It’s been a while since I fired up the recording software to make some new music. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve returned to one of my most beloved hymns and gave it a bit of a sonic update. I continue to enjoy Studio One 5 and the multiplicity of sounds and instruments that are available on the internet for free (or close to it).
It was my honor and distinct pleasure to return to the ETT Conference this year. It’s certainly one of my favorite annual conferences and I’m happy that it has reconvened after taking a year off owing to Covid. Below you’ll find the two lectures I presented this year as mp3 files, as well as a YouTube link to the second lecture. My assigned topic was “The Importance of the Local Church,” a subject I was more than happy to address. Again, thanks to Elders Pickett and Spickard for the invite and for letting me stand behind their pulpit one more time.
I actually started this little ditty before the holidays. Then, a virus got me. But, today my head cleared a bit and I could hear (thank God). So, I finished what I started. This is a “sketch,” or musical profile that looks to capture the joy and trepidation of Christmas Eve. It’s called “Visions of Sugarplums.”
It was probably the late 70’s when Ron Spann penned this song. Ron and I met in Los Angeles around 1984 and played music together for a while. We are friends to this day and have recorded each other’s songs, together and separately. I’ve always enjoyed his tune “You Gotta’ Have Faith.” His original arrangement was a 12/8 shuffle, light and bouncy. I decided to make it a bit more “groove oriented” but keep the 80’s feel. So here, for your dining and dancing pleasure, is my version of my friend’s song.
I have always liked this song, especially the lyrics. It was written by Robert Lowry and first published in 1876. The original music is very upbeat, singable, and written in a major key. So, I decided to take it in a different direction. The verse lyrics are very poignant, so I decided they needed to be in a minor key, switching to major for the choruses. I recently obtained (for free, no less!) a really nice sample of a mountain dulcimer. That seemed like the perfect place to begin. And things grew from there.
Once again, this song was recorded using Studio One 5, of which I never tire. Enjoy this new approach to an old song.
Owing to various health struggles, I was unable to join the Texas chapter of the Sovereign Grace Bible Conference last week. I hear they had a splendid time. I did, at Elder Wren’s request, record two audio lessons on the subject of prayer.
The following links will connect you with those lessons. The titles of the two lessons are:
In response to a request this morning, I am making this morning’s notes available here.
This morning was a not a typical meeting at GCA. Instead of a Bible study, we spent the morning sharing with one another about God’s goodness and provision through an otherwise difficult, crazy year. Consequently, there is no new audio message for Jan 3, 2021, but I did make some opening comments that include our internet listeners, so I have posted that audio here.