The Burning Edge of Dawn

Description

The Burning Edge of Dawn is an album by the American singer and songwriter Andrew Peterson, released on Centricity Music in October 2015. “The Rain Keeps Falling” features vocals by Ellie Holcomb.

What does an artist known for his musical storytelling do when he’s exhausted his reserves and doesn’t know what his next story to tell will be? He starts with a melody. And to that melody, he adds a depth of exploration, of looking in and around his life for what’s happening night here, right now.

Such was the beginning for singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson, as he stepped into the studio to record his latest record, The Burning Edge of Dawn. Armed with only one song to lead the way, Peterson and long-time friend and producer, Gabe Scott explored the world of melody and emerged with something to say in the long run and something listeners will definitely want to hear. While Peterson has always drawn from a well pretty close to Americana, this release seems to step even further in that direction. There’s a rugged, poetic acoustic vibe that flows throughout these tracks that captures thoughts of the heartland, both literally and figuratively. The album opens up on a typically strong note, with a thudding guitar line accented by bright keys and thoughtful acoustic guitar as Peterson sings of hope, sharing, “I’ve been waiting for some peace/ To come raining down out of the heavens/ On these war-torn fields/ All creation is aching/ For the sons of God to be revealed/ And I believe, I beliere that the victory is sealed/ The serpent struck, but it was crushed beneath his heel.” It’s a powerful opening salvo that sets the tone for the great listen that’s to come.

«Every Star Is a Burning Flame» follows and showcases Peterson’s gift for writing word pictures, while «We Will Survive» draws on bright dulcimer tones and a transparent lyric that finds the artist pleading, “So tell me the story I still need to hear/ Tell me we’re gonna make it out alive again/ I need to know there’s nothing left to fear/ There’ nothing left to hide/ So look me in the eye/ And say we will survive.” That plaintive cry leads succinctly into the embrace of «My One Safe Place», a lyric of a love that touches the spintual and is hauntingly beautiful. Rich fiddle fills and a rolling piano line color «The Rain Keeps Falling» as Peterson, drawing inspiration from a poem by Luci Shaw, unpacks a tale of doubt, pain, and frustration, seeking for a place of hope, with vocals from Ellie Holcomb providing a beauuful counterpoint before «Rejoice» reminds listeners to find hope in every circumstance, accented by buoyant dulcimer and inviting drumbeats. «I Want To Say I’m Sorry» is a humble cry for reconciliation between friends, longing to recover the innocence of the past. Chris Donegan’s slide guitar work providing an emotive push throughout, while «Be Kind to Yourself» provides a heartfelt dose of father’s wisdom to Peterson’s daughter, Skye, with lyrics that apply to us all.

Standing as one of the album’s higher points among an album composed of multiple peaks, «The Power of a Great Affection» emerges with a resonant energy that pulses with earnest praise as Peterson resolves in the lyric, “So Father, I will give you thanks and praise/ The Son has opened wide the gate of glory/ He declared your mighty love und gave us grace/ And I will tell his story, it is my story.” It’s a powerful revelation that expresses the beauty of a life with God, and few can sing it like Peterson can. That same passion carries over into the final track, «The Sower’s Song», with music composed by longtime friend and collaborator Ben Shive, while Peterson penned the lyrics. Drawing from the pastoral truths displayed within the Gospels, Peterson finds the junction between our pain and His praise, seeking to resolve the two into a beautiful union as we learn to abide within the Savior. Its a beautiful conclusion that only leaves you longing for more.

With The Burning Edge of Dawn, Andrew Peterson continues to show himself to be one of the foremost singer/songwriters around. With stirring imagery that paints vivid pictures in the mind’s eye and the boldness to be honest and transparent within his songwriting, not shying away from the ugly parts of life, Peterson does more than craft a great album, but also shows us what a true Christ follower looks like. [Shawn McLaughlin, Christian Musician, November/December 2015]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-burning-edge-of-dawn/1560397363)

CD tracklist:

01. The Dark Before the Dawn – 4:09
02. Every Star Is a Burning Flame – 2:47
03. We Will Survive – 4:04
04. My One Safe Place – 3:31
05. The Rain Keeps Falling – 5:08
06. Rejoice – 3:43
07. I Want To Say I’m Sorry – 3:07
08. Be Kind To Yourself – 2:44
09. The Power of a Great Affection – 4:09
10. The Sower’s Song – 4:46

Note: Simultaneously released on 12-inch vinyl LP and CD by Centricity Music.

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