The songs were meaningful and familiar, the vocals dynamic, the percussionist drove the music with just the right mixture of groove and space, the guitar was full and rich.
It was a special night, the opening performance back in January at The Gathering, a local music venue and coffee house hosted every 2nd Saturday night by Ben Mitchell out of Abundant Life Ministries on the corner of Temperance Road and Lewis Avenue. The songwriter and artist was William Reynolds, backed by drummer/percussionist Jackson Baugh.
As I would tell him afterwards, it was the best I’ve ever heard him sound.
I met William years ago as part of a group of resolute and talented artists who performed in the Flat Rock, Lincoln Park, and Wyandotte, MI area. This included the annual festival, Faithfest, and nights at a small store operated by bikers. For me, coming fresh out of years in the club circuit, it was just what I needed.
I recently spoke with William by phone about his journey that started one day while driving his 1972 Ford Galaxy 500, “I vividly remember praying to the Lord that I would like to be able to do music, though at the time, that prayer was not to serve Him,” he recalls.
That would all change in the mid 1980’s after meeting Pastor Bill and playing at a church in Old Redford, MI. This encounter and service impacted him to the point where he made the decision to not only believe in Jesus, but to live for Him. “I began rewriting the lyrics to the songs that I had written,” he said. Since that time, the Lord has continued to give William songs and the opportunity to record and perform as a way to share his testimony and encourage others to seek God.
This is the mission. There is much more to come.
The song “Just 5 Minutes” from the album Mr. Sunshine was recorded live at 4th Fridays in Dearborn, MI
William Reynolds is married to a wonderful woman, Shawna, and they have two boys, Wyatt 9, and Jedidiah (Jed) 7. He has released three independent records that are available on Spotify, iTunes, and CD Baby.
You can click here for information on performances and general happenings, most of which involves the monthly venue “The Mission” at Blessed Hope Christian Church located in Lincoln Park, MI on the 4th Saturdays.