early morning hours

stillness lingers on
not a drop spills over top
Mystery filling

awakened to find
each moment flashes your touch
new eyes moving slow

confined to God speed
brings a fresh way to be now
stillness lingers on

greeting a new day

This is the third installment of a series of posts looking at Spirituality and the Arts. Quick links to check out beauty and spirituality part one and two.

Some cliches just capture the truth. One such cliche that fits the bill, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Cliche - yes. True - undeniably. Or in the case of where I am heading in this post, “Beauty is in the ear of the beholder.” Music has held a profound place in my spiritual development. Some of my first memories surrounding coming to faith and developing new spiritual insights are connected to music. I came to faith while listening to Jesse Dixon loudly singing, “you must be born again, you must be washed in the blood of Jesus.” I was taught spiritual truth early in my Christian experience laying on my bed listening repeatedly to albums by Resurrection Band, Keith Green, Petra, Jerusalem, Steve Taylor, Phil Keaggy, 2nd Chapter of Acts and many others.

Music connects with most people on many levels (thus it’s universal power and appeal). It is able to engage us at the level of the mind, emotionally touch our hearts and I think at an even deeper level - it connects with us spiritually (think 1 Samuel 16:23 or tribal rituals). Music is powerful. Through melody, harmony, rhythm, time changes (meter), instrumentation and lyric - it is a medium which provides a palette that can transform a mood, unify a nation, set a church “on fire” or move the world (e.g. the Olympic Theme). Music is also a medium that because of it’s great potential for creativity; also brings great debate (over it’s appropriateness, it’s value or it’s beauty).

——— be warned a little bit of a rant (Danger, danger Will Robinson)———-
Music in popular culture has become a disposable commodity. A goods and service that acts as a “jingle for the moment” - seemingly with no concern towards lasting value - making the “artist” nothing more than a “part-time” salesperson or momentary icon of TODAY’S fashion. Unfortunately this “top 40″ mentality has become a part of too many “contemporary churches” and I think it has had a detrimental effect on what is offered and pawned off as “music” on our church platforms and considered “special music.” (refer back to the cliche which begins this post - but my ear does not find beauty in most top 40 offerings or what is commonly referred to in Christian circles as “ccm”).

Good music, to my ear is exemplified by:

thoughtful, memorable and often intricate melodies

The main themes don’t sound familiar from the first hearing - there is a uniqueness and over repeated listens the musical ideas are still filled with surprises, beauty, and emotion that transports the listener.

harmonies

Counter or complimentary musical ideas that enhance or even takes over the melody. There is a variety and musical intricacy that challenges, soothes or creates a tension in the selection. I think this component is what helps a song or musical piece have sustainability - and is most absent from popular Top 40 tunes.

meter

The issue of time. How fast? How slow? Variations. To my ear… variety is nice - it applies to time (speeding up and slowing down) and to dynamics (which has nothing to do with meter - but I thought I’d throw that in) - I enjoy the change in volume and intensity.

rhythm

Rhythm has to do with how you subdivide the music. The beat. The pulse. The drive (remember the discussions of rock music and the power of the beat?). To my ear… it is all about the rhythm - whether it is classical music, jazz, progressive, fusion, rock or gospel - I tend to gravitate toward music with a strong impulsion.

employing clever or thoughtful poetry

If a song has lyrics - they better be thoughtful. It is very rare that I enjoy a song where the lyric is:
predictable, (if you know the next word before it is sung on the first hearing it’s just not going to hold my interest or “speak to me”)
trite (if you can say it in a hallmark card - then you don’t need to write a song about it!!),
sentimental-istic (sentimental is fine if it connects - sentimental-istic is when they cross the line to manipulation; manufactured sentimentalism),
cheap (once in a while this can work [I think it has to do with another subjective measure - authenticity] but for the most part great music to my ear doesn’t spring from the cheap shot or lowest common denominator),
cliche,
poor theology/worldview (I guess this could also be a subjective measure, eh?)
hurried,
blatant (leaving nothing to the listener… overly explained - art should allow room for the response of the observer)
I could go on… but I will refrain.

So I end this with some recommendations from my musical library. Some music that my ears love to behold. Music that moves me. Music that inspires. Lyrics that challenge. Music I find to be enriching each time I listen. I share this as a view into my world - and also to encourage you to share the beauty your ears behold.

Finally I share this to help all of us consider:

1. What draws my ears to some artists? What does that say about me?
2. What place does music have in my spiritual development?
3. What should guide my choices in the use of music with teens in the church? (do I just throw up what came in the latest YLO Subscription - or is there more to consider?)
4. What place does youth ministry/youth workers have in guiding and helping to shape the future musical artists? What will be of primary concern as the church models and/or becomes a patron of the arts?

On with what my ears love to behold…

Music that nurtures my soul
Kemper Crabb - The Vigil
Steve Hindalong - City on a Hill, Sing Alleluia, The Gathering
Iona - The Book of Kells and The Circling Hour
Jeff Johnson - Benediction and Prayers of St. Brendan
Mike Roe - Say Your Prayers
John Michael Talbot Be Exalted, The Lord’s Supper and Troubadour of the Great King

Rock Music that is Meaningful
77s - honest, gripping, diverse - one of my faves.
Adam Again find dig or perfecta - great antidote when you got the blues…
Aunt Bettys - sometimes - this is the only thing that fits the bill - raw, hard, infectious, crass, irreverant.
Boston - if you have to ask - I don’t understand.
Chagall Guevara I just dig it…
Daniel Amos I love it all - but you must hear their release, Motorcycle.
Eric Johnson the ultimate guitarist - check out Ah Via Musicom or Tones
LSU the rockin’ persona of Michael Knott… not for the faint at heart - it probably breaks every rule that I made above about “good music” - suggestions - Fluid, Grape Prophet, or This is the Healing
Charlie Peacock a great artist… I really dig West Coast Diaries I, Everything That’s On My Mind and Kingdom Come
Michael Roe Mike will take you on a auditory tour of the history of rock n roll… check out Safe As Milk or Fun with Sound, it won’t disappoint.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers he definitely is the basis of THE RULES above - simple stuff - arranged amazingly, great lyrics, king of melody and harmonies… check out Wildflowers, Damn the Torpedoes, or Greatest Hits.
Vigilantes of Love this is heart in your hand - honest - wonderful music, period.

Acoustic/Country/Folk/Alterna Folk I enjoy
Johnny Cash - REAL. Check out The American Recordings; Unchained; Solitary Man; The Man Come’s Around; 100 Highways; and Unearthed
Patty Griffin - beautiful (I only know her live recording - what a band!)
The Lost Dogs a “super group” of unknowns - they deliver great music - if you can find it don’t hesitate to grab Scenic Routes and Little Red Riding Hood - you will thank me. Also noteworthy - Real Men Cry and their latest is pretty good - The Lost Cabin and the Mystery Trees (Lost Cabin is shorter - and a definite indie release - but if it is all you can find - it is a fine find).
Bill Malonee - mellower stuff from the VOL frontman… not to be missed - Friendly Fire and Fetal Position

Progressive Rock (check out Bob Robinson for definitions and timelines - we could do a long car trip no problem!)
The Flower Kings recommended Stardust We Are, Unfold the Future and Paradox Hotel
Genesis I love everything from ‘70 - ‘84.
Transatlantic Brilliant.
Rush Played early and often. Especially love the recordings between Fly by Night and Signals… but it is all enjoyable.
King Crimson Stretches you in many ways. Worthy of a listen.
Kansas words that come to mind: beautiful, lush, grand.
Peter Gabriel one word - ARTIST. This guy’s discography is BRILLIANT - pick anything up and savor.
801 this Roxy Music offshoot is heavily in rotation right now.

Jazz I GROOVE on

Miles Davis
John Coltrane
Al Di Meola
Bela Fleck and the Flectones
Wynton Marsallis
Charles Mingus
Charlie Parker
Weather Report

Classical that Inspires (no surprises - in almost every case I am most drawn to the following composers orchestral/symphonic works)
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Anton Bruckner
Aaron Copeland
Gustav Holst
Gustav Mahler
Modest Mussorgsky
Pyotr Ilich Tchaikcovsky

Share some of your raves about some of your favorite aural art!

I have been tagged by Brian Eberly to share the 10 songs that come up on shuffle in iTunes.

I am a complete music FREAK… and this sounds like fun. So strap on your seat-belt and prepare to be amazed as you gaze in on the “musical delights” (more like musical schizophrenia) that are part of the Jones music library.

THE 10 TUNES randomly playing on Doug’s iTunes are:

10. “Best I Can” by Rush from Fly By Night

09. “Marvelous Light” by Dan Haseltine, Ginny Owens & Friends from City on a Hill - The Gathering

08. “Inside” by Pain of Salvation from One Hour By the Concrete Lake

07. “Donna Nietche And Her Super Race Of Kick Boxing Uber Parrots” by Daniel Amos from Songs Of The Heart

06. “Do Not Move” by David Crowder Band from A Collision

05. “Elijah the Prophet” by Starflyer 59 from Easy Come Easy Go

04. “This is the Healing” by L S Underground from This is the Healing

03. “The Disaster” by Home from The Alchemist

02. “Circus Brimstone” by The Flower Kings from Meet the Flower Kings

01. “Shapes of the Morning” by Glass Hammer from Chronometree

Bonus… the NEXT 5!!

05. Facelift (live) by Soft Machine from Third

04. I Can’t Get Over It (Live 8 track Demo) by The 77’s from The Seventy Sevens (Island Release)

03. Treasure of the Broken Land by Mark Heard from Satellite Sky

02. Little Dumbo by Rev. Edward Daniel Taylor from The Miracle Faith Telethon

01. While the Nations Rage by Rich Mullins from Songs

What are you listening to? Without cheating, what are the first 10 songs that will hit your ears? I’m going to tag:
Len Evans,
Dan Mayes, (don’t let me down Dan - no CCM!)
Justin Ross,
Chris Day,
& Monty the Nazarene (I am counting on some Dylan from Monty!).
Hold up this ain’t no boys club - I need to add one more… so I tag Calacirian (I am counting on some U2 and Rush)!

This is a second take at beauty and spirituality (my first post is here).

For a number of years I lived in the DC metro area, and after I discovered the need in my life for regular retreat days, I would often spend my time at the National Cathedral. It was a wonderful place to take in spectacular beauty (in the gardens, amidst the gothic architecture and guided by the amazing pieces of liturgical art scattered about). I would often spend the first hour or so just wandering aimlessly “taking it in.” Then my custom often led me to St. Joseph’s Chapel in the basement of the Cathedral - here it was often quiet, away from the tourists and I was able to meditate, dream, rest and read in relative peace. In the midst of this space - created to help the pilgrim turn toward God - I was often the recipient of grace, peace, love and fresh perspective and faith.

I recall one particular afternoon vividly. I was fighting sleep. I was struggling to focus. I was restless. I was fairly perturbed at noisy custodians and carefree visitors. I had already wandered aimlessly not finding “appropriate” or “desirable” alternative spots to St. Joseph’s Chapel. I had squandered precious time perusing the trinkets, books and “gifts” at the Cathedral Bookstore and now feeling like a complete wreck (heck if I can’t find God here in a cathedral, what is wrong with me!) I was desperate. Following my well-worn and well-known path back toward St. Joseph’s Chapel I noticed a door in an alcove just a few steps from the exit of the basement steps. The door said welcome and had a title - like office of center for spirituality, or some such thing (now it is the office for The Cathedral Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. I walked in.

It was a very sedate office with a waiting room feel (very much out of character for this Gothic Cathedral) I noticed a few journals placed on end tables and there was rack of books that I naturally gave a “once over.” Then I noticed it. Another doorway off to the right of the “waiting room.” I made my way over the threshold.

I immediately became aware of my heartbeat slowing, I felt cool air, I breathed in the whole atmosphere - I felt home (not just nostalgic feelings, but a sense of belonging at the very core of who I am). There was nothing ancient or Gothic about this basement prayer space and yet everything about it caused me to reflect and rest and remember and sense the refreshing of the Most Hight God. I had stumbled into what I can only describe as a “Thin Space” (that is how the Ancient Celts referred to “sacred spaces”). A “thin space” are those places where the fabric of this world and the next world is overlapping in such a way that we get a glimpse of and genuinely sense the nearness of God.

This basement prayer room was a space full of natural light (through skylights) intricate yet stark modern architecture, candles, and prayer-centric furnishings - the space called to and invited the guest to encounter The Mystery. There was little need to “enter in;” I was plunged into God and there I rested and was refreshed. I can’t tell you what took place, or remember my thoughts, I can tell you that the hospitality of this quiet get-a-way was one that is etched on my soul.

I honestly haven’t been back to this room in over 6 years… so I don’t know if it still exists - but it’s beauty and sacredness helped shape me into who I am becoming. I pray that you have found such places/spaces where your soul can expand, roots deepen and the well of your life can be refreshed. In the evangelical heritage I am a part of - finding a dedicated prayer space in one of our churches is unfortunately a rare occurrence since we seem to be enamored with Multi-purpose spaces vice Sacred and dedicated spaces (that is a rant for another post). As a result I need to seek out such spaces.

Where do you find such beauty, hospitality, sacred spaces - a place that ushers you into God’s presence - in nature, in a cathedral, in a basement chapel, in a private prayer closet or somewhere else? Add a comment and share the beauty of your sacred space.

My wife, daughter, and I were nearing the end of our day at the National Gallery of Art; just heading down a set of stairs to make a whirlwind trip through the Modern Art Annex - when it assailed me! From a mundane spot on a brick wall in a stairwell I spotted the work of art and it got me in it’s grip! The image was seared on my mind and it seemed to reach out and take hold of my heart; and for the first time a piece of art really “spoke to me.” I had meandered through Picasso’s; Rembrandt’s; Renoir’s; and Monet’s (and Manet’s) and while I saw the beauty nothing had struck me like this art piece. I was just traveling through the gallery until I saw this and then everything changed.

The gallery became a cathedral and I was stopped in my tracks as God’s grace and truth mingled in me as I was awestruck before it’s beauty and it’s reality. Nothing like this had ever transpired in my experience (well one other time years before) but, then again for 10 years or more art had become utilitarian in my life. Functional. Purposeful. “Art” had amounted to graphic ‘clip art’, logo’s, $50.00 prints that were the right color scheme, pop-art, marketing, and power-points for someone’s or my agenda. Art was not primary. Art had not had a place in my life to merely be art… until this moment. The artist, now dead (and rather controversial) was able to touch my heart as I was caught unaware by the sheer beauty, magnitude and message of this painting. It was a breakthrough moment. Maybe it was brought on by the afore-admitted sheer deprivation from great art in my life. Maybe it was the fact that I was NOT expecting it and it snuck up on me at that moment. Maybe it doesn’t matter.

I had an epiphany at the National Gallery of Art.

Great art that reflects the Creator and His creation is needed in our lives. It has a way of speaking to us in such a holistic way. In one moment I was in a stairwell making my way down a set of stairs and when my eyes met this work of art… I was in communion with God, awestruck, fearful, full of grace, moved to tears, frozen in time.

Powerful stuff.

May we have eyes to see the beauty of God reflected in our everyday and/or through the lens, paintbrush, charcoal or hands of a gifted (or not-so gifted) artist. May God raise up a church that will again fund the arts and be a place that promotes artists.

The piece of art that “mugged me in the stairwell” is from what I can tell still a part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art, although my last trip there I searched in vain to see it. (Although I did purchase a print to have in my office - when I get an office?!).