First Light Band

When I wrote Into His Father’s Hands, I was trying to imagine what it would have been like for the followers of Jesus to be there when he died. The lyrics in the three verses focus on the five wounds that Jesus received: two in his feet, two in his hands, and one in his side. I think it’s also important to remember that he also suffered from enormous emotional anguish. That’s why I wrote that he was dying from the wounds to his body and his heart. It’s a sad and poignant message, not the type that is heard in many songs. But when we know the full story and we realize that he did it all for us it makes his resurrection at Easter so much more meaningful and joyous! It is my hope that you will truly experience the love and joy that God gives this Easter season.
Kevin

The band is continuing to have fun recording our new CD with the working title “The Jesus Story”. There will be 12 songs on the CD and the basic tracking is done for 10 of the 12. Last week we did “Into His Father’s Hands“, our only song that uses musicians outside of First Light. Karin Gleason added a beautiful cello part to the song, which is written from the perspective of followers of Jesus who are witnessing the Crucifixion. We hope to have the song completed and on the website by the Lent season. We also worked on “Hosanna“, which is a obviously a song written about Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem. It’s done in an early jazz swing style. At one point in the song the three singers are singing different melodies at the same time that blend together, to make the impression of an excited crowd.  Brian does a great bass line at the beginning of the song that incorporates the “hee-haw” sound of a donkey. Can’t wait for you to hear it! We’ve let up a little on our live performances to concentrate more on recording. Keep us in your prayers.

First Light is currently working on a full length CD and we’re happy to share one of our new songs with you. We think the new CD is a unique and exciting way to spread the good news because the songs outline Jesus’ life story using pop, jazz, rock, Latin, and world music styles. The song The Way, the Truth, and the Life focuses on messages from the disciple Thomas. Thomas is often called “doubting” Thomas because he refused to believe the other disciples story about Jesus rising from the dead until he saw Jesus’ wounds personally. The song infuses references to Jesus’ hands, wounded palms, and reaching out in the lyrics. But Thomas is also important because he asked Jesus how we get to the paradise that he was describing to the disciples one day. Jesus responded with the beautiful directions: “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. For the band, this message is becoming more important as we face challenges on the road to recording all of these songs. We have had illnesses, medical operations, family struggles, job difficulties, and all sorts of things happen that seem to get in the way of the recording process. In all of this, we have had to trust in God and rely on Jesus message, just being patient that God is in control, even during the most harrowing and frustrating moments. 

All of the songs on the CD were written by Kevin and feature the harmonies of Barb, Christi, and Colleen . If you would like to hear the entire “Jesus Story” in person, we’ll be performing all of the songs at Mount Pisgah Lutheran Church on Wednesday, August 6th. We expect the CD to be done this fall.

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” John 14:5-6

Kevin

Last night the band played at The Master’s Loft, a bookstore/cafe/performance venue in Winston Salem. There were several “firsts” for the band. It marked the first time we have played the entire “Jesus Story” set and played a full set in addition to that. That’s a lot of music, but it seemed to go fast (time flies . . .). It was also the first time we have given away merchandise: we had a contest among members of the audience and the person who participated with the most enthusiasm during “Can’t Throw That Stone” received a hat with the First Light logo embroidered on it. The contest was a tie because the band couldn’t make a decision about who was best. So we ended up giving hats to two people (check out the photo on our home page). We also used a video background for every song during the night (another first). Of course, the band can’t watch what’s on the screen while we’re playing, but we heard good reports. Thanks go to Adam, the creative tech person behind the graphics. Thanks also go out to Ben, Scott, Elizabeth, and the rest of the staff at The Master’s Loft. We’re hoping to begin work recording our new full lenghth CD in November, and The Master’s Loft said they would be glad to sell it there when it is finished.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! (Rom 11:36)

First Light just got done playing for the installation of the new pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Rev Dr. Michael McFarland. What a great day it was with lots of friends and music and worshiping and God’s word and even a balancing act thrown in (see the sermon video to catch the “act”).  Over the past few days several things have been happening to make things difficult for the musical groups involved in the service. One of these directly affected First Light - our singer Barb’s daughter had a medical emergency that required her to be rushed to Duke for testing. We found out two days before we played that Barb wouldn’t make it.  So we called my daughter Anna and she filled in by singing the songs of ours that she knew. We couldn’t do our newest material with Barb, but at least we could still play. Anna did a fine job and we ended up having a lot of fun.

At one point we were ready to start one of our original songs that includes a section where we normally invite the audience to sing along with us and teach them the section. This time we just started the song with no instruction. I leaned over to Ed and wondered out loud if anyone would join us. Not only did a lot of people join us but I saw several people who were singing all the words to the whole song! I have to tell you, as a songwriter it is just thrilling to see someone singing your song just because they want to and they like it. It’s doubly thrilling when they’re singing about Jesus and what He can do in our lives.

At this point things are on hold until we find out about Barb’s daughter. Please keep her and the rest of the band in your prayers.

Kevin Lorenz

First Light is really looking forward to playing for the upcoming installation at Emmanuel Lutheran Church for the upcoming installation of their new pastor- Michael MacFarland. We weren’t able to play or even practice much this summer because of illness (Christ had back surgery)  and people traveling (Ed just got back from Korea). Christi is feeling better now and has been getting her voice back in shape. On the 19th we will play a mixure of original songs and cover songs.  Most of the originals will be songs from our “Jesus Story” set. If you haven’t been to one of our concerts recently the Jesus Story set consists of songs with a wide variety of musical styles including Latin, rock, jazz, and African. We love performing the songs from the set and telling the good news through our music.

 It will be a fun day with good food, good music, and good company. If you come please introduce yourself to the band so we can get to know you. We want to know what you think  - we’re going to start recording the Jesus Story this fall if everything goes right.  

 I got a new musical toy to play with - an old Guild 12 string guitar. I’ll use it on the oldie “Turn, Turn, Turn” and on a couple of our original songs. I just got a new pickup installed in it and it sounds great amplified now.

 We hope to hear from you soon.

Kevin

 Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8