Greetings and Salutations O Ye Music Lovers. I love music also...all kinds of music....and thanks to my son Phillip...I even enjoy some country."Preach the Gospel always. if necessary...use words." (St. Francis of Assisi)
As most of you know...I am a Phil Phan. That would be a Phil Keaggy fan. Another Phil Phan is Larry Belknap (the K is silent)...along with his wife Debbie.
Larry plays guitar. Let me rephrase that...I play guitar...Larry PLAYS the guitar. As I listen to Larry play...I hear some Keaggy influence...BUT... then I also am drawn into the BELKNAP sound.
Larry takes the notes on a fret board... and strums and picks the strings... and the notes transcend vibrating sound and develops into a voice... telling a story...that I am drawn into...and when I close my eyes and listen...the story unfolds into my version of the story.
I have seen Larry play guitar in many venues...from small groups with 10 people...to small sanctuaries...to large theater type venues. Also I have heard Larry play everything from rock to blues to classical to everything in between. He can shred with the best and tenderly pluck the strings.
Larry has recorded two projects (thus far)...and each one is a jewel. The first project...pictured first is CHRISTMAS INSPIRATIONS from : Larry Belknap. This is a collection of "traditional Christmas music with Instrumental Acoustic Guitar Arrangement." Larry brings us to the reason for the season by the voice of his guitar on songs like: Angels We Have Heard On High, What Child Is This, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, O Holy Night, Christmas Bells, Silent Night, I Saw Three Ships and Holly and The Ivy.
Larry states..."When we learn to see past the wrapping and the gift to the giver of the gift--it's only then you can experience the full joy and blessing of the gift." When talking of the making of this CD Larry says..."The making of this CD has been a tremendous learning experience, an extensive journey of many twists and turns with moments of pure joy and intense sorrow. So it is with Great Joy I offer this labor of love."
Larry's wish for the listener is ...May this Christmas bring to you...something old and something new....an ancient message of virgin birth...a Holy Savior that came to earth imparting through His sacrifice...new hope for man...Eternal life! May this Christmas leave with you...an ancient truth and Hope new! Merry Christmas!!!" (Note on back cover)
Larry's latest project (2008) is EARTH TO HEAVEN. "Earth to Heaven...a compilation of story telling music, reflections of the many life experiences common to us all. Organically Rich and Cosmically Beautiful.""Larry has been playing guitar since he was 8 years old. Guitar has been his life's passion. his music reflects a deep passion and strong ability to tell a story without words. His careful attention to detail evokes emotions that can personalize the music to the individual listener." (Back Cover notes)
This time around...Larry records (writes and performs) all of the songs...as opposed to CHRISTMAS INSPIRATIONS that was Larry's interpretation of Christmas classics. As we have quoted previously..."Preach the Gospel always. If necessary use words." (St. Francis of Assisi) So it is with EARTH TO HEAVEN.
Larry not only paints images with his guitar...but also able to express with pen in hand. Included in the project notes is LOOKING BACK:
"The eyes of the sunset look back at the day...to view all he choices and changes I've made. To look through the hues of the setting sun casts a new light on the way I have come. The Mountains of challenge, the valleys of fear, have rendered the service of bringing me here. The numerous losses I often have grieved, will brighten the blessings that I will receive. Observing the places where I lost my way and see how they've brought me to this very day. From the location my journey began, there was only one way to the promised land. To say I could get there by some other way, is to say I departed from some other place. To point and say there's where I shouldn't have turned, is to say there's a lesson I needn't have learned. To point ans say there's where I shouldn't have fell, is to say I should have been somebody else. How different the journey appears from the end. Could this be the reason God says to rejoice?" (Looking Back by Larry Belknap)
EARTH TO HEAVEN songs...seem to be progressive in nature (that may be my perspective) of the journey that we all walk. Songs includes: Earth To Heaven, The Departure, Sweet Solace, In The Garden, The Swamp, Unexpected Blessing, Dreams and Visions, Home at Last, All Is Well, and Gift of Love.Again...each song...can be used as the soundtrack for your journey...that will evoke many emotions...and hopefully point you to the Guide of our journey, the Heavenly Father...as we travel from EARTH TO HEAVEN.
This last picture was taken by me...at a Bruce Cockburn concert. It is really a picture of perspective...of Larry and the love of his life Debbie...with a rack of guitars in the background... not in the forefront. So it is with Larry as God is in the center of his life...with his music in proper perspective.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
If you would like to get copies of these projects...you can contact Larry by email at:
belknaps@netzero.com
The cost is $15.00 each or 2 for $25.00. Include $2.00 for shipping and handling. They can only accept check or cash at this time...no credit cards.
As you know...or maybe you don' know...I only review projects that I like...so it should come as no surprise that The Ol' Ruminator gives Larry's two projects...five moo-moos out of five.
Love and EARTH TO HEAVEN Kisses
Rodney "I'm A Belknap Fan" Boyd
