Being Back in the Studio

At the end of this month, on March 31, I will be heading back to Nashville, TN to record a new album of songs. I couldn't have imagined that I would return to the studio so quickly after my last project, She Loved (released in January 2016), which I recorded with my Aunt Pat Campbell as our first duo album as The Easlons, our family ministry. Being in Nashville in October of 2015 with my aunt was an experience of a lifetime, getting to record in a city with so much music history, recording in a world class studio, and working with Marty Funderburk as our producer, and recording with a lady that has become a dear friend and supporter of my ministry, Bonnie Keen of First Call. This trip was truly a dream come true for my aunt and me and what an experience it was.

Now, I find myself headed back to music city! And this time, to do a solo album with Redemption World Records. This is almost unbelievable for me to conceive. I do believe that if you put your mind to something for which to have the capabilities that you can accomplish those dreams and desires. For some reason, I never thought that it would be me doing it. I am a clinical psychotherapist and I often find myself working with others and encouraging them to pursue the dreams and desires; however, I never thought that I would actually be pursuing my dreams and desires in music.  I thought I was too old! I'm closing in on half a century here on Earth!

I had toured in my youth with The Continental Singers and Orchestra, my family's ministry, and on my own for a while. After having gone to college and studying music, it became more and more clear that I was just not competitive enough in my own spirit to pursue a career in music. As I became more settled in this clarity I soon changed my major to Psychology and complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology / Behavioral Medicine. I have now been in private practice for 20 years as a practicing psychotherapist.

After nearly a quarter of a Century I find myself back, immersed into the music scene again and am loving it. Maybe because I no longer feel the competitive nature, maybe because I'm more comfortable in my own skin, maybe because it's God's timing and not mine. Whatever the reason, I'm thrilled to be along for the ride and looking forward to where this road may lead. Whether this be the last project, or the beginning of a new journey with future recordings ahead, I am excited to have the opportunity to live out my dream of recording and making music.

I am looking forward to this trip back to Nashville. M wife will join me on the journey and we'll get to spend time with family and friends. Being back in the studio is a realization that my dreams and aspirations for making music is not over, in fact it just might be the beginning of another chapter in the book of my life's music.

Christmas Around the World

Christmas Around the World.  This holds true for my family and friends.  Each year when the Holiday season approaches memories of the places that I've had the privilege to visit flood my mind.  Not necessarily the places themselves, although they are beautiful, but of the people that have made an imprints in my life.  On my birthday, I was reminded of how many people that I have had the privilege of meeting from various parts of the world.  I told my wife, Michelle, that I was amazed that I had recieved birthday greetings from people of six of the seven continents on the globe.  To me this was amazing ... and fun!

Having had the opportunity to have friends and family from various countries/cultures I have gained an appreciation and respect for not only our differences but our similarities as well. We all have certain traditions we uphold each year at the Holiday Season.  As I thought through these the sounds and songs from these cultures began to fill my head with music.  The different rhythms, chord progressions, and melodies of carols from around the world warmed my spirit.

I quickly decided that a concert sharing these songs was in order!  When I presented this idea to my friend and voice coach, Carol Meyer Willingham, her first statement was "I'm in!"  Together, we decided to cordinate a program of Christmas music from around the globe as a benefit concert to Toys for Tots organization.  There will be songs from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Norway, Spain, Mexico, Italy, the Czech Republic, and South America.  Each of these songs will be sung in the native language of the culture from which they are from.  Our hope is that we can share a glimpse of Christmas from cultures around the world. 

We are excited to be joined by Pedro Quirino, LPC on vocals and guitar, Susan Russell, piano and harp, and Scott Geiger, bag pipes.  Especially excited to welcome the United States Marine Core and Toys for Tots Organization to the program as we raise toys for children in Central Texas.  Thank you to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Alumni Association for hosting and sponsoring this event.

Come join us on Sunday, December 8, 2013, at 6:00 on the campus of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in the Meyer Christian Studies Building - Manning Chapel.  Admission is one new and unwrapped gift for boy or girl OR monetary donation for Toys for Tots.