Hollywood Vice #141

Taking the rare, odd and unusual and presenting it in such a way that it not only becomes accepted, but many believe it to be the norm.

Miracle on the Damascus Road - Winter

Miracle on the Damascus Road - Winter

Miracles don't just happen every day,
On Damascus road nor on any other.
If we just take the time to pray, foes become our brother.

It doesn't matter where you have gone.
Or dreamin' of what might have been.
Stumbling as we rush into strife. On this road of life.

'Miracle on the Damascus Road' is #27 within the Alpha & Omega Suite's 35 parts.

Compromise

Here's a little trick about compromise... that which is false and untrue is sure to seek compromise far sooner than that which is true and accurate. This has everything to do with the nature of truth and the nature of lies.

Compromise allows a much greater advantage to the false since it has far less to lose by compromising. Additionally, closely bonded with untruth is the area of deceit, so the false always knows that if it can get it's foot in the door through compromise, it will be in position to later assert and gain control.

Truth really has no reason to compromise with that which is not true. By compromising, truth becomes watered-down to the point that it's foundation is destined to eventually collapse.

This simple principle can be observed throughout every area of our life. That is why it's vitally important to know and understand truth.

Egypt

I was admiring the spelling of the word 'Egypt', sort of in awe at a word that begins with one vowel followed by four harmonious consonants! I have been there on two occasions but never gave any thought regarding the way the name is spelled.
A Google search revealed that historical Egyptian spellings are full of consonants... even containing words that harbor no vowels at all. This is quite different than our English words which heavily rely on vowels.

But before I jump to too many conclusions, just look at another famous Egyptian name: Cairo. In that case you've got a five letter word which contains three vowels, including an A and I together to create a long 'I' sound (unless we're referring to the town in Illinois).

--- I've blabbered on long enough, but I hope this comes in handy to anyone who feels stuck next time you're playing a spelling game!

Return of the Prodigal - Winter

Return of the Prodigal - Winter

In all honesty, this one caught me off guard.
When I composed it several years ago, I didn't fully understand it. Yes, I knew that it emphasized God's grace and redemption to all who go astray and are wayward. I fully understood the parable of the prodigal son returning to his father who greeted him with open arms... and how this perfectly illustrates our Father in heaven ready to accept us in our broken, repentant state.

What I didn't comprehend was what direction this song was supposed to take in order for the music to do justice to the strong lyrical message. Well I found out recently when contemplating and praying over the instrumental arrangement. Even I was surprised when the instruments brought out the beauty of the composition.

"Return of the Prodigal" is #28 in the Alpha & Omega Suite. This is the Winter variation from 'the Seasons'.


Wow! Even though I composed and arranged this, I'm surprised with the direction it went. ((TYJ!))

Art Museums

Honestly, have you ever noticed how many art museums are filled with so much really bad art?

-((Of course, this is only my low, humble opinion... but who says my opinion is worse than the buyers who are purchasing that junk to fill the gallery walls?))-

The Worst Song ever Written

It just goes to show how different we are in some ways.

Several months ago I saw a link to "the worst song ever written" and so out of curiosity I went to it and listened. And you know what? I loved it!

I also noticed that millions of people were absolutely wrong about the song. It was not the song that was bad... it was the studio production, recording, audio effects, and other factors which were not up to what they should have been.

There's comfort in being part of the large group, but there's occasionally truth to be found in taking a stand contrary to theirs.

Idols In The Mud - Autumn

Idols In The Mud - Autumn

______________________________

'Idols in the Mud' is dedicated to all the folks who either intentionally, or unintentionally, keep various idols in their life. Some of us stubbornly adhere to worshiping false gods; others have our idols in the form of belongings and financial security; others elevate media personalities. Either way, it is where our heart lies that prevents us from fellowshipping with the one authentic God.

'Idols in the Mud' is the brash proclamation of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Their audacity prompted the living God to reach out and give clear evidence of His power, truth, and justice.

Thunder and lightning are heard on the second chorus. This represents the consuming fire which triumphed over the false deities Ahab and Jezebel defiantly worshiped and touted.

"There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited." (1 Kings 21:25)

_______________________

My composition 'Idols in the Mud' is one of my most exotic pieces, and the only one where two overlapping melodies compliment one another throughout the verses.

Divorced and Fired

An employer trying to explain why a co-worker has been let go is much like parents trying to explain to their child why they are getting a divorce.

Release original raw files

I have decided to release the original ‘raw’ version of the Alpha & Omega Suite.

Those are the old recordings of just singing and guitar… no other accompaniment added.

I realize there’s an audience for raw and rugged music. Also, those are the versions which formed the basis for the more-polished orchestrations which followed.

The Apostles Theme-Autumn

The Apostles Theme-Autumn

Original composition...

"The Apostles Theme"

The prestigious and highly educated leaders observed the confidence of Peter and John. They fully understood that these were uneducated and untrained men and yet their boldness, spiritual arguments, and authority were amazing and transcended their socioeconomic background!

This is the Autumn variation of the Apostles Theme, which I composed in 2007 and just recently scored.