May 25, 2008
Song Video: Thorn In My Side
I shared the lyrics to this song this fall I think. We had a really rough fall with Sarah's pregnancy and I wrote a couple of songs about going through hard times. This one came to me in one evening. I think I might have written the bridge later that week, but other than that it was one of those quick songs that writes itself.
Click the extended entry to see the lyrics.
Continue reading "Song Video: Thorn In My Side"
Posted by Kirk Ward at 8:11 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 16, 2008
Hosanna Video
Holy Ghost Crazy Noise!
A few observations:
1) This is such a great song and it is straight up disco. Some folks would say that disco would not be an appropriate style of music to use in worship and I would present this song as evidence to the contrary.
2) Notice how KF's choir is all on mics. There's no condenser mics floating over their heads or whatever. That tells me that they way to get that hot, contemporary gospel sound out of a choir is to have them on mics. Last weekend when our youth choir performed this song, they had to battle the band's dynamics and we, the band, were pulling back on our dynamics a-lot. Hmmmm....
3) I need an outfit like Kirk Franklin's to lead worship. There's just something about white tails...
Posted by Kirk Ward at 12:33 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
May 8, 2008
New Song: New Creation
I have tamed the Cakewalk beast and finally completed my first ever demo. It's pretty rough, but it gives a decent idea of how the tune goes.
The song was written as an obvious nod to the African gospel music that I have spent the past 3+ years trying to understand. It is intended for corporate worship and so it has pretty simple form, but I think it would be great with horns and full percussion and 3 guitars. Yes, Paul Simon did it first, but Africa is the wave of the future as far as the Christian church goes, so we should get used to it, right?
The message of "New Creation" is that faith in Jesus comes with a promise: the old is gone and the new has come. So it's a promise that can encourage us when we feel defeated, but it can also be a warning for us to examine our hearts. The ending vamp goes through a long list of old/new characteristics. It will play a lot better live as it builds and builds to a climax.
You can check out the demo on my myspace page.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 12:58 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
May 2, 2008
Some music from the Congo
This is a song that my friend, Leon, shared with me. Maybe we will learn it for church. It's been a while since we learned a new Congolese song.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 4:09 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
April 29, 2008
Mavuno Worsip Team
I was really impressed with this music. It shows some serious sophistication that is often absent in African Gospel Music. Mavuno is a church plant from Nairobi Chapel. (At NCF, we sing a Nairobi Chapel song, "Kwake Yesu Nasimama").
This clip shows a serious band that has absorbed the sounds and skill of contemporary American Gospel praise music like Fred Hammond, Kurt Carr, or Israel Houghton and injected their African identity into it. If I ever get to take a trip to Nairobi to experience Kenyan music and interact with Kenyan musicians I would love to visit this church and meet their players.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 11:55 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
February 15, 2008
A Real MySpace Page
Ok, I promise that I really do have a myspace page now where hopefully you can listen to some of my songs.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 8:01 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 27, 2008
2 New Songs on One Sunday!
I went with a risky decision to introduce 2 new songs on one Sunday. Actually, one of the two is the Chris Tomlin version of "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" which is not really new. It just adds a new refrain that's really easy to pick up. Plus anyone under 40 in the church will probably know it already (at least the white folks).
The other new song is one I wrote back in 2003 that has been on the back burner until now. It is one from my post college period that was an extremely creative time for me because I was living on an extremely small income thanks to having connections in Chattanooga, and so most of my days were spent reading stimulating books, playing guitar, and writing songs. Having just completed my jazz studies, I wrote several songs that were more complex than the average worship tune including "Before I Knew", "Search Me", "Greater Is He Who Is In Us", and this morning's song "Rejoice In The Lord" which is based on Philippians 4:4,8,9. Here's the lyrics:
Whatever is true
Whatever is noble
Whatever is right
Whatever is pure
Whatever is lovely
Whatever is admirable
If anything is excellent
Or praiseworthy
Think about such things
Put 'em in to practice
And the God of peace
The God of peace
Will be with you.
Rejoice in the Lord always 4X
The groove is a kind of Steely Dan thing. If only St. Louis' own Michael McDonald could be here to sing back up!
Update: I just got back from church. The 2 songs went great! Sometimes I begrudge Tomlin for his success, but the refrain he wrote is really good. And my song went over pretty well despite not having Michael McDonald. That song might take a few more performances to really hit the congregation.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 7:15 AM | TrackBack
January 22, 2008
Short and Sweet Reviews
KT Tungstal - Eye to the Telescope
Soulful and hip, but not particularly a major keeper. I like the second half of the CD when the songs get less tweaked and are more straight forward.
Buena Vista Social Club
Very relaxing. My wife likes it too which means that it can be played during dinner preparation.
They Might Be Giants - Here Come The ABCs
An instant classic. My daughter is obsessed. The only downside: the songs get stuck in my head really easily and then start playing in my brain in the middle of the night.
James Ward - No Violence
My new favorite because of the "No Violence"- "He Shall Be Satisfied" combo.
The Shins - Wincing The Night Away
I haven't listened to it enough to soak it all up. Here's my first impression: it's iPod music. There's so much texture that would be lost coming out of your car speakers. I need to listen more to get a sense of the songs themselves. My first few passes have just left me with the textures.
Bonus Book Review- Treasure Island
Yarg! Shiver me timbers! I can't wait till my kids are old enough that we can read this book together.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 7:35 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
January 19, 2008
Bill Edgar's Live CD w/ Patituchi
William Edgar is a prof at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philly. He also plays jazz piano and some how got John Patituchi to play in this fundraiser. The CD also features Ruth Naomi Floyd and Joe Salzano.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 1:02 PM | TrackBack
January 4, 2008
Music I Got For Christmas
K T Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope
This is a nice Pop CD that has a processed acoustic type sound.
Ry Cooder - Buena Vista Social Club
A classic that I've never owned. It's relaxing like a nice Mojito.
They Might Be Giants - Here Come The ABC's
(this is actually a CD/DVD combo for Joanna)
I also received a set of every recording that my dad, James Ward, made before the 1998 "James Ward Live" recording. You can buy them on his website.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 12:19 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
September 27, 2007
iTunes; you Tunes; we all tunes...
I used iTunes to make gigantic iMix of about 80 of the songs we sing at New City Fellowship. I had Lisa in our office post the mix on our church website on the music ministry page. You should check it out!
The tunes I am most excited about:
-the original Jesse Dixon recording of "I Am Redeemed"
-The Five Blind Boys of Alabama doing "Let Us Break Bread Together"
-"O The Blood"
-"Sera Llena La Tierra"
-Mavis Staples singing "Turn Me Around" (Ain't Gonna Let Nobody)
-"Where Justice Rolls Down" as recorded by Ken Medema
-Noel Paul Stooky (that's Paul of "Peter, Paul, and Mary") and Micheal Kelly Blanchard doing "Be Ye Glad"
click here and scroll to the bottom.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 2:56 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
August 13, 2007
Bush Sings U2
I stole this from Peter Kuo. I thought it was rather funny.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 9:31 AM | TrackBack
July 6, 2007
This Is NOT Spinal Tap, but pretty close
I'm not familiar with Iron Maiden's work, but in this clip they sound a little too much like Spinal Tap.
In case you never saw the movie:
Posted by Kirk Ward at 1:56 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 18, 2007
Music Clips from My Sunday At NCF Chattanooga
Here are a couple songs that we did at NCF in Chattanooga on May 13.
"Sing" is an Israel Houghton tune which I played an obnoxious amount of lead guitar on. Listen all the way to the end and you'll here an old St Louisian, Jim Drexler, praying.
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"Holy Holy Holy" is done in a reggea feel. It's one of my favorite ways to do the classic hymn. People at my church act like "Holy Holy Holy" is untouchable, but I think the arrangement is great! Not much of my guitar on it, but I didn't think it needed me till vs 4.
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go here if you want to hear more stuff from New City Fellowship in Chattanooga.
I promise I have more to do on Fridays than just write blogs.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 12:21 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Sovereign Grace CD- Songs for the Cross Centered Life
I bought this CD for our ministry this week. I have enjoyed it immensely. It has at least one classic, “Before the Throne Of God Above.” But aside from that song, what drew me to it was a new arrangement of Isaac Watt’s “Alas and Did My Savior Bleed” that Bob Kauflin wrote. I love the words that Watts wrote, but they have always been stuck in a rather uninspiring musical setting. Making things worse is the cheesy refrain (which Watts did not write), which has the line, “and now I am happy all the day.” Maybe Kauflin’s arrangement will help revive Watt’s poetry in our church.
There are a few other cool songs on the CD that have grown on me the more I listen. The CD is intentionally focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ. What a refreshing break from one more CD of worship music filled with lyrics like “We worship you” “I’m gonna worship” “You gotta worship” etc. In our worship services, we don’t avoid any repetitive choruses like that, but we try to give a context for our worship and thanksgiving. It is so exciting to sing a song like “In Christ Alone” or “Be Ye Glad” and then follow it up with a song like “You Are Good” or “O Give Thanks”.
I recommend this recording as a great source for corporate worship music or if you just want something to lead you in personal worship time. Stylistically, it has a few rockers, but it is in a “Counting Crows” kind of sound. “Alas and Did…” has a beautiful strings/piano arrangement behind a single soprano voice. It is distinctly modern sounding. I can dig it.
you can purchase the recording here.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 10:57 AM | TrackBack
April 17, 2007
New CDs
I splurged last week and bought 3 CDs. My music listening has been kind of stuck in the past ever since I stopped living with my friend, Mason. I could always count on him to keep me informed of the latest sounds I needed to hear. When I left Knoxville, I stopped making multiple trips a week to the Disc Exchange, and so I began to loose touch with the music being made by current artists.
Anyway, I took a risk and bought some new music made by (relatively) new artists. I bought Corinne Bailey Rae and John Mayer. My old-school appetite couldn’t resist also getting Wilson Pickett’s Hits (not to be confused with Wilson Phillips or Jim Pickett). I felt good about stepping out and taking the risk of buying new music, until I began to listen to my 2 new CDs. I realized that Corrin Baily Rae and John Mayer are old-schoolers just like me. Corrin Baily Rae is a total old-school soul/R&B addict. Her CD is like Lauren Hill or Alicia Keys but even more old-school than they are. I love it! John Mayer is just as old-school, too. The first track “Waiting on the World to Change” is a cold rip-off of “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield. He does a cover of “Bold As Love” that is basically exactly the same as Hendrix and all the originals have this great retro vibe that I can totally relate to. I guess I was born too late.
By the way, I really dig the Wilson Pickett CD. Steve Cropper is my new hero.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 4:34 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 22, 2007
Koreans Singing in Lingala
Leon Mukendi showed this to me. He said they are singing in perfect lingala.
I spent some time this morning on YouTube typing "Congo Gospel", "Jesus Congo", "Lingala Gospel" etc. into the search. It was cool to see all the videos that came up.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 11:35 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
February 15, 2007
I was there!
I don't remember that everyone's hair was so big, but I definately got Stonehill's and Keggy's autographs. Rad!
Posted by Kirk Ward at 2:58 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
February 7, 2007
Keith and Kristyn Getty
I will always remember the first time I heard Keith Getty and Stuart Townend’s song, “In Christ Alone.” It was Easter Sunday, and I remember weeping at poignancy of the words and how well they captured the intensity and gravity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Since then, I have experienced the quality of Townend’s music in songs like “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” “Say The Word” and “Beautiful Savior.” Sarah’s mom gave us a CD of Keith and Kristyn Getty’s music, and I have been deeply impressed with their writing as well.
I heard a radio interview online this morning with Keith and Kristyn. You should listen to it, too. It may inspire some of you to get out a journal and a guitar and start writing.
This is a link to the interview
This is their website: http://www.keithgetty.com/
Posted by Kirk Ward at 9:59 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
February 1, 2007
Brecker
It made me sad today to learn that Michael Brecker died last month from leukemia. I saw him perform with Herbie Hancock, Roy Hardgrove, Brian Blade, and John Patatuchi in a tribute tour for John Coltrane and Miles Davis. He played “Naima” unaccompanied. He was a great musician.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 8:36 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
December 20, 2006
New Christmas Music
My sister-in-law gave us a CD of a Christmas Musical called “Behold the Lamb of God” by Andrew Peterson. Thank you, Rin, because this week was the perfect time to hear brand new songs about Christmas. I’ve exhausted my cravings for the traditional stuff and the schmaltz, so a CD of original music was exactly what I needed.
Peterson’s music is in the same vein as Caedmon’s Call, Indelible Grace, or Jars of Clay. It has the gratuitous saturation of mandolin, dobro, and rootsy acoustic guitars that Nashville Christians have been obsessed with for the past 10 years thanks to T-bone Burnet. So, musically there are not a lot of surprises, but if you appreciate rootsy stuff (like I do) you will definitely dig this CD.
One fun song that we enjoyed was “Matthew’s Begats” which is the first chapter of Matthew, a genealogy, set to music. But the real highlight of the whole project is the song, “Labor of Love.” My sister-in-law writes about it here on her blog. It is a very moving song about the labor that Mary went through. Please check out the lyrics.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 11:04 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
December 14, 2006
New CD from James Ward and New City Fellowship, Chatt
My father, James Ward, has just completed a new CD featuring his best choir music from the past 30 years that he’s been involved with New City Fellowship in Chattanooga. Choir members from that church are featured on the CD as well as professional gospel musicians.
I have listened to the CD a lot since I got my hands on a copy and I can honestly say that it is really good. I know that they invested a lot into the quality of the musicians, singers, and entire recording process. It has a very polished sound without sacrificing all the grit of the live experience (a good example is the song “Angel Carol” in which my dad channels the spirit of Al Green with phrases like, “a little goodwill would do alright.”) The selection of songs reflects the whole breadth of the history of New City Fellowship, but it also reflects a good blend of tempos and styles.
Folks from my church, NCF-St Louis, will probably be disappointed that they don’t recognize more of the songs, but since my church has not had much luck maintaining a choral program, there has not been a platform on which to hear these songs until this recording came out.
When I listen to this recording there is a certain element of nostalgia with every song. Each selection transports me to a different period in my life and a different stage in my spiritual growth. But, I don’t think the quality of the music lies only in its familiarity to me. The contributions of producer Alvin Richardson show an affection for each song despite the fact that he was essentially an outsider to the church who came in with very little experience with my father’s work (which in many ways made him an excellent person for the job so that he could be more objective about the content of each song and the selection of each soloist, choir member, and musician.)
If you want to learn more about the recording and to hear some samples of each track you can go here.
Posted by Kirk Ward at 9:40 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
October 12, 2006
African Christian Pop Music
Posted by Kirk Ward at 9:33 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
August 10, 2006
Bob Dylan a Christian?
One of my pastors let me listen to an interesting CD, “Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan.” It is a specially produced recording of various black gospel artists performing some of the best songs from Dylan’s “Christian” period.
It has some good tracks on it. I pretty much dig everything on it except the Aaron Neville (I can never seem to stomach Aaron’s vocal style.) But, other than that there is a great line up of gospel performers (Shirley Caesar, Chicago Mass Choir, Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Rance Allen to name a few.) It’s cool to hear these tunes reproduced by accomplished gospel artists who can do justice to the emotion of Dylan’s poetry and song craft.
Is Bob Dylan still a Christian? That’s not my job to judge. There is a whole group of musicians and celebrities in the secular sphere that Christians love to speculate about their faith. Bono, Bruce Cockburn, Bob Dylan, Jessica Simpson (wait…scratch that last one.)
Do have a favorite artist in the secular market who has professed to follow Jesus or who you have suspicions about?
Posted by Kirk Ward at 12:22 PM | TrackBack