*Facebook!

Thanks to my dear friend Christy Davis I have now entered the inevitable realm of perpetual socializing that is called ‘facebook‘. I resisted without success.

Visit: MY FACEBOOK to become a ‘fan’. And don’t leave without leaving a “Hello” on the wall!

Of course you can visit my official site here.

* Newsletter 6/15/09, Relief

But this morning I miss him.

People are drawn to Dad, understandably. He listens incredibly well. With a warm smile and engaging eyes, he inspires transparent chats from complete strangers, open discussions from people he’s never seen before. I’ve seen it happen real time.

I don’t know if he knows this, but I derive a sort of healing quality from being with him. I’m OK with who I am around him. And from what my father communicates to me, it’s OK to be who I am.

The other night Lauren Hennessy, one of my favorite youngsters at church, got up on stage with her guitar and with the purest, nasally bluegrass tone sang: “’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved . . .” These are the kind of exposed lyrics that when married with it’s gaelic melody and a child’s voice, conjures the Holy Ghost. And sends chills down my spine . . . Read the full entry here.

*Andrew interviews Tobymac, Sandi Patty + Kirk Franklin podcast

Sharing keen insights about adoption, balancing family and work and keeping celebrity in check, Gospel Music’s 2008 “Artist of the Year” Tobymac recently sat down with Andrew to give him a look into life at home with the McKeehans. Andrew also emailed back and forth with Gospel music favorite Sandi Patty about her new acoustic record Simply Sandi, how being an NFL fan pays off and what thirty years in the spotlight has taught her.

And check out interviews with Chris Tomlin, tween actor Luke Benward and two special podcasts with Jeremy Camp and Kirk Franklin, as well as a special feature on Calvin College’s biennial Festival of Faith & Music. Plus reviews from Lanae Hale, Amy Grant, As Cities Burn, Mike Farris, Ben Utecht, Sheila Walsh, David Wilcox and more.

Read the articles by clicking on the links below or visit Andrew’s “Words” page here.

Tobymac, ParentLife
Kirk Franklin, CCM Magazine + Podcast
Jeremy Camp, CCM Magazine + Podcast
Chris Tomlin, CCM Magazine + Podcast
Sandi Patty, Christianity Today
Luke Benward, Christianity Today
Festival of Faith & Music 2009, Christianity Today
Mike Farris “Shout LIVE!’, CCM Magazine
As Cities Burn “Hell or High Water”, CCM Magazine
Jonny Diaz “More Beautiful You”, Christianity Today
Amy Grant “She Colors My Day”, Christianity Today
Ben Utecht “Ben Utecht”, Christianity Today
Sandi Patty “Simply Sandi”, Christianity Today
Sheila Walsh “Let Go”, Christianity Today
David Wilcox “Open Hand”, Christianity Today
Lanae Hale “Back & Forth”, CCM Magazine
Brian Courtney Wilson “Just Love”, Christianity Today
Yellow Cavalier “Yellow Cavalier”, CCM Magazine
Seven Stories Up “Falling”, Christianity Today

*In the studio with Cindy Morgan

My sweet friend Cindy Morgan dropped by our last Open Book session to record some mighty soulful background vocals. A songwriting hero of mine (her 2008 Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year proves I’m not the only one to think she’s great!), the woman can “sang”.

Adding a hearty dose of her old soul conversation to the mix, it was our pleasure to have Cindy take part. I can’t wait for you to hear the final product.

Check her out on myspace here: myspace.com/cindymorganmusic

And of course, you can visit Andrew here.

*Andrew interviews Randy Travis, Sara Watkins + Mandisa podcast

Andrew recently had the rare opportunity to chat with legendary musician Randy Travis. In an exclusive interview just days before the release of his first ever faith-based best of – Three Wooden Crosses: the Inspirational Hits, Randy candidly chatted about his conversion experience, the difference between churches and casinos and blames Andy Griffith for catching the acting bug!

Andrew also found time to talk with Sara Watkins, fomerly one-third of platinum newgrass band Nickel Creek, about her first solo record, with Mandisa about her new spiritual freedom and astounding weight loss, as well as Esterlyn, an up-and-coming band who is reaping the benefits of remaining independent, and Israel Houghton (of Israel & the New Breed) about goin’ solo.

Also look for the latest reviews from Delirious, Phillip Larue, Sandi Patty, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kim Burrell and many more.

Read the articles by clicking on the links below or visit Andrew’s “Words” page here.

Sara Watkins, Christianity Today
Randy Travis, Christianity Today
Mandisa, CCM Magazine
Israel Houghton, CCM Magazine
Esterlyn, Christianity Today
Kim Burrell “No Ways Tired”, Christianity Today
Billy Ray Cyrus “Back to Tennessee”, Christianity Today
Phillip Larue “Let the Road Pave Itself”, CCM Magazine
“Oh Happy Day: An All Star Gospel Celebration”, Christianity Today
Jason Allen Rich “A Beautiful Life”, Christianity Today
Carl Cartee “Everything You Do”, Christianity Today
Sandi Patty “Duets 2″, Christianity Today
Delirious “My Soul Sings”, CCM Magazine
Revive “Chorus of the Saints”, Christianity Today
Melissa Greene “Next Step”, CMCentral.com
Bluetree “God of this City”, CCM Magazine
Jeremy Riddle “The Now and Not Yet”, Christianity Today
Norman Hutchins “God is Faithful”, Christianity Today
Esterlyn “Mending the Meaning”, CCM Magazine
Twila Paris “Small Sacrifice”, ChristianMusicPlanet.com
Kari Jobe “Kari Jobe”, CCM Magazine
Julian Drive “My Coming Day”, CCM Magazine
Paul Colman “History”, CCM Magazine

*In the studio with Ginny Owens & Julie Lee

Singer/songwriter and one of Andrew’s sweetest musical friends, Ginny Owens, recently joined him in the studio to capture some oh-so-nice background vocals on tape.

In addition, one of Andrew’s favorite songwriters and singers (BIG FAN!!), Julie Lee, lent her unmistakable gift to one of the last sessions for Andrew’s upcoming record, Open Book. Singing background vocals for “Gone are the Days” and “Emmylou” and keeping us good company for the rest of the day, Julie is our newest studio comrade!

Check them both out on myspace here:
Ginny Owens – myspace.com/ginnyowens
Julie Lee – myspace.com/stillhouseroad

And as always, you can visit Andrew here.

*Newsletter 2/24/09, Scarface

So I went and got my face all cut up. A dirt bike. A ditch. A fence. The dirt bike again. My face. You get the picture.

Seeing as it was one hour before Super Bowl XLIII, and all were busy preparing downstairs, I drove myself to the ER. One hour later I was home, dermabonded and watching Faith Hill belt out “America the Beautiful”. Long legs, golden voice . . . I was feeling better.

After a slight issue with the face glue I returned to the ER, only to have the wound reopened, scrubbed to perfection and stitched together – old school.

To numb the wounded area ten Lidocain shots were administered. That’s when I began to cry. I couldn’t even help it – that little pinpoint of pain, stinging in those tender spots of skin – I tried, but the tears flowed anyway . . . Read the full entry here.

*Newsletter 12/20/08 + Amy Grant, MWS, Travis Cottrell, Sara Groves, Mary Mary articles now published

Despite considering Walmart my personal portal to hell, it is the only place on earth that carries Toasty O’s.

So, risking an anxiety attack and avoiding impulse purchases, I made my way to aisle ten. I rounded the corner, spotted that golden box containing a whole bag of those delicious honey-flavored cereal rings, directed my feet to move, then . . . I heard it. That melody.

G, G, F#, G, A, D. I started humming: “Mm, mmm, mmm, mm, mm-mm, mmmmmm.” I let my lips purse, letting out just enough sound to be heard by the pushers of buggies passing my trance-like stance: “O come let us adore him.”

Interesting how a melody can move us . . . Read the full entry here.

Andrew also sits down with Michael W. Smith to discuss A New Hallelujah, listens in on Sara Groves and Brandon Heath’s social justice conversation in his first podcast and calls out Kierra Sheard on dropping “Kiki” as she schools Andrew about living a BOLD RIGHT LIFE.

Also look for reviews of the latest releases from Mary, Mary, Buildling 429, Andrew Peterson, Skillet and special Holiday reviews of Amy Grant, Travis Cottrell, Fernando Ortega, Casting Crowns and more.

And lastly, Andrew’s Critics’ Pick List 2008 (Top 10) is here.

Read the articles by clicking on the links below or visit Andrew’s “Words” page here:

Michael W. Smith, ChristianMusicPlanet.com
Sara Groves & Brandon Heath, CCMMagazine.com
Kierra Sheard, ChristianMusicPlanet.com
Building 429, CMCentral.com
Mary Mary “The Sound”, CMCentral.com
Andrew Peterson “Resurrection Letters, Vol. II”, ChristianMusicPlanet.com
Skillet “Comatose Comes Alive”, CCMMagazine.com
Building 429 “Building 429″, CCMMagazine.com
Hillsong London “Hail to the King”, ChristianMusicPlanet.com

***Holiday Reviews***
Amy Grant “The Christmas Collection”, CCMMagazine.com
Travis Cottrell “Ring the Bells”, CCMMagazine.com
Fernando Ortega “Christmas Songs”, ChristianMusicPlanet.com
Casting Crowns “Peace on Earth”, CCMMagazine.com
David Phelps “O Holy Night! A Live Holiday Celebration”, CCMMagazine.com
Annie Moses Band “This Glorious Christmas”, CCMMagazine.com
Coming To A City Near You This Christmas . . . , CCMMagazine.com

*Videoshoot for “gone are the days”

Andrew shot his first music video last Monday for the song “Gone are the Days” from his upcoming record, Open Book. Though it will take a few weeks for the video to be edited and uploaded for you to see, here are a few snapshots from the behind-the-scenes with his good friends and helpers (in that order), Julee Duwe, Jace Freeman and Justin Roark.
     

You can view more behind-the-scenes shots by visiting his Flickr site: flickr.com/andrew-greer or by clicking on the photos on the homepage.

Until the video is posted . . . enjoy!

*Newsletter 10/30/08, California and Catholics

I was late to my own concert. I hurriedly opened the door leading into the chapel where one hundred people sat quietly waiting. I pulled up the piano bench, leaned into the microphone and said, “I’m sorry I’m late.”

They laughed. I breathed a sigh of relief.

I had been invited to perform for National Passionist Conference, being held at the Holy Name Retreat Center in California’s Sierra Madre Mountains. The Passionists, a group of devout Christians (who happen to be Catholic), function under a mission to familiarize themselves “with the passion of Christ,” in hopes to “guide the faithful to a deeper awareness and understanding of this mystery, and so bring them to a closer union with God, a greater knowledge of themselves and more sensitive response to the needs of their neighbors”.

Growing up in a Protestant home and being reared in a doctrine of faith and grace (versus one of works and legalism), I was cautious of Catholicism, keeping its traditions at arms length.

But after four days of prayer and performances . . . Read the full entry here.