Music and the Spoken Word: Christmas Special - Live Stream December 4, 2016

This is the first of the Christmas oriented Music and the Spoken Word.  It does not feature any soloists.  However the music is still delightful.  It starts with "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and includes "Away in a Manger" a couple of my favorites.  There is the use of some great pictures to highlight the Christmas story.  Another favorite is included, "Do You Hear What I Hear."  Lloyd Newell's spoken word is well received.  He talks of keeping an eye out, and lifting those who may be down during the Christmas season.  I really enjoyed the different creches, featuring Mary and Baby Jesus that were shown during "Away in a Manger."

Hold On: Alex Sharpe presents One Heart & One Voice

This is another song from the concert at the Logan tabernacle featuring Alex Sharpe.  This is a song I know from when my kids sang in the Zion Choir in San Jose.  It is very nice.  Sharpe covers it very well, and the energy and diction with which she performs are very nice.

Abide With Me: Alex Sharpe Presents One Heart & One Voice

I really like this version of "Abide with Me" and there is a version of Alex Sharpe singing with the Mormon  Tabernacle Choir on You Tube.  In this version she sings with a Cache Valley choir and is part of the concert she did at Logan Tabernacle.  I especially like the way she adds a few lines from "The Lord is my Shepherd" at the end.

Nearer, My God, To Thee - Music Video

These are images from the Bible series, but they are incredible and seem to be through a 3-D lens.  The message is clear, God is reaching to us, if we just accept him.

Mormon Women: Eliza R. Snow

There are many incredible women in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  However none is more revered than Eliza R. Snow.  

Eliza R. Snow is best remembered for her poetry.  Ten of her poems are published in the LDS Hymn Book.   The most popular is undoubtedly, "O My Father."  This beautiful description of our Heavenly Mother, and eternal realms is a Mormon gem.   She also penned "How Great the Wisdom and the Love" which is often quoted in conference.  "How great, how glorious, how complete  Redemption's grand design,

Where justice, love, and mercy meet  In harmony divine!" 

A book I am now reading, "Signs, Wonders, and Miracles"  points to her as a widow of the martyred prophet Joseph Smith.  She had asked the Lord to take her as well.  However the prophet appeared to her from beyond the veil, and told her that was not God's intentions for her.  The prophet told her to "be of good courage and help to cheer and lighten the burdens of others."  Eliza was later asked by Brigham Young to organized relief societies in the local units of the church.  She then became the second general president of the relief society.  

Although  "O My Father" is a poem well revered, I like another even better: A Word To Saints Who are Gathering

by Eliza R. Snow

Think not, when you gather to Zion,

Your troubles and trials are through--

That nothing but comfort and pleasure

Are waiting in Zion for you.

No, no; 'tis design'd as a furnace;

All substance, all textures to try--

To consume all the "wood, hay and stubble,"

And the gold from the dross purify.

Think not, when you gather to Zion

That all will be holy and pure--

That deception, and falsehood are banish'd

And confidence wholly secure.

No, no, for the Lord our Redeemer

Has said that the tares from the wheat

Must grow; until the great day of burning

Shall render the harvest complete.

Think not, when you gather to Zion

The Saints here have nothing to do

But attend to your personal welfare,

And always be comforting you.

No, the Saints who are faithful are doing

What their hands find to do, with their might

To accomplish the gath'ring of Israel

They are toiling by day and by night.

Think not, when you gather to Zion,

The prize and the victory won--

Think not that the warfare is ended,

Or the work of salvation is done.

No, no; for the great Prince of Darkness

A tenfold exertion will make

When He sees you approaching the fountain

Where the truth you may freely partake.  (LDS Women)

Now, recently in the media we are made aware of another way to think of Eliza R. Snow, as a survivor of gang rape.  This knowledge helps me to appreciate this woman even more.  Two times she has to pick herself up, and go on.  I noted in the "Liahona September 1987" this story about Eliza Snow.  With the expulsion of the Saints "a man taunted Eliza R. Snow, saying, “Well, I think this will put an end to your faith.” She replied, “No, sir, it will take more than this to put an end to my faith.” He humbly responded, “I must confess you are a stronger person than I am.”  Eliza R. Snow is a person among people.  A person who overcame hardship, and was able to help many others.  A woman who fought for women's suffrage and women's rights.  (Utah had women's suffrage long before any other state or territory, but it was taken away by the federal government.)

Final Osmond Family Concert (2008)

This concert was presented at the Conference Center in Salt Lake, and included the orchestra and Temple Square and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  It is overall very good.  Marie seemed to have technical issues a few times, and tried to control the volume by moving the mic which was bothersome.  However this is a good concert.  The two oldest brothers join them for the last two numbers, and their use of sign added to the vocal is very nice.

Mormon Movie Review: ***^Sons of Provo (2004)

This is a movie made in documentary style, home video style.  This follows three men who are involved in a Mormon Boy Band.  They call themselves EverClean.  It gives us an idea of what it would be like to be in a band, trying to maintain the squeaky clean image.  They eventually have some success, but they still have some growing to do.  Can the brothers who formed the band, let go enough to let someone else share his music?  If they don't the band will likely fall apart due to jealousy.  Sometimes growth hurts.

Mormon Music Review: Echoes of the Sabbath: Brigham Young University

This is an anthology of BYU choruses, singing music appropriate for a Sunday.  Most of it is church hymns, but not all.  Young Ambassadors and a soloist sing "Let Him Heal Your Heart" and the concert choir and philharmonic orchestra perform "Death Shall Not Destroy my Comfort."  The philharmonic also accompany the combined chorus in "Praise to the Lord the Almighty."  Another favorite is performed by the women's chorus, "Simple Gifts."  There is plenty to like in this collection.

Music Review: Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Teach Me to Walk in the Light (2012)

This is a beautiful collection of children's songs from the Mormon Church.  One of my favorites as a child was '''Give,' Said the Little Stream" and there is a wonderful version second on the track.  The title song "Teach me to Walk in the Light" is another of my favorites.  In this version there is good use of the women on the first verse, men the second and choir the third.  "Love One Another" is another favorite.  Tony's new favorite is included, "I know That My Savior Loves Me." This set includes with "When He Comes Again" which I have sung as has Caleb; and then "I am a Child of God" which early on was Jeremy's favorite.  This is a beautiful collection.  My only beef about choir recordings is sometimes the vocal is very soft, and you have to turn up the radio to hear, but then the music gets loud and you have to turn it down.  

Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Memorial Day

This is from Music and the Spoken Word, Memorial Day, 2014.  The story of the sinking ship and the sailors in the water is amazing.  "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is on of my favorite.  Enjoy!

Music Review: Michael McLean: Hold on the Light Will Come

Hold On, the Light will Come: And Other Lessons my Songs Have Taught Me.  (2003)

I have been enjoying a Michael McLean C.D. we gave ourselves for Christmas.  It is actually a book )read by Michael McLean) with songs.  McLean is someone with the talent I wish I had.  He talks about the ups and downs of his career.  However, from my perspective it has mostly been up.

Some of his songs really hit home, and a conversation of those I really like.

“From God’s Arms, to My Arms, to Yours:”  This is an adoption song from the perspective of the birth mother.  Tony, our adoptive son has really liked this song, as have Sheri and I.  It seems for my part, I cry more each time I listen to it.  I remember when I first help Baby Tony.  He was tiny.  They didn’t let him out of the hospital until he reached five pounds.  He started at four pounds seven ounces.  Sheri had visited him at the hospital, but I did not meet him until Sheri brought him home.  I was so proud (yes proud is the right word) of our little baby.  I felt he would be my boy forever, even though I knew that wasn’t true at the time.  However now it is true; and this song brings up those treasured memories for me.

“The Man of Many Names:”  This song I had heard before from “The garden” C.D.  I still enjoy it, and I am getting to where I can almost sing along.  This song is a testimony of Jesus’ love for us, and the price he pays for us.  This song comes with a story of Simon Peter and Jesus walking on water.  I really enjoy the insight.  Jesus will always save us if we cry out to him, and we should not doubt this.

“The Innkeeper Song” from Forgotten Carols:  This is a new song to me.  Now I am crazed with the idea of learning to sing it well enough to sing next Christmas, if I can find someone to let me sing.  What would the Innkeeper perspective be, and what would he sing now if he could.  This song gives a very good answer.  “Even a thousand years would not fully erase my shame.”  “Let Him in.”

“Which Part is Mine:” This song has quickly become one of my favorites.  It starts as a song about roles, and learning our own part; but it ends as a song about prayer, and that is why I enjoy it.  It helps me commit to being better at praying, which is something I really need.  This song has helped me improve my prayers.  “After I've done my best, I know you'll do the rest, Because You hear me.

McLean does very well with hardship, with love, with life in general.

Music Review: Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Love is Spoken Here

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square make a very good team.  This CD was released in 2005.
  Sheri describes this CD by saying "It makes me feel homesick even though I am at home."  I think it makes you miss your children who are away more.  True many of the songs make you feel nostalgic.  In this category are "Love at Home," "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You," "Turn Around" and "Homeward Bound." 
There is also a good section of classic Primary songs.  These include "I Am a Child of God," "I Feel My Savior's Love," "A Child's Prayer," and "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus."
The songs are beautifully done.  This CD can make you long for loved ones when they are away.
 Our only complaint is at times the sound is too soft or too loud.  I don't know if it is jut our CD, poor recording, or too much artistic variety but we often have to turn it up to hear the soft parts, and then turn it down when the choir gets too loud.

Music Review: The Miracles of Love

This is music video from Nest Entertainment which presents the songs form the New Testament series.  The songs include: "A King is Born" which is a song announcing the birth of the Savior.  "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" presents the story of Zacharias and John the Baptist.  The story of the prodigal son is highlighted by the song, "Welcome Home."  The parable of the good Samaritan is strengthened with the song, "My Hands."  "My hands are the Lord's hands."  There is a powerful message in that simple statement.  "Miracles of Love" highlights the miracles of Jesus.  The conversion of Saul to Paul is highlighted is emphasized in "Help Me."  "Help me Lord to fight a good fight."  The final song reflects upon the atonement of the Savior.  "He Gave His Life for Me" starts with the crucifixion, and then shows the resurrection.  "He gave his perfect life so I could live again." 

Music Review: ****^Spirit: Alex Boye (to MMBOE)

Alex Boye's songs in this album are a please to God, to help find his place, his status with God.  He lends his distinctive tone to these songs, and in doing so inspires us to seek God.  He  teaches repentance; starting over.

My favorite is "A Prayer Away."
When will you listen?
When will you hear?
A still small voice can be loud and so clear.
Just when you thought, you had it all
You find you have nothing
Then you stumble and fall.

So reach for the sunlight
Stop chasing the storms all over town
You can't keep on running
You got to start living, yeah

Nobody deserves to be lonely
God's love will give hope to each wondering soul
Whenever you feel you're the only hope in this world
is only a prayer away

There's time to let go
And time to move on
To even be moved by the words to this song
Come back to the alter
Back to yourself
Trade silver for gold
Leave your past on the shelf

Fall into forgiveness
Your life can never be the same
I'll help you through this
Just lift up your hands
And say His name

What good is a crown!
If you don't wear it
You're standing for nothing
You keep falling down, oh no
Hope in this world
Is only a prayer away

That last statement is true, hope in this world is only a prayer away.  The other messages in this song are also true.  It is possible to stop falling down, we can pick ourselves up, and see repentance, and make a change in our lives.   God's hand is always extended towards us.  It is our need to humble ourselves, and call to him for his loving forgiveness.

Other of his songs also are a plea for God's guidance. 

"Word of God Speak"
[Chorus]
Word of God speak
Won't You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and know that You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness
Word of God speak


"Great Light of the World"
Oh great light of the world
Fill up my soul
I'm half a man here
So come make me whole
Oh great light of the world
Come to impart
The light of your grace
Fill up my heart

Boye concludes this album with a song common to Christians, "How Great Thou Art."  He makes this song unique, as he adds an African Chant which he does so well.  This song is much more moving than anything from "Lion King" where the same strategy was employed.