Music Release

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BILLY SPRAGUE

“Songs in the Key of Awe”

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Beloved multi-Dove Award winning recording artist and worship leader Billy Spraguehas announced the upcoming release of his latest musical project, Songs in the Key of Awe

Funded through the innovative crowd-sourced Kickstarter program, fan donations shattered Sprague’s initial goal in half the allotted time, and ultimately provided more than $35,000 toward the project’s production costs. The remarkable outpouring of support far exceeded Sprague’s expectations. “So many gracious people shaped, supported and made this happen,” says Sprague. “We are humbled and grateful. In the midst of a jam-packed year of change, challenge and blessing, at last here it is!”

A true family affair from start to finish, Songs in the Key of Awe features vocals by Sprague’s daughter Willow, his son Wyatt on djembe, photography by his wife Kellie and joyful encouragement from their young son Sawyer. In addition to family members, Sprague tapped the formidable talents of guitar virtuosos Phil Keaggy, Dave Beegle and Dan Dugmore, along with respected Nashville producer Jim Frazier to create an unforgettable listening experience.

While Songs in the Key of Awe is jam-packed with great songs, Sprague encourages listeners to experience the whole album from start to finish. “From the opening sound of a bird taking flight to the final notes of “Reflection in A,” the songs, pace and spaces are intended to create room for you to ‘breathe deep of His grace’ as one song lyric puts it,” he muses. “I pray this music helps amplify your awe of the Lord, His creation and redeeming touch on your own grace story.”

Switchfoot-esque electric guitars and thundering tom toms accentuate “Life Begins Now,” the resurrection song that kicks off the project–clearly another powerful Easter anthem from the composer of “Via Dolorosa.” The jangly rocking “Friend of a Heart Like Mine” continues the joyful praise theme, as Sprague exults, “Great is your name/ Great are your ways/ Son of the Most High God!” Sprague’s daughter Willow delivers lead vocal on “Overflow,” illuminating this tender vertically directed prayer for anointing with her fresh and inviting alto voice. The prayerful attitude continues as acoustic and electric guitars mesh on the peace-evoking “To Be Grateful.”

Sprague kicks the tempo up a notch on the driving anthem, “Make Us One,” while classic Phil Keaggy virtuoso electric guitar riffs embellish “Thank You, Lord.” “Pray in A” provides a brief, peaceful interlude that segues nicely into the gentle acoustic hymn, “I Still Need a Savior.” “Who We Are” (based on Ephesians 1) continues the project’s worshipful demeanor, although again, Switchfoot-like electric guitars lend a greater sense of urgency to the hymn.

“Life Everlasting” shifts back into uptempo praise and adoration as Sprague declares, “You are my joy/ You are my strength/ You are Life Everlasting!” “You Are Here”, a cry of the heart for the Lord’s presence, features the legendary Dan Dugmore on slide guitar and segues into the Celtic-inflected “Only Jesus,” another tune where Willow delivers her pure lead vocal. Sprague invokes a powerful Gospel choir vibe on “The Goodness of the Lord,” before closing the project with the meditative acoustic instrumental, “Reflections in A,” which picks up where “Pray in A” left off.

The project is already receiving rave reviews from Sprague’s industry peers.

“‘I Still Need a Savior’ is one of my all time favorite songs from any artist,” says Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy.

“This CD is a masterpiece,” says Shania Twain bandmember Hardy Hemphill. “It drew my heart to God and my inner songwriter to the workbench. Truly inspirational.”

Songs in the Key of Awe was birthed out of Sprague’s eight-year stint as Worship Leader and Director of Momentum for a multi-campus church in north Denver, Colorado. During his tenure, Sprague wrote more than 100 songs. “I’m prompted by the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 which says the Lord expects me (and you) to do something with what He has entrusted to us,” he explains. “My goal was to harvest the best crop from that field to include on this CD.”

Multi-Dove Award winner Billy Sprague is an accomplished songwriter, performer, author and recording artist. His songs, which include the classic “Via Dolorosa,” have been recorded by such well-known artists as Sandi Patti, Debbie Boone, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Susan Ashton and John McDermot.

  1. Life Begins Now
  2. Friend of a Heart Like Mine
  3. Overflow (feat. Willow Sprague)
  4. To Be Grateful
  5. Make Us One
  6. Thank You, Lord
  7. Pray in A
  8. I Still Need a Savior
  9. Who We Are
  10. Life Everlasting
  11. You are Here
  12. Only Jesus
  13. The Goodness of the Lord
  14. Reflection in A

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