On January 6, 2024, I was at a workshop led by Heather Sorenson and Joseph Martin, where I voiced my desire to arrange music, and that I have plans to put them on a CD. At the time, I only had one arrangement from 2007. I had already started working with jazz pianist, Michael Clement, who is also a composer and teacher, and he has patiently guided me through this process!  I am excited to share my music with you and I hope you enjoy it! The following are liner notes for Joy Has Dawned.

The Holly and the Ivy

This was the last group of songs I arranged that include The Holly and the Ivy, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, and Sing We Now of Christmas. I was still trying to finalize details when I went to the recording studio. These three songs are representing Advent. 

Breathe of Heaven

Amy Grant and Chris Eaton wrote this gorgeous song about the plight of Mary, Jesus' mother. 

Little Town

O Little Town of Bethlehem is not a song I orginally set out to arrange but it meshed with a style that I decided to explore.  When I was 14, I told my piano teacher (in Lubbock, TX) that I was tired of  playing classical music. He went to his files and pulled out the Floyd Cramer and I went with it! 

Night

Night is comprised of two beautiful hymns, Silent Night and Away in the Manger. Since this was the very first piece I wrote down in 2007, I loaded it up with several ideas. Hints of Chopin, Debussy, and a few heavenly hosts playing the harp reflect a sense of peace and tranquility.

Gesu Bambino

The Infant Jesus is based on a tune by Pietro Yon and text by Frederick H. Martens. Mark Hayes' arrangments are a staple of many church pianist's repertoire. He has inspired me for many years with his versatial arrangements. 

Joy Has Dawned

I was searching for a Christmas song that I was not familiar with and found this in the hymnal. The music and text were composed by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.  The words to this modern Christmas hymn are stately and profound as the gospel of Jesus Christ is presented in the four verses.  (Baptist Hymnal 2008, page #186)

Go Tell It On the Mountain

Arranged in a gospel rock feel, this song is so enjoyable to play and listen to.