Swiss Sessions Highlight Reel

12 Oct ’10 By 11 Comments

The highlight video of our sessions in Switzerland is final finished! (It’s not everyday I have an external hard drive fail four hours into creating a project). But seeing Jennifer attempt to play the biggest instrument I have ever seen was all worth it. ch:

What’s your favorite part?

CHB Swiss Sessions Highlight Reel from Grandath Films on Vimeo.

This highlight reel was shot during the vocal recordings for the Christopher Hopper Band’s French version of their new album, “Heaven Meets Earth,” or more aptly, “Le Ciel Touche La Terre.” Captured during a week of recording in September 2010 in Studio Freymond, nestled in the hilltop town of Martherenges, Switzerland. ©2010 Christopher Hopper, Sprig Records / ASCAP, Grandath Films

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Switzerland: Day 8-9

25 Sep ’10 By 3 Comments

The morning was filled with lots of laughter, recounting memories, and fond goodbyes as Gabi & Andy left for the airport (Gabi to Madagascar, then Reunion Island for meetings; Andy, back to Yorkshire, England), and Marie-Elise “Momma” drove back to northern France.

The afternoon was restful, including a powerful time of life-changing prayer with Sylvain & Line over Jennifer and I. The late afternoon included a splendid coffee with Mélanie and her incredible family (“Excuse me, I ordered the large cappuccino, hello?”), and then a trip to visit the YWAM Publishing offices in Yvderon with Sylvain. Pretty extraordinary to stand in a places that Lauren Cunnginham helped pioneer 40 years ago, and that have touched the world. In the evening I preached at Interjeunes in Yverdon and challenged them to win 300 souls in one year (1% of their city’s population).

Today (day 9) Jennifer and I are doing nothing but lounging around and enjoying the Freymond family company. It’s an overcast and damp day, perfect for reading, watching videos on the laptops, and drinking tea (or coffee!). We leave for Geneva at 6am and are looking forward to reuniting with our children.

This has truly been an unforgettable, life-changeing week; I count it a gift and privilege from the Lord to undertake such a project. The fact that I live like a king is brought to my attention daily, and I only pray I’m faithful enough to steward the responsibilities it carries. Thanks for your love and prayers. We make the music for the people, we take the stage for the King. ch:

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Switzerland: Day 7

24 Sep ’10 By 2 Comments

Our last day in the studio. And what a day it was.

After being allowed to sleep in to 8:20am (much needed!), we dove into the song I was dreading most: Honor & Glory. Those at the live recording in January remember it as the “megaphone song.” Spoken word is hard enough in English, let alone in French. And I had been insisting that Rolf Schnieder, the translator, perform it on the CD; but he insisted I could execute it.

And I did. With major help (sometimes punching individual words) from Producer/Engineer Gabi and tons of coaching. We got more than a few hilarious clips of video which we’ll be assembling later on as part of our HD studio recap reel.

The final two songs were all Jennifer, and I’m so proud of her. What a hard worker. And her voice was meant to sing French, even though she’ll argue otherwise.

The highlight, by far, was watching Jenny play the “Cor des Alpes” (believe it or not, she played tuba in high school), followed closely by an impromptu broadway production of Mary Poppins Meets The Sound of Music dance duet with Andy and Jenny. (You’ll have to wait for the video reel).

The night finished off with some “group singing” (to account for the live audience segments done in English that needed to be redone “en Francais”) including special guests Marie-Elise Fernandez, and Jean-Marc & Edmée Bigler (one of the most noteworthy couples in ministry in Switzerland). As they shouted “me fait crier” (the “makes me shout out” line of This Is The Day), Jean-Marc took it literally and, at nearly 80 years old, let out a thunderous, impromptu roar after the phrase. We all fell over with laughter, and he loved the attention.

Tomorrow the team will part ways as the week comes to a close. ch:

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Switzerland: Day 6

22 Sep ’10 By 4 Comments

Lots of hard work today; another 4 songs produced. But it was time well spent as upstairs the chefs (Marie-Elis & Lynne) were preparing one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten, bar none. I think it’s the first time in my life that I’d had “fourths.” And unlike the US where dinner is our big meal, it’s lunch here.

Peas sautéed in onions and garlic (grown about 100-meters away), Yukon yellow potatoes baked in rosemary and oil (grown about 150-meters away), and steak oven-cooked in an enclosure of basil, white curry, paprika, garlic, butter and fresh cream (all dairy & beef taken from the family farm 200-meters away), apples baked in white white and topped with cinnamon, completed with a ’98 Cote du Rhone brought in from France by Marie-Elise. Coffee and chocolate for la finale. Seriously, everyone should have an “experience gastronomique” like this. Be forewarned however: it ruins you for life.

Tomorrow we have 2 songs to finish, and then my arch nemesis: French rap. (They’re bringing in a coach to help me!). ch:

PS :: The picture of the tomatoes (capris) is original and unaffected.

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Switzerland: Day 5

21 Sep ’10 By 6 Comments

I’m sitting on the floor in the studio at 10:00pm trying to type as quietly as I can as Jenny and Andy are still tracking around me. What fun!

But truth be told, I’m exhausted. Recording, singing, arranging, and co-producing is so mentally demanding, I often feel as though I’ve run a few miles yet without breaking a sweat. Definitely an odd experience. But one I’d never trade. Being here is such a profound privilege. That, and Gabi is really doing most of the hard work here. What a genius.

We were able to finish a whopping 5 songs today: Heaven Meets Earth, Set Me Free, You Alone, Words Cannot Describe, and Jesus You Are. That’s a mammoth amount of work to be sure! But the real heroine of the day is Jennifer Lee. Wow. For a girl who is just starting to really dive into French, we’re all amazed. She’s worked very hard and has had a lot of wonderful help along the way (thanks Anne Marie and Tribe!).

Wonderful meals, a nice walk, and more than one break just to take in the view helped break up the time. Thanks again for all those who kept us company online. See you tomorrow! ch:

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Switzerland: Day 4

20 Sep ’10 By 1 Comment

Today was a happy day indeed. My rib rejoined me. I forever feel like half a person going through the motions when I’m abroad without her; all the more why I’m excited when she shows up at 9:00am in Yverdon.

We journeyed up into the mountains to the quaint town of Echellens where we unloaded our gear at chez Freymond, our home for the next week. And my, what a view. I’ll post more fitting pictures tomorrow…but you simply can’t imagine the expanse before us.

Gabi Alonso (award winning UK producer and drummer) and I worked on setting up the main recording room here in Sylvian Freymond’s home (the Michael W. Smith of Switzerland), and then joined everyone “a table” for a filling lunch on the back lawn in view of the Alps.

We then ventured into the depths of our “gear man cave” and tracked the lead and background vocals for “This Is The Day” and “My Last Breath.” And what a hoot! By far, Andy–Gabi’s wife from Yorkshire, England–is a stitch. I have rarely had so many laughs while tracking in the studio. And she’s an amazing singer as well (fluent in French).

We closed the evening with a big dinner with friends from France, Israel and, of course, Switzerland. And we’ll be back at it again in the morning. If you missed the live broadcasts we sent out, make sure to keep your eye on my Twitter or FaceBook accounts, or check here regularly. ch:

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Switzerland: Day 3

19 Sep ’10 By 6 Comments

christopher hopper in switzerland day 3

Today was the final day of “Discerner le Temps.” And as always, there are many sad goodbyes and many wonderful memories.

The morning started off with an extremely profound message from Pastor David Davis–an actor from NY saved in the 80′s, married to a now believing Jew (former NYC model and singer), and pastor of a Jewish and Arab congregation on top of Mt. Carmel. With a story like that, how would it be anything less than profound? He explained the vision out of Zechariah 4 as the two olive trees being the Jews and the Gentiles (Jeremiah 11, Romans 11), and the Menorah being the Church (Rev 1), filled with the presence of God. Many many lives were touched as their hearts for (or against) Israel were healed, and a new desire to pray for God’s people was stirred up. [Davis is pictured below with one of my best friends, Manu, after a powerful time of prayer].

After lunch, Pastor Vincent Fernandez brought yet another moving message, this time on the Prodigal Son out of Luke 15, revealing even more dimensions to a story most Christians know all too well, this time focusing on the Pharisee’s attitude toward the parable: rather than rejoicing with the father’s joy over his returned son, they–in effect–ended up killing him…as they put Jesus–the one portrayed in the Parable–to death that very week. Many people were convicted of their religiosity and likewise touched by the Father’s love.

I took some other random pictures from the day, including a fish between my feet on the dock, and a candid practice session with me and Simion Freymond in the dressing room rehearsing; it’s his 18th birthday today. And boy, can this guy lead worship and play the guitar. I’m honored to call him friend.

I will never forget this conference and all that the Lord did in my heart personally, as well as what He spoke corporately. Tomorrow we start recording in the studio; please pray for my voice as I pushed it a little too much tonight. (Shocking, I know). ch:

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Switzerland: Food

18 Sep ’10 By 5 Comments

I thought it would be fun to show you a few pics of food from a day here in Switzerland.

Breakfast is cafe (coffee) and a hot croissant. No American version can compare. Flaky and buttery–what a mystery.

At a three course lunch in a fine restaurant, you’ll be served a typical meat-plate served at the beginning of a meal, complete with a little cheese, some dill pickles, and sweet onions.

Next, fresh salad served in a house vinaigrette. The shredded carrots is very French.

The main course is fresh perch, caught that morning from the local lake, and les frittes (aka “French Fries,” but not here). No, the ketchup is just for the crazy American.

After, another round of cafe.

If you can stomach dinner a few hours later (which I couldn’t today), you might have any number of local or exotic dishes. But if you wait long enough, you might get a trip to the local kabab restaurant. Witness my half-devoured kebab, followed by some Turkish Mint Tea (on the house).

Bon appetite! ch:

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Switzerland: Day 2

18 Sep ’10 By 4 Comments

To finish off day 2, I was treated to an incredible lunch at a secluded restaurant tucked in the valley of two mountain ranges. Check out my food post to see some incredible pics of Swiss cuisine.

Following the meal, I was taken back to the venue to preach a message on Romans 12 and what it means to prophesy according to our faith and not human reasoning (one produces words of life, the other produces pronouncements of judgement).

The service continued with even more worship, moving on into the night’s evening meeting. But I was to be taken to another part of the city to minister to the children. And what fun we had! While I love the adults, I sometimes feel much of my music is more child-like. What can I say?–I like hand motions. After sharing a small message with them, I had them draw pictures of how they could share Jesus with their friends; the results were so moving.

Finally, my driver (Stephane) and I stopped at Chez Alex for my favorite kebab in Switzerland! Not only was the food incredible, but we were able to reconnect with some of the staff who not only remembered me from last time, but insisted I watch a video on his phone while he prepared my kebab. I was so touched he had kept the video on his phone all the way from January! Finally, he treated us to some Turkish Mint Tea…on the house. ch:

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Switzerland: Days 1-2

18 Sep ’10 By 2 Comments

christopher hopper in switzerland days 1-2

Flying trans-Atlantic is always adventurous. I mean, what’s not to get excited about when there is 42,000′ of empty space between the few layers of sheet metal under your feet and the ground? Height aside, I got to meet a great architect from England, as well as two food photographers (husband and wife) for the NY Times.

After the hour drive from Geneva to Yverdon, I grabbed a nap, then headed over to the city’s main event hall: a gorgeous and ultra modern edifice built for honoring fine works of performing art. After a quick sound check with my band (Stephane, Paris, and Sylvain), we lead worship for the opening set of the conference, after-which Vincent Fernandez (aka Papa) spoke on praying prophetically – not just praying what you think needs to be said, but responding to divine impetus.

I took my dinner down to the river just beyond the gates of the main exhibit hall and found a secluded spot on a small dock. I always find sail boats to be good company, and water, the perfect place to spend some time with the Lord.

The evening’s festivities commenced with a fantastic youth band leading worship for well over 2 hours! I was so touched by their sincere hearts for Jesus. And they actually sounded so tight! Always a bonus.

Then I took the platform and shared mainly out of Acts 14:1-3: when opposition arises, our response as Christians is not to run, but to firmly entrench ourselves and “work for considerable time there.” The altar was flooded with people needing encouragement in their work in and around Switzerland and a few nations Africa.

I was able to sleep in until 8am this morning and took a leisurely walk down the main thoroughfare here in Yverdon, heading to Sylvia’s, my favorite bakery and cafe. After a croissant and cafe–and a second croissant for the road–and strolled through the Saturday market, enjoying the sites and sounds, and taking more than a few pictures in the shadow of the castle.

Finishing up some work on my laptop, then it’s off for lunch and the afternoon and evening meetings where I’ll be sharing on speaking prophetically over regions. ch:

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Switzerland: Conference | Studio

16 Sep ’10 By 6 Comments

christopher hopper header switzerland

I must admit, I think I was 20 before I understood the differences between Swiss, Switzerland, and Sweden.

I’m such an American.

Now, however, I’m educated; no small thanks to their patience with me.

This weekend I’ll be speaking and leading worship at the “Discerning The Times” conference in Yverdon, followed by a week in the studio in the Swiss Alps where Jennifer and I will be translating the new “Heaven Meets Earth” album into French. I’m very happy to be partnering with YWAM in this venture to reach over 40 French speaking nations in the world.

I plan on doing some live broadcasting from in the studio, as well as posting a bunch of pictures during the 10-day trip. ch:

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Arrived in Yverdon

8 Jan ’10 By 7 Comments

We beat the storm. Yes, that monster creeping across the country consuming fruit in Florida and shutting down Chicago O’Hare. We slipped out of Washington-Dulles with just an hour to spare. Only to be greeted in Geneva with enough snow, wind, and turbulence to make everyone on the plane clap after touchdown.

The team loaded up in the van and arrived in Yverdon an hour later. Even Baby Judah was happy to see more than seat-backs, admiring the rolling hillsides and quaint architecture.

We took a brief nap here in the dorms of the School of Worship–doing our best to aclimate to the time change as fast as possible–then headed out for a brisk walk through the town. Tabitha pulls her collar up as high as she can, back to the wind, looking sharp in her dashing red coat. I think I shall call her Little Red.

We’ll retire early this evening, then head out for our first meeting, an all day Muscian’s Conference. I’ll be presenting both keynote messages, leading worship with Jenny and an indiginous group of awesome players, then Jenny and I teaching a workshop on Prophetic Worship.

Assuming they have wifi, I’ll try a few live feeds on uStream. Thanks for all your prayers! ch:

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