8. O Lord, Hear My Prayer (Taizé)

 

The Adrian Song of the Week 

8. O, Lord Hear My Prayer (Taizé)

Listen here: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=14395967

In the light of the aggression taking place in Ukraine it was hard to think of a song from among my own compositions that I felt resonated with my gut reactions to what is happening. As sometimes happens at times of crisis, I found this well known prayer chorus from the Taizé Community in France, playing in my head. The song is a beautiful and simple setting of a heartfelt cry for help.

I am very aware that not everybody identifies with the "Lord" of Christian faith, but even the most atheistic of humans seem to have those moments when they cry out into the unknown for a sense of understanding and a renewal of hope. Feels like we are in one of those places right now.

This particular version of the tune was created some years ago for a prayer group at one of the churches I had served. Scheduling conflicts meant that Yvonne and I could not actually attend the meetings, so this was a way of being part of the gathering without physically showing up. In today's virtual world that is a common experience. But not so much back in the nineteen eighties. lol.

Every song I have ever written was in some way derived from songs others had already crafted. I don't have a problem singing other folks songs, particularly when I have nothing to bring to the table. It is through others that I am learning the craft for myself. Plagiarism is a great learning tool (but then there are such things as copyright laws! Hopefully I am not infringing any right now.)

As for wars and rumors of wars, well sadly and historically, that's the way the world rolls. My parents lived through the Second World War. Their parents endured the First. There have been conflicts in the Baltic's and numerous other places during my own lifetime. Human beings can be brutal to each other. They can also do wonderful things. Caught between the two extremes we live out our days. Maybe that's a song idea I can take on board!

"Lord, Hear My Prayer" sprang out of a life that was dedicated to music making. Jacques Berthier (b. June 27, 1923; d. June 27, 1994) was the son of musical parents. He studied music at the Ecole Cesar Franck in Paris. From 1961 until his death he served as organist at St. Ignace Church, Paris. Although his published works include numerous compositions for organ, voice, and instruments, he is best known as the composer of service music for the ecumenical Taizé community near Cluny, Burgundy.

Berthier began writing songs in 1955 for the services of twenty monastic brothers at Taizé. As the Taizé community grew, he continued to compose most of the mini-hymns, canons, and various associated instrumental arrangements, which are now universally known as the Taizé repertoire. His songs have become become widely used in church music across the denominations.

Knowing of his background and experience is a reminder that, for most of us, songs don't just happen out of nowhere. We learn how songs work and how to put them together. We find ourselves in circumstances where our music resonates with others. We continue the journey. And, very occasionally, we may come up with something that can be helpful, healing and hopeful.

Let us hope common sense is returned, the desires of the powerful are thwarted and that the situation in the Ukraine will find resolution. Right now, I don't see how this situation can be anything but negative. So I cry out. And I pray. And I hope. Sometimes that's all we have to offer. 

 O Lord, hear my prayer (Berthier)

Copyright:  © 1982, Les Presses de Taizé, GIA Publications, Inc., agent.

O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
Come and listen to me.

7. "Etifeddiaeth Deg/Earth Shall Be Fair"

 The Adrian Song of the Week

"Etifeddiaeth Deg/Earth Shall Be Fair"

Audio in Welsh/Cymraeg: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=5452292
Audio in English: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=13509789
YouTube Welsh/Cymraeg video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3erN09zeM0c
YouTube English video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7ODIMc3g5M  

This particular ditty was written for a Christian Aid Fund Raising Appeal launched by the Presbyterian Church of Wales in 1992 that focused on poverty in Brazil. In particular the plight of the children forced to live on the Streets. It's also my only ever attempt at a Welsh language recording... other than offering a few backing vocals on a couple of songs while playing with Welsh language groups during college days. That's another story for another time.

I used the song in a number or worship services that supported the appeal,was interviewed on Radio Wales about it, and eventually the song was picked up and used as part of a S4C documentary about the plight of Brazil's street kids that aired in 1993. (That is where the video clips are from.) The documentary was produced by a former warden of Colg-Y-Bala, a place dear to my heart in my younger days.

It was gratifying that the song did raise some money for the appeal, but sadly was just a drop in an ocean of need. Thankfully others are taking the work further than I ever could. The registered charity "Task Brasil" http://www.taskbrasil.org/ continue to support relief efforts. 

Their work was given a boost in 1997 with a very generous donation by Jimmy Page, of Led Zeppelin fame. The money he donated was used to buy a plot of land in Santa Teresa, 'Casa Jimmy.' Although originally began in the UK, Task Brasil opened an office in the US in the summer of 2002. Updates on their continuing work (and an opportunity to support their mission) can be found on their Facebook page: https://pt-br.facebook.com/taskbrasiltrust

It's an amazing gift to be able to help other folk through your music! I hope that the song will be a reminder that little efforts can plant seeds that others may bring to fruition.

Of invaluable help in the recording process were, of course my wife Yvonne, and Susan Williams (then Susan Rice-Hughes.) It was Susan who painstaking led me phrase by phrase through the Welsh translation she had created. A lady of infinite patience and a gifted singer/songwriter in her own right. Still have a copy of her Cassette Tape "Neb Yn Nabod." The recording was done by Robert Graeme at "Sound advice" studios in North Wales.

(Welsh friends... please forgive any spelling errors in the Cymraeg lyric. Corrections happily accepted. My spell checker is not up to the task!)

Etifeddiaeth Deg
(Translated by Susan Williams)

Mae Pablo fachgen bach sy'n byw ar y stryd,
Dim bwyd yn ie stumog, mor llwm yw ei fyd,
Paid gofyn pam mae'n un o saith milwn llawd ei wlad.
Pob nos fe gwsg mewn ofn, ac weithiau geilwr ar Dduw
"O gwared fi rhag drwg. Mintai sydd am fy ngwaed"
I'r rhelyw o'r boble, di-enw yw a gwael ei stad.

'Di o ddim yn deg
Oes na neb yn malio dim
Fod ei fywyyd o mor llym
Oes na neb yn malio dim?
'Di o ddim yn deg
Tydy rhai'm yn cael eu siar
Mewn byd sydd fod yn war
Tyrd gweddia am fyd sy'n deg

Domingo oedd a fferm a chlwtyn bach o dir
Ond milwyr milain, arfog heliodd o o'i sir
Dihangodd rhag eu llid nhw i fyw'n ddiogel yn y dref
Ond nawr mae'n byw mewn bocs ar y stryd
Ai wraig a'i eido prin, mor anodd yw eu byd
Yn brwydro byw mewn llodi, ac anobaith blin yn llenwi eu llef

'Di o ddim yn deg
Oes na neb yn malio dim
Fod ei fywyyd o mor llym
Oes na neb yn malio dim?
'Di o ddim yn deg
Tydy rhai'm yn cael eu siar
Mewn byd sydd fod yn war
Tyrd gweddia am fyd sy'n deg

Dewch i'n wrando ar lais yr Iesu'n galw, yn
Llef anghenus brodyr llawd
Beth bynnag y gwnei dros y lleiaf o mrodyr i
Rwyt ti'n ei wneud i mi

'Di o ddim yn deg
Oes na neb yn malio dim
Fod ei fywyyd o mor llym
Oes na neb yn malio dim?
'Di o ddim yn deg
Tydy rhai'm yn cael eu siar
Mewn byd sydd fod yn war
Tyrd gweddia am fyd sy'n deg

Rhyw ddydd bydd ein byd yn deg

Earth Shall Be Fair

Pablo's just a boy who lives on the streets
He's got an empty stomach and no shoes on his feet
Don't ask him why there are seven million just the same
At night he sleeps in fear, sometimes he prays to God
Deliver me from evil, save me from the death squad
To most of the people he doesn't even have a name

It's not fair, is there no one left to care
Will there ever be a day, when the earth shall be fair
It's not fair, Surely there's enough to share
Won't you join me in my prayer
That the earth shall be fair

Domingo used to farm upon a plot of land
Till soldiers with machine guns took it from his hand
He headed fir the city to build himself a future there
But now he lives in a cardboard home
With a blanket, a wife and broken radio
United to his neighbors in a community of despair

It's not fair, is there no one left to care
Will there ever be a day, when the earth shall be fair
It's not fair, Surely there's enough to share
Won't you join me in my prayer
That the earth shall be fair

Let us listen for the voice of Jesus calling
speaking to us through their need
"Whatever you do for the least of my brothers
You're doing it for me"

It's not fair, is there no one left to care
Will there ever be a day, when the earth shall be fair
It's not fair, Surely there's enough to share
Won't you join me in my prayer
That the earth shall be fair

That one day earth shall be fair

6. The Wedding Song (For Helen and Glenn)

6. The Wedding Song (For Helen and Glenn)

Audio Version: https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=12340364
Video version: https://youtu.be/YYDtgIkqyb4
'Live' at the Wedding https://youtu.be/eLXuhyHsbCs

Sometimes songs are just good tunes or ideas, not particularly related to your life. Other times they are intensely personal! Valentine’s Day approaches, so in line with seasonal sensibility, a love song from a delightful moment of celebration.

Back in 2013, I walked my daughter Helen down the aisle to marry Glenn Walker. Being the guy who was also conducting the service, deciding to write a song for the day ... and figuring out how to sneak it in there without the happy couple knowing it was going to happen, was something of a logistical challenge. Thankfully there was already a guitar at hand, and all went well.

The song itself is self-explanatory. Reminiscing about growing up, the engagement and a whole host of great memories provided a lot of material to draw upon. It is for sure one of those 'one off' productions, that came from the heart and hopefully, when listened to now, brings back happy memories of a great day.  

The hardest part of preparing  was getting through the song without becoming emotional! In the weeks leading up, I had to sing it to wife Yvonne on numerous occasions before she could listen without becoming tearful. Hard enough to be the mother of the bride, without all that added pressure. lol.     

The tune was partly borrowed from a song that Helen had sung as part of a Christmas production. Seemed appropriate to throw in a musical memory among all the others.

On the day that DJ included it in the songs played at the reception, so we even got to have a dance to it.

Since that day Helen and Glenn have blessed us with two wonderful grandchildren, Rose and Max. The circle of love just keeps growing. (And of course I wrote a song about them as well… https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=13864413)

Whatever you may be up to this Valentine’s Day, take time to reflect on the fruits of love that continue to nurture and bless your life!

The Wedding Song (For Helen and Glenn)

How should a Father feel on his daughter’s wedding day?
'Who gives this woman to this man?', Oh Lord, what do I say?
That woman is my little girl, that little girls my child,
Yesterday I sang you nursery rhymes,
Today I walked you down the aisle.

Ferry rides across the Mersey, swims at Newborough shore,
Pantomines and mountain climbs, playing games round castle walls,
Dancing, singing, smiling, cheering, crowning you homecoming queen,
What a kaleidoscope of happy times, the passing years have been.

I always knew the day would come when I had to let you go,
I just prayed you'd find someone who saw the light that's in your soul
Now I rejoice you've found someone whose love for you is clear,
And I pray the precious love you've found,
Grows deeper year by year.

We'd just sat down to watch a movie, Glenn called on the phone,
Said 'I'm in love with your daughter and want to make her all my own.'
I heard diamonds dancing in his eyes
Brighter than the stones on that ring,
Not losing a daughter, but gaining a son, now ain't that a crazy thing!

How should a Father feel on his daughter’s wedding day?
'Who gives this woman to this man?' , 'I do',  you heard me say,
My little girl, she's all grown up, and I say with a Father's pride,
Yesterday I sang you nursery rhymes,
Today I walked you down the aisle.

5. Boogie Number 8

  The Adrian Song of the Week 5. "Boogie Number 8"

Not so much a song as a tune this week.

"Boogie Number 8"  https://www.soundclick.com/music/songInfo.cfm?songID=12889786

In a previous post I mentioned how much, as a child, I used to love sitting at the piano, making up tunes in the front room at my parents house at 20 Orchard Road. I had piano lessons, from a lovely lady called Miss Chell, at her home on Upton Road. I can only imagine how many Moretonians she taught to play! 

She even managed to get me through Grade 1 piano exams. I recall doing a teenage production of "Jonah Man Jazz" at the Moreton Presbyterian Church,(myself on piano) and her being present and congratulating me on my performance. I was pleased and suitably humbled.

Not least because, as a young one, my interests were more with boogie-woogie than Bach and Beethoven. I should have paid more attention to Miss Chell, as a lack of technique and theory is not a good thing. While I did occasionally practice the pieces I was set, I was more interested in trying to figure out how to play some of the piano tunes I had heard on records.

Particular favorites and influences were;
Memphis Slim's 'Frankie and Johnny Boogie' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1P7k7nH90M
Keith Emerson playing Honky Tonk Train Blues https://youtu.be/L3mk0AEkiBY  
B Bumble and the Stingers "NutRocker' https://youtu.be/gfYnq-qasiU

Masters of the craft every one of them. My own attempts seem lame in comparison.

The title "Boogie number 8" came about as a reflection on the way that composers would give their compositions numbers rather than names. For some reason that fascinated me and I mused that maybe I would name everything I ever wrote with a number instead of giving it a title. Thankfully that was not a route I followed. My music would be even more inaccessible than it already is!

The recording was done on my Alesis QS7 electric keyboard, so lacks the dynamics of an acoustic piano... but it was the best I had available at the time! Some Drums and Bass were added... well... because computers let you do that stuff these days.  

My inclination to boogie woogie continues unabated. Though, I have to reluctantly admit,the passing years are making tinkling the ivories far more of a challenge than it ever was. My hands certainly no longer have the dexterity I had when younger. The little finger on my left hand in particular seems to object to being flexed. C'est la vie.

When we recently moved to Bridgehampton, NY, I was delighted to find that the church here were providing a piano at the manse! While we  previously had a very out of tune piano in the basement or the garage, the poor old thing was virtually unplayable. What a genuine joy to now have an accessible fully functioning piano once more at my disposable! Been a while. So Thank you Bridgehampton Presbterians:-)

One of the first things I did when moving in was to try it out. I hadn't realized Yvonne had her iphone camera rolling, and she captured a rather rusty (particularly at the start) improvisation that I will call... "Top Hat New House Improv Boogie." It's a better title than 'Boogie number 257" lol 

https://youtu.be/YcCvHk6C-wI

Have a great week and may the boogie woogies put a spring in your step!