Paul Ranheim and Kirk Sauers wanted to bring something good out of 2020.
“We felt all of the emotions of 2020,” said Sauers, one of the worship pastors at First Presbyterian Church, who collaborated with Ranheim through a project called The Wood Drake Sessions to produce songs filled with hope. So far, two of those songs have been released with another six on the way.
MORE: Southern Soul and Song Set to Return
A concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 30, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 642 Telfair St.
What’s unique about Sauers and Ranheim’s partnership is that they wrote all of the pieces via Zoom. Ranheim pastors a Presbyterian church in Longmont, Colo. The duo met about five years ago when they were both living in Nashville, Tenn. They collaborated on music at a few songwriting retreats.
[adrotate banner=”54″]
They’d toyed with the idea of teaming up again before the pandemic began, but as they talked about their feelings concerning the other things taking place during 2020, they realized the world needed hope.
How they’d write songs together over the distance was an obstacle, but overcoming it wasn’t as difficult as it seemed. The option of collaborating over Zoom came up.
“I was skeptical because of the delays in the feed over Zoom,” he said.
But one song led to another.
“Never Shakes, Never Will” was the first song to be released. Inspired by Psalms 46, 121 and 125, the song was written during the initial phase of the pandemic.
“It leads us to remember that no matter the trouble or heartbreak we face, the only immoveable, certain and unshakeable hope is in the Lord. Because of it, we need not brush over our problems or pain,” according to The Wood Drake Sessions website.
[adrotate banner=”19″]
The second song is called “Tender and Mighty.”
Sauers said he hopes to have the recording out in early 2022.
In addition to songs from the recording, the concert will feature some hymns. Ranheim will be flying in for the event. Joining the two will be several area jazz musicians including Travis Shaw of Vox and Bass, Edwin Hamilton of Greater Young Zion Baptist Church, Tara Washington and Andy Reid.
MORE: Local Christian Rapper Plans Summer Release for New Recording
Sauers said the concert is open to the community.
For more information about The Wood Drake Sessions and to listen to “Tender and Mighty,” visit thewooddrakesessions.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
[adrotate banner=”56″]
