Cheri Keaggy - Because He First Loved Us

One day as a classically trained pianist was learning the ropes as a new worship leader/coordinator, she found musical material coinciding with a sermon based on Psalm 91.  Eventually a highly regarded worship classic was birthed, along with a solid career. 

Cheri Keaggy’s Because He First Loved Us marks her return after a six-year recording break, along with initiating her record label, named Psalm 91.  Since that initial breakthrough, You, Oh Lord, Are My Refuge, the Nashville, Tennessee singer/songwriter has garnered a Dove Award.  She is also a highly-respected Contemporary Christian worship artist with a catalog of five CDs (not including a Best of collection), plus several singles including, There Is Joy In The Lord and His Banner Over Me.  The niece of renowned guitarist, Phil Keaggy, she frequently participates in conferences and cruises.  The freedom of now being on her own record company increases flexibility in being a mother of two teenagers.

Inspired by John Bunyan’s book Pilgrim’s Progress , Stay To The Middle encourages persons in staying the course, knowing God will always be there for us (Deut. 5:32-33).  Producer Tom Hemby provides caressing instrumentation meshing acoustic with some electronic dabbing.  Speak (The Listening Song) (Jer. 15:16, i.e.) could also be dubbed the humility song: “Who am I to make these demands, All I know is what You said.” 

High-energy guitar pop fuels Rain Or Shine Friend, materialized from one of Keaggy’s walks: “I took a walk just to breathe and to have a talk with God.”  From the scriptural addresses 1 John 1:9 and Matt. 5:16, the title track reminds us to find time in meeting needs and avoiding revenge at all costs.

Weaving a slight country flavor, Bring It All In (Psalm 73:16-17, i.e.) asks us to bring all burdens toward His direction: “Bring your heaviness into His holiness.”
Tell Me Again About Heaven (2 Corin. 5:1-9, 1 Thess. 4:16-18) echoes a attractive vision of our eternal home, thanks to the precious flow of Irish rhythms and flutes.

A joyous praise piece, Now I Can Sing (Psalm 30:11-12, John 15:11) drops some Gospel inflections and a snappy harmonica solo.  More about joy is revealed in a softer vein for Restored (The Grindstone Song): “So I’m practicing joy, Choosing it daily, Putting it on like favorite cologne.”

Phil Keaggy’s all too brief sonorous guitar solos are sandwiched in the easy-listening, “This Is The Love”, defining the root of unconditional love: “You’ve never dropped me.”

Continuing where Keaggy’s tribute to her son Cameron, Little Boy On His Knees left off, You’ll Always Be My Son follows the journey from playing childhood games to fatherhood.  The Cross Of Christ simply melts frustration and sin, leading to a new beginning: “Mistakes of a lifetime and innocence lost, Fade when I think of the cross.”

Keaggy handles the piano for The Reason I Stand Tall, about “the one-of-a-kind creation”.  Wrapping up is the Carole King monster hit, You’ve Got A Friend, in a tender but expressive duet with Diamond Rio’s lead vocalist Marty Roe.

Even though the music doesn’t necessarily scream radio and latest pop trends this project, Hemby’s crisp production and multi-instrumental endeavors suit Keaggy’s contemplative alto vocals.  Well-versed players and background voices are also on hand, including Dan Needham, Ron Hemby, and keyboardist Pat Coil.  Always a constant in her ministry, Keaggy clearly strives for listeners to grasp Christ’s magnificent creation, awesome power, and His unchanging love for us all.

For more information or to purchase Keaggy’s music, go to www.cherikeaggy.com.