|
Langley-based worship leader, recording artist and
songwriter Andy Park (pictured
above) was enthusiastic about his experiences at an unprecedented gathering
of award-winning songwriters. One fruit of this gathering was a
multi-artist album, CompassionArt – subtitled ‘Creating freedom
from poverty’ which is scheduled for release in North America this
month. Park offers this account of the album’s creation.
AT the beginning of 2008, I had the privilege of
participating in a songwriting event unlike anything I’ve ever done
before.
It all started about 18 months ago, when Martin Smith
– front man for Delirious? – had a vision for starting a
charity that would be a vehicle for artistic works to be donated to the
world’s poor.
About a year ago, 12 songwriters enthusiastically
agreed to be part of a songwriting and recording project which would be 100
percent given away.
The list of writers included: Paul Baloche,
Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu Garrard (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim
Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Matt Redman, Martin Smith (Delirious?), Michael W.
Smith, Darlene Zschech and myself.
Chris Tomlin was intending to come, but had to cancel
because of illness. From the start, the chance to participate in this event
felt like a gift.
It happened at a retreat centre called the House of
Cantle in Perthshire, Scotland. The setting was very inspiring – a
grand old house in the Scottish highlands. (Check it out at
www.cantle.net).
For the six weeks prior to the event, I worked on a
bunch of my half-finished songs. I brought some of those to the table in
Scotland, and it was really fun to see how things evolved.
We ended the week with 20 songs – which we
quickly recorded as demos at the site.
Establishing friendships with the other writers was a
huge highlight of our time.
The common goal of writing songs – with no
monetary personal gain on the line – created an environment of
community and unselfishness that was precious.
The worship times we shared and the teaching we heard
from Bishop Graham Cray enhanced the fellowship even more.
I can envision the relationships that were begun during
that time continuing for many years ahead.
Continue article >>
|
A dozen of these songs were recorded at Peter
Gabriel’s Real World Studio, in England.
Release of this project internationally took place last
November. In North America, the CompassionArt album release date is set for this month.
In addition to the songwriters waiving their rights to
these songs, the publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents
involved are all donating their efforts to CompassionArt.
It is a charity based in Littlehampton, England, that
is dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the
poor.
All the money raised is divided two ways: half gets
split between the four headline CompassionArt-supported projects.
The other half is divided among 12 charities nominated
by each of the 12 CompassionArt songwriters.
In addition to Andy Park, Canadian involvement
included Paul Baloche, now based in Texas, but with a French Canadian
background; and the Watoto Children’s Choir, which has a Canadian
base in Victoria.
www.compassionart.co.uk/news
January 2009
|
