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DAVID PEDDE * PIANO
The Story began on Mrs. Hadley’s piano bench in 1967 where eight year-old David had managed once again to somehow talk his way out of scales and sight-reading. (The kid always did like to visit more than practice, a trait he carries with him to this day.)
Fast-forward fifteen years to another piano bench. This time the piano professor is Dr. Roger Sorbo and 23 year old Dave Pedde is struggling to play Hymn #1 from Hymns of Glorious Praise for his new teacher, wishing that he had taken Mrs. Hadley’s advice a little more seriously.
Fast-forward one more time (23 more years!) to another piano bench, this one located in front of a beautiful Yamaha C7 in “Studio A,” McPherson Studios, North Central University in downtown Minneapolis, where Pedde was in his thirteenth year as Composer in Residence/Assistant Professor of Music (and wishing that he could visit Mrs. Hadley with a story or two).
The Recording was motivated initially by Pedde’s desire to make a financial contribution to the “Word and Worship” capital campaign launched at NCU. Proceeds from the initial order of 1000 - 1500 units could benefit his alma mater (would Mrs. Hadley believe that her “chatty rascal” had graduated with a Church Music Degree as Salutatorian no less?) while fulfilling the growing dream of making a piano record. Dave has been a prolific composer since the 1972 “release” of “Ride Sally Ride” (smile – it was a political song about nuclear disarmament) on his apartment driveway in Rastatt, Germany, with a primary focus on what has been labeled Praise and Worship Music. This would be a great way to catalogue some of those songs in a bit of an Anthology.
The Process began with the selection of 18 or so “hits” from Dave’s repertoire. The arrangements were finalized and the rehearsals began, followed by 1 - 2 hour recording sessions during which one song at a time could normally be finalized. Dave, an experienced record producer (with around 30 projects under his belt), enlisted the ongoing help and objectivity of Clayworks engineer Wayne Thomas who patiently worked through the sounds, providing excellent creative feedback.
The Frustration became evident 3 or 4 songs into the process. The arrangements were good, the carefully chosen original songs were packed with meaning, and the notes were practiced and perfect….but it felt lifeless…. especially to Dave. Just who had been sitting there on Mrs. Hadley’s bench? And what was this kid destined to become? To do?
Maybe part of the answer could be overheard in Studio A one day last January. “I’m a prayer, not a player!” Wayne (Through the headphones from the control room): “Let’s pray then.”
The Prayer began as Dave enlisted 40 or so close friends and prayer partners. (This group became known affectionately as “THE BAND of BROTHERS”) Times would be set and these friends would gather, some in the studio and others around the country, to pray. They would pray….for each other, for their families, for anything else God laid on their hearts in intercessory prayers….and when he “felt directed,” Dave would play.
David Pedde: windows story
when we pray...
the window of faith opens
all heaven stops to hear
the higher way is chosen
God is near
prayer
It has been said that prayer changes things. Perhaps it might be better said that prayer is talking with God and He changes things (us usually).