John Michael Talbot finds 'Rebirth' with "Worship and Bow Down"
Monday, July 11, 2011
With "Worship and Bow Down," Contemporary Christian Music pioneer John Michael Talbot delivers a powerful collection that draws people deeper into the spirit of prayer and the heart of the Church.
Beautifully orchestrated and arranged with styles ranging from acoustic worship to a new "Contemporary Chant," it's the "scripturally sound lyrics of pure devotion to the Lord and his lovely tenor singing that provide a soothing backdrop for prayer, worshipful meditation, or simply those quiet moments when you find yourself basking in the glory of creation." (Robert Ham - Christianity Today)
Of the seventeen songs, Talbot shares the following from the liner notes: "I tried to balance the Christian East and West, the ancient and the contemporary, the Catholic and ecumenical Christian in a way that was at once simple but elegant. I came up with the following:
A new treatment of Psalm 95 with “Worship and Bow Down” echoes my previous popular “Come Worship the Lord.” A Communion hymn including both reception and adoration of the Eucharist with scripture texts from St. Bonaventure inclusive of ecumenical Christian services can be found with “In Remembrance of Me.” A straightforward use of the “Hail Mary” text wrote very easily, with a subtle reminder that Mary always leads to Jesus.”
I had already composed a “Jesus Prayer” to represent the rosary (beaded or knotted prayer rope) tradition of the East. “Breathe” brings out the use of breath in Christian meditation that is found in Diodochus of Photice, a 5th century Macedonian bishop, who used this tool to help us to pray without ceasing. “Lectio” incorporated the western monastic tradition of sacred reading, vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation. I really feel that we captured the eastern and western aspects of the Church, as well as an ecumenical dimension that was authentically Catholic.
“Nothing Is Impossible” is a message of hope that is most relevant in an era of recession, sex scandals in the church, and political polarization. We are finding that Catholic (and all) Christians in America are ready for some good news. Jesus brings it in a way no politician can do. Similarly, “Hinds Feet on High Places” employs a title of the much beloved Protestant devotional, with texts from Habakkuk and Matthew 24 to encourage hope and faith even in trial and tribulation. These songs of hope are most important in today’s often-difficult environment.
Partner with the largest Catholic music publisher OCP (Oregon Catholic Press), Talbot " was pleased to include two new very popular songs from Tom Booth and Jesse Mannabusan, “Sacred Silence” and “Open My Eyes Lord.” I hope I have done the songs justice."
"The Mass Brings Out The Best In John Michael Talbot"
He's brought hope to believers around the world. He's raised millions of dollars for the needy. But after over 35 years of ministry, John Michael Talbot is more energized than ever as Catholics prepare for a revised liturgy this coming November 2011.. To usher in this very exciting time in the Catholic Church, featured on "Worship and Bow Down" is Talbot's new "Mass of Rebirth" (New Roman Missal Translation)
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press). publisher John Limb states, “No one bridges the two musical worlds of Catholic liturgical music and Contemporary Christian music like John Michael Talbot. Like he did with The Lord’s Supper many years ago, this new recording will bring the beauty of the mass, and the new translation of the Roman Missal, to many ears and hearts. The songs are vintage John Michael Talbot: scriptural, melodic and very musical – just beautiful.”
In closing Talbot shares, "What I pray resulted from this new effort is a project that captures the new hope and expectation for a positive experience in the Catholic Christianity in America that is also welcomed by all Christians everywhere. It brings together the ancient and the new, the traditional and the progressive, the east and the west through some new JMT music and a new setting of the New Roman Missal. I am pleased. I hope you are too!"
For more information or to purchase the album, go to www.johnmichaeltalbot.com.
Beautifully orchestrated and arranged with styles ranging from acoustic worship to a new "Contemporary Chant," it's the "scripturally sound lyrics of pure devotion to the Lord and his lovely tenor singing that provide a soothing backdrop for prayer, worshipful meditation, or simply those quiet moments when you find yourself basking in the glory of creation." (Robert Ham - Christianity Today)
Of the seventeen songs, Talbot shares the following from the liner notes: "I tried to balance the Christian East and West, the ancient and the contemporary, the Catholic and ecumenical Christian in a way that was at once simple but elegant. I came up with the following:
A new treatment of Psalm 95 with “Worship and Bow Down” echoes my previous popular “Come Worship the Lord.” A Communion hymn including both reception and adoration of the Eucharist with scripture texts from St. Bonaventure inclusive of ecumenical Christian services can be found with “In Remembrance of Me.” A straightforward use of the “Hail Mary” text wrote very easily, with a subtle reminder that Mary always leads to Jesus.”
I had already composed a “Jesus Prayer” to represent the rosary (beaded or knotted prayer rope) tradition of the East. “Breathe” brings out the use of breath in Christian meditation that is found in Diodochus of Photice, a 5th century Macedonian bishop, who used this tool to help us to pray without ceasing. “Lectio” incorporated the western monastic tradition of sacred reading, vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation. I really feel that we captured the eastern and western aspects of the Church, as well as an ecumenical dimension that was authentically Catholic.
“Nothing Is Impossible” is a message of hope that is most relevant in an era of recession, sex scandals in the church, and political polarization. We are finding that Catholic (and all) Christians in America are ready for some good news. Jesus brings it in a way no politician can do. Similarly, “Hinds Feet on High Places” employs a title of the much beloved Protestant devotional, with texts from Habakkuk and Matthew 24 to encourage hope and faith even in trial and tribulation. These songs of hope are most important in today’s often-difficult environment.
Partner with the largest Catholic music publisher OCP (Oregon Catholic Press), Talbot " was pleased to include two new very popular songs from Tom Booth and Jesse Mannabusan, “Sacred Silence” and “Open My Eyes Lord.” I hope I have done the songs justice."
"The Mass Brings Out The Best In John Michael Talbot"
He's brought hope to believers around the world. He's raised millions of dollars for the needy. But after over 35 years of ministry, John Michael Talbot is more energized than ever as Catholics prepare for a revised liturgy this coming November 2011.. To usher in this very exciting time in the Catholic Church, featured on "Worship and Bow Down" is Talbot's new "Mass of Rebirth" (New Roman Missal Translation)
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press). publisher John Limb states, “No one bridges the two musical worlds of Catholic liturgical music and Contemporary Christian music like John Michael Talbot. Like he did with The Lord’s Supper many years ago, this new recording will bring the beauty of the mass, and the new translation of the Roman Missal, to many ears and hearts. The songs are vintage John Michael Talbot: scriptural, melodic and very musical – just beautiful.”
In closing Talbot shares, "What I pray resulted from this new effort is a project that captures the new hope and expectation for a positive experience in the Catholic Christianity in America that is also welcomed by all Christians everywhere. It brings together the ancient and the new, the traditional and the progressive, the east and the west through some new JMT music and a new setting of the New Roman Missal. I am pleased. I hope you are too!"
For more information or to purchase the album, go to www.johnmichaeltalbot.com.
