Muscle memory

Posted on: September 23rd, 2008 by Amy Grant 18 Comments

There’s a lot to be said for preexisting brain tracks.
Yesterday was the first day of rehearsals for the Lead Me On tour.
First song on the rehearsal list…
Lead Me On…and it sounded as tight and flawless as it did 19 years ago when we ended the tour supporting that record.
The band:
Greg Morrow on drums
Mike Brignardello on bass
Jerry McPherson and Chris Roderiguez on guitar
ken Rarick and Chris Eaton on keys
Warren Hamm vocals and sax
And Kim Keyes vocals and percussion

I’ve heard a lot of great guitar players play the opening riff and solo of Lead Me On, but hearing Jerry play the part that he originated is magic.
Now if I can just get my vocal chops up to speed…

Brevard

Amy, I get goosebumps just thinking about all of you together again and singing — it must be an amazing time! Have fun!
http://www.generaldin.blogspot.com Michele

OOH! Now I’m really disappointed that the LMO tour is not coming to the northeast. Maybe we can catch a little of the magic during the Christmas show here in CT?? Please!
http://sleeplessmornings.blogspot.com/ Merrie

What a great experience — I’m so glad it worked out. Looking forward to having you out here in CA.
http://joyinview.wordpress.com Amelia

Hey Amy, it sounds like the Lead Me On tour is going to be fantastic! I wish it was going to be near me in NC, but I am hoping to catch your Christmas show in Charlotte! Maybe you could do a few songs from LMO tour there..haha! Hope the remainder of rehearsals go well!
Janice

You must be getting excited for the tour to start! I’m so glad your first LMO concert will be in Phoenix! I’m sure you and the band will sound great.
See you in Phoenix!!!
Teresa

Where’s Donna McElroy?
Kelley Lints

Hi Amy – I know I recently wrote and requested a song for the Lead Me On Tour. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there is one particular song that I doubt very much you have planned to do, but which holds particular significance for me. I know this might be a little long, but understand that it is extremely important to me for you to know the impact your music has had on my life. When I was 17 years old, (I’m 39 now), I was at the lowest point in my life, planning to take my life. I had suffered through several years of sexual abuse by both of my parents, and I couldn’t take it anymore. My best friend had given a tape of yours, “Straight Ahead”, because she thought I would like it. Little did she know – I was planning one night when I was home alone to finally end the nightmare that was my life. I decided to put in the tape and listen – When “Where Do You Hide Your Heart” came on, I was affected in a way that no song has ever affected me before. I felt like you were singing just to me. I replayed it over and over until I was a ball of tears on the floor of my room, and deciding that maybe there was hope afterall. The abuse didn’t end that night, but my wish to die did. You inadvertantly saved my life, and I have never been the same. I am now a 4th grade teacher, and I know that I am not alone. I don’t know if it would at all be possible to sing that song in Modesto (that is where I’ll be seeing you – I have 2nd row seats) – But it would mean sooo much to me Amy. You are my hero, and I thank you so much for helping me through all of the difficult times. You’re the best. Love ya, and best of luck with the rehearsals. – Kelley
marcelle costa (BRAZIL)

wowhou!!! HEY AMY I CAN ALMOST HEAR ALL OF YOU PLAYING AND SING TOGETHER HERE IN BRAZIL,HHEEHEH. YOU SHOULD DO A DVD FROM THIS TOUR FOR YOUR FANS OF ANOTHER NATIONS, AS BRAZIL, TO SEE IT. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE AND HEAR THAT KILLING SOLOS OF CHRIS RODRIGUEZ( I SAW THE VIDEO OF SHADOWS ON NET), I LOVE TO SEE HIS FACES AND FACES PLAYING. AND YOU . ALL THE BAND.
A QUESTION: AND DONNA?
GOD BLESS YOU ALL, I’M SURE THAT IT WOULD BE FANTASTIC. WHAT A SHAME I MAY NOT SEE.
MUSCICIANS LIKE YOU HAS INSPINRING ME TO LEARN SO MUCH MORE ABOUT MUSIC, TEACHING ME TO PLAY, I’M 19, AND THE MOST PART OF WHAT I KNOW TO PLAY, I THANK YOU AMY. EVERY NIGHT AND DAY, LISTENING YOUR SONGS AND SEEING THE VIDEOS, AND LITTLE BY LITTLE I WAS AND AM LEARNING. WHEN I STOPPED WHITH MY GUITAR’S LESSON, I STARTED TO LISTEN AND PLAY YOUR SONGS, AND I WAS LEARNING, THIS YEAR I COME BACK, AND MY TEACHER SAID: ” HAVE YOU GUITAR CLASS TROUGH THIS TIME? CAUSE YOU’RE BETTER”. i SAY NO, AMY YOU WERE AND STILL ARE MY TEACHER,THE FIRST SONG I’VE LEARNED TO PLAY? “EL SHADDAY”, I SAW YOU PLAYING IT IN A DVD VIDEO, AND LOVED THIS SONG, SO THANKS…FOR BRING AND TEACHING ME GOOD THINGS, FOR BEING A WHITNESS OF WHAT GOD REALLY IS.
MARCELLE
GOSH ,IS AMY READING IT? HAHAH, JUST KIDDING.
Christina

Amy,
I come to you asking for your prayers for two of my students. One is a sophomore girl who has just been diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma. News of her diagnosis has hit hard at our school since just two months ago we lost our beloved principal to cancer. This young girl, her twin sister, and their friends are fearful (rightly so). We are doing our best to pray for healing.
Last night one of our junior boys sustained a severe neck injury in a football game. Just hours before he had completed a retreat day offered for our junior students. I was moved by his deep prayerfulness. Now he is still hospitalized (out of town) and will be for the remainder of the week for sure. Might I be so bold as to ask you to please, please pray for these kids? As a mother I am certain you understand the fears of children who are hurt and scared. I am single, and have no children of my own, but my students are as important to me as my own kids would be. Please, do keep my kids in your prayers!
Thanks!!
Christina
Bradley Olson

Donna McElroy is a vocal coach and can’t tour.
http://www.donnamcelroy.net/
http://www.fieryphoenix.us Terry Burton

Amy, great to hear your songs again!
You are the sweetest Christian Lady I have ever known.
You are such a blessing to me! Thank you!!!
In His Love,
Terry Burton
http://www.fieryphoenix.us Terry Burton

If you get a second, please stop by my blog:
http://www.fieryphoenix.us
http://www.geocities.com/amygrantfan John

1) Sing Your Praise to the Lord – would be so awesome if you did that song (There must be someone who can play it besides MWS)
2) Would be cool to have a different setlist at each show
http://www.geocities.com/amygrantfan John

3) Please don’t play the guitar. You should dance just like in the 80′s so we can dance with you
wayne allen

Amy, yeah you should play guitar! It’s part of you! When u came to hersheypark arena in the fall of ’88, u played a mandolin when u sang “1974″ and “saved by love”! Also other news, u were all set to come to harrisburg, pa city island in july 1989! U weren’t able due to a miscarriage, the news had stated on the radio! Refunds were given back! And even though i was given refunds for 15 tickets, i would’ve rather been able to see you and ur band! I was very devastated, but immediately we prayed for you!
wayne allen

God Bless You and Your Family, Friends and Band!
marcelle costa

ok ,ok…what about amy do both: play guitar but dance too? dance and play guitar is part of her.for sure it’s impossible to not dance in songs like shadows and if you have to go away…and others.
wayne allen

Very true, very true! Either way, whatever she does at these concerts, it’s going to be awesome and very memorable! Can’t wait! Even though we gotta! Lol!

Muscle memory

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