I have a confession to make. I've been in on a pretty sweet secret for a little while. Here it is. Joel Clarkson, our esteemed audiobook narrator for The Green Ember Series is also, as many of you know, an incredibly accomplished musician, composer, arranger, conductor...ALL the music things! He has scored films, orchestrated music performed at the Vatican, and has released nine albums so far. … [Read more...] about Release Day! Melodies For The Mended Wood #RabbitsWithChords
Musicalities
King Arthur’s Broken Heart
I love Arthur Alligood. He's a good guy and his songs are amazing. This is a newish song, not on any record. But his most recent record One Silver Needle, is excellent. Esp. "Darkness to Light." One of my favorite songs. In the world. Give your ears the royal treatment, get them some of King Arthur's magical music. Like wounded Arthur of old, there's a tragic nobility in this music. It is … [Read more...] about King Arthur’s Broken Heart
The Beautiful Irony of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Amazing Grace
You can't imagine how this music (below) takes me back. It takes me back to a dusty township and dirty children, smiling wide, excited to come to church. It takes me back to Africa, to the beautiful Zulus I shared life with as a boy. My father, who planted a Zulu church along with a Zulu pastor, used to joke that you could tap the next five Zulu men you met and if you put them together you'd have … [Read more...] about The Beautiful Irony of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Amazing Grace
Why It Matters
Why do the arts matter? Why does Beauty matter? I don't believe I have ever heard a better explanation than the song Why It Matters, by Sara Groves. I can still remember Gina coming to me years ago while I typed away at my first novel, battling discouragement (as always), and saying, "This song is what you're doing." I hope so! Even if it's just in a small way for a few people, I hope so. We … [Read more...] about Why It Matters
After All These Years by Andrew Peterson
My pal Andrew's new/old record is out, and it's wonderful. Get it here for your own. But here's a taste...to see what it tastes like, as Nacho Libre has said. … [Read more...] about After All These Years by Andrew Peterson
Thad Cockrell Sings ‘Rosalyn’
We got to hear this gent sing along with Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb of God" tour at Christmas. Amazing. … [Read more...] about Thad Cockrell Sings ‘Rosalyn’
Don’t You Want to Thank Someone?
A favorite by a favorite. This is from Andrew Peterson's Light for the Lost Boy, one of my favorite records. … [Read more...] about Don’t You Want to Thank Someone?
Randall Goodgame Singing a Song While the Rain Comes Down
I love this guy. You can get his music here. My favorite record of his is probably War & Peace, but I genuinely love it all. HT: Africa Schaumann … [Read more...] about Randall Goodgame Singing a Song While the Rain Comes Down