Bryan Duncan Reflects on Bob Carlisle and Rebecca St. James

Comments on Videos from the Slow Revival Tour

Bob Carlisle has been a friend dating way back to my days in Sweet Comfort Band. I first heard him as a guest singer on an Eric Nelson project. He was singing "Tear Down the Walls" and if you could do that with just your voice Bob could bring down Jericho! He would often drop in on Sweet Comfort Band studio sessions as he was an A-list session vocalist in L.A. in those days. I remember him saying he envied me for having my own career rather than adding to someone else’s. Shortly after a conversation about that out front of Mama Joe’s studio in North Hollywood he would go on to do just that. Who knew he would write a song that would be a number one single in every musical format at the same time? "Butterfly Kisses" hit number one in country and pop and Christian music in the same year. I’ve never been more happy for someone else than this moment. I did "trade labor" on His Shades of Grace (later renamed Butterfly Kisses) album because he was too broke to pay me, which sold multi-platinum. You can’t make this stuff up. I got to watch an aspect of success I’d never seen and see the pitfalls as well.

Bob Carlisle is my long-lost brother, frankly. He has the same off-handed humor, same near-tears passion for a great lyrics and a love for Jesus that is deeply personal over any career move or public statement of faith! (See Bryan and Bob perform together).

Bob Carlisle and I toured together with an up-and-coming young artist - Rebecca St. James. It was the Slow Revival Tour but we lovingly called it "Two men and a baby."

Rebecca’s father had promoted my tour in Australia some years back before moving to Nashville to establish his daughter’s career. Rebecca, from my earliest recollection, was down-to-earth radiant! Her tolerance for a couple of older smart-alec pranksters was a true mark of her patience.

Rebecca's career would also soon eclipse mine in many ways. Her sincerity and adorability delighted audiences across the country. Few people realized her determined diligence in working every aspect of outreach. She was often seen unloading the bus with the crew! Her voice and songs are pure honey, delivered with an indelible mark of a passionate commitment to a faith in Christ. She's now married and living in San Diego and has added author to her list of talents. She recently sent me a book she loved called "Love and Respect." It pretty much sums up how I continue to feel about her!

Bryan Duncan