MUSICreviews by Christmas McGaughey grand prize scott cunningham identity grace amazing Electric guitars and drums thunder as Luke Scott Cunningham’s first solo Caldwell chants at the top of his lungs: “Break worship project, Grace Amazing, down, pull my pride down; break me away from is just that: a worshipful response me.” The music is intense, the lyrics honest and to God’s grace. Scott, known for passionate. Listening to their first nationally re- his original songs like “I Wait for leased album, Identity, it’s hard to imagine that the Lord” recorded by Dove-win- Grand Prize’s lead singer and guitarist had never ner Jeremy Camp, serves as director of Calvary picked up a guitar until God put one in his hands Chapel Costa Mesa’s School of Worship. at Bible college a few years ago. Scott’s most memorable definition of God’s “That’s where I just the ministry grace came nearly a decade ago at CC Bible fell in love with “We know that if we can connect with people College: “God’s unmerited favor lavished upon Jesus,” Luke said through music, the Lord can use it to open their the infinitely ill-deserving.” Scott added, “Grace of Calvary Chapel hearts spiritually. That’s why we share at every isn’t something God shows us only at the point Bible College in concert,” said Luke, who was a youth pastor for of salvation. It’s like an ocean of grace that sur- Austria. After he five years. “I understand what’s going on with rounds us; it enables us to walk with Him, to do was given a guitar, youth, what they’re passionate about, how they’re what He’s put in front of us every day.” Citing Luke prayed with hurting. It’s hard to be a Christian in a society Hebrews 4:16, Scott said, “We need to remem- his roommates that that’s so messed up and perverse. It’s awesome ber that His is a throne of grace where we find if it was God’s will, He would gift Luke musically when we can connect with youth and encourage grace and mercy to help in time of need.” for His glory. Luke returned home and served as them.” At many of their concerts, band members Just a few months after youth pastor and youth worship leader at Calvary linger to share Scripture with teens one-on-one. Chapel Boise, ID. Three others in the fellowship the album was released joined him and recorded their independent al- the music independently, Scott received feedback from bum, Reveal Your Love, released in 2002. Two With a fresh sound, Grand Prize has been com- as far away as England. years later, Grand Prize (named for the “prize pared to popular Calvary-born artists Jeremy A 15-year-old emailed of the high calling of God” in Philippians 3:14, Camp and Switchfoot. On Identity, listeners will Scott to testify that God KJV) signed with a Christian label and released find a diverse cache of original songs. Luke’s vocal used Grace Amazing to Identity in January of 2005. style ranges from intense on “King of Kings,” to help him overcome feelings of condemnation mellow and worshipful on “You Are Wonderful,” and rest on God’s grace. “That’s really exciting,” the band with a pop style on “I’m Waiting.” Guitar work Scott said, sharing that God had promised years The four band members are all from CC Boise, on “Like I Never Did” echoes The Edge of U2. where Luke’s father Bob Caldwell pastors. Grand ago to take what little Scott had, bless and break it, and multiply it. Prize is Luke Caldwell, vocals and acoustic gui- After they finish writing and recording for their tar; Nolan Mather, electric guitar; Tony Caruso, next album, the band will join Calvary outreaches The catchy and contemplative song “Anchored bass; and Nick Koebele, drums. Nolan Mather to Europe and India in August, then begin tour- Deep” reminds believers to trust in God despite replaced electric guitarist Steven Harder. While ing in the fall. Their next album will be released emotions: “My heart deceives me; my feelings lie they have a nationally released album with anoth- at the beginning of 2007. er in the works, the band members stay heavily … But I’m anchored deep in Your great love.” involved with Calvary Chapel ministry—playing www.grandprizemusic.com While all the songs are worshipful, some range at summer camps, crusades and Calvary worship in style from the powerfully rocky “Heaven services around the country. Sings It,” based on Revelation chapters 4 & 5, to slower alternative rock “I Wait for the Lord,” Some of the sweetest times, Luke said, are during mellow worship in “Shine on My Life” and worship. “You can feel His presence working in ethereal-electric song “Beauty.” The album‘s people’s lives. You see men and women being hidden track and “Only To My King” feature his broken down before the Lord and opening their three oldest daughters singing original songs. hearts to Him.” Scott and his wife Megan have four daughters: They tour constantly, performing nearly 150 Madison, Rileigh, Emaline and baby Sabella. times in 36 states in 2005. “Our wives and our parents have been a huge encouragement, sup- For lyrics, chords and other information: porting us through prayer,” Luke said. Each of www.Scottcunninghammusic.com the band members are married, except for new- comer Nick.

CC MAGAZINE REVIEWS CALVARY CHAPEL MUSICIANS REACHING THE WORLD FOR CHRIST.