"Let It Reign"!

"Let It Reign"!

Let It Reign (Studio Version) CLICK to listen!

{As of this date, Josh is still working on final last touches to the vocals, but we are posting the song is as, for now, so you can hear it!} - December 2, 2018

When Mike & I got together to sing our parts for "Let It Reign", there was a real energy in the room. Mike had done a really cool demo for us to work with. For the first time on a recording that I can remember, we were doing a shared lead vocal - and it was awesome to do! Josh had us singing live together in the same room, bouncing our parts back and forth. It was so fun, and so real. We are probably going to re-do some of the vocals, but, I think this helped drive our other vocal performances, and actually set us up for a fantastic total session that day.

Another really cool thing, Joshua Loell, Greg's son, and our producer on this album, decided to turn this song into a totally cinematic-style production. (Well, he kind of knows a thing or two about cinematic-style production, doesn't he? He has won an award for best film score at the San Diego International Film Festival. He is sure to win more in the future.) This is a song that lends itself very well to that style. We didn't know when we started this project that we were being produced by such a talented young man.

The theme of the song? makes it a perfect one for this album. No matter what storms or hurricanes in our lives, we can find all the grace we need 'when Sunday comes' in the Cup and the Bread; we can be the Light of the World. And, as Mike said, you can't get more of a "Living Waters" song than this, can you, with all those references? It makes me think of the deer altar picture we use, based on Psalm 42. Just in time for Christmas! SO! Without further ado...let it reign....

Peace & Love & JOY,

Mark LaJOIE!

Let It Reign (Studio Version) CLICK to listen!

A New Living Waters DEMO: "Let It Reign"

A New Living Waters DEMO:

"Let It Reign"

Click to listen: Let It Reign DEMO

dark clouds, before the rain comes to wash us....

It's funny. I'd been thinking that there should be a song by us that mentions Living Waters AND mentions the Bread & Cup. It would fit very well in a prospective album we've been working on. 

Then, lo and behold, Mike comes up with this! Mike did this himself on GarageBand as a demo, in hopes of recording it with the band. This latest new song reminds me of one of our first songs that Mike and I wrote that also mentions the Bread & the Cup:

"Song of Love DEMO" Click to hear

As it was in the beginning so now until the end. The need for healing of past ills as we grow older hit me "like a hurricane" as I listened to this. The Lord really is the Lamb of God who takes unto Himself the sins of the world. We have a place we can go together to be washed clean by the living water that flows from His Heart. It was His idea to prepare the Bread and the Cup, because of His great love for all. We in LW know this.

Mike has spoken with Josh, and the plan is to make this into a group song this summer. THAT would be awesome, for sure! I would love to add something. Here's what Mike said about this:

My writing is my strongest connection to God, it keeps me connected spiritually. Mostly because it is He that forces this music and more so, the lyrics. It heals me and inspires me. I am 100% aware that I am His vessel. This song came from watching my dad suffer so much. But he keeps his faith and never complains. He is an example of great strength in character. And, the opening lyrics did throw me back to the early days. This is clearly a Living Waters song. 

Keep on the lookout for what may come!

Right after the Our Father and before our Communion, we have traditionally prayed for the healing of past and future to which this song refers: Deliver us, we beg You, Lord, from every evil, past, present, and to come.

the fresh Sonrise after the hurricane of grace

Let It Reign DEMO

Peace & Love & JOY!

Mark LaJOIE! on behalf of Living Waters

"Save Me From Myself"!

Save Me From Myself!

Peter learned to turn in faith to the Lord! Then he turned to 'strengthen his brothers'

The 'Loell Studio' where the magic is happening!

Brand new Mike song! Inspired by Psalm 64, it turned into a hymn of gratitude. LW Greg shines!: http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/20337484 I have a comment to make about the thematic direction Mike took here. He started with the whole 'world situation' depicted in Psalm 64, but where did his eyes of faith find an answer to all? 'Hearts must change before the world can change.' We must discover how good the Good News is and let grace transform us. If we all really believed in the great joy of what happened in the Great Act of Salvation, there would be an awesome time of peace in THIS world, drawn from the worth we have in heaven. What a joyfully marvelous thought! Here are some thoughts he just shared about the experience of recording: My original intention was to try to bring Psalms 64 to life, observing the moral challenges of life as we know it today.  After the first verse, this song took off in its own direction.  When the words "save me" came along, I knew this would be a tribute to Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection.  Everything else just flowed.  This song came so quickly that I was worried it wasn't strong.  After we recorded it, I am pleased to say it is profoundly moving and the timing is so appropriate for Easter.  The title was a struggle because "Save Me" is so similar to "Take Me".  Josh Loell produced (again) and even played the drums (he is not a drummer!) in addition to guitar tracks and his usual background vocal cameo.  Greg Loell gave it his trademark "Living Waters" guitar/lead sound.  And, Ryan Moran joined us with background vocals and those high notes that I just didn't want to try to hit! I am pretty sure more is coming from both Mike and I, especially this summer. Stay tuned! Peace & Love & JOY, Mark LaJOIE!