Light in the Canyon

Description

Light in the Canyon is a live album by the American singer and songwriter Sandra McCracken, released on Integrity Music in June 2022. The album was recorded live at the Laity Lodge in the hill country of Texas. Engineered by Seth Talley, mixed by Russ Long, and mastered by Jim Demain.

Featuring Sandra McCracken on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, backed by Jon Cowherd on piano, Andrew Osenga on electric guitar, John Patitucci on bass, and James McAlister of Ester Drang fame on drums, with John Raymond sitting in on trumpet. Support vocals provided by Rachael Farris, Ashley Cleveland, Vito Aiuto, Bruce Herman, Lanecia Rouse Tinsley, Jason Jones, Sarah Hydinger, David Kim, Mack Taylor, and Travis Flynn.

It was a real dream to get to collaborate with this team of musicians for this recording of songs in the Texas canyon. Born out of several months of conversation with dear friends Steven Purcell (@laitylodge ) and Andrew Osenga (@integritymusic ), we gathered a film and recording crew for a few days of retreat and recording at Laity Lodge to celebrate the release of my new book, ‘Send Out Your Light.’ Alongside the musicians, we wanted to give shape to these songs through some spiritual and artistic enrichment as well, so we invited Vito Aiuto, Ashley Cleveland, David Kim and Lanecia Rouse Tinsley to each share with us over the retreat. So this one is an album, a record of a performance that marks the time when we were all emerging out of the great pause of the pandemic. These hope-filled songs that span 20 years of songwriting are a reflection of those few days together and a constant reminder that something new is happening. [Sandra McCraken, June 2022]

Sandra McCraken has always been a breath of fresh air when it comes to bringing new music to the church. Her diverse style reflects her deep desire to impact different generations and cultures for the sake of the Gospel. Drawing from folk, gospel and hymn traditions. Sandra is a true artist who doesn’t root herself in any single genre and by doing so, increases her ability to reach a wide audience.

Her newest album, Light In The Canyon which is comprised mostly of previously released McCracken favorites slightly re-wrapped in new arrangements. These songs prove the point that sometimes less is more as she and her band weeve their way through the ten song setlist with very simple acoustic instrumentation while thematically drawing the listener to the hope that God brings at all times and situations. The live album was recorded at the Laity Lodge in Texas and as I listened, I could see Sandra up on that wooden stage with an upright piano, jazz drumkit and standup bass just cranking out honest and vertical worship all night long. There is no over-produced music here but rather a simple, rootsy approach to songs that are theologically meaty and poetic in nature.

The anthemic «We Will Feast in the House of Zion» gives listeners a hopeful expectancy of eternity while «Christ is the Life of the World» is a jazzy praise piece with muted trumpets, upright piano, light percussion and groovy stand-up bass lines.

«Until He Comes Again» wraps the album up intelligently as she honestly celebrates the Lord’s Supper with more of an “end-of-days” focus on what the eucharist means for us now.

This is very honest, simple, well written worship. Sandra McCraken is a true poet, and more churches should be singing her songs. Churches with worship teams big or small would do well to listen and apply some of her arrangements. I appreciated how she allowed her band to just vamp and dwell in certain situations, offering instrumental praise to the God who gave them their gifts of music. [Gerod Bass, Worship Musician, August 2022]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/light-in-the-canyon/1628187041)

CD tracklist:

01. Send Out Your Light – 6:50
02. I Will Sing – 4:23
03. Trinity Song – 2:53
04. Thy Mercy, My God – 3:16
05. We Will Feast In The House Of Zion – 5:24
06. Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand – 3:29
07. Call Upon Him – 3:53
08. Have Mercy – 3:50
09. Christ is the Life of the World – 6:03
10. Until He Comes Again (feat. Andrew Osenga) – 2:54

The Light in the Canyon session: (L-R) Jon Cowherd (piano), John Patitucci (bass), James McAlister (drums), Sandra McCracken (acoustic guitar and vocals), Andrew Osenga (electric guitar).