A DOVE ON DISTANT OAKS, CHUCK’S NEW ALBUM, TO BE RELEASED 12.3.10!

After spending the majority of 2010 in the studio, I have finished the new album and it is set to be released on December 3rd! Musically, A Dove On Distant Oaks builds on the foundation laid on Beyond the Veil, but with an earthier, warmer sound (thanks to tube amps, tremolo guitars, and beautifully played live drums). Lyrically, the songs rejoice in the glory of Jesus and his New Covenant with us, and meditate on the faithfulness of God through times of hardship and loss.

I had a wonderful time on this project, working again with producer Donn Halliburton. I also got some of the band engaged in a deeper level to the project. Lead guitar player Andy Othling co-produced two songs and played on much of the album, and rhythm guitar player and singer Stephen Dumas contributed his smoky vocals to three songs, as well as his acoustic lead guitar playing to another track. Another buddy of mine named Dee Brown added his keyboard skills to a couple of songs, and his soulful voice is featured prominently in a song we collaborated on called “Tears in a Bottle.”

One of the highlights of working on this album was having Tom and Sherry Green join me on a song I wrote for their son Rocky. Many of you know Rocky was a dear friend of mine for 15 years who went to the arms of Jesus in February of 2009 after a battle with a brain tumor. Tom and Sherry graced my song with their beautiful musical abilities. When you hear Tom’s lead guitar on the track, you hear the source from which Rocky’s guitar playing was greatly influenced. Sherry’s vocals sound like a chorus of angels, as usual.

In the final days of mixing and mastering in the studio, I had tunnel vision on shaping this project into a great-sounding album, but I was reminded by a friend who listened to an early copy that the lyrics were written to bless and minister to people. It is my continued prayer that A Dove On Distant Oaks will do just that for you.