Gospel singer includes family on new CD

Lacey Hight started singing at a young age in a family of musicians, and her recently released gospel album is truly a family affair.

//

"I recorded with my friends and family on this project," said Hight, who lives in Evans with her husband, Ken, and two daughters. "My dad, Greg Hawley, and brother, Chad Hawley, play bass and guitar on one song, and my mom, Janeen Hawley, and sister-in-law, Sara Hawley, sing backup on the album.

"I also used the talents of some very close friends. I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by such fabulous musicians."

Friends who collaborated on the album with Hight include Karen Boyd on keyboards, Stewart Ray on drums and piano and David Perry on bass.

Hight's first album was released in 2003 after a series of circumstances led her to a Joelton, Tenn., recording studio. With her latest album, titled I Surrender All , Hight was able to record her songs at Shephersong Studio, owned by Johnny Carr, in Evans.

"This album came about in a very interesting way, one that can only be orchestrated by the Lord," said Hight, who works in the music ministry at Abilene Baptist Church's Mother's Day Out and Preschool Program. "I had often been told that I should record an album of older songs but had not had the opportunity to do so. I was approached by a friend asking for a second album.

"This sweet person felt led by the Lord to financially back the project with the condition that I would use any proceeds to further my music ministry."

Hight said she was shocked and deeply grateful for such a tremendous gift.

"It's been a real blessing to complete this album under such wonderful circumstances," she said.

Hight's current album -- available on her Web site at www.laceyhight.com and on iTunes -- is composed of mostly classical gospel songs and hymns arranged in a "fresh way."

"I had a stronger influence over the sound of this album than I did the first," she said, adding that her first album was recorded over a weekend. Her current album spanned months. "This allowed us to take our time and get it right without being rushed to meet a deadline."

Hight is content to put her future in the hands of the Lord.

"Ultimately, my goal with my music is to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ," she said. "I feel blessed that he uses me to sing about him, and I pray that my music ministers to people.

"As far as a singing career is concerned, that's up to the Lord. I would love to reach a wider audience, but I know it's all in his hands."