God on the Rocks: Distilling Religion, Savoring Faith

Roaming from his evangelical roots to discover a successful career in Americana music, Madeira boils away the detritus of religion to discover a faith "on the rocks": sometimes leaving him stranded on the rocky shore, sometimes savored like a smooth drink on a summer's day, but always leading to a God "not worrying about changing or chastising his broken children, but singing in a low, guttural hum, forged in the heat of his passion for humans, a God almighty love song." Just like a sweet old hymn can rekindle even a doubting cynic's longing for God, Madeira's beckoning voice can turn a wandering heart toward home with laughter and hope.

Phil Madeira is a musician, songwriter, producer, and singer. He has performed or collaborated with major recording artists like Alison Krauss, Elvis Costello, Phil Keaggy, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, The Civil Wars, and many more. He is currently a member of Emmylou Harris' band, The Red Dirt Boys, and the creator of the album Mercyland: Hymns for the Rest of Us. God on the Rocks is his first book. Madeira lives in Nashville, TN.