Songwriter treats monthly coffeehouse event to gems and stories

Last Sunday night, the nearly 100 gathered at the monthly Faith Church Coffeehouse took a musical journey with Gordon Kennedy, who showed that there is often more to a song than meets the eye, or ear for that matter. He played several of his well-known songs, including “Change the World” but for many, it was his down-to-earth genuineness and good humor – sharing the stories behind the songs – that made the evening one to remember.

Kennedy sprinkled his hour long set with anecdotes and a wide variety of material selected from his career over the last 15 years including his hit songs, a song to be featured in the upcoming Disney film “The Fox and the Hound II” and even some more obscure tunes from his Dogs of Peace project, a lesser-known album recorded with producer and bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas.

One of the more moving moments of the evening came when Kennedy explained the journey of the song “Change the World”, which was originally written for a duo that included Kennedy, but never secured a record deal, then how it was selected and un-selected for a couple of major artist’s albums before finally landing on Wynonna’s ‘Revelations’ album and yet, still not seeing any exposure as a single.

He went on to explain how years later a Hollywood musical director – who had heard a demo version of it, remembered the still-obscure song. She was working on an in-production movie called Phenomenon and wanted to use the song for the film. From there, legendary guitarist Eric Clapton teamed up with producer Babyface to record what would become the highlight of the movie soundtrack and the 1997 Grammy Song of the Year.

Listening to Kennedy’s tale of the hope and heartbreak related to this song was inspiring and illustrative of how his faith impacts his life and work. Of course, “Change the World” would become one of the biggest hits in recent years but to hear how Kennedy learned that sometimes God’s plans are more than we could ever imagine in the moment was very inspirational.

One could hear the emotion in his voice as he shared how it all became clear to him on that evening in early 1997 as he stood at the Grammy platform in front of an audience of 1 billion people and gave honor and thanks to Jesus Christ.

“If I had gotten what I wanted,” he reflected. “the only thing we would have done (with that song) as a band (on our own) is give it a decent burial.” It was clear that Kennedy learned a wonderful lesson about trusting God.

Kennedy’s skills as a guitarist and singer were evident enough, but it was his songwriting mastery and especially his humility and stories of lessons learned and the journeys that songs sometimes have to take to be heard that left the audience encouraged and grateful for such an inspiring and entertaining evening.
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FEBRUARY 26, FAITH CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL, 6PM

SEE VIDEO INVITATION CLICK HERE – Best quality: Faith Coffeehouse Invitiation.mp4

Good quality: FCRC coffeehouse Comm 1.mov

Dial-up quality: FCRCinviteEMAIL.mov

The public is invited to this FREE event. Great music, coffee and food combine for an evening you will not want to miss.

Gordon Kennedy, Grammy-winning songwriter will be Faith Church’s February
coffeehouse artist. He’s written for some of the biggest names in music such as
Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Tricia Yearwood, Eric Clapton, Patti Loveless,
Bonnie Raitt, Allison Krauss, Steve Wariner, Wynonna and Peter Frampton among others.

The Faith Church Coffeehouse is a monthly, free event given to the community as a way to introduce the church to those who may not be aware of us and to demonstrate the beauty, relevance and relationship between faith and the arts.

Another well-known songwriter, Tricia Walker, will be our March 26 guest artist.

DIRECTIONS:

Faith Church is located at 15512 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN. This is near the Nippers Corner intersection, just east of the fire station.

Coming from I-65: Take the Old Hickory Blvd exit EAST – travel a little over 2 miles east on Old Hickory. The church is appx 2 blocks past the Edmonson Pike intersection and just past the fire station on the LEFT. You’ll see the signs.

Coming from I-24: Take the Bell Road Exit heading WEST appx 4 miles. Bell Road becomes Old Hickory Blvd. After passing the Nolensville Pike intersection, you’ll pass Christ Church on the right, go over a hill and on the descending side of the hill the church is about a mile ahead on the RIGHT. You’ll see the signs. If you come to the light at Edmonson Pike, you’ve gone too far.

PHONE: 615-833-5977

EMAIL PASTOR JERRY HOEK: jhoeknash@comcast.net

DIRECTIONS:

Faith Church is located at 15512 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN. This is near the Nippers Corner intersection, just east of the fire station.

Coming from I-65: Take the Old Hickory Blvd exit EAST – travel a little over 2 miles east on Old Hickory. The church is appx 2 blocks past the Edmonson Pike intersection and just past the fire station on the LEFT. You’ll see the signs.

Coming from I-24: Take the Bell Road Exit heading WEST appx 4 miles. Bell Road becomes Old Hickory Blvd. After passing the Nolensville Pike intersection, you’ll pass Christ Church on the right, go over a hill and on the descending side of the hill the church is about a mile ahead on the RIGHT. You’ll see the signs. If you come to the light at Edmonson Pike, you’ve gone too far.

We recommend that you type in our address to either Google or Yahoo so that you can see a detailed map of our location.