January 2005

The death toll from the recent Tsunami is now over 160,000 people. More are expected to die as a result of diseases associated with the lack of clean water and the inability to remove corpses from some of the worse hit areas. Several NGOs in the various countries affected by the disaster responded immediately, including our own Catholic Relief Services. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pledged 25 million to go toward relief efforts via CRS.

We all want to do our part in helping these suffering people.

Karen Peris, lead vocals of the band The Innocence Mission, felt the pain of those suffering while listening to a speech on the impoverished children in South Africa. This encouraged The Innocence Mission to donate a portion of their new CD’s proceeds to Catholic Relief Services. That album is Now the Day is Over and it is one of the most touching collections of treasured songs ever. The gentle, haunting vocals of Karen Peris have turned songs like these into soothing lullabies for the soul.

The classic “What a Wonderful World” is sung without a hint of regret, but complete sincerity. When Peris sings the lyrics from the song, “I see babies cry and watch them grow,” you can smile knowingly because we heard the sadness and longing for children in their earlier CD called "Birds of My Neighborhood". With “Now the Day is Over” we know that the Karen's and husband guitarist Don's prayer has been answered. The familiar Wizard of Oz tune, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” is sung in a voice both cheerful and lonely, yet in a way that reassures our own feelings of longing. Peris' waiflike voice really soars on “Moon River,” the song from the film "Breakfast at Tiffany’s", giving it a timeless sound that no one has come close to since Andy Williams made it popular. Many will remember the song “Edelweiss” from the "Sound of Music". It is considered one of the most beautiful songs from the film, and The Innocence Mission has definitely kept it as inspirational as the original. A few years ago a collection of Disney songs included the song from Dumbo called “Stay Awake,” sung by Suzanne Vega. It was a little frightening and disturbing. Peris has recaptured the childlike nature of the song and turned it back into a proper lullaby. There is also classical music, from Chopin's "Prelude in A" to Beethoven's "Sonata Number 8" on the CD, done by the quiet acoustic guitar of Don Peris. Turning toward a more sacred sound for the CD, Karen Peris sings “It Is Well With My Soul,” a song they cover on Christ Is My Hope. This slightly different version has the remaining members backing Karen up in a gospel music fashion. The one original song from “Now the Day is Over” is “My Love Goes With You ." The song is sung through the eyes of a loving parent who sees her child rise in the morning and play throughout the day and then back to her dreams again. Although we do this with our children isn’t this what God does for us each and everyday? Songs from Now the Day is Over may be directed towards children but the album is truly enchanting and inspiring for adults as we remember that we are all God's children.

The Carpenter's Son is back with their long-awaited second CD It’s About Time, It’s About Jesus.   With that title I can’t help but think of the old Sci-Fi TV show “It’s About Time,” where astronauts travel back in time. The Carpenter’s Son has seemed to travel back to their roots more giving a Celtic, earthy, folk feel to most of the songs on "It’s About Time, It’s About Jesus.” There is more acoustic instrumentation including flutes and whistles, guitar, mandolin, piano, and a heavy vocal emphasis, all the stuff for a great Celtic CD. Subjects of the songs range from God's direction, repentance and celebrating Christ and His birth.

Repentance is the theme of "Forgive Me Father", a song that uses both vocals harmonies and a grand piano to make a statement.  The song is really a confession, from the starting line “Forgive me Father, for I have sinned” through to “Not only what I’ve done, but what I haven’t done” and finishing with “… so I can fill my heart with You and not with me, forgive me Father, and set me free.” The Celtic sounds shine in the instrumental piece, "Spirit." Patrick Michael Ceaser, The Carpenter’s Son lead, says, "When I wrote 'Spirit'– I had only the inspiration to write a melody. I was not inspired to pen any lyrics and typically when I write, I try not to change too many things from an inspiration. So, the song remained as is and I often suggest before we start that song in concert that people close their eyes and think of the Holy Spirit enveloping them for a moment while we play the song.” The flute and fiddle give "Once Again For Love" a beautiful sound for a song that really speaks to those moments of anguish and despair we all find ourselves in from time to time. At our lowest point is where we really see the saving grace of Jesus “” …and it’s there, then I see another face, I reach out to embrace, with outstretched arms that beg forgiveness… You love heals every tortured soul, so I’m asking once again for love."

Our life continues to change as it is part of God’s plans. "Wheel Of Life" talks about this with the backing of an awesome mix of vocals and instrumentals. Ceaser says, “As I watch members of my family grow older, my parents, my children, friends, myself, it becomes more and more apparent to me how quickly time moves along. There is nothing you can do about that obviously. You can fight it or simply accept it and pray for God’s graces to help you through whatever comes along.” "Now I Lay Me Down", a song inspired by the traditional bedtime prayer, is one of the songs on the CD that has a different feel to it. It has a jazzy melody similar to that of the Squirrel-Nut Zippers. “Shoot Me Like An Arrow” is a Celtic-flavored song with a request to God to fill us with His words and song and then send us out in the world to fly on the wings of His graces . The fiddle solo in this tune is fantastic. “Goodbye” has the very somber parting words mixed with beautiful violin and guitar. It includes a blessing “God be with ye” (which apparently is the root form of “goodbye”) yet has the element of joyful reunion “until we meet again.”

A review of this CD could not be complete without noting that there are a couple of Christmas songs on the CD even if this is not a Christmas album. We should always remember the birth of Christ throughout the year and The Carpenter’s Son's “Tiding of Great Joy” and “Silent Night” help us to do that. Ceaser says, “I was inspired to arrange the lyrics of 'Silent Night' into a different melody. I find often when we sing some songs over and over, and they become so familiar to us, that we perhaps do not even think of the lyrics any more. So in performing this unique arrangement of 'Silent Night,' we hope that people take a fresh look at the meaning in the lyrics.” He continues, “My hope is that anyone who hears the music on It’s About Time, It’s About Jesus will be blessed in some way that draws them closer to the love of God and saving grace of Jesus our savior – and we wish you all great peace and joy in your lives and hope that the music God has given us in this album blesses you and those you share it with."

If you were at the Crossroads Catholic Concert in September or if you have passed through St. Louis and stopped at St. Catherine Laboure Church you may have been blessed enough to hear Karl Zimmerman.  After the success of his debut CD, Friends3, Zimmerman has completed his second CD titled Your Name.  It's a collection of songs Karl uses in his ministry to young people. The album's theme is based on the glorifying of the many names of Jesus. The title track takes this in mind as it lists some of these such as, Lamb Of God, Good Shepherd, King Of Kings, The Beginning and the End, to name a few. The Spirit of God is praised in the lively and upbeat song, “Spring Training (I’ll Live 4U!).” The song will get you moving and up on your feet and clapping your hands.  Another great number is “Let The Wind Blow,” in which Zimmerman shares all the blessings that you get with just letting the Holy Spirit into your life. You are energized, mobilized, sanctified and purified. There is no one like our God, and that idea is behind the song, “Who Is Like Our God.” Zimmerman gives praise to all that He does for us in this song that blends vocals and guitars in an awesome way. We are given a look at St. Catherine Laboure’s song for the Jubliee in “More Than A Prayer.” With the Holy Father declaring this to be the Year of the Eucharist, Zimmerman has two songs on the CD that fit wonderfully. The first is the song, “Bread Of Heaven,” which has the touching words of love “...Wheat and Water from the earth, Now bread of life of greatest worth… This bread and cup, your flesh and blood, I fall on my knees...” Knowing that Christ’s presence is in all things, but especially true in the Eucharist, is subject of “Incredible Love.”

A must-have CD for contemplation during this Year of the Eucharist is Connie Salazar's latest release, Into Your Presence. Salazar’s warm vocals and soothing melodies mix to offer many well-known church classics and a few new ones. Two tunes from this CD are written by Catholic favorite John Michael Talbot: "Holy is His Name" and Only in God." Salazar has taken these songs and made them her own giving a new sound to each. The beautifully produced "Adoro te Devote - Gracious Spirit Dwell With Me" is one not to be missed . Adoro te Devote translates to “I adore Thee devoutly" and this hymn is usually given in the "Thanksgiving after Mass," in the Missal. This version has a Celtic or "Old World" feel to it. “Christ Has No Body Now But Yours” is a exquisitely done song based on a prayer by St. Teresa of Avila. We are the instrument that Christ uses to show compassion to those in need. Another prayer by a saint is “The Deer’s Cry; I Arise,” in which Salazar combines a song about rising and letting God pilot you throughout the day with the prayer associated with St. Patrick: “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me.” Other joyful praise songs on the CD include "Shout to the Lord" and "The Potter's Hand," and many others. You will easily forget the Josh Groben version of "You Raise Me Up” once you hear Connie Salazar’s adaptation. It is more reflective and will touch your soul with her vocals. It is a true song of praise that shines on Into Your Presence.

If you got a DVD player for Christmas, put it to good use! Tatiana has released a live concert of her music called I Thirst – The Crucifixion Story. The disc features Tatiana’s concert in Los Angeles filmed live on April 5, 2004. Performers include Tatiana on keyboards and vocals, concert cellist Janel Leppin and Sanya Mateyas (Tatiana’s sister) on flute and vocals— with a choir of LA area vocalists. 

Song highlights of the performance include “Silently”, “Eli, Eli” and “I Thirst,” all penned by Tatiana and Sanya, as well as Tatiana’s “Stabat Mater”. It is all beautifully put together and filmed and shot professionally. Tatiana is very pleasant to look at, as well as listen to.

The DVD has many different special features including interviews and clips from many of Tatiana’s past CD including her secular ones. I Thirst – The Crucifixion Story is full screen and will play on DVD players in the US.