Friday, December 29, 2006

Music - what a gift to us!

I've been blessed recently by listening to some amazing music - by that I mean that I appreciate the composition as well as (and especially) the lyrics.
If you haven't checked these out - might I recommend:

http://www.redmountainchurch.org/rmm/alb/albums.html - a group of church musicians who have recorded several collections of old hymns - many to new arrangements - I especially treasure the CD's - Depth of Mercy, and The Gadsby Project.

http://www.jimspencermusic.com/index.asp - His Faithfulness - The Poetry of Amy Carmichael - which has been set to music by Jim Spencer - you can check out some sound bites at the website.

Today I received an "old friend" in the mail. My favourite CD for some time was Mercy in the Wilderness by Steve Camp - full of great songs for reflection - Christ Died for God, We stand in Grace, the Beauty of Holiness etc. I had purchased it used at Chumleighs without knowing what a treasure I was getting. Then, at some point, I lent it out, but completely forgot who to. I've been looking for a replacement for some time as it is no longer being sold, and last week found someone by googling who had a "nearly mint" copy for a very reasonable price. It was great to listen to the words again tonight.

My dear nephew Andrew also put me on to Indelible Grace music - another group of wise people who have rediscovered the depth of truth in some of the older hymns. I haven't ordered yet, but there is lots to listen to at: http://www.igracemusic.com/

I'm sure this doesn't even scratch the surface of what is available out there in terms of beautiful sound combined with sound meaning.

What are you recommending these days?