Linked Band Band Links

Throughout the years, members of Narrow Road have been involved with various bands, with some bands being direct spin-offs from Narrow Road.  These "direct-spin-off" bands were either comprised entirely or with the majority of former Narrow Road members.  The more prominent spin-off bands included: Ash Wednesday, Mella Fella and Bleeding Ink.

Ash Wednesday was formed in mid-to-latter period 1994, the band's sound containing an alternative/grunge/post-punk vibe.  Former Narrow Road members initially included: Greg Reddin, Jason Nunley, John Huffmaster and Adrian James.  Ash Wednesday's archived material is scarce, though two studio tracks may be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/iX7YavrDYzk

Mella Fella performed "java-rock" at various coffee shop locales from 1999 - 2000.  The band's primary motto was simply "plug in and play", though a few lo-fi recordings exist of the Fellas, including a 2000 TV appearance on a local morning program.  Former Narrow Road members included: Greg Reddin, Michael Wall, Brian Pearson and Kent Schreiber.  Band links include:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MellaFellaBand

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3gZEBoYdOYYNg04pJ5B5gWIAV4FzR17D

Bleeding Ink was, perhaps, the most prominent band known outside of Narrow Road.  The band formed in 2003 and began playing their brand of rock at club venues from 2004 - 2007, and again in 2014.  Recordings include an early six-song demo in 2005 and an official live album (Alive and Resounding) from the band's 2014 ten-year reunion.  Former Narrow Road members included: Adrian James, Greg Reddin, Zack Wise and Kent Schreiber.  Band links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BleedingInkRealm

ReverbNation: www.reverbnation.com/BleedingInk4

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3gZEBoYdOYZ9SiXfydfO0NyDF0P7QGrX

Narrow Road, the band that yielded the aforementioned groups, was conceived in 1992 with public performances landing the following year.  The Road's soundscape varied from acoustic-based to driving rock.  Five official albums were released throughout the band's decade-long career.  With a gig-radius encompassing four states, Narrow Road performed with the following artists/bands at various junctures: Skillet, Sixpence None the Richer, Evanescence, Sierra, Eric Champion & Spin Cycle, and Tooth & Nail recording artists: Focused and Bloodshed.  2003 marked the end of The Road, though the band held a twentieth-year reunion concert in 2012.

Narrow Road links:

Social page:  www.facebook.com/NarrowRoadMusic

Band page: www.facebook.com/NarrowRoadRealm

ReverbNation site: www.reverbnation.com/NarrowRoadBand

For audio/visual footage (official & unofficial releases, live recordings/concert footage, demos and more...), encompassing the above listed bands, visit the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/TericDarken

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Beware the Pencil-Throwing Soundman

It was a typical Sunday afternoon band practice in 1998:  Each member at their respective instruments, rehashing old songs and locking in on new ones.  Kudos would be given for a special guitar-lick or drum fill inserted into any given song, and musical banter would ensue between mini-sets.  Such was life at a Narrow Road rehearsal.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the room, Kirk, the band's sound engineer, could be found sitting behind the soundboard: adjusting levels when needed, configuring the right amount of reverb for effect or simply catching up on the latest sound tech magazine.

Kirk: The Mellow Soundman

Kirk - the Captain as we called him as he practically ran things - was typically mellow, and he was gracious enough to grab us an extra cable, microphone stand or any other piece of equipment we might've forgotten to bring with us on stage.  He was also a whiz at taping down those cables.

At this particular practice, I had paper on a music stand and was searching desperately for a pen or pencil with which to scratch down some new lyrics.

"Hey, Cap, you got something to write with?" I called out.

"Yeah, gotcha, man," he responded.

With my guitar strapped across me and plugged into my amp, I stood at the stage front ready for the hand off...  Though it never happened.  

About midway to the exchange, the Cap'n decided to stop and fling the pencil at me.  That wasn't so bad, though his aim was off.  That wasn't so bad either, except I was wearing shorts that summer day, and when the pencil stopped hurling end-over-end, the pointed lead-end planted firmly in my shin. 

The whole event seemed to pass in slow motion and was a bit surreal.  It was a tad odd witnessing a pencil sticking out of one's shin.  From that day forward, I was never afraid to ask Cap'n Kirk for more vocals in the monitor or less guitar in the mix, though I don't believe I ever requested another pencil from him again.

Kirk: The Not-So-Mellow Pencil Thrower

 

When Your Drummer's a Hot Head...

The year was either 1995 or early '96 when Narrow Road secured a gig at a place called Club Zero (maybe Ground Zero - the correct name eludes me) in Russellville, Arkansas.  We would be opening for a band called the Steppin' Cat Daddies.  Two incidents from that evening especially stand out:

1) During soundcheck, Adrian, our drummer at that time, was seated behind his kit and working with the sound engineer to achieve the proper volume for each miked drum head.   As he was striking each head, the lighting engineer began testing the lighting rig:  colored beams began flashing off and on, while the metal trusses supporting the lights were raised and lowered.

I recall watching the lighting process and began to wonder as one particular truss inched closer toward Adrian: Isn't that a bit close to his head? 

Indeed, it was.  I have no idea what the engineer was thinking - perhaps he had left on a Union break or something - but the lighting truss was practically on top of Adrian's head as he continued to pound away during soundcheck.

Suddenly, a shrill cry resounded throughout the room.

"Oww!" 

It was Adrian; the heat from one colored bulb singed his scalp, and I jive thee not:  A wisp of smoke could be seen drifting from the crown of his head.

2)  As best as I can recall, our set went off without any further hitches.  The Cat Daddies were now at bat, and they were quite good.  Their bass player, in particular, was the star of the show:  his fingers working the fret board while his effects pedals emitted all types of otherworldly sounds.  The Cat Daddies' set ended to loud applause.  

I continued to watch them as they began tearing down their equipment upon the now darkened stage, which was raised several feet from the main floor.  The bass player walked over to the stage left corner to store his instrument before suddenly disappearing in the darkness.  A commotion rang out, followed by a lady's scream.

A few moments later, the bass player was brought back out to center stage, where the light's dim glow revealed blood streaming down his face.  He was dazed and confused, having miscalculated the stage drop off in the darkness before kissing the floor below.

Venue personnel tended to him in short order, and I recall it being a rather somber ride home for our band.

Adrian performing on drums in 2012.

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- K -

When Not to do Donuts in an Open Field...

It was a vast expanse of field we would be performing in the middle of, and if memory serves correctly, it was our good friend, Scott - from the hip-hop group, The Synchronized Brothers of the Faith - who had snagged us the gig.  For one reason or another, Scott's group was unable to perform, so he asked Narrow Road to do the honors.  Scott would be running the sound for this gig, circa 1996.

So there we were, in the middle of this field: setting up amps and equipment, tuning our instruments and running lengths of electrical cords for power.  Most of the band members were there doing the typical, preliminary pre-show work.

As we were setting up, a final straggler appeared from a distance in his vehicle.  It was Brian: our bass player/guitarist/drummer/jack-of-all-trades guy.  Brian is a man of many talents - a musician's musician.  You put it in Brian's hands and he can play it.  Best of all, Brian is one of the most likeable people on planet Earth.  Very few people could make me laugh harder than he could, back in the day.

Brian: A most likeable fellow

 
"Alright!  Here comes Brian!" someone exclaimed as we continued to set up.

And sure enough, a trail of dust could be seen as Brian drove his car up the gravel parking lot then onto the field close to the stage.  Ever fun-loving and high on life, Brian decided to treat the band to a little pre-show entertainment:  As he neared the stage in his vehicle, Brian felt that doing donuts was in order.

We laughed as his vehicle spun 'round-n-'round in that field, kicking up grass and dirt from under his little sports car's wheels.  And he showed no signs of slowing down, until...

From out of the blue, a man came running up, yelling and frantically trying to wave off Brian.  The guy was in a state of hysterics.  He finally caught Brian's attention and the car eventually slid to a halt.  The guy gave Brian a piece of his mind and then some before making his way to the stage.  Then we all received the brunt of his wrath.

Brian performing on bass guitar, circa '99

 
So what was the hubbub all about?  This field that I speak of, that was now scarred with skid marks and donut-shaped ruts, was a freshly sodded high school football field.  And the guy blowing a gasket was the coach.

Honestly, we were not cognizant of our surroundings: We were musicians, not jocks.  Our eyes were focused on our playing field: the center stage temporarily constructed in the middle of the turf.  The goalposts at each end never caught our eyes.  We apologized relentlessly before the coach stormed off.

Other than that, the show went off without a hitch; we scored a touchdown.

Brian performing on drums with Mella Fella:

a side-band comprised of Narrow Road members

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- K -

 

There's a Time for Everything (Including Knowing when to Break Up with Your Girlfriend)

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven..."  - Ecclesiastes 3:1

In 1996, members of Narrow Road were invited to be interviewed and to perform on a local, college-sponsored television program.  We were happy to do so, and all seemingly transpired well.  Until the playback...

As our images appeared on screen, our names were switched around.  No big deal: Those running the control room didn't really know who we were.

The sound was a bit sparse and tinny at times, fading in and out.  Again, no big deal: This was a college-operated outfit, after all, not a newsroom filled with seasoned studio veterans.

Yet, it was difficult what to make of it when our booking contact information whizzed by at 100 mph across the screen, multiple times. Add to that the contact number being incorrect upon each "fly by."

"Man," I finally piped up, "What's going on here?"

One of our members then fessed up:  "Well, that might be my fault," he sheepishly stated.

"What do you mean?"  I inquired.

"Well, the girl that runs the control room, the producer... I broke up with her a few days ago," he submitted.  "I think she's probably mad at me."

It was spilled milk; there was nothing we could do but laugh it off.

"Ya think?  Ah, man, couldn't you have waited until after the interview?" we teased.

There is, indeed, a time for everything... (including knowing when to break up with your girlfriend).

Evidence of a woman scorned?

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- K -

"Just Back Off!" (A Shocking Experience)

It was soundcheck time for us at the Methodist Student Union, located on the college campus of Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas.  Each band member was tending to his respective instrument:  Drum heads were struck and tuned; guitar chords blared out as amplifiers were adjusted, and microphones were checked for sound levels.  All was par for the course and went off without a hitch, until...

Our bass player, innocently enough, ambled over to our lead guitarist, intending to ask him a question.  As he placed his hand upon his shoulder, a sudden, shrill cry permeated the air:  "Owwww!  You - shocked - me!"

Shocked ourselves, by the shrill cry, everyone in the room froze, except our bass player.  Perplexed by what had transpired, and wishing to ensure our guitarist was okay, he bumbled toward said guitarist again, this time with an outstretched hand.

The tazed-n-dazed party shrunk back in retreat, not quite knowing what to do.  In desperation, wishing to avoid another hair-raising experience, he barked out, "Just... Back off!"

And for another brief moment, we were all frozen, again, in time.

Thankfully, the culprit of improperly grounded wires were discovered, and the numbness dissipated from our guitarist's hands before showtime.  No other band members were "lit up" during that '97 gig:  The evening commenced without any further pyrotechnics.  

Narrow Road - 1997

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- K -

If You Have to Make an Impact, Don't Let It be Your Foot...

In 1996, Narrow Road had the opportunity to open for an artist/group called Eric Champion and Spin Cycle.  Eric Champion was an established CCM artist in the '90's, and we were grateful for the opportunity to be the supporting act at Temple Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR.

Narrow Road @ Temple Baptist Church, 1996

 At the end of every Road performance, as the last song built up for the big finish, I was known to jump off the stage, do a toe-touch in mid-air (inspired by David Lee Roth) then land within the crowd as the final cymbal crashed.

There was a large crowd at the Eric Champion gig, and I was hoping to make a big impact with the crowd at the onset.  Turns out, the biggest impact I made was largely on my left foot.

At the end of our first song, I decided to make my move: I jumped from the elevated stage into the crowd below.  The cheers erupted, and so did my foot.  Something wasn't right:  I was in no pain, yet I couldn't move my left foot after landing; it felt like jelly.  

The band broke into the next song, awaiting my arrival back upon the stage, and I managed to hobble up there.  I turned to our guitarist, Darren, and exclaimed, "I think I broke my foot!"

"Yeah!  Alright!" he replied with a smile, not hearing correctly over the din of noise.

"No, really!  I broke my foot!" I stated in raised voice.

"Oh!"  The look on Darren's face expressed the message was now received loud and clear.

He didn't know what to do and neither did I.  We had only finished our first song.  Pain had not yet hit me, perhaps due to adrenaline, and the show had to go on.  Thankfully, we made it through our set, albeit I was way-more stationary than usual.  In hindsight, I can only speculate that I looked like "The Mummy" up there:  Performing on stage while dragging my left leg/foot behind me.

After the show, I made my way home and prepared to take a hot shower.  My left foot was swollen, black and blue.  Was my foot actually broken?  I don't really know.  Perhaps I had simply torn some ligaments or tendons; I never went to the doctor.  A couple weeks passed before the numbness wore off and total movement returned.  Whatever the case, the entire event made an impact upon me.  

Just another chapter from having been in a Christian rock band...

Narrow Road members, pre-show, with Eric Champion (2nd from right), 1996

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     - K -

The 20th Year Reunion Concert (We've No Less Days...)

Those passing through here may have noticed the various Narrow Road albums, concerts and videos posted on the right sidebar.  Some may have also noticed the newest installment at the top:  The band's 20th Year Reunion concert - in its entirety - from 2012 (also posted below for a better view).

As of this note, it's hard to believe four years have passed since the reunion, much less twenty-four years since the band originated.  Many talented musicians performed in Narrow Road over the years, and many wonderful friends were made along the way.

As I contemplate the video: watching friends performing on stage, remembering our musical journey together and recalling friends in the audience that night, I'm also reminded of a lyric from the old hymn, "Amazing Grace":

"When we've been there ten-thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we've first begun."

Time sure does fly quickly by.  A verse of scripture also comes to mind: "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." 

- 2 Peter 3:8 

No matter how much we cherish something or someone, nothing in this world is everlasting.  I'm thankful that this realm is not the end; I'm thankful Jesus my Redeemer is returning one day to take me home (John 14: 2 & 3), where life is everlasting.

Till that day, may we store up our heart's treasures in heaven (Matthew 6: 19 - 21), where "we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we've first begun."

As iron sharpens iron,

           - K -

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Playing to an Empty Lot with a Packed House (in the Snow)

I'm thinking the year was 1993:  Our newly minted five-piece band, Narrow Road, would play anywhere the doors were opened to us, which soon led us to a quaint coffeehouse called Ketchum's.  At that time, Ketchum's was located among a small strip of shops near the intersection of Oak and Harkrider streets in Conway, AR.  

I can't recall the month; what I distinctly remember is the patches of snow remaining on the ground in the parking lot... And our band having to set up outside the front door at Ketchum's, facing said parking lot.  There simply wasn't enough interior room for our amps, instruments and driving rock sound.

The people came, and we played to a packed house - sort of:  It was cold enough outside that our guitarists began to lose feeling in their fingertips.  I could see my breath as I sang in the frigid air.  The house was packed, alright:  Our supporters were inside the warm coffeehouse, watching us through side-view windows, playing to an empty lot.  

It was a bit strange, singing to vacant cars on that lot, knowing that the occupants were inside watching us.  Soon, I began to hold microphone in hand, walk through the band and into the coffeehouse, sing a few bars to the people, then walk back outside with the band.  It was surreal... and cold.  Very cold.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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- K - 

Dishing It Out with David Fox

It was great to sit and reminisce with my old friend, and longstanding Narrow Road drummer, David Fox.  Among a host of topics, Dave and I conversed about: his musical influences, the story behind his joining the band, crazy band experiences, as well as his current endeavors.

Parts 1 - 4 are up and running on YouTube.  Following is Part 1:
 

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- K -

Lost in Translation (or How to Scare Your Audience)

In the early days of the band, '93 - '94, we customarily kicked off and closed out each gig with a set of full-throttle rockers.  Somewhere in the middle, we'd trade out the electric guitars for the acoustics and perform an intimate "unplugged" set.

One of Narrow Road's favorite venues, back in the day, was the Methodist Student Union at the University of Central Arkansas:  We were welcomed back multiple times; they were very warm and receptive, and we established genuine friendships there with many.

It was at this venue where we found ourselves, playing to a packed house, in the middle of our acoustic set.  The opening chords to our thought provoking song, "Behind Prism Bars," permeated the atmosphere.

"Behind Prism Bars," 1993 Studio Version

All was calm and quiet:  The crowd had settled in and were seated, listening intently to the melodic music.  There is a line in the song which says, "Thank God, The Lord even loves Gentiles..."  Sung live, the song was typically delivered as in the studio version heard above.  

Being the lead vocalist and the band's primary songwriter, the meaning behind each song stirred a lot of passion within me.  I often tried to convey a message or bring a point home.

So there I was, singing this soft, lilting song, when an inexplicable notion occurred intending to drive the point home.  I sang, "Thank GOD The Lord even loves Gentiles..." with a soft delivery, though when I sang "God," I shouted His Name into the microphone.

The crowd that was listening in thought, seated and soothed, instantly reared back in fright at what had just occurred.  Their eyes were as wide as saucers; they were startled and shaken.  I didn't bring the point home to them; I drove the point through them.

No disrespect was meant to the Name above all names.  That was certainly not my intent.  I was young, and my passion often got the better of me back then.  One would be hard pressed to forget that experience; I only hope the song's meaning wasn't lost on anyone.

Would I have delivered the song differently if I found myself back at the Methodist Student Union in 1993?  Yes.  I can't help but smile a little and shake my head, however, when thinking back on this... Another crazy band story.

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- K -

Whiplash: Heavy Metal Accident

One of my favorite Road stories involves a young minister back in 1993:  Jeremy was a ministerial student at the college four-fifths of the band members attended.  One of Narrow Road's first gigs as a complete band was at a church called Needs Creek - at that time stuck smack-dab in the middle of nowhere within a tiny country town.

We were stoked to play and the place was packed.  It truly was amazing how many teens came out of the woodwork that evening.  With it being one of our first "official" gigs as a full band, and being that the crowd was just as happy to be there as we were, the adrenaline surged through us much the same as the electricity did through the amps.

 Running on faith and pure adrenaline:

Narrow Road @ Needs Creek Church, 1993

We were a far cry from a heavy metal band, though we had plenty of full-throttle rockers in our set (and, yes, one could "headbang" to them as witnessed in the vid above).

The concert went off without a hitch:  We came; they saw; we all conquered the night!  Being in a rock band, we were used to moving around a bit while performing, doing "windmills" while playing guitar or even "headbanging" to a tune.  It was second nature to us.

So the following morning after the gig, I walked inside the college cafeteria and caught sight of my minister-friend, Jeremy.  I noticed he didn't look one-hundred-percent.  In fact, his hobbling along and hunched over back, coupled with his five-foot-five frame, made him resemble that of an elderly, arthritic man.

"Hey, Jeremy, how's it going?" I inquired.

He could scarcely move; his body was stiff as a board.  "Oh, not so good!" He exclaimed while holding onto his neck.

"Why?  What happened?  Are you okay?"  I was actually worried a bit about whatever condition he was in.

"I was at your concert last night...  It was my first time to headbang..." He replied.   

I was perplexed.  "First time to headbang?  You mean first time headbanging at one of our concerts?"

"No, ever... It was my first time to ever headbang.  I can barely move my neck!"

I really felt bad for him now as well as partially responsible for his traumatic state.  "I'm so sorry, Jeremy... I feel horrible!"

"Don't!" He interrupted.  "I had the time of my life!"  And in spite of his decrepit state, he grinned.

I couldn't help but smile as well, thinking about this young minister headbanging... Having the time of his life!

Amen.

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- K - 

An Author, A Tuxedo and Sunny D

At one point during the band's early years ('93 - '94), I found myself eating lunch at Pizza Inn with a youth minister from a Little Rock, AR church.  He wanted to meet and get to know a little more about our band, Narrow Road: Our genre, our vision for ministry, etc...  The conversation went well as best as I can remember; we got the gig.  

Gig day came, and four-fifths of the band, along with our faithful road crew, began setting up for the performance.  I had asked Steve - a friend and ministry student at the college I attended - to announce us at gig time.  "No problem," he said.

Gig time came, along with our missing band member, arriving just in the nick of time.  Jason had just shown up from a mandatory choir recital at our college, and with no time to spare, he was still in his tux!

The lights dimmed, and our friend, Steve, walked out to introduce us.  He called us out, one by one, as we walked to our respective instruments on the stage.  Keep in mind, Steve was a ministry student.  Finally, he introduced our drummer, Adrian.

"And on drums, Mister A-A-Adri-i-i-a-a-a-n-n-n Rogeeerrrsss!"

The applause resounded as Adrian walked out, though Adrian looked extremely perplexed.  The only problem with Steve's dynamic introduction:  Adrian's last name was James.  Adrian Rogers was an author of ministerial books that Steve was fond of.

Nevertheless, the show must go on and it did:  "Adrian Rogers" pounded those drums, and guitar chords blared through the amps.  It must have been mind-boggling to the senses: hearing blaring rock being cranked out while watching our tuxedo-adorned guitarist!

For some odd reason, I had taken up with a big jug of Sunny Delight earlier while setting up.  "Sunny D" is a citrus beverage, and I was nursing on that jug right before gig time.  Now on stage, belting out songs, my throat began to feel a little irritated.  

As the songs rocked on, my pipes felt increasingly raw.  By the last few songs (mercifully, we had arrived near the end), my throat was on fire!  The "Sunny D" did not pair well with singing, and I was now sounding like an elderly man with a bad case of laryngitis!

An "author" pounding the drums... A shredding guitarist in a tuxedo... An elderly voice heaving out vocals... Just another day in the life for our humble little band.  More to come...

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- K -

 

Passionfruit Espresso, Anyone?

So there we were, circa '93 - '94: a young band looking to take our respective girlfriends out for a nice night on the town.  One band member, Adrian, knew of this nice indy coffeehouse in a neighboring city.  So off we went, and he couldn't have picked a more perfect spot.  The coffeehouse was quaint; its interior bathed in the dim glow of candlelight and atmosphere.

The waitress, dressed to the nines, handed us our menus then directed us to a vast flavor shot selection available for cappuccinos and espressos.  Each of us browsed the menu with an air of sophistication, hoping to impress our lady-friends.  Our waitress returned, walking around our table as we placed our orders.

"I'll have a passionfruit espresso," piped up Greg - The inimitable Greg Reddin that I blogged about in an earlier post.

Taking our orders, the waitress sashayed behind the counter then disappeared.  Perhaps five minutes lapsed before the waitress returned.

"Listen," she exclaimed to Greg, "We've been discussing this in the back, and we don't really think this is something you'll want."

Each of us looked at the other, perplexed.

They take their coffee seriously here...  Did they huddle up... Have a quick conference in the back... The dilemma of the passionfruit espresso?  They were the consummate professionals, after all...

And we were a rock band.

Gently pounding the table with his fist for emphasis, Greg never balked.  "Nope, I want a passionfruit espresso!" he solemnly stated.

"Very good, Sir!" the waitress replied before disappearing again. 

She returned again in short order, our orders now being placed before us.  As we sipped and supped, all eyes were on Greg.  We were curious about this passionfruit espresso.

Would Greg wince at first sip?  Was it soon to spew forth from his lips?

Greg didn't even bat an eye, though I swear his pinky stood out straight as he sipped passionfruit espresso from his tiny cup. 

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Greg Reddin, 2012

- K -  

Eyes Ahead, Hand to the Plow, Feeding Sheep...

Of all the disciples, Simon Peter is probably my favorite.  I admire the passion that he had, and I can often relate to him.  From what I've understood about Simon, he genuinely loved the Lord. Simon Peter was the one who walked out on the water to Jesus, only to take his eyes off of Him and sink moments later.  Of course, Jesus took him by the hand and pulled him back up. Simon was the one who followed the Lord from a distance as Jesus was being led away to be crucified.  Shortly before this scene, Simon had drawn his sword and cut off the high priest's servant's ear, defending Jesus when His enemies came for Him.  Simon had told Jesus that he would never deny Him.  And yet, here and now - as Jesus was being led away to His crucifixion - Simon Peter denied knowing Christ... not only once, but three times over. And again, as one reads further in the Word, Jesus didn't give up on Simon Peter.  Following Christ's resurrection, the Lord confronted Simon and entrusted him with a precise directive: "He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, 'Do you love Me?' And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed My sheep.'"  -John 21:17 I can relate to Simon Peter because - though I haven't verbally denied knowing Christ - I have, at times, denied knowing Him through my silence, unsavory language, and actions or lack thereof.  You see, friends, many years ago the Lord had entrusted me with a ministry:  Narrow Road - a band that played rock music with a mission to spread the good news of Christ's salvation and abundant life.    Much like Simon Peter, I had taken my eyes off of Christ at various intervals along the way, and as a result, my actions, attitude and lack of sharing my faith gave little evidence, if any, that I have a relationship with the Living God. Retrospectively speaking, I see that young man I once was - the man I was just a passing season ago - and I don't like him.  Thankfully, just like Christ had compassion on Peter, He has also had compassion on me.  He hasn't let me go.   I love the Lord Jesus; I am not ashamed of Him, and I wish to be a better caretaker with what He has entrusted me with.  That's really the main purpose of this blog:  To share my faith with any who may pass by this way. A verse of scripture hit me not too long ago which really spoke to me: "But Jesus said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.'”  -Luke 9:62 It's a good thing that I'm no longer the poor caretaker with my faith and life that I used to be, but I can't keep looking behind in regret.  I'm not supposed to.  The Lord would have me look ahead and keep plugging away for Him and in Him, for then I'm fit for His kingdom.  Now, I'm fit for His kingdom. Hey, nobody's perfect, I understand this.  All the more reason why I need Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  And, granted, life often gives us a one-two punch in various forms such as: losing a loved one, divorce, career change, etc... All are things which often cause us to lose focus.  Yet again, those are also times when we need Jesus - the solid Rock. Well, the good news is:  If you're a little like me and blunder things up from time to time, Jesus has compassion on us, just as He did for Simon Peter.  Again, I'm so thankful for the stories about Peter in the Bible - It gives me hope and an opportunity to do/be better the next time.  The narrow road has always been Jesus; the narrow road will always be Jesus, and the off-the-beaten path to the kingdom awaits anyone who would rise up and walk (Matthew 7: 13 - 14). Amen. <><+><> As iron sharpens iron, - K -

The Inimitable Greg Reddin & the Guillotine Cymbal Incident

One of my favorite people in the entire world is my friend and former bandmate, Greg Reddin:  Faithful husband, devoted dad and follower of Christ.  Greg is such a mellow, down-to-earth and kindhearted soul that it's often mind-blowing recalling his animated performances with early Narrow Road:

When the band developed into a five-piece outfit during its early years (1993 - 1994), we were fortunate to secure practice space at the ABS House on the University of Central Arkansas campus.  In time, our practice location would move to my apartment.

It was at my apartment where the Guillotine Cymbal Incident occurred:  We were in the middle of jamming on a song, and Greg was flailing away on a guitar solo.  Adrian, playing my dilapidated drums during practice, hit the cymbal which was attached to the kick drum via a single rod.  The rod was held in place by a single screw, allowing the rod's angle to swing either left or right.

So, Greg was flailing away on a guitar solo, and Adrian hit the crash cymbal.  One moment, Greg's amp was blaring out his fretwork in full force, and the next moment his amp emitted utter silence, yet Greg's fingers were still moving like lightning.

The band stopped, scratching our heads and wondering what had happened.  We examined Greg's amp to see if perhaps a switch had been hit or if the power cord was ripped from the outlet.  It was none of the above.

Tracing the myriad of cords, the discovery was suddenly made:  Greg's power supply cord, leading from his guitar to his amp, had been severed clean in two.  Adrian had hit the crash cymbal, and the cymbal's rod screw came loose, causing the cymbal to swing to the ground like a guillotine.  A cleaner cut couldn't have been made.

L to R: John Huffmaster, Kent Schreiber & Greg Reddin, 1993

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- K -   

Share a Few Laughs and Talk About Old Times...

Recently, I've had the opportunity to reminisce with fellow Narrow Road member, Adrian James.  We ran the gamut, discussing crazy band stories, the revolving door of friends who performed with the band, Adrian's picks as favorite band albums and songs as well as the work put into arranging the songs and album art.  Also analyzed was the dichotomy of musical genres Narrow Road produced throughout the years.

Our discussion was split into four installments; all are currently up and running on YouTube.

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- K - 

 

Road Stories: Part 1

Road Stories: Part 2

Lyric and Verse: Your Sorrow is My Crown

In my last post, I mentioned a Narrow Road song that many had come to appreciate early within the band's lifespan.  Before I proceed with any more band posts, I'd simply like to share the scripture verses that many of the lyrics to Your Sorrow is My Crown were built around, including the song title.

Though band stories are fun to share, honestly, they are trivial.  Genuine ministry is what's important.  My hope is that The Lord's Word, shared below in parenthesis, will help someone in some manner.  May any who pass this way be blessed! 

As iron sharpens iron,

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- K –


Your Sorrow is My Crown

(He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  -Isaiah 53:3) 

Precious child, I know you're crying
feeling scarred and scared, alone
Deep inside, your ember's dying
and it's a long, long way from home

You're searching endlessly for answers
Weary-eyed, from weeping bitter tears
You wonder where this world has left you
as it slips away in years

Oh, My child, come to Me
and I will set your spirit free
Child, in Me you're found (Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. -Matthew 10:39) 
and I will hold you when you're down

For your sorrow is My crown... (They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said.  -Matthew 27:28 – 29)

Will you find freedom in that bottle?
Did that last hit drag you down?
This world is more than you can ever swallow  (What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? -Matthew 16:26)
but in Me your freedom can be found

Come, and we'll soar with wings as eagles (But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31)
You'll rest within My cleansing sea
I AM and was and will be with you (“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” -John 8:58)
Take up your cross and follow Me (Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. -Matthew 16:24)

Oh, My child, come to Me
and I will set your spirit free  (So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -John 8:36)
Child, in Me you're found
and I will hold you when you're down

For your sorrow is My crown...

Trust in My love and I will show you My kingdom  (My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. -John 14: 2-3)

I will give you My life, eternally  (For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16)
I feel the pain you feel and I want to love you  (For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. -Hebrews 4:15)
Won't you open your eyes, tonight, and see?

Precious child, I'll hold you tight
Eternal life is yours, tonight

Salvation is in Me  (Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:6)