BRYAN FIELD MCFARLAND: Way

Bryan Field McFarland

Way

© 2004 sassafrasongs (786851133721)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

An acoustic-based lyrical patchwork of Americana and contemporary folk skillfully pondering life's quests & questions.

notes

Bryan Field McFarland clearly recalls his first guitar lesson because "there was all this media frenzy around the rumor that Paul McCartney was dead. We watched the news coverage instead of having a lesson." And while that brief interruption didn't hinder Field from becoming a great guitarist, it likely propelled him in a unique direction as a songwriter. His tunes are fueled by mystery, spirituality, pop culture and all things human.

His 2004 release CD, "Way", is an uplifting collection of acoustic-based songs that read like a spiritual road map: suggesting we can get there from here - but acknowledging there will be twists and turns along the way. Guest artists include Dale Baker (Sixpence None the Richer), David LaMotte, Laurelyn Dossett (Polecat Creek) and producer Rob Seals.


McFarland's calculated vocals draw comparisons to some of his contemporary influences: James Taylor, Bruce Cockburn and David Wilcox while his precisely-picked guitar work owes more to an experience he had as a three-year-old. "At my first concert, I was mesmerized by the guitar playing of Chet Atkins." Though it seems his songwriting seeds were sewn as a child, it took a bachelor's degree in English Literature, a master's in Divinity and a career as a pastor and campus minister to send him in the direction he's headed these days.

The Greensboro, NC troubadour combines Celtic Spirituality and emotional storytelling into a style that is both sentimental and lighthearted. Bryan tours the country's listening rooms, theaters and coffeehouses - leads workshops in Celtic Spirituality and Creativity at colleges/universities, churches and private venues. He also provides artist/minister-in-residence programs in schools and colleges and offers services as a contemporary worship consultant.

Bryan lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Diane, their daughter Meagan, two dogs and a cat.

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • brian was the keynote speaker for a youth event our group attended.
    author: leah grundy, youth director

    the aftershock youth group of first presbyterian church attended a conference where brian performed many of the songs on this cd. many of the youth loved his music and song writing! i plan to not only use this music for listening pleasure but also as a teaching tool in relationship to different christian concepts.

  • Minister's meaningful melodies
    author: Presbyterians Today, Jonathan Evans, student, San Francisco Theo

    Finally!—meaningful Christian music not produced by a Praise band! Bryan Field's Way refreshes with acoustic melodies and poetic lyrics. Sometimes relaxing and sometimes a bit spunky, this PCUSA minister will move you to thankfulness—one of Calvin's great themes—with his songs about relationships, children and prayer. Field explores themes of Christian spirituality that are being revived in churches across the country today.

  • Fabulous CD!
    author: Jess Scholten

    Love this CD--one great story after another! I've sent it to all my family members. I borrowed my mom's jeep on vacation (5 states away from us in the north), and she had it in her CD player--cross-generation, cross-regional, cross-the-board fabulous!

  • Love it - Can't wait for more!
    author: Jean Plant

    So many great songs on this CD. Way is one of my favorite tracks. The music is great and the stories/songs are fantastic. I'm looking forward to the next CD!

  • Excellent performance of new work.
    author: Euin Swafford

    As a relative newcomer to this genre of recorded work Bryan has produced a surprisingly mature performance with this CD. Vocals and background instrumentals are both excellent.

  • I love this CD
    author: Rev. Tommy Brown - Campus Minister

    I highly recommend Bryan Field's CD "WAY". The songs are well-written, intelligent and spiritual. The production and musicianship is excellent for a first professional release. I've shared this CD with students and used it as a teaching tool. It is always very well received. Anyone who enjoys acoustic folk with spiritual depth will love this CD - just as I do.

email

Please log in to email this artist.