Guy Penrod "Breathe Deep"
March 01, 2010
Guy Penrod is in every sense of the word a man cut from the cloth of rugged individualism.
Never is this more evident than in the tracks of his first solo country album project, Breathe Deep.
It's more than a collection of thirteen new songs. It's the creative thumbprint of a man with strong values and a positive worldview that harkens back to deep roots in faith and family. His well-publicized departure in recent months after 14 years as a centerpiece of Bill Gaither's celebrated "Vocal Band" was not a move for the faint of heart—nor for a man less sure that he's tracking on a right course set for new horizons.
With the launch of Breathe Deep, Guy Penrod will tell you he's not looking to change the face of country music. Only to bring a new prospective to its' best attributes. And to the question—'is this a new Guy Penrod?' -there's a short answer. "I haven't changed a lick—I just wanted a fresh wrapper," he notes. "I wanted with the new album to kick it out there in a little bigger pond. I believe that country is one the best genres of music from which to tell the American story. To me, music is a way of telling the story of every day America and a country song has the ability to tell a story with the potential for the positive. Songs can literally become modern day parables on how to live life. In fact, there's a lot of 'gospel' on the thirteen songs we just recorded—not my answers, but God's way wrapped in every day language with a country feel."
Guy Penrod is no stranger to country music. Just a country boy who grew up to become a major voice—first in Nashville's creative scene 'behind the scenes'—and later center stage as a major name in southern gospel. During the early 90's, he was an in-demand session singer in Nashville working in studio with the biggest names in both country and gospel music. TNN's "Music City Tonight" subsequently introduced Guy to wider national audiences as part of the vocal quartet that appeared nightly on the live 90 minute telecast. "I got to sing behind some of the great legends of country music that I grew up listening to, as well as backing new artists like Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain at a point when their careers where just launching."
With him for the creative studio process was veteran hit producer Brent Rowan. "Brent had a real heart and vision for this project and the kind of songs we were looking for. We believed there were great country songs that great writers were turning out with the same hopes we had of reaching the mass of people out there who want good country music that doesn't compromise their values. We found those writers and those great songs." "
Breathe Deep touches on how fast our kids grow-up, and how soon our parents grow old -and how precious those moments in between are.
Arnaud, I'm so curious to know how a Southern Gospel singer like Penrod/Gaither Vocal Band landed on your blog! We feel the same way at IMC....that good music is good music. And Country...well, let's just say that Country Music isn't what it used to be, right? Good review. I'll check it out. Best.
Posted by: eddy cabello | April 16, 2010 at 03:51 AM
would it be possible that this cd is on the instumental list especially the last piece which is
"KNOWING WHAT I KNOW ABOUT HEAVEN"
I would greatly appreciate any info
you could give me, or point me in the direction,of obtaining this
Thank you for your time
Elaine
Posted by: Elaine Jefferies | October 31, 2010 at 01:45 AM