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December 2002 Table of Contents
Just A Little Talk With...
Ray Boltz
With 15 albums, numerous Dove nominations and awards, Twelve #1 singles including "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" (which topped inspirational music charts as a perfect #1 song, 100 points, a first for the CCM Update publication), Two gold albums and a gold video, Ray Boltz has established his music as a staple in the diet of the CCM world.
This CCM palatability however, more often than not does not make the menu cut when it comes to serving up the music to the churches. Ray's music does both, and quite well!
He has a new album "Songs from the Potter's Field," a breathtaking collection of musical styles and inspirational lyrics, with ten new songs written by Ray.
Recently, we had the good pleasure to interview Ray and do a little catching up-where his heart is musically and spiritually, where he's been for the last few years, the new album, and how all this ties into the music of the church. Praise the Lord!
TC: Ray, it has been four years since you released a project of new, original music. Tell us what God has been up to in the life of Ray Boltz.
RB: "About 18 months ago, I celebrated my 15th year in the Christian music industry with a tour and the release of a 'greatest hits' project called Moments For The Heart (volume 1 & 2). Each night I would walk out on the stage with my guitar and perform many of the songs from that project. In addition, I would also try out "new" songs, some of them written that day on the bus. It was a great tour and gave me the time to concentrate on writing the songs for the new project."
TC: Sorry, but I have to ask-what happened to your hair?
RB: "I could tell you, that I have joined the growing number of men who have realized the aesthetic value and inherent beauty of the human head...or perhaps that I am trying to be cast in the starring role of 'The Jesse Ventura Story.' But the truth is this-at the end of our Spring tour I buzzed my hair off to surprise my kids and wife. Guess what, they liked it and so did I...so here I am today."
TC: What is different about Songs from the Potter's Field?
RB: "This project was the first one that was created entirely in our studios here in Indiana (Off Center Studios was completed about a year ago). That meant that I could record and work on the project anytime I wanted to. I spent many hours crafting the song demos until I was happy with them and then brought in some great musicians to bring them to life and I used Rich Morpurgo (my sound engineer) to help co-produce the record.
Not having to worry about scheduling studio time was a great benefit and it made the recording process very enjoyable. I think that is reflected in the songs. Also, each person who participated was told to help 'create' the project...not just perform. Todd & Nicol Smith of the group Selah and Mitch McVicker helped with the background vocals and I'm thrilled with what they did.
Finally, Songs From The Potter's Field is an attempt to reflect man's humanity and God's perfection. Admitting that we all have flaws and faults, but that God loves us in spite of those things."
TC: What is the role of your music in the church?
RB: "That is a big question and leads to another one...'What is the role of music in the church?' I'm not sure that I can answer either one adequately but I will say this: The greatest thing that happens to me on a regular basis is when someone comments that my music has somehow helped them in their walk with the Lord. I know that God can use Christian music because I came to Christ in a Christian concert when I was 19 years old (just a few decades ago). When someone says that my music has helped them, or that they performed one of my songs and it touched someone else, I couldn't ask for anything more."
TC: Thank You, I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb, and The Anchor Holds-These have become church standards. Do you get that feeling about any of the Songs from the Potter's Field?
RB: "I tell people that I often feel like the little boy who gave his fish and bread to Jesus and then watched as Jesus fed the multitude. The miracle is not in what he gave (it was just his lunch), the miracle is in what Jesus did with it. When I recorded the songs you mentioned, I had no idea that God would use them like He has. I do know, however, that there are several songs on the new project that have encouraged people. One of the biggest responses has been to the song Never Let You Fall. But I am always surprised by what God can do...so we will just have to see what He does."
Check out Ray Boltz online: www.rayboltz.com
- Awards
- 1997 Special Event Album
- 1995 Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb"
- 1990 Dove Award for Song of the Year "Thank You"
- Numerous Dove nominations
- Radio Air Play - Twelve #1 Singles
- A History making single, "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" topped inspirational music charts as a perfect #1 song, 100 points, a first for the CCM Update publication.
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