john watilo » Recording Artists

Anna Maria Jopek w/Pat Metheny

John — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:43:31 +0000

Wow, what a collaboration! Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny has long been known for his pair-ups with great musicians around the world, including singers, but IMHO this particular collaboration is *really* special. Polish recording artist Anna Maria Jopek is one of those rare vocalists that so beautifully complement’s Pat’s unique sound. I could easily listen for hours!

Here they are, doing live versions of “Tam, Gdzie Nie Siega Wzrok (Follow Me)” and “Are You Going With Me?”, from their studio collaboration, “Upojenie“.

Mercy Me Concert Pics

John — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:25:12 +0000

Nashville junket, continued…

As it turns out, Brant had his trusty camera along for the ride. So, he and I took turns snapping some pics (I’d say his turned out better than mine). So here, for your enjoyment are a few of them – click on the thumbnail to get a bigger view.

BarlowGirl Was There, Too.

John — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:05:21 +0000

So, before Mercy Me took the stage, BarlowGirl came on and did their thing. Their thing, of course, being ROCKING THE HOUSE while providing some uplifting encouragment and exhortation to the crowd. That is to say, in the vernacular of my youth:

Whoa. Dude! These chicks ROCK!!! (dude…)

Mercy Me in Nashville

John — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:38:08 +0000

A few weeks ago, we once again got to hang out with our son Brant for awhile – he came home to visit for a couple of days and then we all ended up in Nashville for a little mini-vacation. One thing Brant has inherited from us is a love for and an appreciation of all kinds of music, and it’s always a real blessing for the three of us to be able to go to a concert together. So it seems inevitable that we would end up catching a Mercy Me set at Sommet Center.

The band was tight and, like Casting Crowns, this is another group of people that really have a heart of compassion for those in need and know how to impart spiritual truth in a powerful way. Yeah, it was a concert all right, but these guys know how to do it in a way that brings glory to God.

Anyway, I have lots more to share concerning our little Nashville junket, as well as a few more photos, so stay tuned!!!

Casting Crowns Concert

John — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:21:56 +0000

Our son Brant came home to visit last weekend. It was a real blessing, as it always is whenever we get a chance to see him.

This time, the festivities included a spur-of-the moment decision to go see Casting Crowns in Fort Worth. They put on a top-notch show; but more than that, these are folks who have a genuine concern for people. The way they mixed ministry with music was inspiring, and they are definitely on my short list of bands to see again. Highly recommended!