Saturday, April 3, 2010

Lari White - Amazing Grace

Simple is hard to do sometimes. A simple rendition of a song exposes the singer to the audience; without vocal flourishes or unusual rendition, the singer's talent is on display for good or ill. Many artists flinch from this trial.

Lari White had a number of country hits in the 1990s, most notably a string of four top ten songs on her 1995 album Wishes. She's active in producing new albums (most recently, Toby Keith's White Trash With Money) and acting (she appeared in Cast Away).

But her start singing Gospel with her family is probably what prepared her to put her talent to the test, singing a simple version of an old song that everyone knows. No bizarre orchestration, no vocal gymnastics, just the voice of an Angel.

On this Easter weekend, may the simplicity of the occasion cut through the clutter and distractions, to surround you and be with you, today and every day.



Amazing Grace (Songwriter: John Newton)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

3 comments:

bluesun said...

Beautiful, thank you.

My favorite version is Chris Squire's bass guitar solo.

Six said...

I love this. Thanks brother.

Gordon R. Durand said...

Very nice. I've never heard anyone sing the second verse before, and that part was absolutely beautiful. But I was a little disappointed that she didn't continue with the third, fourth, and fifth verses, and skip the jazzy instrumental break and the full orchestra finish. I guess I just don't understand country music these days.