ONE NATION UNDER GOD is the newest release from artist, Tim Malchak.
One of the things I love about this album is that, in spite of thirty years having gone by, Tim's vocal style has not changed. Whether he's singing Colorado Moon or The Cross, there's a consistency not lost over time.
The title track sends a clear message we all need to be hear in this troubling time. From there each of the following tracks shines a light on various challenges and where to find the answers in life's questions.
Unlike some Christian and Gospel artists, who (in my opinion) feel the need to beat their message in with a bit of overbearing, Tim Malchak wraps his message within well-crafted lyrics. Tim's wife, Leslie, co-wrote four of the songs on the CD.
Tim has found the perfect accompaniments in Eric Horner (Acoustic guitars, Bango, Bass, Mandolin and Shaker, Tambourine, as well as background vocals on 'Lay It Down') Larry Franklin (violin), Mike Johnson (Ped-a-bro, Dobro), Jeff Taylor (Accordian, Pennywhistle, Piano), Jim Pace (Percussion)
Along with the players on this album, Tim is quick to thank and dedicate this work to Band of Brothers - his men's bible study group in Savannah GA, acknowleding that nothing in this world is done alone.
While I don't often review Christian music, when Tim said he wanted to drop a copy in the mail to me, I was anxious to hear this. Next to catching one of his presentations live, this was the best way to reconnect with music from a man I've admired literally for decades. I feel blessed to have this CD in my collection and I know you will, too.
I'm tipping my hat:
You can order your copy of ONE NATION UNDER GOD through one of the following links:
Here's a video with a bit more information on the transformation of Tim Malchak. When this whole 'shelter in place' is behind us, bring him to your church. You will be uplifted!
This week, I'm bringing a very special guest to Out of the Chute.
I first met Tim Malchak over thirty years ago during a concert in Peoria IL. While I know that was a lifetime ago for both of us, all I have to do is pop my cassette in the player or bring up the tunes of those days on YouTube... one of which I'll be sharing at the end of this post.
We've both ridden life's rollercoaster over that time, but two things have not changed. Tim Malchak is still one of the most real guys in the industry and a stellar artist.
Let's open the chute!
Thanks for joining me in KellysCountry today, Tim. Re-connecting with you and knowing you're still playing music has been a blessing for me.
I was
preparing for this visit, I dug out our previous interview… from 1987!
Until we connected on Twitter last fall, we’ve not spoken in 33 years. WOW!
Time flies and I know a lot has happened in your life. We’ll never be able to
catch up today so let’s see what we can cover.
In the
1980s you were on Alpine records, an independent label before people really
understood the impact independents would have on either the music or the
publishing industry. You told me in a former interview that you didn’t feel you
could take credit for opening the doors to other artists. What did you carry
with you from that experience to your new path going into 2000 and beyond?
I think I brought a serious work ethic
from always being the underdog, so to speak, in a very competitive industry.
What were
some of the differences between working with Alpine and moving to Universal and
Different Circles? Other than the lack of charting, was there anything specific
that sent you back to South Carolina?
Alpine was owned by my producer Johnny
Rutenschroer and we enjoyed a very creative work environment together. It was a
mutual decision to sign with Universal and we both co-produced the new album
with James Stroud.
I think
the biggest change in your life came in 1999. Would you briefly tell us what
led to that bridge and what you shed of your former life?
Well it’s no secret now that I
struggled with drug addiction for 26 yrs. In fact I became a very high
functioning addict. But I knew I couldn’t continue on like that. In 1995 I just
stopped cold turkey by the grace of God. Then in 1999 I realized a need for a
Savior. On July 22 1999 I confessed my sins to God and received Jesus Christ as
my Lord and Savior
Your
music has also gone through a metamorphosis. When did the ministry lyrics begin
to flow and what were you thinking? I mean, these were different lyrics from
things you’d recorded through Alpine.
After I got saved I knew I wanted to
write songs and use the gifts He’d given me for His glory, not mine! As I
became more acquainted with the word of God, the songs just seem to pour out of
me.
One
Nation Under God contains eight powerful tracks, four of which are co-written
with your wife. How long have the two of you been co-writing?
We’ve been together for 5 yearsand we’ve co-written many songs together.
Leslie
seems to be a woman of many talents, one of which was providing the beautiful
cover design for the new album. Is she a graphics designer?
Actually she is a retired pharmacist.
But she does have a unique talent for album design.
Years ago
I asked about the acoustical sound being your trademark. You told me that was
what you cut your teeth on and would always be a big part of your music. I’m
thrilled to see you were true to your conviction. Writers have a distinctive
voice, and I believe that TRUE musicians do as well. Years always bring change
and you’ve had some in your life over the past thirty-plus years. Has there
been a struggle to maintain that signature voice?
Not really. I’ve always been a huge fan of
acoustic guitar and the artists that embrace it so wonderfully. People like Dan
Fogelberg, Jim Croce, James Taylor just to name a few. The acoustic has always
been the basis for all my music whether its Christian or not. I perform solo
with an acoustic guitar so I strive to make records that I can represent with
just a guitar and one voice.
You and
Leslie have been trying to cover the southeastern part of the US, spreading the
ministry through your music. What’s next for you and Leslie on this journey?
With the Covid-19 and the sheltering in place have you put any of your
scheduled ‘evenings’ on hold and what are you doing to prepare for when you can
continue to move forward?
This pandemic is a terrible thing that
is taking over the world. We are just trying to follow the CDC guidelines and
staying quarantined. Once the virus comes under control then we will try to
resume a limited touring schedule. It’s going to be tough.
That’s
our eight but I have to throw in one more out of curiosity:
I know
you have a big Super Hero in your corner these days but I have to ask, are you
still a Batman fan? LOL (I’m Blushing)
Yes no doubt Jesus is my Super Hero now. I think my Batman days are over but
thanks for the reminder.
Here's a flash back thirty years to the song that runs through my head.
Tim's current CD- ONE NATION UNDER GOD is available for purchase:
I've been in seriious dig-out mode of my office/ studio. Thought I'd be on the home stretch by now. Sadly, I managed to flood the basement last night so I've a set back to accomplish much else before my sister arrives on Wednesday for a 5-day visit.
If I'm lucky, I can get a couple of posts up before Bob gets home (2 days after my sister leaves) Yep.. when it rains it pours!
thankfully the Party Lists are posted and ready to roll.
On that note, I'll be adding a new Disclaimer to The Party List
Please check artist website to make sure dates/ locations haven't changed. I schedule the posts a month in advance. Sometimes, like with john Arthur martinez gig last Friday, locations change! Follow them on social media as well to catch changes!
Now, to attack the basement floor with the shop vac!
