During this time of mandatory stay home/lockdown due to the coronavirus, churches are scrambling to adapt their Sunday worship into an electronic format. More and more, the cast of liturgical participants is getting smaller to avoid contagion. Worship during this time is falling on the shoulders of a precious few—quite often solely on the pastor, who may or may not, have practical, internet broadcast skills.
As we traverse this unusual time, I freely offer the gift of music and accompanying information for your use—in worship or as personal/group meditation. The music was recorded by my group, the OÎkos Ensemble. Except for an arrangement of one hymn, all the songs are original and have been performed countless times in jazz worship services and sacred jazz concerts.
You are invited to freely use the music in your worship streaming or for personal and group meditation.In the next series of blogs, you will find the following for each musical selection:
- Link to the musical selection on You Tube
- Brief reflection about the music
- Prayer for personal use or in worship
I encourage you to listen carefully to each song and read the reflection and prayer before incorporating it in your worship. This time of online streaming calls for a simplified approach to worship on the internet. In this spirit, consider using the music as a worship prelude or postlude, an introduction to scripture or homily, as a creative punctuation to the Word, or even as a musical foundation for a time of personal prayer. The reflection and prayer can also be shared as part of your streaming liturgy.
If possible, please give credit to Rev. Cliff Aerie, The OÎkos Ensemble, and Worship Jazz Resources. Feel free to share this with others. My hope is, that together, we can form an international bond of healing and hope for everyone, everywhere.
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The CD (“Dreams and Visions”) was recorded at the University of Denver, Lamont School of Music. In addition to myself, the musicians include: Dr. Christopher Bakriges, piano, Arianna Aerie, vocals, Kenneth Walker, bass, Chris Lee, drums, and Gabriel Mervine, trumpet
For several years Chris Bakriges and I were musical partners, traveling around the country leading jazz worship services and presenting sacred jazz concerts. At each city we would perform with local musicians, thereby giving a new and fresh feeling to our music. That’s what happens with jazz musicians. Each brings his or her artistry to the music and through improvisation, new and exciting expressions are created. Our goal for OÎkos was simple: “Music and Stories to Change the World.” I hope this music will touch you in profound ways as you discover the hidden stories behind the music that can have a tremendous impact on the listener, and the world.
For more information about Chris’ music please go to his WEB SITE.