Lead Me On...Down Memory Lane
Amy Grant performs at Mansion Theater in Branson, MO. Photo by Andy Argyrakis
By Andy Argyrakis, senior music editor, GospelMusicChannel.com
History in the remaking
Twenty years ago, pop/rock superstar Amy Grant not only released a cornerstone collection of her lauded catalogue in the form of Lead Me On, but it just so happened to be regarded as the single most influential Christian album of all time. Defying genre boundaries, the disc boasted everything from guitar-charged rockers to vibrant pop reflections, poignant ballads and even a country-tinged romp. It also showcased the singer/songwriter evolving in a remarkably authentic direction, boldly displaying personal reflections of a women in her late 20s, viewing life through a genuine perspective of faith.
Though Grant’s knocking at the door of 48, she sounds just as strong if not even more rock solid on the Lead Me On 20th Anniversary Edition (EMI), featuring the original album remastered, plus a bonus disc of new acoustic renditions, interview clips and even a few concert cuts from the original tour. And speaking of road trips, the troubadour is currently on a 20-city trek that doesn’t just recall this seminal CD and all her career chestnuts prior to 1988, but also reunites many of the original band members from the initial incarnation.
The band sounds better than ever
A solo acoustic Grant opened with an earthy interpretation of “Father’s Eyes” at Branson, MO’s beautiful Mansion Theatre on Saturday, November 15, and her backers soon stepped on stage to accompany the gracious performer for nearly two hours. With eight players behind her, it was a constant wall of sound anchored by the dual guitar stylings of Chris Rodriguez (Keith Urban, Kenny Loggins) and Jerry McPherson (Faith Hill), alongside famed keyboardist Chris Eaton (also known for his solo recording career). Given all these session stars’ incredibly busy schedules, Grant acknowledged it was nothing short of a miracle to get them back together and made the most of their prowess across hearty renditions of “Wait For the Healing,” “Love of Another Kind” and “Shadows.”
Infatuated with the old school
As the evening progressed, the headliner half-heartedly apologized for not exploring anything beyond ’88, but if the audience’s howls of excitement were any indication, no one seemed to mind. Though it was incredibly risky to omit major mainstream smashes like “Baby, Baby,” “I Will Remember You,” “Every Heartbeat,” “House of Love” and “Takes a Little Time” (to cite a mere handful), she more than made up for their absences by dusting off several golden oldies that have rarely been played since becoming a crossover sensation.
Amongst those treasured deep cuts were Lead Me On alums like the punchy “1974,” the mandolin-infused “Saved By Love” and the oh so gloriously ’80s “All Right.” Despite dating back even earlier in that decade, a timeless flavor permeated a worship segment that included heartfelt renditions of “El Shaddai,” “Sing Your Praise to the Lord” and “All I Ever Have to Be.” Even so, there was plenty of electricity to come thanks to a blistering recollections of “Lead Me On,” “Find a Way” and “Alright” (complete with some extend jamming from the aforementioned all-stars).
