Lori Harris: Blog

You know that feeling after a really, really great date? You're floating on cloud nine, then you go to sleep...and the next day you're wondering if it really was as great as you thought it was? And you can barely wait to talk with them again to affirm that the glory was real?

I'm there.

The songs are inside Larry's recording studio. My memories of them are out here, and they're fading! I remember thinking they were solid, tight, very, very good...and seeing the guys faces affirmed that my thoughts matched theirs. These very skilled and experienced musicians were pleased with the outcome. But now two weeks later, my memories are cloudy and muffled, and all I can do is keep hope alive until I can listen to them next....

You may be wondering why we didn't just burn me a copy of them to take with me after the session. That's because the recordings are all done on different tracks--some 24 or so--and to compile them all into one track that can be burned to disc would take time. [...]

Under a pouring sky, our first recording day passed slowly (as first days always do, getting endless sound levels, becoming acquainted with each other, finding the right groove and sound for each song) but we were productive. Three songs' bones are down; drum tracks, bass lines, core key and guitar parts have created structure for Possibility, Ready and Come Away. I absolutely love Come Away already, and the others will look real purty when we put their makeup on.

No need for nerves. Each one of the players completely owns their craft and I look forward to discovering the nuggets of gold they've deposited inside each tune over the next few months as I listen to them a million times.

A little about the guys:
Lester Estelle Jr. plays drums. A lot. The son of a master guitar player (who plays beautifully left-handed and upside down) here in KC, he came by it honestly. Playing with the likes of Pillar and his own band Stars Go Dim, he's now touring with a country artist I don't [...]

Tomorrow we begin recording LiFtED. The day after celebrating INDEPENDENCE and FREEDOM. Two days after the date when my Grandma lifted into heaven last year. I'm so excited; it's been a long time coming while I earned the cash to do this part. It's finally time.

This record is so right to do...I love these songs. I need to hear these songs, you know, in moments of doubt and fear and trepidation, when my soul is cast down low. That's one reason why I'm so excited to record them.

Awestruck Studios feels like home, as it's where we spent so much time creating A Different Kind. Larry is a brother, certainly a dear friend. Wendy, his bride, is especially dear.

All new musicians save for one; Alex Cordero will join us again on keys, Lester Estelle Jr. will bang drums, Micah (I don't know his last name yet) is our guitar man and Craig Cue grooves the bass. (I have just enough to pay these guys, then Papa will have to start paying for everything.)

All of this is super good and gracefully [...]

I have to get these songs out. Lifted has to happen, and soon. To be perfectly honest, I'm feeling bloated!

I remember giving birth four times to these little brilliant people I thought would NEVER arrive. That last two weeks seemed like two years as I flew about, making everything ready in case "today was the day." My house has never been so clean; all the laundry done so it wouldn't mildew during my three day hospital stay, floors vacuumed in case mice wanted to feast in our absence, dishes washed so nothing could stink up the place and ruin the historic moment that I'd introduce the baby to their new home. All the while, I'd wonder what the birth experience will be like: would there be smooth sailing or complications? Ultimately, I had it both ways--some easy as epidural pie and one totally nightmarish, needing a miracle (which God gave in beautiful supply).

In the same way, this album gestates. Twelve songs are written and fully ready, as far as I can tell, but the delivery [...]

guess what? I am immortal.
I'll be getting new clothes soon.
don't cry for me--I'm happy--
death has lost its sting.

see, the pain of death breaks down to sin
I'm afraid. What if God sees
all the stuff that that breaks His heart
that I've been doing in this body

and I hate it when you tell me
when you reveal the wrong that I do
this big wall raises up, I go dull
and my ears can't really hear you

but the second you mention Jesus
who takes my sin away
that veil I hide behind rips down
His Spirit frees my face to shine

to shine with glory reflected...
I turn from hopeless to hope
Redeeming love, forgiveness sweet
unveils my heart and I overflow

I shine, for eternity' s home now
I'm going forever, you'll see
God makes His light shine into my eyes

turn to Jesus
shine with me