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From his earliest days as a young boy attending a church in a small farm community, Roy Patrick can remember hearing the sounds that would forever influence his life. Even though his musical talent was yet to be realized, being exposed to the great old traditional gospel songs cultivated in him a desire to be a part of them. And even at that young age, Roy recognized the strength and power the music wielded in the lives of others-the kind of strength and power that changes people's lives. But, Roy's life would see changes of its own before he reached the place he's at today...a place that sees him committed to the ministry of gospel music. And like so many Christians who choose the path of serving the Lord, Roy faced challenges to his faith, his life, and his belief in others. Without exception, however, the distractions eventually gave way to his first love-music. It was a love that started early. Involved in music most of his life, Roy honed his skills through hard work and the desire to be the best he could be.
Adept at playing a variety of instruments, he wasn't satisfied until he could go on stage, or into the studio, and get the job done. Most of those skills are evident on his new album, "Changing Times." The challenge of recording is something he finds fulfilling, and using the right instrument to find just the right sound for a track-well, according to Roy, that's as good as it gets. And while he has, for years, been committed exclusively to gospel music, he counts himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with legendary and highly respected musicians such as guitarist James Burton, drummer Ron Tutt, and pianist Glenn D. Hardin.
During a recording session in Los Angeles early in his career, Roy was fascinated and impressed with the work of drummer Earl Palmer. A drummer himself, the precision of Palmer and Hal Blaine was truly impressive. Then there was the time Roy faced the challenge of sitting across from guitarist David Lindley in a small Hollywood studio. Lindley has been renowned for years as the consummate guitarist. He and Roy were doing some guitar overdubs. The only thing separating them was a couple of microphones. Pat Boone, of course, is a gospel music mainstay. And although Roy's introduction to him was brief (they shared a stage at Church on the Way in Van Nuys), he remembers Boone's professionalism. And much like Boone, Roy found the change from secular to gospel music to be the natural and most rewarding path to follow.
Today, gospel music has become diversified. From jazz bands to alternative sounds, from traditional to contemporary, the variety is truly impressive. A fan of all styles, Roy's new CD is an example of the potpourri that is modern gospel music. A believer in strong lyrics, "He'll Be There" certainly falls into the contemporary category. An original song by Roy, it's very descriptive of someone who has experienced the disappointment and tragedy of difficult times, and the redemption and hope that can be found in the Lord. "Mansion in the Sky" is certainly traditional, while "Changing Times," the title cut, and "I Drove a Taxi in Reno" a unique gospel song, are considered more contemporary. Through the years, Roy's involvement in music has taken him in many directions and exposed him to both the joys and the disappointments we all face from time to time. But, it's all part of being alive, and having the opportunity to serve a living God in his great musical mosaic.