Gungor – Beautiful Things
I will have some posts coming this week to talk about my experience at re:create but, first, let me tell you about one of the most profound things I was a part of.. ever.. in my entire life.. in the history of the world. Seriously.
If you follow Christian/worship music, then you are probably familiar with the name Michael Gungor. He has written songs that are being sung in churches all around the world – Friend of God, Say So or Wrap Me In Your Arms. You may know those songs and maybe you even sing them but, I promise, you have not heard the best of what Michael Gungor has to offer.
This week at re:create we were part of what I could only describe as a holy moment. 10 incredibly talented musicians, 13 songs, 60 minutes of creativity, passion, devotion and honesty packed in to one incredible holy moment.
“Beautiful Things” is the name of Gungor’s new CD (which releases tomorrow) but it is also the live experience that they have created to accompany the CD. You might call it a concert.. but you’d be mistaken. “Beautiful Things” tells the story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration through music, video and spoken word in a way that brought a room full of “creatives” (whatever that means!) to its knees, figuratively, and to its feet, literally. There was weeping, whooping, silence, cheering and the realization that we were witnessing the birth of something new – something very real – that is about to invade the world.
Am I going over the top on this? Honestly.. No. The only thing that I would be able to compare “Beautiful Things” to would be the U2 tour that came through town in the fall. And yes, there’s been much hype on that tour – justifiably so. The Gungor experience left me in the same kind of place as my night with Bono and the boys. Someone said to me this week that the only thing that they could use to compare Gungor was a live show by Sigur Ros. “And,” they continued, “it compares.” That is high praise.
So, can I give you a taste of what it was like? Sort of. Check this out –
How can you find out more?
Gungor – www.gungormusic.com
Twitter – www.twitter.com/gungormusic
iTunes – “Beautiful Things”
So what can you do? Let me suggest three things –
1. Buy the CD and support the band. You might feel it’s your God-given right to steal music and “share” it from friend to friend but.. honestly.. these people need your money. Quit being selfish and vote with your wallet.
2. Go and be a part of the live experience. There are tour dates listed now on their website.
3. Tell someone else about the CD and the “Beautiful Things” events. If music like this is going to spread around the world it will only happen because people who have been moved by it introduce it to others who will be moved and will tell other who will then be moved. So do it – introduce Gungor to someone who loves good music and good artistry. They will not be disappointed.
And, finally, let me say that this experience, for me, would not have happened if it wasn’t for the community and the event of re:create. Worship leaders, you know that there are a zillion worship conferences for you to attend every year. There are all run by good people who have good intentions and good desires for the church. But if you are looking for something more, something different, something challenging, you owe it to yourself to investigate re:create and be a part of it. More on that later.
Image from stripspiritual
Although I am a pastor, I have never been a great fan of “christian” music. Too many times, it simply did not hold up artistically.
But the set by Gungor was truly one of the most amazing live shows that I have ever seen. You could name Sufjan Stevens, Polyphonic Spree or even The Flaming Lips as touchpoints.
But ultimately, it was art, it was worship, it rocked, it moved me at a visceral level. The disc has not left my player except to be ripped into ITunes.
My hunch is that people will be talking about this for a long time. “Remember that year at re:create when…?”
Hey Bill – it was definitely something special. I have only been a part of performances like that a couple times in my life.
Chris…I love Gungor. He’s a gifted musicians and a passionate worshiper. I’m looking forward to hearing this project. A friend is helping manage them and I was tempted to steal a CD early but thought I’d wait and buy one as well. Definitely a group that I want to support.
I’m not sure if you’ve heard his wife Lisa’s “Canvas” album, but it’s a great project with stellar writing on it. I’m definitely passing along this review to my friend. I don’t think I’ve read a better review of the Gungor experience.
I also forgot to say how jealous I was of everyone @Recreate. I’ve got to get there next year.
Adam – that would be awesome if you came next year. You will not regret it.
I’ve been waiting for this since Michael hinted he was doing something different for his next record, pretty much as soon as the last one came out.
And even at this early stage (4 listens), it’s become one of my favourite albums ever.
I know that’s extreme after a few hours…and I’ve not seen the Beautiful Things experience live (and I’m not likely to unless he brings it to the UK…or Australia in the next 8 weeks…), but I think the fact you have seen it, and have written this perfect review, suggests it’s merely adequate praise for such artistry and liturgy.
Praise God for Gungor.
Praise God, indeed. I have a suspicion that there is quite a story behind this project. I wonder if we’ll ever hear that side of it.
Reading all the tweets on this made me beat my face against my desk for not being there. Thanks for rubbing it in even more. I’m trying not to be bitter, but it’s getting very hard.
Chris you didn’t go over the top at all. I think I saw the future that afternoon at recreate. As my friend Danny Davis said to me ” Yes we saw the future, I just hope we are a part of the future”. One of the top five music experiences I have ever had….amazing.
Thanks for the info! It was on my list of things to do last night, but I needed to get to bed and forgot! About to download it on my iPhone in 3-2-1…
Man I’m sorry I missed re:create – stuff in life prevented my wife and I from going. Sounds like we missed a blessed time! Maybe next year.
Thanks for trying to put into words what we experienced there…I’m still trying to process adequately before I post anything. It was truly one of the most life-changing 60 minutes of my life.
hey can someone give me a link on how to play his song, “Beautiful Things” on guitar?
After seeing all the tweets I looked up Gungor and saw they were releasing Beautiful Things that Tuesday. I bought it first thing that Tuesday morning on itunes, without even listening to it. The tweets were just so amazing; I expected this album to truly be great. I was curious to why it was so amazing; why it evoked such a response and emotion to the people at that concert attendance.
After listening to it in it’s entirety, I caught a glimpse of why everyone loved it. Though I am sure the experience is heightened in a concert setting, even just listening to the album was ….. well, beautiful.
where can i find the tabs and piano chords and sheet music for this song….my boyfriend and i are playing this in church..him on guitar and me on piano…but we cant find tabs or anything anywhre? help!:}
Hey Casey, I just finished tabbing this song out for Guitar, I don’t know how much that will help you, but here is the link for it http://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/g/gungor/beautiful_things_tab.htm
Hello, I’m moving to Canada soon… tell me about the Canadian church? I used to be into church, not so much these days… still believe in God and Jesus, just don’t like the church.
I experienced Gungor live for the first time this week at Catalyst. All I can say is that I experienced the most worshipful moments for me in a corporate setting in a long time. I will definitely be buying their music and looking for an opportunity to experience their music in a live setting again.
Great post on Gungor Chris. I just bought their newest album last week on itunes. Love what they’re doing.
Have you heard anything similar in Canada yet?
And I think we just started mutually following eachother on twitter so nice to meet you. I’m out in Victoria, BC. If you’re ever out this way it would be great to meet you in person.
Caleb
Oh I absolutely LOVE gungor! I’m just slightly annoyed that I live in New Zealand and so I’m not likely to see them play live!
Is there anyway to get a live or unplugged version of Beautiful Things? I have been searching for a way to buy something like that to use in my upcoming wedding. This song really means a lot to me and I’d love to walk down the aisle to it!