{"product_id":"mercy-in-the-maze","title":"Mercy In The Maze","description":"About the Artist\n\nRaised in a Christian, arts-loving home, Michael Kelly Blanchard apprenticed for his life's work as a storyteller\/songwriter from the very beginning. There always was the intertwining of art and faith in his parents' home. Mostly through music and literature (his father a fiddler, his mother an English teacher), he saw firsthand the blending of belief with the blessings of creativity. He started writing songs in his early teens and coincided this with an ever-expanding work as a performer in local clubs and coffeehouses. In his early twenties, he studied composition at Berklee College of Music, sharpening his music skills. Since then he has recorded ten albums, written two music dramas, one cantata, and a novel.\nFor a third of most years, Michael travels the US primarily and Eurpoe occasionally, giving concerts and seminars featuring his original songs and teachings. He has been a retreat leader and speaker at various churches, colleges, schools, and organizations throughout the country. When not touring, his time is spent at home writing and overseeing Quail Ministries.\nMichael has been married to his wife, Greta, for 26b years and they have two children, Esther and Reuben.\nBand Members: Bass: Craig Nelson, Brad Burnes Guitar: Michael Kelly Blanchard, Larry Leard, Jack Jezzo (appears courtesy of Agenda Records) Fiddle, Dulcimer, and Mandolin: Craig Duncan Piano: Bob Patin, Jeff Liseby Drums: Bob Mator Percussion: Eric Darken Flute and Piccolo: Rod Garnett Accordian: Jeff Liseby Clarinet: Sam Levin Strings: Carol Gorodetsky Background Vocals: Greta Blanchard, Stephanie Hall, Les Marples, Chris Marion, Reuben Blanchard, Esther Blanchard, and Marilyn Day\n\nProduct Description\n\nStories of hope and forgiveness in everyday settings make up this wonderfully acoustic outing. From the grateful \"Thanks Be To God\", through the tenderly aching \"I Love You, I Do, You Bet!\", to the deeply consoling \"The Holy Land of the Broken Heart\", here is an album to return to again and again.\n\nFrom the Label\n\nI first heard you (Michael) sign when I was 18 and was drawn by your stories. A month after I turned 20, I was diagnosed with a chronic bone disease. I would often lie in bed and listen to \"Mercy in the Maze\". I caught myself resting in the fact that my life wasn't a waste because perhaps I'm simply here for Jesus to love me. Not even disease and death can stop that from happening. your songs helped to seal my faith. Thank you.\n\nFrom the Artist\n\nI see Mercy as a very human album, full of the ache and arc of our walk here below. It is also the first effort where the unbridled use of the acoustic string palette was attempted and, if I might add, for the most part successfully realized.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: B00000J6LY\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: DBV.B00000J6LY.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Michael Kelly Blanchard\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Audio cd\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dream Books Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41493793013818,"sku":"DBV.B00000J6LY.G","price":13.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/6011\/0138\/files\/B00000J6LY-0.jpg?v=1782755427","url":"https:\/\/shop.dreambooksco.com\/products\/mercy-in-the-maze","provider":"Dream Books Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}