ABOUT THE ARTIST Eric's greatest earthly joys are his wife, Kimberly, and sons, Elijah and Sebastian. His passions are the glory of God, Bible study, singing, listening to, directing, and making music, traveling locally and internationally, playing piano, and reading great books (mostly theology!). In his spare time he enjoys road trips, movies, spending time with friends, and (because his wife is such an amazing cook) eating great food. WHY THIS PROJECT? Due to the sincere and diligent encouragement of friends and family, this recording has become a reality. Believe me, I had no visions of grandeur, no desire to become famous, and no intent to join the Contemporary Christian Music scene when I decided to produce a solo vocal album. I am a local church guy with a desire to build up the body of Christ, and inasmuch as this project achieves that purpose I will deem it successful. This is a custom project, accomplished by the collaborative efforts of many people. The time for the recording was made possible by FBC Durham through the provision of a ministry sabbatical. Several generous individuals enabled the financial side of things to flow so I actually had money in my checking account to pay for each expense. The project was produced with the capable and well-experienced assistance of Dan Goeller, who lined up the incredible musicians you will hear on this recording. Nothing on this album is meant to impress, but it should be clear to every listener that it is an album of highly professional quality. The music of "Arise, My Soul" is in the acoustic/folk genre (primarily guitar/piano driven). Simple arrangements and instrumentation allow the words to carry the song. It's all about the text, and how to set it in a beautiful way so that the Word of Christ can dwell richly in you. "Arise, My Soul" in concept is an album meant to stir up holy affections for God. It is meant to be a recording that enables the listener to be drawn out of stress, distraction, sadness, discouragement, or fear into a state of blessedness, contentment, and adoration. In Psalm 103 we learn that it is okay, even biblical, to talk yourself. The psalmist says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits." Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that our problem is that we listen to ourselves too much, when we should actually be talking to ourselves instead. We need to be reminded of the gospel and of God's promises, that we may not lose hope. The album follows a worshipful progression, from an instrumental prelude (tin whistle) playing the old hymn tune, "Arise, My Soul, Arise," to the postlude, "Be Thou My Vision," played by Uilleann Pipes. Each song has a purpose and covers a theme: "O My Soul, Arise and Bless Your Maker" - An inward call to worship "For the Beauty of the Earth" - Creation, thanksgiving "Immanuel" - Christ's incarnation and birth "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" - Salvation "By Grace Alone" - Confession and assurance of forgiveness "Arise, My Soul, Arise" - Strength, encouragement "The Look" - The cross of Christ "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" - The love of Christ "They Came Alone" - The resurrection of Jesus "The New Jerusalem" - The future for believers The songs hit the highlights of God's salvation plan, from creation to end times, and they account for the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well. I hope they are a spiritual encouragement to you. As it says in Ephesians, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Amen!