Sunday Playlist -10/24/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1MnJllpyMsDauQai0n4NNtU

This week, in the middle of the list, there's a momentary swerve from the music to listen to Richard Rohr of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Note the hummingbird, and his refreshing take on the sign of the cross. I appreciate his invitation for us to return to contemplation and other nonverbal modes of prayer, as well as his broad, ecumenical understanding of the early Christian message.

Sunday Playlist -10/10/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1Ph88CEbBW-0OH1MlRRezHX

This week's list begins and ends with autumnal works---in mood, Bach's Sarabande from French Suite No. 1, and in fact and spirit, Keats' great ode. In researching the other works for this week,I had the good fortune of stumbling on the second piece. The performer describes it as a favorite from her childhood, and as songs for children often do, it has plenty to say to grown ups. And if the coffeehouse setting is distracting, it nonetheless seems appropriate. Alemu Aga is a great Ethiopian performer and teacher of the begenna. Here, he chants the Lord's Prayer over his accompaniment in a traditional mode of worship. Finally, on our playlists, I tend to hold back from the whole array of music that is vaguely described as "rock," though I know and love it. But this week, I'm giving in, and we're having a classic, quasi-Christian piece from U2's October--music from when they were still an edgy, new rock band (and I was a teenager.)

Sunday Playlist 10/3/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1NFG4u_VItFaiK5NkvFU6uN

If you wind your way through this week's music, you'll end up with a short reflection by the pianist, Tiffany Poon. It was as much what she says about empathy, as it was her performance of this nocturne on a period instrument, that led me to include the recording. Music opens us to difference, if we allow it, even as it reminds us of our common human urge to express ourselves in more than words. Even the lyrics--especially when spoken or sung--have meanings beyond what the words denote.

Sunday Playlist 9/12/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1NMANvzcUHGCqhZp6HGXL_J

Today I attended the memorial service of a colleague. Alongside the loving, thoughtful memories shared by each of her adult children, there was the Christian liturgy and the Kaddish. I was reminded that our traditions bind us together and offer a foundation for our individual experiences. Those traditions must be dynamic--they need the capacity to shift and welcome everyone. That is one message of the Rich poem in this playlist, a poem that I also had the privilege of discussing with a remarkable group of students this week. In a time of such widespread suffering, these moments of grace must be marked and held close.

Sunday Playlist - 9/4/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1M8B6bOikj__Y3Y9m5MavX0

After a year and a half, I'm going to hit "rewind" for at least one week. Here is a reprise of last year's Labor Day playlist, with the wonderful "What Work Is" by Philip Levine, as well as kd lang singing "Hallelujah."

Sunday Playlist - 8/30/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1PwkyPHayDo9zVEIl5md8dL

In anticipation of your upcoming Moses study, we have a playlist of songs related to Moses and exodus. First is Louis Armstrong's playful version of the spiritual "Let My People Go," followed by a Carter Family classic, "On The Rock Where Moses Stood." Then we have a live performance by Bob Marley and the Wailers from the title cut of his album, Exodus, in which the theme is an uprising that overcomes oppression. The lyrics and title of the next piece will be familiar, but the version may not. It's a "lined out" rendering captured on a field recording from Southeastern Kentucky. This is one of the oldest forms of American hymnody, originating before literacy was widespread. Finally, from Handel's oratorio Israel In Egypt, we have his setting of the last verses of the Song of Moses from Deuteronomy, which include the Song of Miriam.

Sunday Playlist - 8/22/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1N--uB7-8uPzT7BZETdfihg

Jacob returned from Alaska this week, so the playlist is inspired by his instrument, the violin. I've included the western instrument in three varieties: in a gorgeous duet with an oboe from Bach, a traditional fiddle tune played by a Nova Scotian, and a short, stunning suite of Romanian dances by Bartok (my personal favorite). We'll also hear from two "spiked fiddles"--the Kamancheh (Persian and Central Asian) and the Erhu (from China). Strictly speaking, none of the music this week is sacred. So I'll include a passage from a modernized version of the medieval text, The Cloud of Unknowing, a kind of primer on centering prayer by an anonymous English mystic: "Nobody's mind is powerful enough to grasp who God is. We can only know God by experiencing God's love. Look, every rational creature, every person, every angel has two main strengths: the power to know and the power to love. God made both of these, but God is not knowable through the first one. To the power of love, however, God is entirely known, because a loving soul is open to receive God's abundance. Each person loves uniquely, and God's limitlessness can fill all angels and all souls that will ever exist..."

Sunday Playlist - 8/15/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1OKslevImXZu8xlEy_EyHC7

I've included a Clinton Avenue favorite, "I Feel The Spirit," in a lively performance by the Gospelaires. Alongside it is a beautiful anthem, "Set Me As A Seal Upon Your Heart," a setting of verses from Song of Songs. But of the pieces on this week's list, I want to point especially to the song by Mahwash. She is a beloved Afghani vocalist, and the song is a ghazal, the title of which means "Breath." Let us hold the people of that country close as they face yet more violence and suffering.

Sunday Playlist - 8/8/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1OvAqNlo_ushw4CJBEPSsNJ

1) Ave Generosa--enjoy this performance of one of Hildegard's hymns to Mary. I appreciated being able to watch this group pass along the lead.

2) Working on a Building--a bluegrass classic, here performed by the father of the form. I especially recommend that you listen for Kenny Baker's fiddle solo.

3) The Throne--by Indubious. Turn on the closed caption to see the lyrics, which include a refrain that could be Clinton Avenue's motto: "tell them we are putting love on the throne..."

4) Come Sunday--the Ellington piece, here performed by Kathleen Battle and Branford Marsalis.

5) An instrumental--on dutar (a Central Asian, long-necked lute) and tamburello. Juraev and Piccioni are masters of their instruments and an inspired duet.

Sunday Playlist - 8/1/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1NB1JXiHiIuiWTguBxioXe0

The theme this week, "virtuosity," was inspired by two things. First, we ran away overnight to camp in the Catskills, and woke the next morning to a sunrise over the valley and hermit thrushes singing. We had to rush back to work, but we were fortunate to be so restored! The second was the following poetry from the Book of Job, which strikes me as a tribute to divine artistry:

4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.

5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;

7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,

10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,

11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

Sunday Playlist - 7/25/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1PkUr3Qx3Apsk0FTFeGqBr8

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" has been a favorite of our congregation for as long as I've attended, and all of the music this week echoes its theme. At the heart of the verses from John, "I am the true vine," is the concept of abidance. Jesus gives assurance that if we abide in his example, if we lean on him, all will be well. Rev Davis sings that exuberantly in his blues, while the Arvo Pârt piece offers space to meditate on it. As for our favorite itself, I included Iris Dement, whose version has made it on my lists in the past, but also a rollicking rendition by the Blind Boys of Alabama. At the center is a version of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" shorn of orchestra and simply, powerfully sung at the piano by John Legend.

Sunday Playlist - 7/18/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1OW6kkP7T2rJHTl77SNb5JD

The theme this week is "sanctuary." Sometimes it may come through at a slant, but it's there if you listen for it! I especially encourage everyone to listen to the final piece--Cecile McLorin Salvant and Sullivan Fortner performing Stevie Wonder's "Visions." Here is a translation of the Hildegard antiphon, "Karitas habundat in omnia":

Love
abounds in all,
from the depths exalted and excelling
over every star,
and most beloved
of all,
for to the highest King the kiss of peace
she gave.

Sunday Playlist - 7/11/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1NZvlztm3zvwITVgXRPd37H

This week's list is inspired by the following two passages about peace:

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

Let not your heart be troubled...Notice that this is in the imperative--a command.

And the words of the Buddha, from the Metta Sutta (here translated by the Chenrezig Project):

May all beings be happy.

May they live in safety and joy.

All living beings, whether weak or strong, tall, stout, medium or short, seen or unseen, near or distant, born or to be born, may they all be happy.

Let no one deceive another or despise any being in any state, let none by anger or hatred wish harm to another.

As a mother watches over her child, willing to risk her own life to protect her only child, so with a boundless heart should one cherish all living beings,

suffusing the whole world with unobstructed loving-kindness.

Sunday Playlist - 7/4/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1M0NxVJbkVxgr_PHSiS2ety

Church isn't a space for patriotism or nationalism, in my opinion, but at the same time, the notion that church should be apolitical is ridiculous. Jesus was a revolutionary. He wanted everybody to be free, respected, and loved. So while this list may not be church music, it offers various takes on Independence Day, which happens to fall on a Sunday this year. As usual, I limited myself to 5-6 songs--that was very difficult. If anyone is listening, let me know what spoke to you, or what you might add

Sunday Playlist - 6/27/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1OnQV2z5ev2zTH2m23MB58d

Continuing with our summer themes, this week's list is a set of variations on "Amazing Grace." Sometimes the traditional hymns become so familiar that we cease to listen to them. They fade into the background, like the tunes on the radio in a grocery store. In this list, the contrast between Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the flute and violin duet offers a window on the potential of this simple melody. Likewise, note the contrast between the purity of Judy Collins' voice and Ralph Stanley's gritty, high lonesome sound--both beautiful, both bringing out different aspects of the tune. Finally, In addition to a stunning performance of the hymn on solo trumpet, Marsalis offers a short lesson in jazz and democracy.

Sunday Playlist - 6/20/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1NnWdEtSW-OAuer_jrqLEr9

In the lectionary this week is the story of David and Goliath. Old Testament stories have inspired numerous gospel songs--too many to count--and all of them a joy to listen to. They provide the theme for this week's list. A few of these recordings have made it onto previous lists, because they're among my favorites--for example, the performance of "Sit Down Servant" by the Staples Singers, with a close second in Tim O'Brien's cover of the Bob Dylan tune, "Man Gave Names To All The Animals." Hope these get you tapping your toes.

Sunday Playlist - 6/13/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1PVdDeyx1VZBZSPj0cPMrJ2

This week, rather than my usual mystery mix, I've decided to offer variations on a familiar theme. In the hymnal, we call it "Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee," but the melody is from the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. It may be the most celebratory melody I know. Consider: if you're listening, you've made it this far through a historic pandemic, among the many other troubles of our past year. Much of the world still suffers, but as we continue to lift up those in need, we may take a moment to be joyful with the return of summer and health for many.

Of this mix, my personal favorite is a tie between the flash mob and the bassoon duet. I'd love to know which is yours.

Sunday Playlist - 6/6/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1PcpHU7I-O6eIObG5CfGicM

In my poetry course this spring, I taught a student from Afghanistan. He often introduced us to work from the rich Persian-language tradition. I've since been reading (in translation) work by the poet Sanai, who lived in the 13th century and is among the mystic poets. Here is an excerpt from a wonderful poem called "Earthworm Guidance" in a translation by Coleman Barks:

...Don't cry

your grief. God is already saying it.

He hears the ant's foot touching

the rock at night, and the stone

shifting in the stream, and the worm's

song of praise inside the ground.

There's a way in which the message in those images resonates with the gospel tune, "Leave It To Jesus," on this week's playlist. I've also included a performance by the Azerbaijani vocalist, Alim Qasimov. I could not find a translation of the lyrics, but it's possible that the music communicates all we need. It is titled, "A Trace of Grace."

Sunday Playlist - 5/30/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1MVEtH8R9vL6Cu5-fQuDjxL

When I was young, Memorial Day weekend was less a holiday than a time of remembrance. A significant number of men in my home church had fought in Vietnam, and I distinctly remember the Sundays as solemn occasions. With that in mind, I've placed a poem at the center of this week's list. It comes from a book called Dien Cai Dau by Yusef Komunyakaa. As a veteran, he visited the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, and the poem, "Facing It," records his experience. If you would like to follow the text as he reads, you can find it at this link: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47867/facing-it

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Sunday Playlist - 5/23/2021

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrVlXh4mc1OxPKTec-Xg0yvUaK6OX8vF

This week's list is more thematically unified than usual. "When the storms of life are raging, stand by me." Weeks and weeks of music could swirl around that idea, so perhaps it's one we'll come back to. Just as the virus begins to abate in the US, it surges elsewhere. Every truce in the Middle East seems tentative, and every lull in the violence of our own country seems temporary. When the disciples shook Jesus awake in their fear, after calming the storm, Jesus asked them why they were afraid. I don't think that he was being facetious. He understood fear and would experience it himself. Rather, he seems to be questioning whether fear does anything to calm the storm. What, he implies, calms the soul in the midst of the storm? Here again I think that Jesus and the Buddha had something in common--recall how the Buddha crossed the flood by neither fighting it nor ignoring it. "The storm is passing over, hallelujah! Be still my soul."