Sound of Music
The title complements one of Matt’s latest. :)
My quest for music has not ended, but it has successfully fulfilled a few missions:
Jamie Soles, The Way My Story Goes. I love this one. It’s fun, simple, clear, and I might now be able to tell you about a few of Israel’s judges and later kings! Most of the Bible stories on this CD are Old Testament, but almost all of the songs on the Old Testament tie the story back to Jesus and the gospel, so that it’s not about knowing obscure facts but about knowing the history of redemption. I definitely plan on getting his other Bible stories CD at some point. And, I hear from Tim that he’ll soon be releasing a CD on the Psalms of Ascents, which Pastor Craig is preaching through right now….so that will probably go on the list, too. :)
Ruth Holleran, To This Generation. I went out on a limb on this one, buying it just on listening to a few short clips. It’s mostly Bible verses set to simple music, along with songs for the books of the Bible. The first impression I had on listening to it was that, but for the content, it might fit into NPR’s Saturday music selection….but this is from someone with absolutely no musical background or knowledge. With that disclaimer, I think it’s a little bluegrassy. It’s just a lady with a very soprano voice and a guitar. It’s ok. It’s about twice as long as my tolerance can take, though…for the first half hour I like it, then the second half hour begins grating on me. But, the second half contains a bunch of Proverbs and other verses focussing on laziness/diligence/working, which is the reason I actually bought it. :)
Mark Altrogge, et al, Hide the Word series. Hans did get these for Christmas — all six! — from his generous Baba (Papa). But after listening to only a minute of one song, I realized the tag should have had my name on it, not Hans’! These aren’t children’s music; they are Bible verses set in a contemporary rock style. The vocals remind me of Caedmon’s Call, although their music isn’t as folky. All the CDs are really good, though; I highly recommend them!
Another artist whom I did not purchase but is still on my “perhaps in the future” list is Judy Rogers.
Hi! Ruth Holleran here. Tickled that you reviewed my CD.
Just wanted to mention my BS degree in Music Education! I was 41 when I made my CD. Many years have passed since I majored in voice. I am a mother of 6 and homeschooling, so my voice–and guitar skills (I was not taught guitar formally) –have suffered in the cause of raising children.
I have longed dreamed of recording my songs, which I put in two categories: jingles and Art. After 9/11 I decided I wouldn’t put it off any longer–life is short and it was time to do it. It was recorded in the fall of 2001.
I always saw this album as a teaching tool, and not an Art album. I wish I could have had a producer, and other musicians on it, but here in rural Vermont we do what we can, alone.
Thanks for including my CD on my site.
P.S. That first side really irks me. I wish I could find another place for the “Books of the Old Testament”. It is long, and and the tune “Did you ever see a Lassie” doesn’t do anything for me! But it is my favorite song for teaching the first 39 books, because it groups them in the five categories.