Here we are, moving into the tail end of the summer season. As we look forward to the beginning of a new school year and a change in the light and the weather, let's let music accompany our transition.
Got a song you just love? Email musicwppc@gmail.com to tell Jeff about it!
Painting: "Music Is in the Air" by John Bramblitt
Read...
I began today with gratitude -- a wonderful start to any day! On this particular morning, it was gratitude for our friend and WPPC member Carolyn Merritt! She turned me on to this song and this artist, whom I hadn't heard before.
Jazzmeia Horn is a relative newcomer on the jazz scene, drawing heavily on her heritage as a black woman, infusing her jazz with African sounds and American gospel. Her interpretations are edgy. The songs are full of immediacy and vitality, messages of equality and living without it. This song comes from her first album, A Social Call. It's an interpretation of an old Spiritual -- in fact, it's a second traditional version of one that we sing from our hymnal on occasion: "Over My Head, I hear music in the air..." When Carolyn told me I should look up Ms. Horn, I asked if she'd like to offer any thoughts for when I shared the song. Here's what she has to say:
"I heard this song on the radio while driving (and only once). Although the rendition was very different from the hymnal version, I recognized and really enjoyed it. My radio displays both singer and song name while it's playing, so I just kept repeating it to myself over and over until I was able to pull over and write it down......Thanks to KNKX for playing it!"
Up above my head I hear music in the air Up above my head There's a melody so bright And fair I can hear when I'm all alone Even in those times when I feel all hope is gone Up above my head I hear joy bells ringing Up above my head I hear angels singing There must be a God somewhere There must be a God somewhere
Listen...
Pray...
God Somewhere,
Thank you for the music that reminds me you are there.
Even in our separation, God, help us to feel the deep delight of your love for all. Amen.