Studio musicians:
Stephen Roach: vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion, drums on "Into Life" hammered dulcimer, hurdy gurdy, tenor banjo, afghani rebab, anything that will make a noise and takes 3 hours to tune and plays only 3 notes.
Sarah Roach: backing vocals on "The Diamond Sea."
Joel Khouri: piano, acoustic guitars, percussion, sound design.
Martin Neil: drums, percussion
Andrew Kurzweg: electric and bass guitars.
Marta Richardson: violin.
Sarah Stephens: cello and voice.
Sarah McMillan: backing vocals.
Candace Brinkley: backing vocals.
Jason Windsor: electric guitar.
Live musicians:
(usually the Songs of Water crew.)
Closer to the Burning is a collection of worship songs and journey songs that I've written over the past couple of years. We recorded these at Sanctuary studios, August and September 2006. (Sanctuary Studios is a part of the community and ministry of A Place for the Heart in Sophia, NC.) You can purchase the CD by clicking "buy now" underneath this paragraph.
- Stephen
Songwriter and percussionist Stephen Roach comes from a long line of wanderers. From Scandinavian Vikings to French Huguenots, Roach's forebears were a searching, seeking people. They sought the freedom of wide open spaces and new lands. Their wandering eventually led them to America -to the mountains of North Carolina, where their collective restlessness found a harbor in the music of the hills and in the heights of the Appalachians.
A similarly restless quality marks Stephen Roach's music. Though inflected with the tones of his ancestors, Roach's sound wanders into previously uncharted territory. His feet may be planted firmly in the American soil of rock n' roll and folk, but Roach's heart beats out a rhythm from across the waters. From hurdy gurdies to hammer dulcimers, Roach reaches beyond the pale of Western music to embrace modes and melodies of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia.
As the frontman for the experimental acoustic group, Songs of Water, Stephen Roach has been no stranger to ethnic music and freeform improvisation. However, on his first solo album, Closer to the Burning, Roach moves away from strict abstraction and ambience into the confines of a more traditional Western song form. And he sings. Capturing a kind of college rock feel, Closer to the Burning showcases Roach's voice and gentle lyricism in a way that invites comparison to indie rock darlings, both past and present.
Roach's subject matter tends to the esoteric--the pursuit of a hidden lover; the practice of the presence of God. In Closer to the Burning, Roach writes like a restless poet, burning to tell of his experiences with things unseen. That fact is underscored by his winding, sprawling melodies. From punctuated drones to hook-laden piano lines, the music serves the mood of Roach's devotion. And though he obviously counts himself as a man of faith, there is room in Roach's music to roam--beyond the pale of staid institutions and strict traditionalisms. This, of course, should come as no surprise. Stephen Roach is, after all, the son of wanderers.
Hello Stephen i am from Brazil, i knew your song some days ago ,and i liked so much, great, very great songs God has give to you,brother God bless so much more!!!
Hey Steven that was some awesome worship last night at the center city church its great to hang with people who are one mind/one accord with the love of God. look foward to worshipping Him with you again God bless bro
I want to send blessings to you. I think it is awesome when someone uses their gifts God gives them to bring others to HIM! The music you share from your heart is a reflection of who Jesus is. Our Father God is storing up your treasures in heaven. Smiles and God bless!
hey stephen!its been a while!!i am so glad to see that u have used your talents in such a positive way....GOD'S WORK!your music is so unique and special!my wife and i would love to come hear u perform sometime!:)we pray that u will continue to move people thru ur music!....LOVE,TJ-n-LYNLEE@kids:)!!
I'm in Alaska leading worship at a conference right now. I went out to eat with a worship leader today who has just discovered you and thinks you're fabulous. I must say that I agree. :) Love to you and Sarah...
Stephen... Thanks for blessing My lifeeeee!.... Merry Christmas and God bless your life in Supernatural!... i hope see you in ministry in Brazil = )) Hugs!...
Thanx for the add bro, your music is annointed I really enjoy it, i listen to it while im worshipping or studying its good stuff keep worshipping Him and God bless you
I love your music. You inspire me to remain an individual in my music. Remain and individual, fearfully and wonderfully made. May God bless all that you set out to do!
Thank you for the add¡¡ You are my music discover of the year¡ I live in Spain and I will try to find some our music here, but i think that be a hard work¡¡
