Musician with Texas Baptist roots reconnects audiences with hymns

AZLE—For his newest recording project, singer/songwriter Andrew Greer is returning to his Texas Baptist roots.

While growing up at Ash Creek Baptist Church in Azle, Greer developed a love for music and singing hymns.

"Music and church were tied together for me at a very young age," Greer said. "The hymns were one of my first introductions to God. If it hadn't been for hymns, I'm not sure that music would have had the impact on my life and career that it has. 

"In the same way, I don't know that my relationship with God would be what it is today without the music of the church. I can't recall many of the sermons that my pastor preached or the lessons my Sunday school teachers taught, but I do remember the hymns."

While he attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., Greer was unsure about the role music would play in his life after graduation. However, an unexpected opportunity to write a music culture column for the school paper provided valuable insight. 

As doors continued opening for Greer, his articles appeared in a variety of publications, including Christianity Today, CCM and ParentLife. In addition, Greer also began writing songs and performing concerts around the country.

His latest album, Angel Band: The Hymn Sessions, features arrangements of 11 traditional hymns and an original song, "I've Been Searching." The songs selected for this album were some of Greer's favorites while growing up, including "Jesus Paid it All," "Softly and Tenderly," "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and "All Creatures of Our God and King."

"I hope when people are reminded of these hymns that they can rediscover their meaning and reunite with their lyrics," Greer said. "The hymns are beautiful, but what makes them so poignant is that they are tied to life-changing truths.

"The hymns are so timeless and tested in how they have impacted generations. I feel like they are very personal stories of faith for me. I think that most people who have grown up in the church have similar stories about how they can relate to hymns as part of their childhood or how they have discovered the hymns during times of need."

Greer recently completed a 20-city tour to promote the album and to share stories behind the hymns. All of the project's tracks are available as nationwide church resources from LifeWayWorship.com.

"During concerts, I want to provide a dialogue through music that chips away the mystery of God and reminds us of the friendship of God, which was perfectly displayed through Jesus. The hymns point people to a bigger hope that can only be found through a relationship with Christ."