Album Notes

Is there still more to say after 7 full length albums? It appears there is. The album, “Not Like In the Movies” comes four years after the last one, “This is the Mystery”. This is an album about living as an imperfect person in an imperfect world. The title track is inspired by Jesus’ words now known as the Beatitudes. These words are a challenge to our desire for instant gratification and a pain-free existence, to feeling good and comfortable. Life just doesn’t always get “fixed” but instead we are to recognize how fortunate we are, in whatever circumstance. Now that is a challenge! Stylistically it is a little hard to define......would you believe celtic disco??
This Day, the second track, is a simple song of hope in the midst of life’s struggles. This song is almost bluegrass. Now how did that happen??
The piano-driven song, “Counting on You” is a contemplation of doubt and a reaffirmation of faith.
Laughing Out Loud was written several years ago and somehow never made the cut of the last two album, but it continued to resonate with me.....and was such an expression of my own walk with Christ. I knew that it was one that really needed to share with others. It is a love song about being pursued and won by a love who won’t be driven away. This is the story of God’s love for me....and you.
Bend Like a Willow was inspired by my early escapades with my huge Anatolian Shepherd dog. God taught me about myself through those experiences. This song features the amazing mandolin playing of John Reischman . This song is a lot of fun, but I am thinking that it might be sort of “celtic blues”.
Insignificant is a tender, jazz-influenced ballad about being of value simply and profoundly because we are of infinite value to God. I love to share this song because I can feel the power of God’s love reaching into hearts and bringing healing. This tune was a gift to me and I believe it says what the whole world needs to hear. You are not insignificant!
In spite of our best efforts to fix the world, to fix people and to fix situations, we often have to live with less than stellar results. We end up taking too much credit and responsibility for those successes and failures. Lenten Seeking Song speaks of seeking to know and commune with Jesus. He tells us to seek first His Kingdom and that all these things will be added. For the first time ever, I put an instrumental on this album which features the wonderful fiddle and penny whistle duet of my son Daniel and friend Lisa Forseth.
Polish Me is a song that invites God to keep making me more like Him.
Jesus Under Cover is a song about being a friend.
Palm of Your Hand was inspired by the novel “One Smooth Stone” by Marcia Laycock. She challenged me to write a song after letting me read a part of the manuscript. That was a new exercise for me but the passage so evoked images and metaphors that it was a joy to write. Hear the song. Read the book.
Borrow Sorrow is an extremely personal creed about learning to live in the joy of the present and not let it be coloured and stolen by the pain and sorrow that we know is to come. This song is for anyone who is dealing with terminal illness, whether as a patient or a family member.
Vapour is a final declaration of hope. Whatever happens, no matter how difficult, as Christians we know that it is going to be good. As they say, “the best is yet to come”.
“Not Like in the Movies” was recorded over a period of two years, interspersed with much other life and the whole process started to become a bit surreal. However, due to the generous support of Incarnation Ministries and Whitewater Productions, it is here and I really hope and pray that the songs resonate and encourage us all.