Lance Christopher's faith-filled music is uniquely American.
A creative singer/songwriter with acoustic roots, he has played everything from rodeos, churches, bars, and prisons to festivals, back porches and more.
When asked about his music, Lance said, "First I have to say that I love God, but I've discovered that if you love Him you can't help but love people... Folks are made in His image, and I love being involved in their lives. Making music that tells their stories, as well as my own, is one of my greatest joys."
Lance's father, Earl, was career navy and he was raised in a lot of different places, finally settling in Hawaii. When asked about this and his musical influences, he had this to say, "I was a bona fide 'navy brat'. I lived on military bases all over. We really did move a lot, but music was a constant.
My mama sang all the time. She used to wake us up in the morning to her 'Good Morning' song. All of us kids would drag out of bed to her sweet voice and mischievous smile. My grandma and great grandma on her side were known for the hymns.
On my father's side, it was mountain music. He loved to sing the old songs from his child hood when he was driving down the highway. He sang in a rich, expressive baritone and the lyrics to those songs would have the whole family laughing.
Although my dad is a huge bluegrass fan, he also had his eight tracks by folks like the Beach Boys, ABBA, Jim Croce, Johnny Horton and Neil Diamond. When he would get home from being out at sea, he always brought back a couple of new music tapes. He would unload his big sea bag and I would quietly make off with his tapes. I guess somehow it made me feel connected to him. I remember sitting cross-legged on my bedroom floor listening to his music choices over and over.
I started playing guitar as a teenager in Hawaii. And from the time I knew my first three chords, I was writing songs.
When I was 18, I had an encounter with God that forever changed my life. Since that time it has been one amazing journey with a whole lot of living... I guess that is where the best songs come from!"
THE UNITED STATES, JAPAN, AND RUSSIA
With outreach and ministry to the U.S. and abroad, God has used him to touch both the highways and byways with His love.
His recent tour to Japan was a special blessing, and he has even traveled to Russia playing and ministering to large crowds in Kazan, in the Muslim Autonomous Region of Tartarstan.
While there he received a special invitation to share with the inmates of the main prison in Kazan.
Lance said, "That has to rank as one of the most interesting experiences of my life. The people were wonderful and we had a blast!"
CANCER FREE
Lance's recent battle with cancer (The cancer is now in remission... Praise God!) has only served to ignite his music with fresh joy and depth.
Lance says, "This battle with cancer really forced me to dig deep, and to my surprise, what I found there in that deep place was joy... pure, radiant, and full of hope.
I've heard that the word 'enthusiasm' came from the idea of God within... Well, I am filled with the enthusiasm of living and my music and ministry are really just expressions of this."
RE-CONSTRUCTION
With the upcoming release of Lance's sophmore album, "RE-CONSTRUCTION", in Januaury of 2006, expect to hear songs that are intimate, personal expressions of faith in the midst of life's storms.
Also, get ready to experience Lance's ability to weave lyrical stories that pull the listener into the drama of God's surprises.
Lance said, "I had the privilege of once again working with producer, Ernie Petrangelo, my Nashville-session-player-hero, Danny Parks, and my vocal hero, Scat Springs, on this very unique, acoustic collection of songs. I was also blessed to have Dave Brooks and Paul Arntz on board."
WHAT LANCE CHRISTOPHER DISCOVERED ABOUT GOD
Lance continues, "You know, this album is really what I discovered about God in the hard places. The candid, emotional nature of the psalms inspired me to say just how I felt. The song, 'I Believe You Do', for me is my psalm of discovery."
RE-CONSTRUCTION?
When asked why he named the album "RE-CONSTRUCTION", he laughed, "Well, it was my co-writer and business partner, Dennis VanHove's idea to call it 're-construction'.
We had been talking about how personal some of these songs are and how, after the cancer battle, it is like God is re-constructing my life and ministry into something a little different than it was before.
He just stopped and said that that was what I should name the next album. I wrote it down on the big dry-erase board by my desk and it wouldn't leave me alone.
I think it says best what God is doing in the here and now of who I am!"
SAVED BY A WOMAN
Torn Sky Records released Lance's debut album, "Saved By A Woman", in January of 2005.
When asked about the title, Lance said, "Of course, we know that eternal salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but sometimes God works through the people around us to save us from natural calamity or even ourselves!
God used a woman, my precious wife Michelle, to teach me about His great love and to save me from my self-destructive tendencies.
I've seen more of Jesus in her than any other person I know. The songs on this album are a celebration of her and of every woman who enriches a man's life by simply being herself in Christ!"
Unlike the acoustic "RE-CONSTRUCTION", "Saved By A Woman" is a full pop/country styled album.
It was Ernie and Lance's first album together and they felt that the songs on it called for a unique approach. Ernie's credentials as a rock and rap/hip-hop producer originally from the New York music scene made for a great synergy.
"It had to be Ernie Petrangelo... Period... I was familiar with his work and was blown away by his creativity. He hears things differently than the regular Nashville ears. I wanted something cool and fresh, and though he was a little skeptical at first, Ernie's vision and talent helped me to get a sound and vibe that really connected with my vision for the album."
They used some of Nashville's best studio talent to craft a musical experience that is a visceral blend of traditional and pop/rock sound.
A sound that powers great songs that are earthy, vibrant, and real... Songs that celebrate a good woman, a big God, and real life!
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Through a national "brick and mortar" distribution agreement with Alliance (Artist One Stop), "Saved By A Woman" can be ordered from local record stores across the US.
It is also available for download through iTunes, MSN Music, Sony Connect, and other digital online retailers.
And through a co-branding opportunity with ListenerStation.com, the album was promoted nationally in 60-second "drive time" radio spots in key markets.
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Strong faith in Christ, love for people and "blue collar" values permeate Lance's art and life.
With his anointed presentation and genuine songwriting ability, he expresses ministry that is authentic and relevant.
Lance Christopher is a compelling new voice...
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Website
http://www.lancechristopher.net
Discography
ON TORN SKY RECORDS
** Now available for download from http://lancechristopher.net **
RE-CONSTRUCTION
An acoustic collection of songs that tell what Lance Christopher discovered about God in the hard places.
SAVED BY A WOMAN (01/01/05)- Lance's debut release on Torn Sky Records available on the Lance Christopher website, iTunes, Yahoo Music, and for order at most local record shops.