Mark Bishop

I Still Need Him
Sonlite/Crossroads

Mark Bishop, the storyteller extraordinaire, has brought us a record that shows his unmatched ability to tell a life story in the span of three minutes of music. Mark is very much in the tradition of tunesmiths like Tom T. Hall and Roger Miller.

One might describe Mark’s writing as coming from a life observer’s point of view, as Mark places himself inside biblical stories. This in turn makes the listener say, “I’ve never thought of it that way.”

When I asked Mark about his songwriting process, he was quick to point out the importance of a cold Mountain Dew and a Snickers Almond candy bar! Beyond Mark’s snack of choice, however, the keys to the creation of a Mark Bishop song are time in the Word and time alone with the Savior.

For “I Still Need Him,” Mark again relied on the Crossroads A-team of players anchored by producer/pianist Jeff Collins. The rhythm section of drummer Tony Creasman and Jeremy Medkiff on bass and electric guitars have something called the “pocket.” It’s a safe and secure place for all musicians to live, work and play, and it only comes from the unselfish attitude of being servant to the song. Master musician David Johnson covers all things acoustic as well as his signature steel guitar. Another tip of the hat goes to the background vocalists, a “who’s who” of southern gospel singers.

For context for the song “I’m Listening for the Call,” see Matthew 24:42. This sets the tone for an out-of-the-ordinary listening experience.