Sometimes a Light Surprises
The fourth studio recording by the musicians of Grace EV Free church in La Mirada features a wide range of Christian thought, dressed up in a “folk-rock” style centered around the acoustic guitar sensibilities of Caleb Parker. Along with songwriter and worship pastor Walt Harrah, they have sought to convey profound theological and scriptural certainties with an engaging musical “grit,” through sentiments from past hymnodists and contemporary restatements of timeless truths.
Songs
1. Sometimes A Light Surprises
Poet/hymnwriter William Cowper struggled with bouts of depression for his entire life despite the attempts of his friend John Newton to encourage him. But times did come when the light broke through his darkness. He writes:
“The morning was calm and clear; the sun shone bright upon the sea; and the country on the borders of it was the most beautiful I had ever seen…Here it was, that on a sudden, as if another sun had been kindled that instant in the heavens, on purpose to dispel sorrow and vexation of spirit, I felt the weight of all my weariness taken off; my heart became light and joyful in a moment; I could have wept with transport had I been alone.” – William Cowper
2. Very Very Good
Words and Music by Walt Harrah
2013 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Pearl Botts
3. Gracious God
Words and Music by Walt Harrah
2013 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Pearl Botts
4. Weary Heart
In one of his better moments, David is quoted as saying “In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain.’” (Psalm 11:1) But on another occasion he said something very different. “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. (Psalm 55:6) What a contrast! Circumstances can really jerk our emotions around, can’t they?
This song expresses what it is like to see the evil of the world and simultaneously understand that the Lord is our refuge, his promises are true no matter the circumstance, and soon we will be filled with joy!— Walt
Words and Music by Walt Harrah
2013 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Marla Bustad
5. The Harvest Of God’s Field
Words and Music by Walt Harrah
2013 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Caleb Parker
6. I Wait In Hope
Words and Music by Walt Harrah
1996 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Mindy Price
7. Pentecost
“If the Holy Spirit should come again upon us as in earlier times, visiting church congregations with the sweet but fiery breath of Pentecost, we would be greater Christians and holier souls. Beyond that, we would also be greater poets and greater artists and greater lovers of God and His universe.” A. W. TOZER -Much That Is Called Worship Is Not
Words and Music by Walt Harrah
2013 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Caleb Parker
8. A Few More Years
Words by Horatio Bonar
Music by Walt Harrah
2014 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Pearl Botts
9. White As Snow
Words by Augustus Toplady and Elvina Hall and Walt Harrah
Music by Walt Harrah
2013 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Kenny Clark
10. Cross-hung Life
Words by Jack Franicevich
Music by Walt Harrah
2014 Seedsower Music ASCAP
Solo by Kenny Clark
Produced by Walt Harrah and Caleb Parker // Engineered by Caleb Parker and Brian Petersen // Mixed by Caleb Morris // Mastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering// Drums by Justin Qualls // Bass by Ben Johnson and Andrew Braine // Electric Guitar by Caleb Parker and Dale Bryson // Acoustic Guitar Caleb Parker and Jesse Haugen // Mandolin and Banjo by Caleb Parker // Fiddle by Drew Brokke // Keyboard by Walt Harrah and Dale Bryson // Horn Arrangement on Cross-Hung Life by Walt Harrah and Dale Bryson // Pennywhistle by Timothy Pinkham Background Vocals by Ethan Bustad, Drew Brokke, Walt Harrah, Caleb Parker, Mackenzie Burns, Pearl Botts, and Marla Bustad // Album Art Design by Evan Schneider // Cover Art by Adria Murphy //