Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Christmas Choral Music

A couple weeks ago, my dad and sister and I had the blessing of singing in our church choir's Christmas cantata. Our director put together a program of several choral pieces interspersed with Scripture readings. We had about 20 choir members and a 7-piece orchestra, and though our performance wasn't on as grand a scale as those in the videos below, it was beautiful nonetheless.



Our program began with Dan Forrest's magnificent arrangement of O Come, All Ye Faithful. This particular video features several different high school and college choirs from south Mississippi - they performed it last year. We loved singing it and wish we could do it again!



We also sang three of Mack Wilberg's arrangements! Fum, Fum, Fum was fun to perform but difficult to learn - the time signature changes multiple times starting at 0:36, and the rhythm in the the bass and alto parts was tricky.



Away in a Manger - such a beautiful, peaceful song. We sang it again on Christmas Eve.



I Saw Three Ships - oh, and we thought Fum, Fum, Fum! was hard to learn! Goodness gracious. We called this one "The Beast". The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, of which Mack Wilberg is the director, performed it at an even faster tempo than we did (and ours was still fast!). At 2:14 all four parts begin going up the scale chromatically in half-steps and thirds (sorry! #theorynerdprobs) and it was incredibly difficult to sing the right notes, on pitch, with the correct rhythm. Needless to say, we felt like we could conquer the world when we finally learned it!

Also, side note: I got to play the glockenspiel at 1:16! That was new experience for me, but a fun one. Our choir director asked me less than a month before the performance, "Hey, can you play the glockenspiel part?" "Sure! Um...remind me...what is a glockenspiel?" "Oh, it's like a small xylophone. You know how to play the piano, so you can play it." "Okay...!?" "I won't be able to get a spare set for you to practice on before the dress rehearsal, so you'll have only one day to practice." No pressure, right?! Thankfully, he actually was able to get a spare set, so I had a few days to make sure I had my part down. It wasn't too hard, but with only two handbells ringing while I was playing (at first), the sound was so exposed. If I made a mistake, I knew the whole congregation would hear it!



Earlier in Advent, we sang this breathtaking arrangement of Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming by Jan Sandström. We didn't have enough choir members to have voices sing the "Oooo" part, so our pianist played that on the organ. We stood in the foyer of the church and it was incredible to hear all of our voices echo in that room and into the sanctuary.



Several times now, we've enjoyed hearing another nearby church choir perform at Christmas, and they always begin their program with this gorgeous arrangement of Of the Father's Love Begotten by Paul Wohlgemuth. I could listen to it a dozen times in a row and not get tired of it!

For the love of music, and in celebration of the birth of our Savior,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | BYU Vocal Point

So...y'all remember a series of Christmas Edition Stories & Songs posts from last year? {Here they are}

I haven't happened upon a lot of new Christmas music since then, but I have become a big fan of BYU Vocal Point...and they sing some really wonderful arrangements of Christmas songs. If you like a capella music, and you like Christmas, you'll enjoy these videos:

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

God Rest, Ye Merry Gentlemen

12 Days of Christmas

I'm Gettin' Nuttin' for Christmas

For the love of music, and in celebration of the birth of our Savior!

Rebekah

Album Review: Ellie Holcomb - As Sure As the Sun

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that my sister, Sarah, and I are really big fans of a precious Christian singer/songwriter named Ellie Holcomb. In November last year, Ellie announced that she had recently recorded her first full-length album...but instead of having a record label back the project and promote it, she asked her fans if they wanted to do it. Y'know, fund the whole thing and tell all their friends. Her fans responded with a resounding, "YES!!!"

(How could we not, after watching the promo video?!)

Not just a few fans of hers responded, either: 1,756 of them, to be exact. She hoped to raise $40,000 in 50 days. Well, let's just say that goal was met in three days...and by the time it was all said and done, they raised $108,176 (and broke a Kickstarter record)!

Of course Sarah and I were ecstatic to hear about the album, and we quickly decided that we'd go in together on a pledge amount...because on Kickstarter, the more you pledge, the more cool stuff you get: signed albums, t-shirts, posters, accessories like scarves and jewelry, etc. Then, after the $40,000 was raised, stretch goals were met and we got even more cool stuff: a pdf of handwritten stories behind the songs...vinyl records...a concert release party in Nashville...(we really wanted to go, but we just weren't able to get up there).

We were super excited when our "goodie box" came in the mail!



Then, a few weeks later, we met Ellie after the Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors concert in Oxford, Mississippi in April...what a blessing that was!



Anyways. Now that I've told you the story about all the fun we had backing Ellie on Kickstarter...let me tell you about the incredible album she recorded!

Sure As The Sun

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

Ellie wrote this song for her precious little girl, Emmylou, but said that it was really the truth that she herself needed to be reminded of. She wrote it from Hosea 6:3: “Let us acknowledge the Lord, let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear. He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth."

Marvelous Light

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

We first heard this song on the promo video for her Kickstarter project and loved it. Ellie was inspired to write this song by one of the characters in Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga. His secrets were exposed in front of the very people he was trying to hide from, and yet, “He moved through the days in peace and wonder, for his whole story had been told for the first time, and he found that he was still loved.” (North or Be Eaten!, p. 321) (Sarah and I recently filmed a video of us signing to this song!)

The Broken Beautiful

{audio} {official music video} {Ellie's story behind the song}

Ellie sings about how God can take the broken pieces in our lives and turn them into something beautiful for His glory. “You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 30:11. This song was released to Christian radio a few months ago and many people have discovered Ellie's music through it. You can hear her joy in the LORD as she sings!

My Portion and My Strength

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

One of my favorites to listen to on this album. "When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you; yet I am always with You. You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward You will lead me into glory. For whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.

Night Song

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

"Be the truth that sings into my darkness / The melody of love that leads me on / Be the voice that comforts all of my sadness / Oh even when the suffering is long / Be my night song." I loved hearing Ellie tell the story behind this song during the release concert livestream. The melody is so calming and so are the lyrics!

Love Never Fails

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

Right before Ellie sang this song during the release concert, she said, "I wanna rollerblade to this song!" :) It's far more than a catchy tune with lyrics about love; it speaks of the unconditional love of God, and us showing that same love to others. "Help me trust that this is true / Help me to love just like You do / Oh, LORD, help me to live like / Love never fails."

Love Broke Through

{audio}

This song is the most similar, in terms of the sound, to the music Ellie's husband, Drew, plays with his band. She never did write a story behind it on her blog! "Your love has called me out / Out of my sorrow, out of my broken places / Hope has been renewed / 'Cause there in the darkness, there in the darkness love broke through." Only because of the love of Christ and His life, death, and resurrection can we have eternal life and hope in Him.

 Only Hope I've Got

{audio}

Ellie sings of how we are so quick to claim the gifts God has given us as if they had come from ourselves, yet it is all because of His work in our lives and what He has given us that we have anything! I'm reminded of Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." James 1:17 also says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

The Valley

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

Ellie recorded this song several years ago with Drew's band; she wrote it for several friends who were struggling with depression. She wove several Psalms into the lyrics, and says that it tells her own story as much as her friends'. "So come and find me / in the darkest night of my soul / In the shadow of the valley / I am dying for You to make me whole."

Songs of Deliverance

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

The sweet Jillian Edwards Chapman sang with Ellie on this song, lending her high, clear voice to Ellie's rich alto. "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7. The hammered dulcimer adds so much to the ethereal effect of Ellie and Jillian's voices in this song!

Wanna Be Free

{audio} {Ellie's story behind the song}

“If the Son of God sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36. My first thought when I heard this song was, "Wow, Ellie, getting your inner Norah Jones on!" The organ and guitar combined with Ellie's soulful voice are awesome. "Oh, my Lord, come and set us all free."

Go to freeelliemusic.com to download a free sampler of songs from Ellie, including Marvelous Light and The Valley!

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs | Sam Robson - I Need Thee Every Hour

I never hear this hymn without thinking of a funny story about it:

Years ago, my sister, Sarah, and I read a book called "Wings of Gold" by Lance Patterson. It's based on his own experiences going through Officer Candidate School in the Marine Corps. He didn't hide from his drill instructors the fact that he is a Christian, and while they thought of him as a religious fanatic, they left him alone for the most part. One day he was running through an obstacle course, made particularly difficult because of a recent knee injury, so he started singing this hymn. A couple hours later, he was enjoying a nice hot shower when one of the other recruits started frantically telling him that his drill instructor wanted him in his office...pronto. Mr. Patterson wrapped himself in a towel, dripping wet, and went to the DI's office, thinking he was in trouble for something. Needless to say, he was quite surprised when the DI asked him to sing that song he was singing earlier that morning on the obstacle course. So he stood there, still dripping wet, in front of the DI and the rest of the people in the office...and sang this hymn. :)

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon Sam Robson's wonderful arrangement and recording of I Need Thee Every Hour, but I have greatly enjoyed listening to it over the last year or so. Sam does a fantastic job singing multi-part a capella hymns - check out his Youtube channel for more!

I need Thee every hour

Most gracious LORD

No tender voice like Thine

Can peace afford

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee

Every hour I need Thee

Oh, bless me now, my Savior

I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour

Stay Thou nearby

Temptations lose their power

When Thou art nigh

I need Thee every hour

In joy or pain

Come quickly and abide

Or life is in vain

I need Thee every hour

Most Holy One

Oh, make me Thine, indeed

Thou blessed Son

For the love of music and the glory of God,

Rebekah

PS - If you enjoyed Sam's arrangement, you might enjoy Vocal Point's, too. :)

Stories & Songs | Keith Urban - For You {Memorial Day Edition}

"Greater love has no one than this,

that someone lay down his life

for his friends."

John 15:13

The song that came to my mind this morning as we celebrate Memorial Day is Keith Urban's "For You", which he and Monty Powell co-wrote for the movie Act of Valor. The above verse is included in the lyrics!

I am so incredibly thankful for the thousands of brave soldiers, sailors, guardsmen, airmen, and Marines who have laid down their lives for us and for the freedoms we hold dear. To all of their family members and friends who have made such a sacrifice.... t h a n k  y o u.

(One of these days, I want to watch Act of Valor. I've heard it's good. And after you listen to this song, take a few minutes to listen to "Hymn to the Fallen", which John Williams wrote for Saving Private Ryan. It's absolutely beautiful.)

All I saw was smoke and fire
I didn’t feel a thing
But suddenly I was rising higher
And I felt like I just made
The biggest mistake
When I thought about my unborn child
When I thought about my wife
And the answer rang out clear
From somewhere up above
No greater gift has man
Than to lay down his life for love

And I wonder, would I give my life
Could I make that sacrifice
If it came down to it
Could I take the bullet, I would
Yes I would, for you

Maybe you don’t understand
I don’t understand it all myself
But there’s a brother on my left and another on my right
And in his pocket just like mine
He’s got a photograph
And they’re waiting for him back home
It’s weighing on my mind
I’m not trying to be a hero
I don’t wanna die
But right now in this moment, you don’t think twice

I wonder, would I give my life
Could I make that sacrifice
If it came down to it
Could I take the bullet, I would
Yes I would

You don’t think about right
You don’t think about wrong
You just do what you gotta do, to defend your own
I’d do the same
For you
Yes I would

I would give my life
I would make that sacrifice
Cause if it came down to it
Could I take a bullet
For you
Yes I would

I’d do it for you


For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

PS - you might enjoy this post from my old blog about visiting the National Cemetery in Biloxi two years ago!

Stories & Songs | Ave Maria - The U.S. Naval Academy Men's Glee Club

Several months ago, I stumbled upon a video of some of the members of Straight No Chaser (along with a few other guys) singing at the wedding of one of the founders, Dan Ponce. The arrangement of Ave Maria that they performed was unlike any I'd ever heard, and Randy Stine (who posted the video) said it was by a man named Franz Biebl. It was gorgeous and I loved listening to it!

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago, when I was watching videos of the Naval Academy Men's Glee Club. They are one of the finest choruses in the nation and my family has always loved hearing them perform. (Not in person - yet! Maybe one day, though!) Imagine my surprise and joy to find a video of them performing the same arrangement of Ave Maria that SNC did!

They sang the full song (over 7 minutes long, but worth it!) and the seniors were in the balcony of the church in which they performed. It's absolutely glorious and I wanted to share it with you!

Here's another video of the Glee Club if you want to hear more! This was from their Commissioning Week concert last May, and it includes clips of all the different styles of music they sing:

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs | MercyMe - This Life

I'm not sure if it was writer's block, or not being able to decide which song to write about, or just plain ol' procrastination, but so sorry for the absence of posts around here! (Actually, just face it, Rebekah, it was procrastination. Or maybe a little bit of writer's block, and a little bit of not deciding which song to write about...mixed in with a bunch of procrastination.)

Now that we've cleared that up.... (haha)

There's a funny story behind how I found out about this song!

About a year and a half ago, we were at a friend's Eagle Scout Court of Honor, and his mom had put together a slideshow of pictures from all the years he'd been in Scouting. It was a pretty long slideshow, and apparently he'd told her he wanted the background music to be "This Life" by MercyMe. The problem was, the slideshow was a lot longer than the song. As in two and a half times longer. So when the song started playing again, we all laughed, but we didn't mind because it's a great song!

And then the song started over again. Needless to say, the audience had it down pretty well by the end of the slideshow. :) But I immediately decided I really, really liked it! So I wanted to share it with you.

One of the best-known and loved bands in the Christian music industry has, for a long time, been a group from Texas known as MercyMe. This talented group of guys has released hit after hit on Christian radio and I still remember this one Sunday at church years ago when somebody sang I Can Only Imagine.

The song "This Life" is the upbeat opening track on MercyMe's 2010 record, The Generous Mr. Lovewell. The lyrics are what really make the song great - take a few minutes to listen and you'll know what I mean! "We were meant to shine, not just survive!"

This is not my home

(This is not my space)

This is not my style

(This is not my place)

Can't get comfortable

(Can't get settled in)

I simply don't belong

(Can't get used to this)

But I'm here right now

(I can hear you say)

Make the most of Me

(This wont go to waste)

If I'm out of my mind

(Yeah it's all for Christ)

If I'm making sense

(Then get it right)

Every moment is a chance

To let your light break through

This life (oh oh oh oh)

This life was meant to shine

This life (oh oh oh oh)

This life was meant to shine

I don't have to stall

(I don't have to wait)

Don't have to bide my time

('Til I make my escape)

'Cause heavens in my heart

(I won't settle for less)

I will lift your name

(By the life I live)

Every moment is a chance

To let your light break through

This life (oh oh oh)

This life was meant to shine

This life (oh oh oh)

This life was meant to shine

It's in my heart

It's in my soul

I'll live everyday

Just to make you known

'Cause this life

This life was meant to

Meant to shine

Hold your heads up high

This is our moment to rise

We were meant to shine

Not just survive

Hold your heads up high

This is our moment to rise

We were meant to shine

Not just survive

This life (oh oh oh)

This life was meant to shine

This life (oh oh oh)

This life was meant to shine

It's in my heart

It's in my soul

I'll live everyday

Just to make you known

'Cause this life (oh oh oh)

This life was meant to

Meant to shine

It's in my heart

It's in my soul

I'll live everyday

Just to make you known

'Cause this life (oh oh oh)

This life was meant to

Meant to shine

Oh oh oh

We were meant to shine!

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Straight No Chaser

A series of posts on Christmas music can't possibly be complete without featuring a group that is, hands down, one of the finest acapella ensembles performing today: Straight No Chaser. The video of their creative and brilliantly hilarious arrangement of The 12 Days of Christmas went viral in 2007, leading to a record deal with Atlantic Records, over half a dozen albums released, and sold-out shows in theaters all over the country!

A couple of Christmases ago, one of their members, Walter Chase, came up with a song that poked fun at the commercialization of Christmas...using the French Can-Can tune. Thus, The Christmas Can-Can. Then, just recently, the group came up with another: various music from The Nutcracker, with lyrics that tell the tale of a poor guy who just wants to watch football on a wintry Saturday afternoon...but his wife drags him with her to watch the classic Christmas ballet.

So grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit down and enjoy...Straight No Chaser. (I've included the lyrics, because believe me, the words go by so fast, you need them!)

The 12 Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas,

On the third day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas,

On the eighth day of Christmas,

Nine ladies dancing,

My true love gave to me

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying

You better not shout

You better not cry

You better not in a pear tree

On the ninth (NO)

On the eighth (NO)

On the seventh day of Christmas

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

(My true love gave to me)

Here we come a wassailing among the leaves so green

(Seven swans a-swimming,)

(Six geese a-laying,)

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

(Here we come a wassailing among the leaves so green)

The boars head in hand bear I be decked with bays

And Partridge in a pear tree

On the eleventh day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a-milking,

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying,

Five golden rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And Rudolf the red nose reindeer

On the 12th day of Christmas

I have a little dreidel

I made it out of clay and when it’s dry and ready

Oh dreidel I shall play

Oh dreidel dreidel dreidel…

On the 12th day of Christmas

do do do do do do

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Twelve drummers drumming like Olympus above the Serengeti,

Eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a-leaping,

Nine ladies dancing they were dancing for me,

Eight maids a-milking they were milking just for me,

I had Christmas down in Africa (5x)

(Five golden rings) (3x)

Gonna deck the halls and do the things we never had

Do do do do do do

Partridge in a big tree

Partridge in a big tree

The Christmas Can-Can

Christmas, Christmas time is here

And Christmas songs you love to hear.

Thoughts of joy and hope and cheer

But mostly shopping, shopping, shopping!

Christmas, Christmas time is here

The sleigh bells and the red nose deer.

Song and songs we love to hear

All played a thousand times each year.

Heard this same song twenty times

And it’s only Halloween!

(Joy To The World)

(I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day on Christmas Day)

Christmas, Christmas time is here

(Hark The Herald Angels Sing)

And Christmas songs you love to hear

(Joy To The World)

Thoughts of joy and hope and cheer

But mostly shopping, shopping, shopping!

Christmas season, starting sooner every year!

It’s October!

Stores with plastic Christmas trees!

Ransack the mall!

Shopping till you loose your mind!

Spike the eggnog!

Sit back and watch Rudolph, Frosty, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge, the Grinch or Charlie Brown

It’s time!

(hey)

It’s time to do the Christmas Can-Can

If you can’t can’t dance

Well that’s’ ok!

Not going to do the kick line!

All you need is a tree, some lights

presents wrap them up and pray for snow!

(Ho!)

Run to your closet,

Find your Christmas sweater,

Screaming carols all the way!

(fa la la la la la)

Maine all the way to California,

It’s the Christmas Can-Can,

Halloween to Christmas Day!

It’s the most wonderful time of year,

We’re running mad with Christmas cheer!

(Hey what’s the trouble with you my friend?)

It’s not fair if you’re Jewish, Jewish.

Not fair if you’re Jewish, Jewish.

Dradle, dradle dradle

I made it out of clay!

You realize that Christmas ain’t the only holiday!

(oy)

Hey he’s right, who made these laws?

Look! Wait here comes Santa Claus!

Santa Claus! Santa Claus! Santa Claus! Santa Claus!

Santa, Santa, Santa, Santa,

Santa, Santa, Santa, Santa!

GUYS!

Hey Santa do the can-can,

Help them if you can-can,

Join in the parade!

(I’m gonna go grab some Chinese food.)

All you need is tree, some lights, about a thousand

presents wrap them up and pray for snow!

(Ho!)

Run to your closet,

Find your Christmas sweater,

Screaming carols all the way!

(fa la la la la la)

France all the way to Indiana,

It’s the Christmas Can-Can,

That’s the end!

WAIT!

For our ending we should share this holiday

hava nagila…Happy Hanukkah to you,

a happy Hanukkah to you,

a happy Hanukkah to you,

A Merry Christmas, Hanukkah,

and also Kwanzaa!

A Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah

And Merry Kwanzaa too!

(ho)

The Nutcracker

Hooray it’s Christmastime

But there’s one lousy tradition

There’s a certain show that we will see

That is old and many would agree

It is time to find another show to substitute for the Nutcracker

I’m watching the game but something’s wrong

Staring is my wife her face looks long

I know that look it must be me

It’s not our anniversary

I shrug, no clue.

“What did I do?”

She stands in disbelief

WHAT?

This holiday scene brings no laughter

Forced going to see the Nutcracker

I tried to block it from my mind

Think fast! What reason can I find?

Got work to do

I’ll fake the flu

No chance, I’m done, I’m screwed

NO!

I’ve seen the Nutcracker twenty times.

Sure it is fun if you are four.

BUM!

Don’t call me a Scrooge cause it’s a bore.

The story’s dated and that mouse-king-thing freaks me out!

Well, guess I’m a guy what can I say

I’d rather watch football than ballet

I try my hardest not to grown

And pull the score up on my phone

As I complain,

“It’s not the same.”

We’re rushing out the door

GO!

All holiday shoppers on the road

My holiday spirit might explode

Of course there is no place to park

We’re late the theater’s in the dark

In no small feat

We find a seat

The show’s about to start.

SHH!

Here’s that song from Tetris

And I know it’s the part when I fight

Not to fall asleep

March the wooden soldiers

Bunch of mice start a fight

Land of sweets

Man this stuff’s trippy.

By the way this story makes no sense

Still don’t know

What it means

After all these years

So confusing

Feel like snoozing

Eyes are heavy

As I start to dream…

Whoa I’m awake must’ve fallen asleep guess I didn’t snore or make a peep

Cause my wife had no clue I’d been out-cold

Is the finale coming up because there is no beer left in my cup

To make it through I’ll need another drink

Snuck out to the lobby

Oh look I found a TV

I forgot the game was happening

It’s down to the wire

Time will soon expire

Down by one this kick would win it

HUT-HUT!

The ball’s snapped

OH NO!

The kick’s bad

RIGHT RIGHT!

No, we lost!

NO!

How could this night get any worse?

Now I’m feeling all depressed

But I still have to act impressed

A pirouette oh wow that’s great a six year-old could do that too

Saw my team lose at the bar

Now dancing dudes in leotards

Last Nutcracker hopefully

But my wife’s thinking differently

She leans in closely, whispers softly

Can’t wait for you to take me next year.

For the love of music (and, obviously, acapella singing!),
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Rascal Flatts - I'll Be Home for Christmas

I'll Be Home for Christmas is a favorite for many people, and with good reason! You often hear classic jazz arrangements in the style of the original recording by Bing Crosby. I wanted to share with you an arrangement that I enjoy listening to - a little different from the original, because this time, it's three guys singing acapella! Rascal Flatts, known for their wonderful blend and tight harmonies, sing it in a video that reflects their lives as artists who are often on the road close to Christmas:



For the love of music,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Michael W. Smith - It's a Wonderful Christmas (album)

One of my family's favorite Christmas records is by one of Christian music's most well-known and loved artists, Michael W. Smith. We were somewhat familiar with his worship recordings, but when Sarah bought his album Freedom, we realized what a gift he has for composing instrumental music. She also purchased his Christmas album, released in 2007 and entitled It's a Wonderful Christmas. It was recorded at London's famed Abbey Road studios with a 65-piece orchestra and 4 choirs! Michael W. Smith writes beautiful music that could easily be mistaken for the soundtrack to a movie - I think you'll enjoy the sampling below!


It's a Wonderful Christmas


Song for the King


One of my favorites on this album is a grand choral piece entitled Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah.


For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Lincoln Brewster - O Holy Night

Several years ago, my sister, Sarah, found out about a worship leader in California who is also quite an accomplished electric guitar player. A little unusual, right? I mean, most worship leaders lead with...acoustic guitars. This guy's name is Lincoln Brewster, and I'm not kidding when I say his guitar playing is very nearly comparable (in difficulty and virtuosity) to Keith Urban's and John Mayer's. (Actually, I've heard it said that Lincoln copies John Mayer all the time, but who doesn't?! The guy's a master at it!)

Anyways, last year Lincoln released a Christmas CD entitled Joy to the World: A Christmas Collection. On that CD is a recording of O Holy Night that's a bit of a departure from the standard grand, orchestral version you hear at Christmastime. In actuality, with Lincoln's guitar playing, he added an extra bit of oomph that, dare I say, made it even better? You be the judge. I happen to like it, but if you don't, no big deal. :) Lincoln's arrangement also includes part of Leonard Cohen's famous song, "Hallelujah", at the end, followed by a magnificent crescendo for the final chorus. Enjoy!




For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | Drew and Ellie Holcomb & The Neighbors - Baby, It's Cold Outside

Y'all know how much we love Drew and Ellie around here! (Previous Stories & Songs posts: Live Forever and I Place My Hope) A few years ago, they recorded the wintertime classic Baby, It's Cold Outside. I went to look up who recorded it and the list was enormous!

They sing it wonderfully well, but watching the video is even better. Drew and Ellie have such a chemistry performing together and the expressions on their faces during this song really make the video. :) Plus, the Neighbors provide a perfect vintage sound to accompany them, especially with the upright bass and hollowbody electric guitar.

Wherever you are, whether it's cold outside or not...enjoy!




For the love of music,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | The Piano Guys

How could you possibly not love The Piano Guys?! YouTube sensations and incredibly talented musicians, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson and pianist Jon Schmidt (together with videographer/producer Paul Anderson and music producer/songwriter Al Van Der Beek) have delighted millions of people with their music over the last few years.

The day after Christmas two years ago, we gathered with some friends to enjoy an evening of music, food, and fellowship. Most of us were classical musicians, and there were several pianists in the group - but we also had some violinists and a cellist! That cellist asked if any of the pianists could sight read, and I said sure, I'd be glad to. He handed me a stack of music, and I gasped when I looked at the top:

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel...............arranged by Steven Sharp Nelson and Marshall McDonald"

"STEVEN SHARP NELSON!!!! You've got to be kidding me!!!! We're about to play something arranged by Steven Sharp Nelson?!?!?"

We did. It was quite an experience, because it's an absolutely gorgeous arrangement. I fumbled my way through the piano accompaniment, while our cellist friend played the melody. As soon as we got home that night, I downloaded The Piano Guys' recording on iTunes. Here it is!






Well, that was a couple years ago...and just a couple weeks ago, the guys released a new Christmas video! In the same style as their One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful cover, they (all!) play Angels We Have Heard on High on a piano! Enjoy!




For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs - Christmas Edition! | GLAD: An Acapella Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner! (Yay! And yikes! Where did the time go?!) We started listening to Christmas music yesterday - my family has a big pile of CDs that we rotate through frequently throughout December. I thought I'd share with you some of our favorites! (I'll be posting a series over the next few days!)

We have always had a great love for men's acappella singing in my family, and one of the groups we enjoy listening to the most is GLAD. They aren't quite as well known now, but since the 80's and 90's they have been regarded as one of the best in that genre. When Sarah and I were little, we had a tape that we nearly wore out, we listened to it so much. (I can still remember hearing it over and over again one freezing cold winter as we drove to and from Iowa to visit my mom's family!)

A couple of years ago, Sarah bought the CD of that tape, so we can still listen to it...over and over again! Here are two of the songs on it...take a few minutes to listen and enjoy!

Glory to God

For Unto Us

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs | CALEB - Kingdom of Me

Hi everybody! It's been way too long since I last posted anything on here. Fact is, I couldn't think of any songs in particular that I wanted to blog about...but I finally remembered about this one the other day. :)

A few years ago, Steven Curtis Chapman's sons Caleb and Will Franklin and their friend Scott Mills started a band, simply called CALEB. Just recently they changed the name to Colony House, after an apartment complex in Franklin, TN where they had all lived at one time or another. (It makes sense; after all, if you search "CALEB" you're going to come up with a bazillion different results, almost none of which are what you're looking for!)

My sister, Sarah, told me about this song a while back, and I love it. The lyrics are the kind that really make you think. Take a listen and enjoy!

I drew a line

Said this is where I'm safe and I feel fine

I drew a line

Satisfied, I lived inside that box for quite awhile

Unsatisfied

I think there's a problem I hadn't thought of

Who I am, who I am

Up in my castle I sit on my throne

While the streets hold disaster but no nothing more
Ooooh, I'm a fool, I'm a coward
I sail my ship out to sea

Look behind, see the kingdom of me

Away I ran

From this moment placed in time for me to stand
Away I ran
Scared to see this monster that has taken over me

Too scared to see

Up in my castle I count all my gold

While my kingdom is drowning in tears from the poor

Ooooh, I'm a fool, I'm a cold heart

When I look at my crown
I see blood, I see fear
I see down, down, down

When will I learn
That it doesn't get much better till you turn
You gotta turn yourself around

Up in my castle I tear down my throne
Cast my crown to the ocean and bury my gold
Ooooh, I have finally found that

When I look past my pride, I see love come to life
For this kingdom to be

Is much more than the kingdom of me

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs | Rascal Flatts - A Little Home

Several years ago, it seemed like the same trio won every Group of the Year award there was to win in the country music business...every single year. Their heyday might be over now, but you have to admit, there was a reason for their success. They're really good.

We call them Flatts.

Gary LeVox, his second cousin Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney together make up one of the most loved and well-known groups in country music called Rascal Flatts. Their first album debuted in 2000 and they have been turning out hit records ever since. You don't have to listen to country radio long before you hear their distinct tight harmonies and polished sound.

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon what I thought was just a quote on Pinterest:

"Sometimes you just need a little home,

A little 'Hey, you've been gone way too long.'"

Then the thought occurred to me that it might be the lyrics of a song. So I Googled it. Well, whaddyaknow, it was a Rascal Flatts song that I'd never heard. It has quickly become one of my favorite Flatts songs! It's a lesser-known track on their 2012 album, Changed.

We all know someone - a friend or family member - who lives far away, maybe for a short time (college, deployment) or more long term (move, different job). This song talks about those people who aren't as close to home as they used to be and how special it is for them to get a little piece of home...maybe a phone call, or a Skype chat, or a letter or package in the mail. I'm not one of those people at the moment myself, but I do always think of a friend or two who I haven't seen in a long time.

Fifth floor

She's up in her dorm

Studyin' for her midterms

She's had one of those weeks

Where the world it seems is against her

Right on cue a picture pops up on her laptop

She can't pick her cell phone up fast enough

Sometimes you just need a little home

Some "Hey mom and dad what's goin' on?

I'm just checkin' in

No there ain't nothing wrong"

Sometimes you just need a little home

Well he's tired, sits down in the sand

Shoe box in his hand, half a world away

And he smiles when he sees who it's from

He lays down his gun, no he can't wait

Cards and letters and something sweet

He takes a bite and reads

How everybody sends their love, he tears up

Sometimes you just need a little home

A little let you know you're not alone

To carry in your heart

And keep your spirit strong

Sometimes you just need a little home

(Sometimes) I'd like to drive back through that little town

(Sometimes) And get my feet back on

Get my feet back on the ground

Sometimes you just need a little home

A little "hey you've been gone way too long"

Yeah way too long

No matter how grown up you get

No matter how far you roam

Sometimes you just need a little home

(Home sweet home)

Sometimes you just need a little home

"Hey mom and dad, what's goin' on?"

For the love of music,

Rebekah

Stories & Songs | Ellie Holcomb - I Place My Hope

Even though I wrote about Drew & Ellie Holcomb's song Live Forever not too long ago on my blog, I wanted to share with you a gorgeous new song from Ellie. She released an album in August that I keep forgetting to go on ahead and purchase - from what I've heard so far, it's really good!

One of the songs on her album is called I Place My Hope, and the lyrics are so beautiful and encouraging. The song is also beautiful musically - one of the things that caught my attention immediately was the guitar intro. It's in drop D tuning, which gives it a really rich, deep sound (it reminds me a lot of the intro to Lori McKenna's song Luxury of Knowing).

Whenever I hear this song I'm reminded to pray for some dear friends that are walking through a valley right now - please pray for the Phillips family as Mr. Randy battles cancer.
(Update: on October 1st, the LORD took Mr. Randy home to be with Him. We praise God that he is healed completely but our hearts grieve for his family. Even if you're reading this post days, weeks, or months later, please take a moment to lift them up in prayer.) 

The troubles of my heart

They're tearing me apart

How I need Your saving hand

To grant me a new start

Lonely and afraid

I call upon Your name

Save me from my enemies

And cover all my shame

I will lift my eyes

From this fragile life

For You will rescue me

You are my Prince of Peace

And I lift up my soul

To You who makes things whole

Oh, mercy love of old

In You I place my hope

I place my hope

So guide me in Your truth

Be my strong refuge

Oh, forgive my doubting heart

And lead me back to You

Help me to believe

Your love is all I need

Even when the storm is strong

You will provide for me

I will lift my eyes

From this fragile life

For You will rescue me

You are my Prince of Peace

And I lift up my soul

To You who makes things whole

Oh, mercy love of old

In You I place my hope

I place my hope

Even in my darkest place

There's a promise I will claim

Those whose hope is in Your grace

They will never be ashamed

I will lift my eyes

From this fragile life

You will rescue me

You are my Prince of Peace

And I lift up my soul

To You who makes things whole

Oh, mercy love of old

In You I place my hope

I place my hope

I place my hope

In You I place my hope

For the love of music and the glory of God,
Rebekah

Stories & Songs | Il Volo - Smile

Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while (as in, a couple years ago, ever since I first started!) may remember me mentioning the Italian trio, Il Volo. They were just starting to tour in America at the time, and since then, they've taken over the world! :)

The producers of a popular Italian TV talent show, Ti lascio una canzone, decided to put three contestants together to see how they would sound: tenors Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto and baritone Gianluca Ginoble. They quickly won the hearts of the Italian people with their incredibly strong, mature voices - and the oldest was sixteen! Gianluca won the competition, but the three continued to sing together. Their debut album was released in Italy two years later, and went platinum in six months - with almost no promotion, simply because people remembered and loved them so much! The album was released in the US a few months later, and thus they were introduced to the American public. They've since toured all over the world and have taped two specials for PBS.

One of my favorite songs from their debut album is called Smile. It was written as an instrumental piece by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 movie, Modern Times. The lyrics were later added by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons in 1954, and the song was recorded by Nat King Cole the same year. Michael Jackson also recorded it, as have countless artists.

This song is so beautiful - I hope you enjoy it!

Smile when your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

 If you smile through your fear and sorrows
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You see the sun come shinning through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide any trace of sadness
Although a tear be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you just smile

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by 

 That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying
You'll find life is still worth while 

If you'll smile

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by

If you smile
Smile
You'll find that life is still worth while 

If you'll just smile
Smile
You'll find that life is still worth while
If you'll just..
Smile


For the love of music,
Rebekah

The Stories & Songs of Andrew Peterson {Guest Post by Mamie Rose Carlstrom}

A couple of months ago, my dear friend Mamie pinned Andrew Peterson's new album on Pinterest, and I commented and asked her if she'd ever want to do a guest post about his music on my blog. She responded with an enthusiastic, "Yes, PLEASE!".  I was only slightly familiar with Andrew Peterson's music until recently, but since Mamie is a wonderful writer and has been a long-time fan of his, I knew she would do a beautiful job telling you all about him. Happy reading, and happy listening!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Could it be that the many roads

You took to get here

Were just for me to tell this story

And for you to hear this song

And your many hopes

And your many fears

Were meant to bring you here all along.”

Many Roads | from the album Counting Stars

In September of last year, I sat down on the front row in a little concert hall in Nashville, TN. I was here to see my favorite artist perform a release show for his brand new album “Light for the Lost Boy.” I was trembling with excitement for several reasons. (One of which was the fact that others such as Steven Curtis Chapman and his family, Jason Gray, and several others were sitting in the very same auditorium several pews behind me, but that is beside the point.) It was because I knew this music was powerful. I’d been listening to Andrew Peterson for as long as I could remember, and it had never ceased to do wondrous things in my soul.

To be honest, I’d been having a pretty tough year. It was also a great year, don’t get me wrong, but at the same time, things had happened that’d chewed up my little girl heart and left it lost in the wilderness clinging to Jesus.

It just so happened that the ten new songs he was about to sing were all about the process of growing up and being made into something new.

 (Picture credit: Mamie Carlstrom)

And so I sat with anticipation. Knowing that somehow, God was going to use this in my life.

And boy, did He ever.

I ended up sobbing through most of the concert. Tears were literally streaming down my face.
It wasn’t bad crying.
Instead it was catharsis.
It was letting go.
It was healing.

“It's there on the page of the book that I read

The boy grew up and the yearling was dead

He stood at the gate with the angel on guard

And wept for the death of his little boy heart

I say, ‘Come back soon.’

We wake in the night in the womb of the world

We beat our fists on the door

We cannot breathe in this sea that swirls

So we groan in this great darkness

For deliverance

Deliverance, O Lord”

Come Back Soon | from the album Light for the Lost Boy

Andrew Peterson (henceforth “AP”) is like none other that I’ve ever listened to. He’s like the musical cross between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.  He cuts one deep to the soul. I’m often left aching because he so poignantly sums up what I’m feeling.

“Love is not a feeling in your chest,

it is bending down to wash another’s feet,

it is faithful when the sun is in the west

and in the east.”

For the Love of God | from the album The Far Country

“It knocked me down, it dragged me out,

it left me there for dead.

It took all the freedom I wanted and gave me something else instead.

It blew my mind, it bled me dry, it hit me like a long goodbye,

and nobody here knows better than I that it’s a good thing.

Love Is A Good Thing | from the album Resurrection Letters Vol. II

What I love about AP is the fact that he somehow combines passion with gentleness. He can soothe and convict all in the same breath. I’m sitting here trying to write this, but really, all I want to do is copy down every single one of his lyrics ever and let you read them. Or better yet, post links to all of the songs on YouTube and lock you in a closet for 24 hours so that you’ll have time to listen to all of the beautifulness.

  (Picture credit: Mamie Carlstrom)

AP is husband to Jamie, and a father to two boys and a girl. Several of his songs are directed at them. (For example: Family Man, You’ll Find Your Way, World Traveler, Dancing in the Minefields, to name just a few.)

“Like their father, they are looking for a home

Looking for a home beyond the sea

So be their God and guide them

Till they lie beneath these hills

And let the great God of their father

Be the great God of their children,

Let the great God of my fathers

Be the great God of my children still.”

God of My Fathers | from the album Counting Stars

AP is not only a songwriter. He also writes books and is a regular contributor for his community website “The Rabbit Room.” Recently he wrote a letter to his little boy that really grabbed my heart. You can read it here.

“But everything I had to lose

Came back a thousand times in you

And you fill me up with love

Fill me up with love

And you help me stand

'cause I am a family man.”

Family Man | from the album Love & Thunder

Listening to AP’s music is not unlike going on a journey, a journey through our lives. During the span of our years we go through valleys and stand on mountaintops. We feel close to the heavens and in the pits. But every step of the way our Jesus stays close, whispering His love. His promises are “written in a script of stars.”

We are eaten by the ache for the reckoning, we are restless to see God’s face, and yet in the waiting and the asking of “how long?” we carry our cross and sing on.

“And when the world is new again

And the children of the King

Are ancient in their youth again

Maybe it's a better thing

A better thing

To be more than merely innocent

But to be broken then redeemed by love

Maybe this old world is bent

But it's waking up

And I'm waking up

'Cause I can hear the voice of one

He's crying in the wilderness

"Make ready for the Kingdom Come"

Don't you want to thank someone for this?

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallalujah! Hallelujah!

Come back soon

Come back soon.”

Don’t You Want to Thank Someone | from the album Light For the Lost Boy

If you have never listened to Andrew Peterson, I highly encourage you to do so. Look him up on YouTube or create a Pandora Station…better yet take the plunge and support his family by buying a song or two or three. Which ever it is, sit back and let yourself be enveloped in the deep lyrics and melodic notes. Take time to listen carefully, you might just find a little bit of your story told within the folds of the melodies.

Mamie Rose Carlstrom is a nineteen year-old young woman seeking to devote every area of her life to Christ. She loves reading, writing, family, the color gray, music, dancing, movies, travel, modest fashion, Adventures in Odyssey (don’t laugh), photography, the Green Bay Packers, meeting famous people, and healthy smoothies. Not necessarily in that order.
She scribbles blog posts at: www.ransomedbyone.wordpress.com.
And her Pinterest page can be found here.

Stories & Songs | Ben Rector - Ordinary Love

Don't you love it? You find out about an artist, listen to some of their music, get addicted to it, and forever look back on that day as "the day I became a fan of [insert artist's name]!!"

That day was only a couple weeks ago with Ben Rector.

And boy, was I hooked. Immediately. There are a handful of singer/songwriter/musicians out there who are not that well known, but should be...and Ben Rector is one of them.

I think I found out about Ben through a friend of a friend, or maybe some acquaintance's Instagram or Twitter or Facebook...at any rate, somewhere on the world wide web. I listened to some of his music a few months ago and liked it (a little), but pretty much forgot about it. Then my sister, Sarah, re-discovered him a few weeks ago and really liked what she heard, so of course she told me about it. And then we both started to get really excited, because Ben was releasing a new album called The Walking In Between - soon!

Long story short, we could. not. wait for August 20th!! Especially after hearing a few short clips from live performances of the new songs. The day fiiiiiiinally arrived - yesterday! - and we eagerly listened to the preview on iTunes. I think I'm going to have to buy the whole record eventually, but for now I'm going to listen to this one particular song over and over and over and over.

It's called Ordinary Love. And it's wonderfully opposite from so many songs out there that speak of wanting fame, fortune, and relationships where everything is perfect. Instead, Ben masterfully writes of looking for a ordinary life, an ordinary love, because there is such beauty in it. As Ben wrote on his website, "...I hope you turn “Ordinary Love” up too loud and after the second or third listen understand and feel what about those words made me want to sing them."

I don’t want to be no star

Have fame on the boulevard

No, that’s not what I’m looking for

I don’t need shiny things

Or love from a movie screen

But I tell you what I really want

Oh oh, oh oh

Give me an ordinary love

That I touch, that I hold

Give me an ordinary love

I don’t live in the hills

And I probably never will

But that won’t keep me up at night

Because she’s dancing like a fool

Across my living room

Whenever I’m with you

My heart is singing

Oh oh, oh oh

Give me an ordinary love

That I touch, that I hold

Give me an ordinary love

Keep those fancy things

Keep your magazines

I don’t even want what I’m chasing

Because all I know

Is that ordinary love is what we’re made for

Oh oh oh oh

Give me an ordinary love

That I touch that I hold

Give me an ordinary love

For the love of music and the glory of God,

Rebekah