January 12th

Had TWB practice the other night for STORM weekend coming up next Friday (1/12/07.) We got off to a slow start, but I left the rehearsal feeling really good about the set.

I want to take a second to brag on the guys I'm playing with. (Watch - I'm going to say nice things about them and then they'll post sarcastic comments because my love makes them uncomfortable.)

Romack - Been with the TWB the longest. (Except for the TW.) I am constantly impressed by Justin, though not only because of his playing. His playing IS fantastic, but I am also so encouraged to him talk about drums. It's very rare to find drummers who actually consider themselves worship leaders. Justin in constantly assessing and adjusting his playing, not to produce the most impressive performance, but to make sure that the worship experience is free of distraction and as focused as possible.

Jinx - Is there anything this dude can't do? Guitar?Check. Vocals?Check. Synth?Why not? I absolutely love playing with this guy standing beside me. Primarily because it enhances my own cool factor just to be near him, but secondly because he's a phenomenal talent who is always striving to create soundscapes that will take our songs to uncharted places. Plus he has rap on his iPod.

Brad - Bass players are tricky folks, and often it's hard to find bass players that are...well...normal. Brad Anderson is the most normal dude I know, and I love it. Brad is so consistent on stage and off. Musically, the guy just doesn't miss and he's always willing to follow me into the unknown during my spontaneous setlist changes. I also love the fact that this guy is faithful to his God, his church and his friends with a dedication that I don't see very often. Brad has also been so patient as I've utilized other bass players in the past. Some dudes would get mad, but Brad's servant heart continues to gain big brownie points in my book.

Ryan - I'm not gonna' lie. There are people who said I couldn't do two electrics. Well, they were wrong. STORM will be Ryan's second gig with the 4-man TWB and I can't wait. I've been so impressed that Ryan has be willing to focus on making the electric rhythm as solid as can be. Some guys just can't wait to show off their stuff, but Ryan so perfectly understands his role in the band and brings such focus to it. I should also say that to see Jinx and Ryan work together has been really impressive. It's like they're communicating mentally or something w/ regard to riffs and leads, etc.

For those of you in the Lufkin area, I would love for you to come out on Friday, January 12th at First Methodist and see what these guys can do. I don't want to be that guy who constantly begs people to come to "his" show...really, I don't. But I'm just so proud of these guys that I want as many people as possible to hear what they're doing and to see how much they enjoy it.