Have you ever dreamed of being on stage, singing your guts out as the next American Idol finalist or for anyone who would listen? Okay, maybe you’re only brave enough to sing your guts out in the shower when no one but your dog is home to hear. Either way, I have good news for YOU!
Alex Boyé (http://www.alexboye.com/), entertainer extraordinaire, recently started conducting workshops (http://www.stagepresencelive.com/ ) tailored to teach you how to be a much better stage performer. His workshop will help you “be brave” on stage AND give you the secret for selling twice as many CDs.
Recently, I saw Alex and Jessie Clark Funk perform together for a Valentine’s concert sponsored by http://www.yourldsneighborhood.com/. I was Amazed at his performance, especially considering he did all his singing, dancing, and comedy while sick. He lives by the actor’s motto “The Show Must Go On,” and with Alex, the show is never disappointing…no matter what state of health he’s in.
For those of you who don’t know much about Alex and his amazing accomplishments, let me just share this snippet from his personal bio with you: “Alex Boyé was born and raised in London, England. Alex became the lead singer in the European boy band Awesome and signed a recording contract with Universal Records in 1996. The band had hits in more than 15 countries, selling over half a million CDs and has performed alongside such artists as N'SYNC, The Backstreet Boys, Missy Elliott, Bryan Adams, Mary. J. Blige, the Smashing Pumpkins, and George Michael to name a few. Alex has since received the 2005 Male Artists Listener Award by the LDS Booksellers Association for his album entitled Testimony, and he also received the 2006 Spirit of Heritage Award for his notable work with youth, an honor also given to Senator Hatch, NBA star Thurl Bailey, and Elizabeth Smart in previous years. Additionally, Alex is the winner of two Pearl Awards from the Faith Centered Music Association.”
How Alex left his band and growing success behind and eventually wound up in Utah is an inspiring story he’ll have to share, and you’ll have to hear one day from him…as I could never do it justice.
So…back to making your dreams of stardom come true. I was fortunate enough to attend Alex’s very first stage performance workshop (http://www.stagepresencelive.com/), and I came out of it on fire! In it Alex shared his surefire performance plan—a “script” as he calls it—that guides you on how to rate each of your songs, choose the order to perform them in (or how to choose the right song if you can only sing one), and what you need to know about an audience.
As I listened, I remembered the times I performed with a group called the Perfect Mother’s Society and wished I had attended this workshop back in those days. One of the things I noted, with my past performances in mind, is that our most successful gigs (where we communicated well with our audience) were the ones where we had actually followed the steps (without us knowing it) that Alex outlines. It was AWESOME to get that kind of information on paper and learn how it has worked in Alex’s career. So, check out Alex’s website, http://www.stagepresencelive.com/, or http://www.alexboye.com/ right now, and find out how you too can attend his next workshop and become a STAR on STAGE! And, while you’re checking out Alex’s website, make sure to find out how to purchase his terrific new soulful CD Spirit.
If you live in Utah, go to http://www.rodgersmemorial.com/ in Centerville for information on the production of Big River that Alex will be starring in from the end of February through March.
Oh! And I forgot to mention…Alex is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir too! Check out his solo, with full choir back up, at the link below. (NOTE: Drag the cursor to 18mins 46 seconds to get the video going.)
Watch the video now
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Calling All Angels
Have you ever had a connection with a song or a singer’s voice that just hits you hard…maybe even hard enough that the tissues come out? Well let me share with you one such event that happened recently: My first time listening to (and several times since) Jessie Clark Funk’s new album “Everything Speak His Name” found at www.music@soundsofzion.com.
You see this summer will mark my oldest daughter’s 18th birthday. However, my Jessica won’t be blowing out candles or eating the cake and ice cream with us. We won’t be watching her walk, with hundreds of other classmates, to receive her high school Diploma in June or see her off to college. Jess lived only three weeks in her short life. I have spent the last nearly 18 years watching others her age live life, wondering to myself “What would she look like now? What boys would she like? Who would be her friends? The questions are endless.”
So…as not to depress you all, I share my very personal feelings only briefly as a way of helping you understand just how much Jessie Clark Funk’s latest album “Everything Speaks His Name” has touched me…comforted me.
Sadly, Jessie and Jim Funk also lost a baby girl this past year. And so it is no surprise that Jessie’s latest album is filled with songs that deal with struggle, grief, and loss, but always with a sense of Hope. Hope that comes from the promise and comfort the spirit gives to us that we will indeed see our loved ones again, who have passed on, because of the great sacrifice of our Savior Jesus.
I entitled this interview not after her album’s title, but after the song I love the most from it. The one that reaches me the deepest is written by Jessie’s husband Jim and co-writer Scott Van Orden, Calling All Angels. Maybe only a mother, who has known the loss of a child, could fully appreciate this song, but it is so simple and so expressive of how a mother feels about losing her child. Jim’s ability to actually “feel” the heart and thoughts of a woman, especially in this song, has always impressed me. Few men are in touch enough (including my own husband who has given up trying to understand me) to write a song like Calling All Angels or Kenny Rodger’s #1 hit Buy Me a Rose as Jim Funk and co-writer Eric Hickenlooper were able to.
Mostly though, I’m impressed with whom Jessie is at her core and the incredible way she is able to express the feelings of each of the song writer’s on this album. This is why Jessie is a multi-award winning vocal artist. Her ability to interpret and express the heart of the songwriter and bring the canvas of their words to life is truly legendary within the LDS music industry. You can hear some of her wonderful artistry, as well as that of fabulous entertainer/singer Alex Boye, and other talented guest acts, this coming Saturday, Feb. 16th, in a special Valentines Concert sponsored by your friends at www.yourldsneighborhood.com. Check out Jessie’s website at www.jessieclarkfunkmusic.com, or Alex Boye’s at www.alexboye.com for concert details.
I wanted to find out from Jessie, after getting her terrific album, what inspired her choices of songs. Her reply “Nature songs really appealed to me” as well as positive hopeful songs. Songs like Again and The Prayer (which she sings magnificently as a duet with my favorite tenor, Daniel Beck) brought her comfort and she just loved No One Knows My Heart. All these songs speak to one going through trials but with the understanding, as Jessie states, “that we have trials for a reason”. She said to me that this “latest album represents me the best, and I hope people give it a listen.” I sure hope people do too, because some albums you listen to once in awhile and others more often. I listen to this one quite often!
As for that never ending balancing act of career and family I asked her how she manages. I was so impressed with her answer as she said she loves to do so many things “but, I have to say ‘no’ to a lot of things”. Jessie sets limits for herself, allowing herself only to do a few music things a month, as she doesn’t want her daughter to feel she comes in second place behind music. Personally…I needed to hear that, as I often allow my writing to come before my children. “Mom, when are you getting off the computer?” is unfortunately a cliché in our home.
Now, if there is one thing I learned about Jessie Clark Funk while doing this interview, it’s that she has her priorities right. I had read that she had signed a contract and went to Florida, but I had no idea that the contract was with an independent label associated with Sony Records. They were grooming her to be huge and gave her the lavish lifestyle she had always dreamed of. If she had continued with them, no doubt by now the entire world would know her too, and the fame and wealth she once wanted so badly, would have been hers. But, after only a few months of living in such worldly splendor, she felt “a heaviness…darkness” she’d never felt before. She was surrounded by a lifestyle that was against everything she’d been taught growing up. So she left it all behind her and went back to Utah putting her trust in God that he would lead her. She didn’t even know, until she came back to Utah, that there was a music industry in the state…one that focuses on the LDS market. Now she is at the top of that market and blessed with greater wealth than the world could offer…her beautiful family.
So, if you can make it, don’t miss a magical moment this Saturday to catch Jessie Clark Funk, www.jessieclarkfunkmusic.com in song. I’ll be there too. If you catch the concert, be sure to reply and give some feedback on “Your Music Notes” blog site and…I’ll see you there!
You see this summer will mark my oldest daughter’s 18th birthday. However, my Jessica won’t be blowing out candles or eating the cake and ice cream with us. We won’t be watching her walk, with hundreds of other classmates, to receive her high school Diploma in June or see her off to college. Jess lived only three weeks in her short life. I have spent the last nearly 18 years watching others her age live life, wondering to myself “What would she look like now? What boys would she like? Who would be her friends? The questions are endless.”
So…as not to depress you all, I share my very personal feelings only briefly as a way of helping you understand just how much Jessie Clark Funk’s latest album “Everything Speaks His Name” has touched me…comforted me.
Sadly, Jessie and Jim Funk also lost a baby girl this past year. And so it is no surprise that Jessie’s latest album is filled with songs that deal with struggle, grief, and loss, but always with a sense of Hope. Hope that comes from the promise and comfort the spirit gives to us that we will indeed see our loved ones again, who have passed on, because of the great sacrifice of our Savior Jesus.
I entitled this interview not after her album’s title, but after the song I love the most from it. The one that reaches me the deepest is written by Jessie’s husband Jim and co-writer Scott Van Orden, Calling All Angels. Maybe only a mother, who has known the loss of a child, could fully appreciate this song, but it is so simple and so expressive of how a mother feels about losing her child. Jim’s ability to actually “feel” the heart and thoughts of a woman, especially in this song, has always impressed me. Few men are in touch enough (including my own husband who has given up trying to understand me) to write a song like Calling All Angels or Kenny Rodger’s #1 hit Buy Me a Rose as Jim Funk and co-writer Eric Hickenlooper were able to.
Mostly though, I’m impressed with whom Jessie is at her core and the incredible way she is able to express the feelings of each of the song writer’s on this album. This is why Jessie is a multi-award winning vocal artist. Her ability to interpret and express the heart of the songwriter and bring the canvas of their words to life is truly legendary within the LDS music industry. You can hear some of her wonderful artistry, as well as that of fabulous entertainer/singer Alex Boye, and other talented guest acts, this coming Saturday, Feb. 16th, in a special Valentines Concert sponsored by your friends at www.yourldsneighborhood.com. Check out Jessie’s website at www.jessieclarkfunkmusic.com, or Alex Boye’s at www.alexboye.com for concert details.
I wanted to find out from Jessie, after getting her terrific album, what inspired her choices of songs. Her reply “Nature songs really appealed to me” as well as positive hopeful songs. Songs like Again and The Prayer (which she sings magnificently as a duet with my favorite tenor, Daniel Beck) brought her comfort and she just loved No One Knows My Heart. All these songs speak to one going through trials but with the understanding, as Jessie states, “that we have trials for a reason”. She said to me that this “latest album represents me the best, and I hope people give it a listen.” I sure hope people do too, because some albums you listen to once in awhile and others more often. I listen to this one quite often!
As for that never ending balancing act of career and family I asked her how she manages. I was so impressed with her answer as she said she loves to do so many things “but, I have to say ‘no’ to a lot of things”. Jessie sets limits for herself, allowing herself only to do a few music things a month, as she doesn’t want her daughter to feel she comes in second place behind music. Personally…I needed to hear that, as I often allow my writing to come before my children. “Mom, when are you getting off the computer?” is unfortunately a cliché in our home.
Now, if there is one thing I learned about Jessie Clark Funk while doing this interview, it’s that she has her priorities right. I had read that she had signed a contract and went to Florida, but I had no idea that the contract was with an independent label associated with Sony Records. They were grooming her to be huge and gave her the lavish lifestyle she had always dreamed of. If she had continued with them, no doubt by now the entire world would know her too, and the fame and wealth she once wanted so badly, would have been hers. But, after only a few months of living in such worldly splendor, she felt “a heaviness…darkness” she’d never felt before. She was surrounded by a lifestyle that was against everything she’d been taught growing up. So she left it all behind her and went back to Utah putting her trust in God that he would lead her. She didn’t even know, until she came back to Utah, that there was a music industry in the state…one that focuses on the LDS market. Now she is at the top of that market and blessed with greater wealth than the world could offer…her beautiful family.
So, if you can make it, don’t miss a magical moment this Saturday to catch Jessie Clark Funk, www.jessieclarkfunkmusic.com in song. I’ll be there too. If you catch the concert, be sure to reply and give some feedback on “Your Music Notes” blog site and…I’ll see you there!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Sadness and Song
A journal entry from Alex Boyé
Last night, while in the Tabernacle rehearsing songs for President Hinckley's funeral, President Mac Christiansen (Chairman of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) made a surprise announcement. He informed us that we were to cut our rehearsals short tonight, as we had been requested by the invitation of Elder Hinckley, (President Hinkley's son) to join with him and members of his family for a private viewing of President Hinckley. What an honor! We were instructed to bring our hymn books, in the likelihood of being asked to sing for the family. As we made our way through the halls to where our beloved prophet was laid to view, President Hinckley's son addressed us for a few minutes. He told us that his father found much pleasure, enjoyment, and pride in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and that he was happy with the choir. He told us that as we viewed his father's body, it may be a seemingly sad occasion to us, but that it was not. After his short address, he thanked us for our service in the choir, and told us we could stay here as long as we liked, but asked that we might favor him and his family with a few songs. Let me say this: I have performed many songs in my short lifetime in many venues across the world. I have performed in stadiums filled with thousands of people and sung on TV shows broadcast to millions of people. But to be in that room gathered around the Presidents casket along with over 300 choir friends, singing God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again, was the most amazing experience for me. That night, I witnessed a special outpouring of the spirit, and felt the presence of our beloved prophet in the room. We all did. Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in sight. This single event will go down as the most significant, and most memorable performance of my life! How blessed we are to have been alive during the tenure of President Hinckley! During rehearsals last night, one of the choir members put it in a nutshell when he said to me, "Not only have we lost our spiritual leader, but it also feels like we lost our grandpa." I suppose that's the way we all felt about him. How blessed we are to have been alive during the tenure of President Hinckley, and to have witnessed the incredible growth of the church under his divine leadership.
I testify to all who are reading this entry, that the man I sang to last night was a Prophet of God, who held all the necessary keys and authority to lead and direct this church as the Savior would, if he were here himself, and that through his teachings and counsel, we are surely better people as individuals and as a Church, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Last night, while in the Tabernacle rehearsing songs for President Hinckley's funeral, President Mac Christiansen (Chairman of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) made a surprise announcement. He informed us that we were to cut our rehearsals short tonight, as we had been requested by the invitation of Elder Hinckley, (President Hinkley's son) to join with him and members of his family for a private viewing of President Hinckley. What an honor! We were instructed to bring our hymn books, in the likelihood of being asked to sing for the family. As we made our way through the halls to where our beloved prophet was laid to view, President Hinckley's son addressed us for a few minutes. He told us that his father found much pleasure, enjoyment, and pride in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and that he was happy with the choir. He told us that as we viewed his father's body, it may be a seemingly sad occasion to us, but that it was not. After his short address, he thanked us for our service in the choir, and told us we could stay here as long as we liked, but asked that we might favor him and his family with a few songs. Let me say this: I have performed many songs in my short lifetime in many venues across the world. I have performed in stadiums filled with thousands of people and sung on TV shows broadcast to millions of people. But to be in that room gathered around the Presidents casket along with over 300 choir friends, singing God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again, was the most amazing experience for me. That night, I witnessed a special outpouring of the spirit, and felt the presence of our beloved prophet in the room. We all did. Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in sight. This single event will go down as the most significant, and most memorable performance of my life! How blessed we are to have been alive during the tenure of President Hinckley! During rehearsals last night, one of the choir members put it in a nutshell when he said to me, "Not only have we lost our spiritual leader, but it also feels like we lost our grandpa." I suppose that's the way we all felt about him. How blessed we are to have been alive during the tenure of President Hinckley, and to have witnessed the incredible growth of the church under his divine leadership.
I testify to all who are reading this entry, that the man I sang to last night was a Prophet of God, who held all the necessary keys and authority to lead and direct this church as the Savior would, if he were here himself, and that through his teachings and counsel, we are surely better people as individuals and as a Church, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Interview with Greg Hansen
Several years ago, I attended my very first Faith Centered Music Association (FCMA) workshop. I was so excited to attend and be taught by some of the best in the LDS music business. As I got out of my car in the BYU parking lot, I noticed a really tall guy (at least in comparison to my short self) get out of his car and head in the same direction as me, walking just a few feet ahead.
While attending the workshop that day I soon discovered that the really tall guy was none other than Greg Hansen—the inspiration behind the Sounds of Zion record label and one of the most successful producers of LDS music ever.
A lot of the detail stuff about Greg I’ve learned over the years and not all at that workshop, but I really learned the most about him just this past week when I was privileged to interview him over the phone.
Like many of you, I am familiar with the wonderful albums Greg has produced with Sounds of Zion in conjunction with amazing artists, such as Jessie Clark Funk, Tammy Simister Robinson, Barry Hansen, etc. But I’m ashamed to say that I just barely learned this past week that Greg is just as successful outside of the LDS market, having worked with such greats as David Foster (also known as the man who gave us Josh Grobin and Michael Buble—see http://www.davidfoster.com/), Sony Music (Nashville), EMI Records (New York), Bob Hope, and the list just goes on and on. Check out his website (http://www.greg-hansen.com/) so you can see his long history of amazing musical achievements for yourself.
During our conversation I not only found Greg to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever talked to in the music industry, but…Greg Rocks! Well okay, maybe not incredibly hard since he’s a jazz musician at heart, but he started his label, Eagle Springs Records, for those music artists who don’t quite fit the mold of “LDS inspirational,” which is what is mainly produced through Sounds of Zion. It was this wonderful discovery about Greg that really got me excited, because like me, he has a vision of a day when LDS music won’t just be known for what you can hear on Sunday radio programming, but will include uplifting music of all genres.
Greg also has a mentoring program he runs through his website for those who are trying to get in the business, either as songwriters or artists or both. To get the instructions on how to submit your music, go to Greg’s “Latest News” section, scroll down to the “Mentoring” section, and then click “for more information.”
Check out Greg’s web music store, http://www.ldstunesnow.com/, where you can download songs from independent and signed artists whose songs reflect a positive message no matter the genre or their religion. And for all you independent musicians and writers out there, you can also sell your songs one song at a time through this great new site as long as they fit Greg’s high-quality production standards, which are the highest in the industry. And for those of you who want to buy or sell your own original LDS sheet music, check out http://www.ldsmusicnow.com/.
Okay, I’ve made this blog a bit longer than normal, but what can you do when your subject matter is as influential to the LDS music industry as they come and offers so many new exciting ways to break into the industry…give him your attention!
So with that said, I’m posting a little excerpt from Greg Hansen himself about Sara Bethany Ham, one of the newest artists he is helping develop through his new Eagle Springs Records label, so…read up!
Sara Bethany Ham
A New Voice with a Firm Mission
by Greg Hansen
A New Voice
Sara Bethany Ham may be one of the first truly new artists to hit the LDS market in years. Youth and parents who've heard her debut album, Wanna Be Brave, seem to bubble up adjectives like a fountain: "youthful, fresh, vibrant, sincere, upbeat, and wholesome—just what we've been wishing for.”
Sara, now 20, has been singing for years, and has always wanted to perform music that would uplift and inspire people. She was featured as a soloist on Jenny Phillip's theme albums, and toured with Jenny's group. Sara's warm, sincere, and youthful voice is slightly reminiscent of Christian artist Nicole Nordemann. Memorable tracks include the title cut “Wanna Be Brave,” “Bring On the Rain,” “Awake,” and several new never-before recorded songs by noted LDS songwriters. It breaks the mold on what has gone before, yet is never inappropriate.
A Firm Mission
“I wanted young people to know they can still be cool without lowering their standards,” says Sara, who grew up in California. Her album is positive, motivating, and filled with powerful messages of faith, testimony, and courage, with a sound both youth and parents will love. Look for it wherever LDS music is sold, online or in stores, or visit her website, http://www.sarabethanyham.com/.
A New Label
Wanna Be Brave represents the first release of the new positive music label, Eagle Springs Records, owned by multi-award winning producer Greg Hansen and Pearl Award-winning engineer Steve Lerud. Eagle Springs produces music that is positive, refreshing, and multigenre—not necessarily tied to any single religion or sound. It is the next step of progression in music that appeals to a broad values-based audience. The label's mission is to “create music that is excellent, edifying, and entertaining, leaving the listener better for having heard it.”
Copyright Julie Keyser, December 2007
While attending the workshop that day I soon discovered that the really tall guy was none other than Greg Hansen—the inspiration behind the Sounds of Zion record label and one of the most successful producers of LDS music ever.
A lot of the detail stuff about Greg I’ve learned over the years and not all at that workshop, but I really learned the most about him just this past week when I was privileged to interview him over the phone.
Like many of you, I am familiar with the wonderful albums Greg has produced with Sounds of Zion in conjunction with amazing artists, such as Jessie Clark Funk, Tammy Simister Robinson, Barry Hansen, etc. But I’m ashamed to say that I just barely learned this past week that Greg is just as successful outside of the LDS market, having worked with such greats as David Foster (also known as the man who gave us Josh Grobin and Michael Buble—see http://www.davidfoster.com/), Sony Music (Nashville), EMI Records (New York), Bob Hope, and the list just goes on and on. Check out his website (http://www.greg-hansen.com/) so you can see his long history of amazing musical achievements for yourself.
During our conversation I not only found Greg to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever talked to in the music industry, but…Greg Rocks! Well okay, maybe not incredibly hard since he’s a jazz musician at heart, but he started his label, Eagle Springs Records, for those music artists who don’t quite fit the mold of “LDS inspirational,” which is what is mainly produced through Sounds of Zion. It was this wonderful discovery about Greg that really got me excited, because like me, he has a vision of a day when LDS music won’t just be known for what you can hear on Sunday radio programming, but will include uplifting music of all genres.
Greg also has a mentoring program he runs through his website for those who are trying to get in the business, either as songwriters or artists or both. To get the instructions on how to submit your music, go to Greg’s “Latest News” section, scroll down to the “Mentoring” section, and then click “for more information.”
Check out Greg’s web music store, http://www.ldstunesnow.com/, where you can download songs from independent and signed artists whose songs reflect a positive message no matter the genre or their religion. And for all you independent musicians and writers out there, you can also sell your songs one song at a time through this great new site as long as they fit Greg’s high-quality production standards, which are the highest in the industry. And for those of you who want to buy or sell your own original LDS sheet music, check out http://www.ldsmusicnow.com/.
Okay, I’ve made this blog a bit longer than normal, but what can you do when your subject matter is as influential to the LDS music industry as they come and offers so many new exciting ways to break into the industry…give him your attention!
So with that said, I’m posting a little excerpt from Greg Hansen himself about Sara Bethany Ham, one of the newest artists he is helping develop through his new Eagle Springs Records label, so…read up!
Sara Bethany Ham
A New Voice with a Firm Mission
by Greg Hansen
A New Voice
Sara Bethany Ham may be one of the first truly new artists to hit the LDS market in years. Youth and parents who've heard her debut album, Wanna Be Brave, seem to bubble up adjectives like a fountain: "youthful, fresh, vibrant, sincere, upbeat, and wholesome—just what we've been wishing for.”
Sara, now 20, has been singing for years, and has always wanted to perform music that would uplift and inspire people. She was featured as a soloist on Jenny Phillip's theme albums, and toured with Jenny's group. Sara's warm, sincere, and youthful voice is slightly reminiscent of Christian artist Nicole Nordemann. Memorable tracks include the title cut “Wanna Be Brave,” “Bring On the Rain,” “Awake,” and several new never-before recorded songs by noted LDS songwriters. It breaks the mold on what has gone before, yet is never inappropriate.
A Firm Mission
“I wanted young people to know they can still be cool without lowering their standards,” says Sara, who grew up in California. Her album is positive, motivating, and filled with powerful messages of faith, testimony, and courage, with a sound both youth and parents will love. Look for it wherever LDS music is sold, online or in stores, or visit her website, http://www.sarabethanyham.com/.
A New Label
Wanna Be Brave represents the first release of the new positive music label, Eagle Springs Records, owned by multi-award winning producer Greg Hansen and Pearl Award-winning engineer Steve Lerud. Eagle Springs produces music that is positive, refreshing, and multigenre—not necessarily tied to any single religion or sound. It is the next step of progression in music that appeals to a broad values-based audience. The label's mission is to “create music that is excellent, edifying, and entertaining, leaving the listener better for having heard it.”
Copyright Julie Keyser, December 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
My Latest Discovery...Sara Lyn Baril
I love discovering things! Among the many courses I took in college I seriously looked into becoming a geologist, paleontologist, or an archeologist like my grandfather. Yet, after several classes in those fields, I found I really didn’t have a great mind for details. Try remembering 300 different fossilized shell species and not only naming them, but looking at them up close and personal and listing them for your final exam. So okay…I moved on after that geology class. None of the classes I ever took in college led me to where I am today in the music business, but they guided me―by default―to where my heart has its strongest yearnings…music. So now, after years of working the business as a songwriter, I’ve been blessed to come to know some of the great writers, artists, and musicians of the LDS music world. This past week I made a new…DISCOVERY!
What’s my great new discovery you ask? It’s Sara Lyn Baril (http://www.saralynbaril.com/), the creator of the brand-new sacred recording album Thy Healing Hands. Before my interview with Sara, the only thing I knew about her was that she is a composer and songwriter; however, noting who produced her album (Greg Hansen with Sounds of Zion/Inspirational Music Showcase) and the incredible lineup of top-notch LDS artists on the album, I knew Sara had to be special. What a great new talent I’ve discovered this past week; and now I get to share a bit of her incredible story with you.
Sara’s new sacred recording album, Thy Healing Hands, is her first and the culmination of years of inspired composing and songwriting. Listening to the title soundtrack, “Thy Healing Hands,” sung by the beautiful voice of one of my favorite new LDS artists, Rebecca Lopez, one is truly brought to a place of peace and healing. The inspiration behind this particular song, and the album as a whole, comes from Sara’s deepest desire to help those who are suffering from whatever trials they are facing to find comfort and peace through the Savior.
As a fellow songwriter I was deeply moved by how Sara described her songwriting process. She said to me, “I try to put myself in Jesus’s shoes. What would He do to comfort people?” After writing each line of verse, Sara asks the Lord if it is right and quietly listens to the whisperings of the spirit: yes or no…change this or that. Can there be a better cowriter than the spirit? No, especially when it comes to sacred songs where the Lord works through His musical artists for His purposes.
I believe, in Sara’s case, the Lord has used her open and contrite heart by guiding her well-practiced composing and songwriting skills to touch the lives of many of His suffering children.
The title song, “Thy Healing Hands,” is sung every week in a small room in a Catholic church by a group of women taking part in post-abortion healing sessions. It has been a powerful help to the women of these sessions, for both the attendees and the counselors.
Years ago Sara was encouraged to send sheet music of her songs to Greg Hansen; however, she was a young mother and not feeling adequate enough to get the courage to―even after she talked to Greg himself, and he asked her to send her music for him to review. Eight years later and after more than 15 unsent, crumpled-up letters, she finally felt impressed that now was the time to submit her sheet music. As she put her letter and music in the mail she said a simple prayer, and her prayer was answered with a phone call three weeks later.
Unless you’ve sent a song demo to a publisher or producer and known rejection, you cannot truly appreciate just how amazing it is that the stars lined up for Sara, both in Greg Hansen’s total excitement in her work and the financial miracles that allowed for the album to be produced. As I spoke to Sara she confessed she’s still in awe over the whole thing and can’t believe how things have worked in her favor this past year to make this album come to fruition.
Greg Hansen and his team of amazing vocal artists and musicians have once again produced an album of gorgeous orchestration and peace. With the help of wonderful LDS inspirational artists like Tammy Simister Robinson, April Meservy, Barry Hansen, Dallyn Vail Bayles, and Sara Bethany Ham, your spirit will be lifted to a higher plane as you are reminded of the Savior’s love and filled with the peace of His spirit.
In the words of one of Sara’s fans, "Each song contains an inspiring and individual mini-sermon that reaches the very core of one's heart. The simple and beautiful melodies make these messages impossible to forget… a truly inspired work."―Naomi C., Alberta Canada
So take the time this week to hear sample songs for yourself from Sara Lyn Baril’s new album Thy Healing Hands at http://www.saralynbaril.com/, and make your own new…DISCOVERY!
What’s my great new discovery you ask? It’s Sara Lyn Baril (http://www.saralynbaril.com/), the creator of the brand-new sacred recording album Thy Healing Hands. Before my interview with Sara, the only thing I knew about her was that she is a composer and songwriter; however, noting who produced her album (Greg Hansen with Sounds of Zion/Inspirational Music Showcase) and the incredible lineup of top-notch LDS artists on the album, I knew Sara had to be special. What a great new talent I’ve discovered this past week; and now I get to share a bit of her incredible story with you.
Sara’s new sacred recording album, Thy Healing Hands, is her first and the culmination of years of inspired composing and songwriting. Listening to the title soundtrack, “Thy Healing Hands,” sung by the beautiful voice of one of my favorite new LDS artists, Rebecca Lopez, one is truly brought to a place of peace and healing. The inspiration behind this particular song, and the album as a whole, comes from Sara’s deepest desire to help those who are suffering from whatever trials they are facing to find comfort and peace through the Savior.
As a fellow songwriter I was deeply moved by how Sara described her songwriting process. She said to me, “I try to put myself in Jesus’s shoes. What would He do to comfort people?” After writing each line of verse, Sara asks the Lord if it is right and quietly listens to the whisperings of the spirit: yes or no…change this or that. Can there be a better cowriter than the spirit? No, especially when it comes to sacred songs where the Lord works through His musical artists for His purposes.
I believe, in Sara’s case, the Lord has used her open and contrite heart by guiding her well-practiced composing and songwriting skills to touch the lives of many of His suffering children.
The title song, “Thy Healing Hands,” is sung every week in a small room in a Catholic church by a group of women taking part in post-abortion healing sessions. It has been a powerful help to the women of these sessions, for both the attendees and the counselors.
Years ago Sara was encouraged to send sheet music of her songs to Greg Hansen; however, she was a young mother and not feeling adequate enough to get the courage to―even after she talked to Greg himself, and he asked her to send her music for him to review. Eight years later and after more than 15 unsent, crumpled-up letters, she finally felt impressed that now was the time to submit her sheet music. As she put her letter and music in the mail she said a simple prayer, and her prayer was answered with a phone call three weeks later.
Unless you’ve sent a song demo to a publisher or producer and known rejection, you cannot truly appreciate just how amazing it is that the stars lined up for Sara, both in Greg Hansen’s total excitement in her work and the financial miracles that allowed for the album to be produced. As I spoke to Sara she confessed she’s still in awe over the whole thing and can’t believe how things have worked in her favor this past year to make this album come to fruition.
Greg Hansen and his team of amazing vocal artists and musicians have once again produced an album of gorgeous orchestration and peace. With the help of wonderful LDS inspirational artists like Tammy Simister Robinson, April Meservy, Barry Hansen, Dallyn Vail Bayles, and Sara Bethany Ham, your spirit will be lifted to a higher plane as you are reminded of the Savior’s love and filled with the peace of His spirit.
In the words of one of Sara’s fans, "Each song contains an inspiring and individual mini-sermon that reaches the very core of one's heart. The simple and beautiful melodies make these messages impossible to forget… a truly inspired work."―Naomi C., Alberta Canada
So take the time this week to hear sample songs for yourself from Sara Lyn Baril’s new album Thy Healing Hands at http://www.saralynbaril.com/, and make your own new…DISCOVERY!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
MUSIC NOTES
By Julie Keyser
http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/
If there is one thing I am in this world…it’s passionate! I was born a strawberry blond, who ferociously holds onto what little red highlights I have left, for a reason. One of the things I’m most passionate about, besides my husband and family, is songwriting and all things musically inclined. My family would argue that they come in second behind songwriting as my passion…okay, so I am at times neglectful when lost in music stuff.
This passion lead me to become the Utah chapter head coordinator for NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), a nonprofit organization aimed at helping aspiring songwriters. I’ve been blessed through NSAI, and various other musical organizations, to get to know many amazing artists, musicians, and songwriters. Some, many of you are familiar with, but many…really most, you are not. And so, through http://www.yourldsneighborhood.com/, I’ll be bringing many of these amazing musical Mormons to light. And for those musical artists you are familiar with, hopefully you’ll gain more insight into who they are and what makes their music so appealing.
And so it is…with great pleasure, (drum roll please), that I introduce to you our first featured artist, singer-songwriter Gary McCallister.
A bit unknown to most outside of his home state of Colorado, but to those of us who know him, a wonderfully original musician, song writer, and oh…BTW…BISHOP! That could change anytime though because as long as I’ve known Gary he’s been a bishop.
Gary lovingly refers to himself as the “One-Man Mormon Blues Band,” as he is quite certain he is the only blues guy in the church. I doubt that… but I have yet to meet another one. His voice is deep and has a bit of a haunting feel to it, like a really deep version of Enya or Art Garfunkel...without all the vibrato.
He kindly sent me his newest CD called Mary Christmas (yes, he has others you’ve never known about and need to check out at http://www.onemanmormonbluesband.com). I LOVE the title of this album because it is such a great play on words and gives you a clue into what you are about to hear. It’s really an album that needs to be listened to from beginning to end while reading the insert, which has a small storyline that goes along with each song. Each song is an original Gary wrote and composed. The story and music of course, have to do with the mother of Jesus…Mary.
The music is simplistic and has a folksy feel for a reason, with just a little bit of an avant-garde twist in the composition from time to time. While it could have easily been produced to a much grander and contemporary degree, Gary chose to keep it simple for the heart of what the songs have to say. Jesus’s family was simple, and he lived simply. Gary’s songs and accompanying music pay tribute to that. You won’t find in this album a bunch of Christmas chimes being used in the grandness of descending scales heralding the birth of our Lord, instead you’ll hear instruments you don’t hear very often any more…like the Mandolin, played beautifully by Gary himself. It is, in my mind, his signature instrument. Not the instrument of most blues guys, but the one I most associate with Gary.
So take a listen on Gary’s website of his song samples, especially his Mary Christmas. Gary can also be found on the LDS Outlet Block in the Music Studio, where you can order a new Christmas music tradition to add to your Christmas music collection just in time for this beautiful season, and…MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!
http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/
If there is one thing I am in this world…it’s passionate! I was born a strawberry blond, who ferociously holds onto what little red highlights I have left, for a reason. One of the things I’m most passionate about, besides my husband and family, is songwriting and all things musically inclined. My family would argue that they come in second behind songwriting as my passion…okay, so I am at times neglectful when lost in music stuff.
This passion lead me to become the Utah chapter head coordinator for NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), a nonprofit organization aimed at helping aspiring songwriters. I’ve been blessed through NSAI, and various other musical organizations, to get to know many amazing artists, musicians, and songwriters. Some, many of you are familiar with, but many…really most, you are not. And so, through http://www.yourldsneighborhood.com/, I’ll be bringing many of these amazing musical Mormons to light. And for those musical artists you are familiar with, hopefully you’ll gain more insight into who they are and what makes their music so appealing.
And so it is…with great pleasure, (drum roll please), that I introduce to you our first featured artist, singer-songwriter Gary McCallister.
A bit unknown to most outside of his home state of Colorado, but to those of us who know him, a wonderfully original musician, song writer, and oh…BTW…BISHOP! That could change anytime though because as long as I’ve known Gary he’s been a bishop.
Gary lovingly refers to himself as the “One-Man Mormon Blues Band,” as he is quite certain he is the only blues guy in the church. I doubt that… but I have yet to meet another one. His voice is deep and has a bit of a haunting feel to it, like a really deep version of Enya or Art Garfunkel...without all the vibrato.
He kindly sent me his newest CD called Mary Christmas (yes, he has others you’ve never known about and need to check out at http://www.onemanmormonbluesband.com). I LOVE the title of this album because it is such a great play on words and gives you a clue into what you are about to hear. It’s really an album that needs to be listened to from beginning to end while reading the insert, which has a small storyline that goes along with each song. Each song is an original Gary wrote and composed. The story and music of course, have to do with the mother of Jesus…Mary.
The music is simplistic and has a folksy feel for a reason, with just a little bit of an avant-garde twist in the composition from time to time. While it could have easily been produced to a much grander and contemporary degree, Gary chose to keep it simple for the heart of what the songs have to say. Jesus’s family was simple, and he lived simply. Gary’s songs and accompanying music pay tribute to that. You won’t find in this album a bunch of Christmas chimes being used in the grandness of descending scales heralding the birth of our Lord, instead you’ll hear instruments you don’t hear very often any more…like the Mandolin, played beautifully by Gary himself. It is, in my mind, his signature instrument. Not the instrument of most blues guys, but the one I most associate with Gary.
So take a listen on Gary’s website of his song samples, especially his Mary Christmas. Gary can also be found on the LDS Outlet Block in the Music Studio, where you can order a new Christmas music tradition to add to your Christmas music collection just in time for this beautiful season, and…MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!
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