You strum away on your harps like David
    and improvise on musical instruments. Amos 6:5

Owning this Taylor 914ce Special Edition really is a remarkable privilege. I received it – as I explained in my November 2024 post Something Beautiful and Amazing – as a “grateful memory” gift from my late parents – Grace and David, and I have been noodling, experimenting, finding my way around and learning to hear this instrument’s particular voice, for the past few weeks.

Taylor is well known for the bright quality of its sound, but this guitar rings true all the way through the register with a beautifully balanced timbre. I find that it fits my playing style well, and invites me to slow down and listen for the harmonies.

As I am playing, the guitar subtly proposes certain chords and voicings. This arrangement of Spirit of the Living God, for example, emerged essentially as I was recording, by simply playing the opening couple of chords and listening for what the guitar suggested.

A good guitar is like that, it will become a part of the creative process. But first I have to listen more attentively – and intentionally.

The second video is little more than a collection of chords on their way to becoming a song, but they already have a lot to say.

Every instrument that comes my way seems to give me a new song and this one is almost there. It’s like something is already waiting for me and I have to be in the right space to receive it. It is less songwriting than it is song unlocking, as if the song is already there and I just have to pull it out.

Have an amazing Thursday, friends. Go into the world in peace and live in peace – DEREK