The Cricket and Seagull Fireside Chat

Fans of Daniel Beck's gorgeous voice will sit back and breathe a happy sigh when they hear "Abide With Me," his new album of hymns and hymn-like songs.  It's just what they've been waiting for—and that includes me.

Whether it's an ear-opening blend of familiar lyrics with unexpected old hymn tunes or the tender, soaring high notes on "Gentle Savior," this is an album that speaks the longing we have for closeness and dependence on the Lord, and sings praises for his mercy.  You'll enjoy hearing Beck and producer Tyler Castleton talk about the song choices and the arrangements, and why this is more than just a collection of songs for them.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

When I heard Chieko Okazaki had passed away earlier this month, my first glance was to my bookshelf where I saw the two origami cranes she made out of gold foil paper and presented to me during the one interview I had with her.  When you hear what the symbolism of those cranes is you'll know why I've kept them and why they are so meaningful to me.

The moment she walked in the door I felt not only the unexpected power of her presence, but also a clear feeling that she was not alone; that she walked and talked with her Savior.  It was something I have rarely experienced to that degree and a feeling I will never forget.  In the few short joyful moments I had to interview her about her final book "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (a book whose title could sum up her life) she gave me several gifts; two golden cranes, one cryptic little wooden sign I treasure, and an increased desire to know Jesus in the way she did and now, surely, does.

I can think of no better way to thank her for those gifts than to let you hear her tell about that relationship in her own voice.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

At the upcoming Book of Mormon Archeological Foundation conference in Salt Lake City, Dr. Joseph Allen and his wife Rhoda will receive the "Father Lehi" and "Mother Sariah" awards, recognizing those who have pioneered and expanded exploration of the Book of Mormon.

While the exact geographical setting for the Book of Mormon is still an open question, Dr. Allen was one of the pioneers in researching and publishing on the possible settings beginning with his dissertation on the legendary white god, Quetzalcoatl in 1970.  In this rebroadcast of an audio interview recorded several years ago, Dr. Allen talks about why he became interested in the subject and how a knowledge of Book of Mormon culture and place as drawn from the scripture itself can bless us spiritually.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.

It may be the third in their series of tribute albums, but this follow-up to "Joseph" and "The Trek" has the same strong sense of mission—in fact, it's all about missions, missionaries, their parents and families, and the people they find and teach.

Nashville songwriter and producer Jason Deere shares the music and stories behind these songs, an unexpected collaboration with Michael McLean, and the goal of the Nashville Tribute Band members on this album; to help anyone of any faith understand the motivation and sacrifice of the missionaries they see on the streets around the world.

That's this week on The Cricket and Seagull.