So, I have been out of the picture the past couple of days - a trip and then recovering from being away a couple of days.

That means two things - I have no idea what the “buzz is in the blog-o-shpere” and I think I owe you something!

This may be old news; this may be all over out there - but seriously I wouldn’t know.

So - The latest Robbie Seay Band release, Give Yourself Away is being given away for free through relevant magazine… get it while it’s hot! (it’s going on sale 8/28 - so this is probably a limited deal). Good rock oriented worship style music (with a very tasty and fresh take on The Choir’s Beautiful Scandalous Night).

Go get it! (you do have to leave a name and email and sign up for 2 email newsletters - nothin’s “free”.)

I have been pursuing God in more passive ways over the past few years. I don’t know if it is “right” - but it has been the path I have been on. By “passive” I mean - less about things I do and more about being available or receptive to what God is doing. I call this a “passive-spirituality.” Again to re-iterate not because it is spirituality for the lazy or laissez-faire - but a spirituality where we receive and God acts (as opposed to many of the disciplines we are familiar with fasting, studying, verbal prayer, corporate worship, etc.).

I find that I need help to “wind-down” and to enter into a receptive/passive mode in my relationships. To be present to others and God. It takes time - and a peaceful environment to bring your whole self before God and just - be. It then takes faith to trust that just being with God is really happening and that over time this transforms us (but I think most of the time I believe it!?).

Some music really assists me in this way (not all - like I wouldn’t recommend AC/DC - Back In Black for this purpose). If you want to explore this whole passive-spirituality I would encourage some music that calms, moves you to an awareness of yourself and to an awareness of the presence of God. As we bring down the RPM of our inner life - we can be more present to the now and more present to God’s presence.

Some musical recommendations to help us be… and prepare us to be with God:

Benediction by Jeff Johnson

A great mix of vocal and instrumental music with some celtic influence. Very nice stuff - a great help in regaining a focus and moving one from the temporal stresses to the “big picture” perspective. Also a great introduction to the music of Taize - Jeff does some great renditions of some classic Taize tunes (Jesus, Remember Me, Bless the Lord, etc.) making them a bit more accessible.

Beyond These Shores by Iona

A journey piece that all at once connects us to our roots of this earth and the beauty of heaven. A very emotive and atmospheric piece that never fails to slow my pulse a bit and simultaneously provides perspective (this is not escapist music). Great musicians and great art - definitely celtic in flavor (as the name implies)!

Empty Canvas by John Michael Talbot

Instrumental guitar in the “Windham Hill/new age” tradition. Great stuff. J. M. Talbot creates so much on the “empty canvas.” I find this disc is a great one for finding rest and yet keeping me from slipping away into sleep or day dreaming. It has an ability to keep me in a peaceful alertness. Great music for preparing one for practicing a “passive-spirituality.”

Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) by Taize

This may stretch some (either in the ears or in the attention-span), but for me I must mention this release; it is often spun when I need to “wind down.” Like most Taize recordings the lyrics are sung in a variety of languages (primarily English and Latin - but others show up). This repetitive and simple lyrical and musical approach is written for the very purpose of practicing a more “passive spirituality.” It is worth a try if you have never tried. The focus of this particular release is an invitation for the Spirit to visit us; sharing the fruit and gifts that accompanies the Spirit’s presence.

Passion by Peter Gabriel

This particular recording strikes a very “primitive” place in me. It definitely helps me find my place in “the world.” I absolutely love the music and also find it helps me connect to the world and to God in a very unique way. Although this is the soundtrack to a rather controversial film - Gabriel, nevertheless, has produced a masterpiece that transcends the film. On more than one occasion this offering has served to help me enter into the now - where God becomes more present and I am more present to myself.

Share any questions, thoughts or suggestions in the comments below that you might have as it relates to music, meditation, passive-spirituality (or AC/DC for that matter?!)…

in one peace.

It’s been just about 5 months since I began Perigrinatio. Today I issue/write the 77th post.

In that time - just about 1750 unique folks have stopped by and just under 5000 pages viewed (4,996 to be exact).

So while not a WILD amount of action here - not bad for the first couple of months.

Anyway in honor of the 77th posting - I honor my favorite band -

The 77’s.

From the earliest days of Ping Pong Over the Abyss to their most recent, Direct and Fun with Sound - the 77’s have been the soundtrack of my life.

Keeping with this rather light hearted and rambling entry - here is one of my favorite 77’s lyric.

The Rain Kept Falling In Love
from the album “Pray Naked”
(by Mike Roe)

i curse the sun in the summer
burns me up till i’m blind
i curse the cold in the winter
but i don’t really mind
if they asked any money
i would give any money
to the sun and the wind
and the rain to be kind

rain on rain on
rain on rain on
the rain kept falling in love

© 1992 Fools Of The World, LTD. (ASCAP)

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!

Here are somethings that have garnered my attention of late as I have had a chance to wander the web.

I caught this on Sunday’s broadcast of the White Horse Inn - an interview with Anne Rice (author of Interview With The Vampire) - it was very interesting and a helpful look at what brought her back to faith in Christ.

Chris Folmsbee gets honest and challenges all of us in this post, entitled “The Highly-edited Version” based on a quote from Buechner.

Monty the Nazarene writes a wonderfully reflective (not to mention somewhat humorous) post on The Jesus Prayer at his well-written blog.

Mark Riddle poses a great question worthy of thoughtful consideration in this post on youth ministry.

Bob Hyatt (a blog I visit daily) has a great personal reflection on the value of “stepping away” and the need to “Be in the moment.” A very good post… don’t miss it.

Mike King shares an overview of the curriculum (entitled The Way of Jesus) he helped present at Youthfront South’s camp - this is GREAT STUFF! Thanks Mike!

Congratulations to my good friend over at Calacirian! On July 7, 2007 (7/7/7) she celebrated two years of blogging. What a great day to have begun sharing with us her thoughts, dreams, frustrations, hopes, triumphs and fears (by the way on 7/7/7 I was grooving to the greatest rock ‘n roll band too few have heard - the 77’s!). In her 2nd year anniversary post don’t miss a great quote and her declaration to write with honesty and a desire to be authentic.

My wandering ends with a call for those who meander by to be praying for the McCoy family (from the blog Reformissionary) as Steve’s wife undergoes surgery this week. I pray that God will encircle this family with His mercy, love, peace and healing touch. Over, under, in front, behind and beside may the McCoy family know the mysterious presence of the Almighty One.

———— this just in one more great FIND!!——————-

Check out Len Evan’s new blog - Youth Ministry Interviews!! His first interview is with Mark Yaconelli… great stuff! Excellent new blog!

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)!