Chronology – 1986

This Chronology of events has become a process of change and growth for me – just like it has been for you through the years. I guess if we knew the future, we wouldn’t ever need blind faith in God. So blindly when I first started this musical and spiritual journey, I trusted that with mus me and my piano, God would make clear my path. He did.

My early concerts were done at churches in front of very conservative audiences. Most of the songs I performed came as a result of my studies at The Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore where I wrote the songs for my first two albums. The composition “Jesus” presented on this album was written in my sophomore year.

When in 1979, my third album “Everybody Needs a Little Help,” was released, it was a result of writing specifically for the studio project rather than piano versions for performance in churches, colleges, or coffee houses on that week’s agenda. I began to write in terms of a band sound.

It marked a distinct difference musically and stylistically from mellow, melodic piano music to brighter pop sound. This album was also my first album to crossover into the secular pop field with the title song. This crossover gave me the option to head in a secular direction, but I felt what God wanted was for me to direct all my energies toward writing and performing Contemporary Christian Music. Many people who had loved what I’d done to that point reacted with concern to this musical departure in my career. If I had stayed at the same place though, and not moved to pop, most likely “We Are the Reason” would have never been written.

Then, I started touring with a band and my concerts started reflecting the process that had taken place in the studio. We change and grow in order to do what we do better and to become more mature as Christians. The object being to become more like God in striving to know Him more fully and having the best life possible where He has placed us.

By 1983, I have been influenced by European techno pop and wanted to head in that direction. At the same time, I was desiring to reintroduce my classical roots musically. Putting the techno pop and classical together, starting with “Count the Cost,” began a challenge that I am still in the process of dealing with musically.

Following God’s directives, in the midst of changing times and circumstances, makes it a necessity for us to call on the supernatural power we have in Christ Jesus.

On “Seven” God really stretched me and gave me the opportunity to work with five of the best producers in CCM. It opened a new and intimidating door for me, but it proved to be freeing and very successful in moving me to even more progressive music than ever before. I learned from those guys that it is a cop out to think by our own talents we can be molded into Christ likeness. For it is by the love of Christ in us all that we develop, explore and come to the knowledge of the wisdom of God in our lives.

As I have gone along in my career, my true desire was to do even better on each album, whatever aspect was being examined at the time. These two songs mark the first time I have gone outside the CCM field for producers in order to work with brothers Gino Vannelli and Joe Vannelli.

Recording “Seventy Times Seven” and “Come That Day” has been an inspiring and incredible learning experience for me. Not only are Gino and Joe two of the most respected, disciplined individuals in the field, but are also an absolute pleasure to work with in the studio. Without compromising the Christian message, watering anything down or ceasing to be a CCM musician, the growth potential and development in recording these two songs has been beyond my wildest dreams. The result has just energized me to a new commitment of not being afraid to walk through doors that God opens. Hopefully, never again will be afraid to trust God to walk a new path which He asks of me.

So here we are, just for a few minutes, stopping to say hello. Here’s where I am – Chronology is where I’ve been – and thankfully God knows where we are all going. You know, it’s still the same thing as when we started though; blind faith in God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

– David

VERY SPECIAL THANKS:

I have been humbled! Humbled by genuine love and kindness from three of the greatest human beings I have ever been in contact with, Brian Tankersley, Gino Vannelli and Joe Vannelli. This time together with all of you has changed my life forever. Thank you Brian for being my best friend, spiritual encourager and brain child behind this whole project. Thank you Gino and Joe for not only being my new best friends but for showing me the meaning of the word excellence. All of you have demonstrated through commitment and genuine concern just what can be accomplished when there integrity, honesty, oneness in purpose and total absence of ego.

SPECIAL THANKS:

To Randy Smith for being my guide, confidant, cheerleader, motivator and best friend.

To Roland Lundy for believing in me, supporting our desire to make a dream a reality.

To Wes Yoder and all my friends at Ambassador Artist Agency for booking.

To Rich Boyd for believing in me and for being a part of the team.

To Debbie, Christopher and Kelly for love and support.

Also, thanks to Joan Takersley, Lynn Barrington, Lynn Nichols, Deb Rhodes and all my friends at Myrrh Records.

ART DIRECTION; J.T./PHONOGRAPHICS

DESIGN: LORI COPPER FOR PHONOGRAPHICS

PHOTOGRAPHY: AARON RAPOPORT

SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN & COME THAT DAY

Produced and arranged by Gino Vannelli and Joe Vanelli

Joe Vannelli – Keyboards

David Garibaldi – Drums

Mike Miller – Guitar

Jimmy Haslip – Bass

Backing Vocals: Lisa Fischer, Delorze Harnage, Maxayne Lewis

SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN

Lyrics by David Meece, Gino Vannelli and Roy Freeland
Music by Gino Vannelli and Joe Vannelli
Copyright 1986, Meece Music (admin by) Word Music, Black Keys Music/Screen Gems-EMI Music

This prison has no walls
This bondage has no chains
My memories have no mercy
There’s no one left to blame
Wish I could force back
The hands of time
And right every wrong
Grant me just this one last chance
Before it’s gone, gone, gone

How could I be so blind as to doubt your love?
How could I go on living without your love?

Seventy times seven
Will you forgive me for all that I’ve done
Seventy times seven
I’m so afraid of what I’ve become

For all the promises laid to waste
For all the seeds unsown
For all the justice I never faced
I must now atone
Is there a soul that can’t be saved
Is there a heart that has no hope
Is there a peace that can still be made
Please say it’s so

How could I be so blind as to doubt your love?
How could I go on living without your love?

Seventy times seven
Will you forgive me for all that I’ve done
Seventy times seven
I’m so afraid of the man I’ve become

Seventy times seven
Will you forgive me for all that I’ve done
Seventy times seven
Your love can save me from what I’ve become

Seventy times seven

COME THAT DAY

Words and Music by Gino and Joe Vanelli

Come that day when the mighty hand will crush the Earth
Come that day when possessions do not count for worth
You will remember all things said and done
No traitor unpunished no hero unsung
There will be laughter, there will be cries
But there are no lies, there are no lies

Come that day when the mighty gavel pounds the sky
And on that day every man will have to testify
And you will surrender your soul at His door
No man no better for rich or poor
There will be fire, there will be rain
There will be joy, there will be pain
Come that day, come that day, come that day

There’s no striking bargains
No amnesty for cash
It’s not too late for pardons
Just open your heart and ask
All you gotta do is
All you gotta do is
All you gotta do is…ask

And you will surrender your soul at His door
No man no better for rich or poor
There will be laughter, there will be cries
But there are no lies, there are no lies
Come that day

THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Produced by Brown Bannister

Executive Producers: Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell

FALLING DOWN

Produced by Brown Bannister

Executive Producers: Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell

GLORIA

Produced by Brown Bannister

Executive Producers: Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell

ARE YOU READY

Produced by Brown Bannister

FOLLOW YOU

Produced by Brown Bannister

EVERYBODY NEEDS A LITTLE HELP

Produced by Brown Bannister

JESUS

Produced by Brown Bannister

Executive Producer: Michael Blanton