room” of the studio at BackThird Audio in downtown Aurora.
40 seat capacity.
For more info and to purchase tickets, please visit:
www. lo-fidelity. com/77s

Friday, June 27 - Livonia MI
Trinity House Theatre
38840 W. Six Mile
Livonia, MI 48152-2605
Doors: 7:30pm
Showtime: 8PM
Ticket Price: $18, $15 for members
Contact 734-464-6302 or trinityhouse.org to reserve tickets

Saturday, June 28 - Dayton OH
Canal Street Tavern
308 E. First Street
Dayton, OH 45402
Doors: 8:00pm
Showtime: 9:00pm
Opening band TBA
Ticket Price: $15 in advance, $17 at the door
Advance tickets can be purchased at Canal Street Tavern (cash only), or can be charged online & by phone through iTickets. com or 1-800-965-9 324 (service charge applies)
Contact “Hear The Light” at 937-426-5400 or email deb@hearthelight.com (subject 77’s show) for more info.
Please note, you must be at least 18 or accompanied by parent or legal guardian to attend this concert.

Thursday, July 3 - Cornerstone
Gallery Stage
8:15pm - 9:15pm

Friday, July 4 - Cornerstone
Main Stage
7:15pm - 7:30pm

Once the Cornerstone dust has settled, Mike, Mark, and Bruce would like to continue their “Holy Ghost Building” tour on the West Coast/Pacific Northwest. Perspective show dates would begin July 11th, and end….??? For more information and to book the 77’s, please contact jeffrey k. ASAP at booking@lo-fidelity.com

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of a very little known band called the Seventy Sevens. Since many moons ago (circa 1982) I have followed the career of these bad luck or no luck paupers of the back beat. The recordings of Roe and Co. have been the soundtrack of a large portion of my life. Their honest and gritty lyrics and their way of pairing it to great hooks and often raw but still beautiful music for some reason connects with me.

So, the 77’s are rumored to be putting out their first new recording (working title - Jesus Hits Like an Atomic Bomb / rumored actual title - Holy Ghost Building) in some 6 years. A collection of old blues tunes given the royal 77’s treatment (think a Stones/Zep take on Run to the City of Refuge or Workin’ on a Building). I don’t know when it will ultimately “hit the street” (or website store) - but hopefully mid to late summer. There is even some talk of the power trio version of the band (Roe, Harmon and Spencer) making a little road trip round the country playing churches, clubs and maybe even a back yard or two.

Well, I couldn’t be happier! It is so refreshing to find beautiful and authentic music made out of sheer love for the art. I think that is what I find when Roe croons, and Harmon grooves and Spencer keeps time. They long gave up “the dream” and now the music is a result of their friendship, their connection and maybe even to quiet and satisfy their small, but rabid and devoted fan base.

Well, Mike Roe, lead singer and guitarist of the 77’s, has been working on mixing and readying the new sevens recording… and also has played a few solo dates this past week. I stumbled across this gem of a performance on you tube and felt COMPELLED to share it (do it for love!!). [stick with me here as I name drop and reference and well hang in and see if you can understand the next sentence ] It is Mike Roe in John J. Thompson’s (of True Tunes fame and the keeper of the Gallery stage at Cornerstone for many years) kitchen/dining room in Nashville helped out by Matt Slocum on Cello (Sixpence None The Richer); Phil Madeira on guitar (B-3 legend playing with everyone from Keaggy to Emmylou Harris and Buddy Miller); Jimmy Abegg on guitar (painter, photograher, solo artist and member of the old Exit label band Vector) and Steve Hindalong on percussion (Member of the Choir and producer of the famed City on a Hill recordings; writer of God of Wonders). So without further ado… here is Mike and company turning up some beauty in the suburbs of Nash-vegas… doing his take on the Velvet Underground’s, “Pale Blue Eyes“:

On Sunday without question one of the pioneers of Christian music (and most definitely the most influential for a more cutting edge approach to using the music of the streets to reach out to people) - Larry Norman died of heart failure. He had been battling heart problems for many years now (at least the last 15 years now) and from what I can tell died peacefully with his loved ones surrounding him at his home in Oregon.

Larry was a character! He was creative. He was passionate. He was ornery. He was opinionated. He was fascinating. He was accessible. He was frustrating. He was angry at the church. He loved the church. He was a prophet. He was a poet. He was a sinner and he was a saint.

He is no doubt at peace now, in another land.

You either loved or hated Larry’s music. I am in the former camp. It had a very human element to it. I felt like at times the music definitely related to me. There was a humanness and a earthiness to his tunes that definitely spoke of experience and wisdom that pierced to my soul. Larry also was influential in helping a good number of artists that share that same spirit of making Scripture and Godly truth accessible and pertinent in the best sense of the Word. An ability to bring human emotion, duality, struggle and everyday hassles into the mix with becoming more like Jesus. Thanks in part to Larry’s direct influence Randy Stonehill, Mark Heard, Steve Scott, Malcom and Alwyn, and Daniel Amos to name just a few continue Larry’s legacy - but it is not a stretch to say that much of the prophetic and good that is in Christian music (it’s dwindling I know) is also a direct influence of the likes of Larry Norman.

Now Larry truly knows (in a literal way), a “friend of mine, came and took me by the hand, and led me to a kingdom in another land. Well wowie, zowie the Cat’s got soul; He’s the rock that doesn’t roll!”

RIP Larry (April 8, 1947 - February 24, 2008)

Sunday had a wonderful start - with no real “have to see” programming - I was able to sleep a bit. The general session with folks from my church, Len, & Matt was terrific. There was a comedian who “kicked” the morning off and I have to admit it had me chuckling! They had a “stage in the round” that was used very effectively throughout the week. And video screens galore to give everyone a feeling of a front row seat. One thing that is really unfortunate meeting in convention centers… there is no slope. So line of sight to the main stage was always tedious at best for this 5 foot 10 inch guy.

Jeff Johnson (with two violins and a bassoon) put together a reflective and meaningful set of worship for getting the session going. The art work that supported the Taize’, Celtic and Traditional hymns and chants was so powerful. The beauty was almost overwhelming. But the pacing/progression of music, prayer, silence and singing definitely drew me into a place where I was able to rest before God.

The general session speaker was Doug Fields (on the big screen Matt and I thought he definitely resembled John Elway - anyone else catch that?). He spoke on envy and did a great contrast between our tendency for envy (like the brothers of Joseph) exemplified by the multi-colored coat and the way that God see’s us exemplified by those dressed in white robes in Revelation 3. A helpful and healthy reminder.

The session closed with Crowder. That is almost enough said, but a couple observations. Can anyone grab a crowd quicker than this guy? Crowder is able to move from fun to intense focus on the things of God effortlessly, authentically and immediately. Remedy live is glorious. The band is TIGHT - every time I see them I go away thinking, not only are they unique and presenting great songs… there musicianship is quite good. Final thought - the NFL Fox theme… great encore!

After a quick bite - Chris, Matt and I got the room set up for Chris’ final seminar. A good crowd who I think enjoyed themselves. It was much more of a “presentation.” Good stuff on “Living, Loving and Leading in the Way of Jesus.” The crowd liked “free stuff” (everyone signed up for free goodies to show up in their in-box).

Enough NYWC - I was at my limit. So… Matt and I watched the NFL for far too long. It was great (Chris joined us after some of his final obligations)… we ate, laughed and I reminded everyone that the Bucs had won (31 to 7) down the street at the Georgia Dome!!

Wonderful day.

Today I wrapped up the critical concerns course with Mike King and with Jeff Johnson. It was a wonderful experience overall. Mike shared some great stories about pilgrimage. Probably the most memorable and powerful “take-a-way” for me was his statement, “Jesus in the Incarnation, displaced himself. We need to find ways and be intentional in displacing ourselves. Pilgrimage is a way to help us in this displacement and find a place of transformation.”

Wow.

The convention began with a general session. The technology and excellence of this multi-stage production is phenomenal. In the first session for me the highlight was Flatfoot 56. What a fun “old school punk band” tinged with Irish tendencies.

I was able to connect with a number of friends in the afternoon. Shared a great meal with Folmsbee, Matt and Mike. Then Matt and I caught the Atlanta Hawks vs. Supersonics at Phillips Arena. My first live NBA experience was full - a double overtime game that ended with buzzer beater to break the Hawks hearts. During the fourth period we learned that back at the convention during the second general session, Shane Claiborne’s message was a word-for-word reading of the Sermon on the Mount. I don’t know how you top that sermon?! But, at the same time, I am sure some were left shaking their heads.

A wonderful day complete with good music, insight, meaningful discussions, laughter with real friends, and a beautiful day under the sun.

I don’t know why I picked it up. I avoided it for a long time. I was biased. Arrogant. I wrote it off as having nothing for me (viewing myself as a sophisticated spiritually-mature Christian?! Yeah, right.). I asked myself again and again, “Why would you buy that?” What does a Charismatic young worship person have to say to you?

Well, apparently LOTS!

I think more than anything I have given a listen in the past three or four years - this music, this strange, wonderful, simple, yet challenging music goes through the auditory nerve straight to the soul. If it is possible - this music wounds AND soothes my soul; and I can’t recall ever having such an experience before.

I had never heard of Jason Upton. I picked up the weird looking cover at a discount bin and then after “googling” him - I wrote it off. In the jury of my mind I tried, judged and concluded: “a person from that tradition has nothing to say to me, that explains it being in the bargain bin. Just simplistic, charismatic fluff.”

Again - what a judgmental, arrogant, snob of the worst kind. Why do we think we can’t learn from one another? Why does the Body of Christ act this way? Why do I act this way? Labels and pigeon holing one another - I guess it helps me feel safe and comfortable? I guess it gives me some bearing knowing the lines, limitations and boundaries that others and I operate from. Of course these labels and lines also serve to separate us. And separated we become so unprepared, so limited and so sterilized in a world needing a BIG, MYSTERIOUS, UNEXPLAINABLE, VOLATILE, expression of God’s mercy, love, greatness and vastness.

Back to Jason Upton. This is what I get from his music - greatness, vastness, mystery and all served with an edge. The edge may be felt from his improvising and spontaneity - but don’t write it off, this isn’t endless noodling - it works. The spontaneous sections of his tunes are meaning-filled and they serve to push the themes and musical ideas in new directions which find me enraptured, transfixed. His music is really intriguing. I have acquired four or five of his (mostly self-produced) recordings. More than once I have put on the first title and haven’t made it past the first or second line of the lyric when I just can’t go on. It strikes me to the core. Powerful stuff. I just get consumed by the striking or odd juxtaposition of the words Upton composes. I haven’t found this type of music before. Really Odd.

I don’t get it either. Just telling you my experience.

I don’t know - does everyone know of this guy? Have I been living under a rock? Seems he has self-produced recordings since 2000.

Anyway I stumbled across this startling music mixing first nation influences (Native American and Celtic) with rootsy acoustic piano based rock and I am on record saying…

“I dig it.”

My recommendation as a starting place?

or his one project on a major label…

*disclaimer I use the word “unlikely” as understood in the context of my story of discovery of Upton’s music.