Glenn Kaiser
Genre: Blues/Rock/Pop
Official Web Site
Glenn Kaiser Bibliography: (click on each album cover to view tracks and Glenn Kaiser lyrics)
Glenn Kaiser Biography Glenn Kaiser was raised in and around small towns in central Wisconsin. The youngest of three children, he spent a fair bit of his early years of singing to keep himself company after his brother and sister left home. At age nine, his parents divorced, leaving him hurt and quite confused. Music seemed to be one of the few options for a lonely boy with little else to turn to.
At twelve years of age, Glenn began to play in bands in West Allis, a working-class suburb of Milwaukee. By the time he reached eighteen, he had experienced three drug overdoses, a suicide attempt, a great many bands, broken relationships, and finally an encounter with Jesus Christ.
The Jesus Movement hit the Midwest soon after, and by autumn of 1971, a local community of these young and radical Bible-toting believers had yet another in their number. Daily Scripture study, street witnessing, and lots of dishes to wash taught the young man that Christian service was part of the discipling process. Love involved much more than music. He consequently gave all of his musical equipment to a Christian band that was in need and stopped singing and playing in order to focus on his own spiritual growth.
In time, pastoral direction, confirming scriptures, and signs- as well as encouragement from several unexpected sources- moved Glenn to consider music ministry. By the spring of 1972, Resurrection Band had formed as an outreach of Jesus People USA (JPUSA). The community established itself in Chicago in 1973, and Glenn continues to serve there as one of nine pastors.
From the very beginning, the idea of strident rock music as a missions tool seem unreasonable to some, quite fruitful to other. Today, Resurrection Band (now REZ) is known internationally as one of the foremost music ministries of that particular genre. Yet many are about to discover something else about the founder of REZ band. Glenn Kaiser has been writing worship songs for over twenty years.
Most Sunday mornings, visitors at Jesus People USA Covenant Church hear a song or two they can only hear in that congregation, unless they attend the annual Cornerstone Festival, another of JPUSA's outreaches where Glenn can often be heard leading worship. The worship of God is an essential, daily part of the Christian life!
These songs were written initially out of Glenn's own quiet times with the Lord. They found their way onto tape and disc as the result of many requests. Some of the songs are directed toward the Lord Himself, while others are songs of testimony and witness. In either case, we trust that those who hear them will draw ever closer to the Father and the Son as a result.
Glenn Kaiser Band "Winter Sun" - The New Project:
For years Glenn has loved three piece blues/rock projects and noticed that few are, if any, generating this type of music in the Christian genre. He felt challenged to do this project, and to do it well. The joy of playing tight yet loose is intense in this power trio format. The twist of blues is what makes this disc a perfect blend. Glenn joins up with more than able compatriots Roy Montroy (Resurrection Band) on bass and Ed Bialach on duums to form Glenn Kaiser Band. They prove to be a spunky often thoughtful three-piece blues trio that has played extensively this past year around the greater Midwest.
Instrument wise you'll hear electric guitars, bass, and duums, of course, but also both acoustic and electrified harmonica, electric slide, dobro, and guitar. GKB is a basic power trio that keys into more blues than rock. Don't expect any background vocals, horns, or keyboard on this one. The group is going for that live feel. What you hear on the Cd is very close to what you will hear these three doing live. Perhaps you saw them at Cornerstone Festival?
About Time Will Tell:
"Time Will Tell" is a project I have wanted to do for some time (pun intended)! About five years ago I began to write a series of tunes that just didn't seem to fit a "typical" musical mold of mine... not that I've ever felt bound to one! Not really Resurrection Band, blues, rock, or worship. Acoustic, guitar-based stuff that just felt a bit different from any of my previous work, and lyrics that were a bit forthright, even more so than much of my past recordings. Here are issues that come to mind for me fairly often. The result is what you hold in your hand. These are songs that bring closure to a number of issues, certainly for me in any case. Rural life, small towns, romance, spiritual warfare, cheap talk, commitment, consumerism, backsliding, faithfulness, the worship of information and genuine worship are all subjects touched upon. This is a recording that demands a bit of thought, that holds self-accountable, hopefully one that reflects light.
About My Friends:
Roy Montroy is a good friend as well as accomplished bass player, and it was a blast to be able to let him loose here! Note the co-written "Clear Blue Sky", one of my favorites. Two other close friends again worked with Roy giving great needed input: Tom Cameron has been my executive producer and all around interpreter for so long I don't know how I'd do a project without his expertise. As always, Roger Heiss manned the mixing desk and with Tom conspired the other very talented players you hear. Jon Trott, longtime co-conspirator and lyricist (now editor of Cornerstone Magazine) penned two of the better lyrics, and brought a depth I really appreciated. I am so blessed getting to do projects with close friends and talented ones at that! Scott from SEEDS and David from Ballydowse played REALLY well and I bless them for their efforts.
About The Label:
Grrr is a small label with a growing staff of dedicated people all of whom have blessed me immensely! From my sweet wife Wendi (booking) right through the rest of Grrr-their prayers and hard work - every aspect of my recorded work has benefited from their efforts. Huge hugs and thanks to all at Grrr!
About My Family In Chicago:
JPUSA Ev. Covenant is a VERY cool community of people serving the poor and the culturally disenfranchised in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood and beyond. Without the love, prayers, and support of these my spiritual family and closest friends, I sincerely doubt that I'd have all that much to offer a world glutted with musicians but sorely lacking in human beings. I love all of you and give thanks to Jesus for these past 28 years together!
"Time Will Tell" Is Dedicated To:
My dear friend and brother in Jesus, Frank Simmons who went home to be with the Lord after many years of service. The humor, depth of love, and powerful witness he has been to many including me, will be cherished eternally. He fought the good fight, he finished the race!
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