Amy Grant's Blog

2008-2009

 

January 28, 2009

Back in the studio

Today is day 8 in the studio. 
We're working on a song called "Better Not to Know" that Cindy Morgan and I wrote. 
My Grandmother Grant died in the spring of 1988 when my first child was 5 months old. 
We planted a field of fruit trees in her memory....little leafless sticks with promising root balls. 
I lived on that farm another ten years... Had two more children there, and then life took a few unexpected turns. 
When I left the farm I left behind the shade of those 75 trees that had grown into a thick canopy over our heads 
They never had any fruit.
Evevtually, the farm was sold. 
Then this past summer I got a phone call. 
The current owner of the property had had the surviving fruit trees pruned, the farm next door had started keeping bees. 
My grandmother's trees were loaded down with peaches and pears and apples.

When Cindy came to my house last fall, I had just made my first batch of pear preserves
We talked and ate and wrote this song:

We sowed our seeds
Watered with tears
Waiting for signs of growth
Took months of days 
And then took years. 
We took our steps
We took our falls
Somewhere along the way
We just got lost
And we lost it all. 
Nothing ventured nothing gained
The risk of living is the pain
And what will be will be anyway

Oh, it's better not to know
The way it's gonna go
What will die and what will grow
It's better not to know

Those tiny stems became these trees
With dirt and storms
And sun and air to breathe
Like you and me
And some fell down 
And some grew tall
And those surviving twenty winter thaws
Have the sweetest fruit of all
But innocence and planting day
Are both long gone 
So much has changed
And if we got to do it all again ...

Oh it's better not to know...
 

December 12, 2008

Ice And Rain

Well, last night was a fabulous crowd in Albany, New York. 
With the streets starting to ice over, we wondered if we would have to cancel tonight's show in Mass., but the bus and truck drivers took their time and got us here in one piece. 
Got some shopping down yesterday...Hallelujah!
Sure am missing my kids. 
After the show tomorrow night we plan to swing through Nashville on our way to Atlanta and spend a few hours at home. 
Everything in life is a juggle. 
Vince and I are glad for some concentrated together time. 
These concerts make a great date night!
Wherever you are...be grateful. 
Peace.

December 08, 2008

A Much Needed Day Off

To day we are in New Jersey. No show tonight.4:00am lobby call tomorrow morning (ughh!) to be on CBS This Morning...then Fox and Friends.

We got to the hotel about 1:45am this morning....after a 4 hour bus ride from Foxwoods....somewhere in Connecticut.
This road life is not for everyone, but it suits me just fine.
So on this much needed day off, I plan to do nothing but rest.
Four shows done.
Eleven to go.
All is well.
We are having so much fun with this all star band.
The band leader is John Hobbs, an dear friend of Vince's and mine.
He has been a much sought after studio musician since the mid 70's
Pat Coil is the other key board player in the band. We have done Christmas shows together since the early 90's.
For fun, just google any of these musicians to see their discography....you will be amazed.
The horn section is The Sapphire Blue Horns...made up of Mike Haynes, Barry Green, Mark Douthit,and Doug Moffat.
Vocals are Jenny Gill and Kim Keyes, and Billy Thomas...who also plays the drums.
The legendary Dave Hungate is playing bass.
Dean Parks is playing guitar....a musical hero to many of us on stage.
I hope everyone is getting rest.
We stayed up awfully late on the bus last night, playing Scrabble....and my favorite card game, Nertz.
Doesn't make a lot of sense to go to bed when you have to unload your bags in the middle of the night at the next hotel....so sometimes we just stay up.
It's a good way to get your days and nights completely backwards.
I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to bring some Christmas spirit to people across the country.
We do...and always will need each other.
Hope this day is peaceful at some point for each of you.
 

December 06, 2008

Anybody in the mood for some Christmas music?

We arrived at West Point this morning for our third Christmas concert. The tour bus sounded noisier than usual from my sleepy vantage point of the bunk. 
As it turned out, the other band bus broke down about an hour outside of town, so they were loaded onto our bus while the rest of us were sleeping. 
Last night we played to a great crowd in Augusta, Maine. 
After the show, we made the short drive to the town of Freeport where the LL Bean store is open all night...just couldn't resist that unique shopping experience!
Merry Christmas.

November 24, 2008

The next chapter

All things come to an end...even when you don't want them to. 
At 8:00 tonight I felt like I should be heading back on stage to revel in just one more night of the old songs, but instead I am preparing for tomorrow's second grade field trip to the zoo. 
A great way to spend the morning of my 48th birthday if you ask me. 
As we all head into the Thanksgiving weekend, I hope we take time to breathe deeply...to look our loved ones in the face and acknowledge our gratitude...and Then reach beyond our circle of familiarity to fill the plate of someone in need. 
Sweet dreams.

November 21, 2008

Two Shows To Go....

Today is a sunny day in New Jersey.

Our tour bus rolled into town about 2:30 this morning and we all made our drowsy trek into the hotel for some good sleep.
I've spent the day doing interviews for Vince's and my upcoming Christmas tour.
These days on the road are so unique....nothing like home.
As energizing as this musical experience has been....as precious as reconnecting with all of these old friends continues to be....I'm sure missing my family.
Next week I'll be back to the regular routine of a 6:15 alarm...waking up next to Vince...involved in the daily happenings of the kids... planning Thanksgiving dinner...catching up with friends and family.
That all sounds fabulous to me right now.
But for now, I am looking forward to the last two shows of a tour that has been my favorite musical experience in a long long time.
Thank you to all of you who have made the effort to join me on this walk down memory lane.
Haven't we had fun!

November 12, 2008

Hello From Vegas

Last night MWS and I taped a holiday skating special here in Las Vegas.

And No, we were not the ones on the ice.
Tomorrow I fly to Houston to resume the Lead Me On reunion tour.
Today is a day of rest
Sure need it after this lst week.
Vince and I had our rehearsals for the xmas tour..
and on a totally different note, I hosted the first annual Amy Grant and Friends Yard Sale on the Lipscomb University campus in the shadow of the Burton Building,( named for my great grandparents).
The sale was a fundraiser for a good friend of mine's son who has CP.
What I enjoyed the most about the day was the amazing spirit of giving that permeated that lawn.
We raised a lot of money, thanks to all of the volunteers, and all of the "free and clear" donations of trash and treasures that people gave us to sell.
In particular, my husband finally parted with several of his golf bags....a tough choice for a pack rat.
Ralph Emery, the legendary broadcaster (in the Country Music Hall of Fame) brought by  several autographed books and a jacket....and Wynonna donated some gems from her closet.
Thank you Thank you to all who participated in the event.

October 23, 2008

Country Crock Omega Plus

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An old friend

Last night I saw a dear friend at the concert in ...where was I last night?
Obviously, I have not had my first cup of coffee. 
I met this man in the summer of 1978.
I had just graduated from high school and was on a work trip with my mom to promote my first record. 
When our flight landed in los Angeles, we were met by Cy Jackson. 
Over the years we have stayed in touch. I don't believe one major event in my life has occurred, whether the birth of a child, a birthday, a wedding, a new work opportunity, without receiving a note in the mail from Cy. 
"I'm praying for you" and "God bless you" always being part of the message.
Cy turned 94 at the end of August. 
And he is still the witty, charming, encouraging man I have known since I was a kid. AND he's still dipping and swaying. 
Now that's my kind of guy.

October 18, 2008

Irvine, California

You know that saying "you're only as good as the company you keep"?
Well, last night at the Mariner's Church felt like old home week. 
What a great feeling community...fabulous facility...and by far the most exuberant crowd I have sung to in a long time. 
Watching people shed the years and remember the vibrancy and passion of a younger version of themselves is the only way I can describe the view from my vantage point. 
It's beautiful. 
Thankyou to all who are making this musical journey with us. 
Looking back and remembering the best parts of our younger selves, less road weary and jaded, just might give us fresh inspiration for the next stage of life...which I believe, is the most important chapter yet .
Today I am in Bakersfield. 
The show is benefitting a local hospital...in particular, a new burn unit. 
Now that's a great combination. 
Music and a great cause. 
I'm off to take a quick nap before sound check. 
Sleep has been the elusive component of the last few days...
Guess it's just adrenaline. 
Running on fumes. Now that IS like the old days. Ha!

October 17, 2008

Great night...

I don't think anyone had more fun than we did on stage!!!!
Sweet dreams. 
I hope I sleep 12 hours...fat chance.

October 14, 2008

New Record

I think the next record is written. 
Hopefully will be in the studio by mid January. 
Sure would be nice to try out some of the new material at the end of some of these concerts,,,guess I'll just see how each night feels. 
Suitcase is almost packed. 
There's a lot of music in this world. 
Every night the clubs and concert halls in this town are filled with musicians. 
Probably that way in every town. 
Well, here comes one more hopeful songwriter.

Last weekend

In typical hyper-focus mode, I have only been reporting on the upcoming tour, when in fact, so many great things have been going on. 
This past weekend I got to play an outdoor show in Augusta, Georgia (where I was born) benefitting a new Miracle League baseball field that will be part of the YMCA there. 
We were also trying to break the Guinness World Book record for largest picnic.
I don't know if we accomplish it, but we all had a great time trying. 
Check out the Miracle League Field in Augusta. 
You'll me glad you did. 
Later that evening, a couple thousand people ...including that Nashville symphony and the 150 voice Nashville Choir .... Joined together to celebrate 25 years of the music of Michael W. Smith. 
The eveving was like old home week...all dressed up. 
Songwriters and musicians and singers who have loved Michael and worked with him over the last two plus decades sang his songs back to him. 
It was truely magical. 
What a treasure...friendship.

October 13, 2008

Did I mention this tour is all about the music?

Ok
A friend who grew up on my old music asked me if I still had the 501's and faded sleeveless dark t shirt from the Lead Me On video...
Twenty lbs ago...maybe. 
The passage of time is a beautiful thing. 
Takes the pressure off the exterior and makes you focus ok what's inside. 
I did find my long-ish black coat. 
Took it to have the ripped lining in the sleeve mended...
Still have the black cowboy boots that Rich Frankel, my friend from the A&M record days, had made for me. 
At least my feet are still the same size. 
Ha!
All of this nonsense to say...
It's all about the music. 
Can't wait.

What to pack...?

Usually I don't even drag my suitcase out of the closet until the clock is ticking off the last 24 hours, but I'm so full of anticipation for this 20 city run that I'm starting today...three days out. 
I wonder if I can still button one of the copies of that leopard print Unguarded jacket...might be fun to wear for an old song. 
The fact is, I 'be never thought too much about wardrobe. 
Why start now?
It's all about the music...always has been. 
Tennessee is beautiful this time of year. 
I'll miss watching the leaves change.

October 09, 2008

One more thing...

Through all of our phases and stages 
Growth spurts and stagnation...
God is faithful. There are no mistakes in His book. 
He uses everything for His ultimate good. ...sickness...divorce ...failure...time. 
He is good. 
I'm glad we belong to Him.

First "show" down

Tonight we had our first audience. 
Friends and family filled the folding chairs of the rehearsal hall and stoodarpund the back wall. 
Several songs in to the set we thought to turn off the overhead florescent lights, which were a real mood buster. 
All through the first half dozen songs I kept wondering if my instincts were right, or if I was completely in left field with this tour idea. 
By the end of the show I could see the answer written on everyone's faces. 
These old songs, these old reminders of earlier passion, these honest proclamations in the form of songs were like a long cool drink of water. 
Everyone was energized and impassioned and happy. 
I cannot wait to share this evening with any and everyone who needs a lift. 
....even danced a little bit tonight 
Thanks for the encouragement to be free.

October 08, 2008

Great day! Long, but great

Had our first rehearsal with stage and lights today....
It's fun to have an actual "set", but I got a little nervous today wondering what to do with my arms and legs when I wasn't holding my guitar.
Dance?
If I were in the crowd I would want to move...I feel sort of silly jumping around these days. ..
Anyway, it's way too late to be awake, but I'm trying to shift my body clock a little later.
I'll figure out the movement thing another day. 
Friends are coming to rehearsal tomorrow. 
A few came today. 
All eight clapped, which was nice. 
With the economy the way it is, that might be a record crowd. 
Mmmmmmm
Even if. It has still been worth it. 
Sweet dreams keyboard. 
Sweet dreams night reader.

October 07, 2008

Home Stretch

We're in the last week of rehearsals now. 
All of the glitches are getting smoothed out. 
Can I just say that life is crazy....and there are too many things to do...and I am so glad that in the midst of the chaos, all of my old friends decided to do this reunion tour. 
This week is dedicated to running the set list straight through....over and over and over. 
Never did find that old flat brimmed black hat. 
Oh well. 
 

September 29, 2008

15 songs down

5 to go...
Then to work on the list that I do by myself...
M W S came by rehearsals today. 
Great to see him. 
He's doing dates with Steven Curtis Chapman this fall. 
Asked him to try to make one of the shows for old times sake. 
We'll see. 
Just to clarify...
We are choosing to do songs from 1988 or earlier...
And brand new, unrecorded material ...
The thought being that we look back in order to look ahead.
Sweet. Dreams.

September 27, 2008

So much for vocal rest...

I ended up working on a song instead.
one of those sentimental ones that lead to a good cry. 
Love that kind. 
No luck on the hat cause I didn't even look for it.
 

All quiet on the home front

Thirteen songs rehearsed this week. 
Wow. 
That was a good start on the set list. 
My voice sounds shot....
But it's not really. 
That's the only way to build up that shout singing kind of stamina. ..to push it to the brink of losing it and then rest. And then push it to that point again and rest. And then again. 
October 16th is just far enough away to get it done.

My job today is to crawl around the attic looking for that old black hat...
 

September 25, 2008

Euphoria

I haven't rockedthis hard in a LONG time!!!!
I'm not exactly sure when my stage performances became so laid back...
Which is fine...
But NoTHING about the Lead Me On tour was low energy.
Consequently, I've been belting out these old songs...Love of Another kind...Fight...Wise Up...and so forth for four days now. 
And you know what, I haven't felt this energized and impassioned about creativity and music in a long time.
I know we're all getting older and a little less willing to jump in the mosh pit, but if you plan on coming to any of the concerts in this 20 city run,then you might want to leave your high heeled fashion footwera at home so you can move a little bit. 
Trust me, it feels great. 
Like an emotional, spiritual, and physical B-12 shot.

September 24, 2008

21 years ago tonight

I loved being at rehearsal today, realizing that it was 21 years ago tonight that we recorded Lead Me On. 
I was very pregnant, and in fact gave birth to Matt the next day.
I love the unexplainable power of music to cause emotions long forgotten to well up inside. 
Joy,,,passion,,,daring...anticipation. 
That's what bringing back these old songs has done for me. 
Can't wait to share the experience with whoever else wants to join in.

September 23, 2008

Muscle memory

There's a lot to be said for preexisting brain tracks. 
Yesterday was the first day of rehearsals for the Lead Me On tour. 
First song on the rehearsal list...
Lead Me On...and it sounded as tight and flawless as it did 19 years ago when we ended the tour supporting that record. 
The band:
Greg Morrow on drums
Mike Brignardello on bass
Jerry McPherson and Chris Roderiguez on guitar
ken Rarick and Chris Eaton on keys
Warren Hamm vocals and sax
And Kim Keyes vocals and percussion

I've heard a lot of great guitar players play the opening riff and solo of Lead Me On, but hearing Jerry play the part that he originated is magic. 
Now if I can just get my vocal chops up to speed...
 

September 20, 2008

Two ships passing in the night

Tonight is my second show in Iowa this weekend. This one is with the Des Moines Symphony. 
My good friend, violinist Ruth McGinnis, flew in from Nashville as my special guest. 
Her sister and brother-in-law are the first chair cellist and concert master, respectfully. 
Vince is in Iowa, too. 
I'm not sure where. 
I wonder if we'll pass on the highway while we're sleeping...
That's life on the road.

September 17, 2008

Just around the corner

Song meeting tomorrow morning to play new songs for EMI.
This weekend will be the last two shows before rehearsals start for the Lead Me On tour. 
Can't wait to lay eyes on everybody. 
Twenty years is a long time. 
Just imagine that in dog years. 
My guess is that we're all going to slide right back into those familiar brain tracks. 
Maybe just a half- step lower.

Sure need a road trip to get some sleep

 

September 10, 2008

Back to work

One month and five days until we fly to Phoenix to start the Lead Me On tour. 
Time to start getting my voice back in shape. 
I listen to those old concert recordings and think. Who is that screamer?
So if you pass me in traffic and I'm singing my head off, no laughing.
Any requests for songs to be included in set list welcomed. 
Must be from 1988 or earlier. 
Be well.

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