15 May, 2008
Working on Another CD, Passing the Baton
Posted by: Bob Kauflin In: —Sovereign Grace Music
Last week I was in the Sovereign Grace studio with producer Sal Oliveri, recording the vocals for our next project, Psalms, due out at the WorshipGod08 conference in July. I can’t believe we’re already working on another CD when Come Weary Saints just came out.
Any way, it was a long but fulfilling week. Ryan Baird, from the Sovereign Grace church in Pasadena, CA, and part of the band West Coast Revival, sang five songs, and brought his usual blend of passion, strength, and thoughtfulness to each song. He also entertained us at times with his brilliant impersonations. Here’s a sample of Kermit singing part of “Greater Than We Can Imagine,” based on Psalm 145…
Another vocalist was Melissa Farmer, from the Sovereign Grace church near Philadelphia, PA. Melissa doesn’t do impersonations, but she has a wonderful voice and is a godly woman. She’s fairly new to recording, but did a brilliant job on the Come Weary Saints CD.
John Reilly, also from the Philly church, participated as well. John has his own band, Reilly, which writes songs that are more performance oriented than congregational.
While it was great to work with all the vocalists, it was a particular joy to record one of my sons, Devon. Lest anyone think this is nepotism (favoring relatives), here’s how Devon ended up as a vocalist. Devon and the Na Band have their own CD, Looked Upon coming out at the end of May. 
When I played it for Sal, he looked at me and asked, “Why don’t we have Devon sing on this project?” The thought had never crossed my mind, actually. As Devon grew up, he sang pretty badly. I’ll never forget being at a small group meeting and hearing this awful noise coming from behind me. I turned around and saw it was my son, half-heartedly trying to sing songs that I’m not sure he really believed.
Since that time, Devon was graciously converted, and has become a godly man with a passion for leading others in praising the Savior. Oh, and his voice has gotten a lot better, too.
Two things struck me as I worked with the vocalists. First, they’re all in their 20’s (except Melissa, who is 19). I was freshly struck by the kindness of God in allowing me to serve the next generation. Second, three of them are PKs, pastor’s kids. I was also grateful to see three examples of PKs that weren’t of the stereotypical godless and rebellious type. By God’s mercy and grace, we’re watching our children enthusiastically embrace the faith of their parents, as they declare and demonstrate a passion for the Savior.
I recently told some young musicians in our church that I’m living the rest of my life to serve their generation and the following ones. What a joy it was last week to give myself to that task.
Now I’m just keeping my eye out for the guy who’s going to take my place.
