Worship Jazz

As One (4:15) by Cliff Aerie

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: “As One” is a simple melody with an equally simple, yet profound message: The world no longer can be a place where fear and hatred abound. If love is our guide, peace shall reside, and unity bind us as one. Simply stated, but judging by the realities of this world, not simply achieved. Ponder the simple message and consider how it could be achieved. The world seems so complex and the prospects for peace and unity are daunting. Is it really possible to achieve unity through diversity?

Listen to the music closely. The words are set to a simple chord structure. But as the instrumental section progresses, the chordal structure shifts into a completely different key while the original tonal melodic center remains constant. Is it an improvisational trick, or a metaphor for maintaining a central faith while exploring the shifting terrain of life?

Prayer: Holy One, the world you gave us should be a place where no one wanders alone. Help me open doors so we are strangers no more, together and living as one. Amen.

Lyrics: As One

The world no longer can be a place where fear and hatred abound. If love is our guide, peace shall reside, and unity bind us as one.

The world no longer should be defaced and scarred by garbage and greed. Let’s clean up this mess, ease the distress, embracing our planet as one.

The world God gave us should be a place where no one wanders alone. Let’s open the door, strangers no more, together and living as one.

Joy Dawned Again(5:45) by Chris Bakriges [arrangement on hymn tune]

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: I was privileged to help produce an ABC-TV Easter program commemorating the 50^thanniversary of the United Church of Christ. We chose the title “Joy Dawned Again” based on the Easter hymn Puer Nobis Nascitur. The program, an adaptive Easter worship service, wove story, song and scripture together and ended with this song. Chris arranged the hymn in a contemporary fashion altering the harmonic structure within a fast-paced, rolling melody. It captures the transformative spirit of the Easter message.

With each new dawn there is the possibility, or should I say certainty, of a joyous new reality. Whether the sun shines brightly or the rain cascades down, there is the assurance of a gospel appearance of the risen Lord. Where do you encounter the transformative and resurrected spirit of God? This song encourages us to be proactive, to rise and explore the endless possibilities that lie before us with each new day. Joy dawns again when we embody the countenance of the Christ.

Prayer: Dawn within me anew this day, O God, of transformation and renewal. Help me to witness the presence of Christ in those whom I encounter. Empower me to be the hands, feet and heart of Christ to help transform the world. Amen.

Singing All My Blues Away (7:42) by Chris Bakriges & Cliff Aerie

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection:Let’s face it. We get the blues now and then. We can let the “blue” moments overwhelm us or, we can find our song of hope, even in the toughest times. Each verse is a chapter providing a recipe for moving through every stage of life:

Singing all my blues away . . . Dancing in the darkest night . . . Living more than day to day . . .  Praying ‘til I reach the light . . .

And then it is punctuated by a great affirmation: 

Singing, dancing, standing tall; hear what I’m saying right now!  Caring, sharing, daring; so, I’ve just got to shout.

What is your shout? What’s your exclamation? What is the song you sing that gives meaning, purpose and hope to your life?

Prayer: As you guide me through this journey called life, O God, be at my side. Do not leave me, even in the darkest night. Guide my steps as I seek your path: singing, dancing, standing tall. Then use my song, my dance to be a vessel for your compassionate care of others. Amen.

Lyrics: Singing All My Blues Away

Singing all my blues away. Singing in my own sweet way. Time is a wastin’, so I’ve got to start: Singing all my blues away.

Dancing in the darkest night. Dancing ‘til I get it right. Stars keep on shinin’, so I’ve got to start: Dancing in the darkest night.

Singing, dancing, standing tall; hear what I’m saying right now! Caring, sharing, daring; so I’ve just got to shout.

Singing all my blues away. Singing in my own sweet way. Time is a wastin’, so I’ve got to start: Singing all my blues away.

Living more than day to day. Living like I’ve found the way. Life is a gamble, but I’ve got to play; Living more than day to day.

Praying ‘til I reach the light. Praying ‘cause I know it’s right. Love is erasing all my doubts and fears: Praying ‘til I reach the light.

Singing, dancing, standing tall; hear what I’m saying right now! Caring, sharing, daring; so, I’ve just got to shout.

Singing all my blues away. Singing in my own sweet way. Time is a wastin’, so I’ve got to start: Singing all my blues away.

Dance of the Aegean(7:00) by Chris Bakriges

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: Chris claims a Greek heritage. This composition is his musical soundscape of the Aegean Sea. Throughout the centuries the Aegean waves have lapped upon the shores of the eastern shoreline of Greece and the western Anatolian peninsulas. Its waterways have been a source of exploration, international commerce and, unfortunately, conflict and war. If the endless waves could speak what would they say to us?

The music is an invitation to listen, to imagine in the mind’s eye the stories the Aegean has to tell. And for those with an abundant imagination, dance across its waves as a timeless traveler. Consider your history—your explorations, journeys, encounters, conflicts, moments of gladness and the possibilities you envision as you continue on your journey. May “The Dance of the Aegean” be a musical meditation acknowledging your journey—past, present and future yet to be.

Prayer: God of every moment. Be with me as I journey across the seas of life. In the placid calm and the raging waves may I trust in your grace as I sail my fragile craft seeking your port, a haven of peace and safety. Amen.

Salaam Q’ahira (10:05) by Chris Bakriges & Cliff Aerie

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: When the astronauts circle the earth from the international space station they are inevitably caught up in the wondrous view outside their window. The earth lies before them—land and seas; mountains, deserts, forests; cloud formations cluster over countries. Those countries, even though separate, have no borders visible from space. Planet earth is a wholistic orb where people dwell, separated from others by border checkpoints, cultural customs, often in fear and hatred. And yet, we are one world, interconnected as a global community.

It’s time to break down the barriers, the walls, the silos that keep us apart.I dream of a house with many rooms—a dwelling place to share.Where all are welcome to break bread—and bless each child with peace.While the words in this song are minimal, listen deeply to the improvisational solos and conjure up an image of a house with many rooms. A large family abides in this dwelling. Imagine this house is our world and you are part of that family. Each morning as you arise from a night of sleep offer “a triumphant bow of peace” to others with a blessing: Salaam Q’ahira!

Prayer: O Holy One, of all the tribes of earth, I thank you for including me in your wondrously diverse family. Help me to celebrate my place in our household and invite others to experience the community of love that is yours. Amen.

Lyrics: Salaam Q’ahira

I dream of a house with many rooms—a dwelling place to share. Where all are welcome to break bread—and bless each child with peace.

Peace that will bind us in one accord and remove all division and hate; In a song where our melodies harmonize, and we live in holy grace. Salaam Q’ahira! 

I dream of a day when we’ll embrace—join hands and hearts as one. It’s a dream of the prophets and avatars—who seek to bow in peace.

Peace that will bind us in one accord and remove all division and hate; In a song where our melodies harmonize, and we live in holy grace. Salaam Q’ahira! 

Up the Downspout (11:15) by Cliff Aerie

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: Remember the nursery rhyme of the itsy-bitsy spider who went up the water pout.What happened? Out came the rain and washed the spider out.Pity the poor spider lying at the base of the downspout—crumpled with tangled legs, gasping for breath. A seemingly tragic tale for this particular spider. But what does our intrepid arachnid do? Out came the sun and dried up all the rain, and the itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.

Here is the essence of a delightful homily. The spider does not give up but despite all odds goes up the downspout once again. Why the persistence? Is it because, like Mt. Everest, it is there? Or is there a more existential reason? We may not be able to get into the mind of a spider, but as you listen to this song ponder what it means to tenaciously seek a goal, complete a task, follow a dream, or determinedly follow the call of God. We may get washed away on the journey, but there is the hope that we can attain the Light, if we but only try again.

Prayer: God of hope and persistence grant me the courage to take another step on my journey of faith. Be with me during each stumble or obstacle that I may place my ultimate hope in you. Even if I fail to achieve my purpose, may I discover a new path in which to experience your love. Amen.

Jiangjing [Live the Way] by Cliff Aerie (6:38)

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: “Jiangjing” is based on an ancient Chinese Confucian chant. The melody contains only five notes (a minor pentatonic mode) and yet provides a gentle flow for the vocalist to express her wonder in the potential found in a single flower: In the blossom yet to flower breathes an essence full of power. Life, all life, breaks forth in praise—beckons us to live the Way.

The simple melody allows the musicians to paint a soundscape behind the voice of one expressing blessing and gratitude for each new day: Of each day I’m blessed to live, for the love I have to give. Life, all life, breaks forth in praise—beckons us to live the Way.

As you listen to the song, consider God’s call to you to live fully, freely and lovingly each day. As the musicians express their improvisational thoughts, take these musical moments to offer your prayer in gratitude for the blessings of the Holy One.

Prayer: Gentle Spirit let me sing of your presence in my life, of your mystery and your grace found in every human face. May I see your beauty in the smile of others. In each moment of life, I will seek to affirm that every encounter offers an opportunity to live your Way of love. Amen.

Lyrics: Jiangjing (Live the Way)

Day breaks o‘er the sky. Soul wakes: who am I? Wellspring flowing from within; gentle spirit let me sing: In the blossom yet to flower breathes an essence full of power. Life, all life, breaks forth in praise—beckons us to live the Way.

Noontide lights the land. Reach out with your hand. Deep love flowing from within; gentle spirit let me sing: Of your mystery and your grace found in every human face. Life, all life, breaks forth in praise—beckons us to live the Way.

Night falls, sky grows dim. Stars shine; evening hymn. Deep peace flowing from within; gentle spirit let me sing: Of each day I’m blessed to live, for the love I have to give. Life, all life, breaks forth in praise—beckons us to live the Way.

Earth Walk (8:58) by Cliff Aerie 

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: I’m old enough to remember the first Earth Day in 1970—where I was and how I protested to save Mother Earth (but that’s another story). The stewardship of God’s Creation has always had a significant emphasis in my ministry through the years. Even more so now during this time of climate change and global warming. During the past decade I have produced several “Earth Walk” concerts, each with a variety of stories, songs, interpretive dance, painting and musician colleagues. But every concert has always featured this song which I wrote 25 years after that first Earth Day.

The music begins as a lament. Although I’ve written lyrics to the lament, they’ve never been performed. The soulful sax and rhythm section have always seemed enough. “Let the music speak for itself,” as Chris would always say. What does this lament say to you? Notice at the end of each melodic phrase it lands on, what I would call, a heartbeat. But then there is a change—the bass enters setting up an upbeat riff. The bass is joined by piano and drums, then sax and trumpet. The optimistic melody is a celebration of the gift of this planet, an affirmation that creation sings and that we are called to join in as one global family.

Prayer:Holy God, as I walk this earth I can’t but help noticing your fingerprints on every tree, rock, river, animal and each person. Teach me to tread this planet gently, savoring each moment to breath in your Spirit, leaving only footprints behind. Amen.

Dreams and Visions (5:46) by Chris Bakriges & Cliff Aerie

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: “Dreams and Visions” is the title cut on our CD. Chris’ composition was inspired by Coretta Scott King, the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coretta was a talented singer and gave up her career in the opera to work side by side with her husband. When Chris shared his composition with me, it inspired me to write lyrics about the struggle for justice and peace—a dream and vision for a brand-new day. The words about dreaming, daring and singing came together quickly. It was almost as if someone else (my Muse?) was dictating the words to me.

I’ve performed this song with many talented vocalists, each adding their own stylistic signature to the song. When performed, it never fails to inspire people in the audience or in the pew. The vocalist on this album is my very talented daughter Arianna who, I think, gives the best musical interpretation to the song. As you listen to the words note how the melodic line and lyrics are in sync, as if together they are telling a story that needs to be told, witnessed, embraced and acted out if we’re to bring about unity—a time and place when dreams and visions can be realized.

Personal Prayer: God of all times and places, of all creatures great and small, of the entire human family no matter what our differences. Help me to fully grasp that I am an instrument of your peace and reconciliation. Guide me as I seek to live your dream and vision, right now! Amen.

Lyrics: Dreams and Visions 

Dream! Dream a world that’s just and fair. Free from hatred and fear. Safe without want or care. Love will be our guide—overcoming greed and pride. Unity—dreams and visions set us free.

Dare! Dare to lift your voices high. Speaking truth from your heart. Now is the time to start. Hope points to the way—visions of a brand new day. Unity—dreams and visions set us free.

Ah… visions and dreams. Ah… visions and dreams. Start now! Right now! Start now! Right now!

Sing! Sing a song to change the world. Sing it out in the night. Sing ‘til you get it right. Grace abides in you—ready to transform, make new. Unity—dreams and visions set us free.

Forest Muse (7:47) by Cliff Aerie 

[Click on the image to be linked to the music]

Reflection: I grew up in a small bungalow deep within a cavernous forest surrounded by giant hemlock trees. My forest (as I affectionately called it) was a sanctuary where I encountered my Creative Muse.  Through the years I’ve had the privilege of exploring many other forests. When I’m deep within a forest, I’m compelled to stop and listen to the symphony of Mother Nature’s musical sound. I can hear the singing of birds, catch the movement of wildlife, hear the wind rustling through the branches. But what I’m really listening for is something much deeper: The calling of my Creative Muse.

The Muse that calls to me beckons me into the heart of God’s creation, inviting me to explore the inner landscape of the Soul and discover the Divine essence within. As you listen to “Forest Muse” I invite you to take a musical journey deep into your own place of wonder—a quiet forest, a mountaintop vista, a serene lake, a seashore with pounding surf, your sofa or favorite chair in your home, perhaps even a cacophonous city street. No matter where you travel you can discover an inner voice leading you to a deeper reality, God’s playground where we can encounter the wonder of Creation.

 Personal Prayer: O God of wonder and majesty, of simplicity and complexity, of every moment waking or sleeping, speak to me in the music of the spheres that fills my heart with promises of possibility and hope. Amen.