CPR (AKA - Petra) in Branson, MO

Somewhere in my middle school years a cousin introduced me to Petra, a christian rock band he had been listening to. Over the following decade of my life Petra was on my frequent play list. I picked up their new releases and dug up their first works; their first release came out the year before I was born. 

 Petra was part of the soundtrack of my early days and they contributed to my faith formation. Listening to the lyrics one is drawn into the framework of the psalmist; these are songs that speak to God and of God from within the frame of who God is and the work that God is doing. The songs pick up and use the language and imagery of the scriptures, while carrying the sound sensibilities of the moment. Take a listen to their early 1970's work and there are overtones of the Eagles. Take a listen to late 1980's and you the sounds is more arena rock. A vast array of sound, with lyrics deeply rooted in scripture and speaking to the challenges of the moment. 

 Fast forward to living in Springfield, MO in 2021. One of my daughters has begun working on some film projects with the daughter of Petra's first lead singer, Greg X. Vols. In September word came that a rendition of Petra, CPR - Classic Petra Resurrection, was going to play in Branson, MO - just down the highway from Springfield. It was with great delight that Anna and I were able to take 3 of our 4 kids and introduce them to the faith-forming sounds of our youth! Our youngest daughter who says, "70's and 80's music is my jam," rocked the night away. Several days later I'm still hearing and singing, "let everything that has breath, praise the Lord." 

 I am deeply appreciative of the work Petra has done in the world of music and art to convey the good news of Jesus Christ. I am delighted that the rendition, CPR, came to Branson in 2021, for I needed to sing some songs that reminded me of God's goodness and faithfulness across the many pages of my life. Keep rocking Petra, and keep pointing to the Rock!