music...

As a musician and worship leader, I am constantly listening to all sorts of music, from the latest worship titles to every form of secular genres you can imagine, constantly looking for inspiration, for incarnation in the artistic brushstrokes of whatever is coming through in the musical medium. Some may call it unconventional, although I don't see myself as progressive in today's standards, but I am always looking both inside and outside the box of traditional church/worship music for that moment that stops me in my tracks, for those moments that make me stop what I am doing, and reflect on the beauty and creativity of the song. From the complexity of classical overtures, to the intricate tapestry of harmony and rhythm in the jazz genre...from the rich theology in the hymns of our heritage, to the life and excitement of the dance/electronic sub-genre...from the passion of the blues, to the way rock music speaks to the human experience, all music has the capability to inspire, to speak to you in a way that no other thing can. It naturally can be distorted, to be used as a medium of hate and human depravity, but that has more to do with the heart of both the creator and recipient of the communicated artwork. Not that I am by any means an expert by anyone's standards, but I wanted to take a few minutes tonight to list some songs that have make me pause, reflect, worship, and do some soul-searching, not necessarily all inclusive of every action, and yet not exclusive of any one form either. Some may communicate these actions through the lyrics, some may be more effective in the melody produced, and naturally, each will speak to ones soul in a different manner. At the bottom I have typed out the lyrics to a worship song by Jason Upton that, for some reason, I cannot stop thinking about. Some of the most thought provoking and humbling lyrics I have ever heard...anyways, enough rambling, so here they are...enjoy!
David Crowder Band- How He Loves
John Mayer- Gravity
Giacomo Puccini- Nessun Dorma
Thad Cockrell- Rosalyn
Jars of Clay- Frail
Samuel Barber- Adagio for Strings
Gaithers- There is a River
Andrew Belle- Make it Without You
Shane and Shane- The Answer
Rachmaninoff- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Jamie Cullum- In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Matt Redman- 10,000 Reasons
Nickel Creek- Green and Gray
Beethoven-Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (Moonlight Sonata)
Hillsong United- With Everything
Eric Church- Those I've Loved
David Phelps- No More Night
Dave Barnes- Your Love Will Never Change
Jason Upton- Power In Poverty (lyrics below)

There is a power in poverty that breaks principalities
it brings the authorities down to their knees
There is a brewing frustration and an ageless temptation
to fight for control by manipulation
The God of the Kingdoms and God of Creation, God of the Nations
sent this revelation through the homeless and penniless Jesus the Son
"The poor will inherit the Kingdom to come"
Where will we turn when our world falls apart and all of the treasures we stored in our barns, can't buy the Kingdom of God?
And who will we praise when we've praised all our lives, men who build kingdoms and men who build fame, but Heaven does not know their names?
And what are we going to fear, when all that remains is a God on the throne with a child in his arms and love in His eyes?
And the sound of His heart cry...