Marty Haugen's first liturgical recording in many years, Only You, O God generates a sense of familiarity from the first note. The simplicity of his melodies coupled with understated accompaniments make the songs on this recording perfect for use in all forms of worship. Haugen also uses familiar hymn tunes with new texts, evoking immediate and prayerful participation. The inspired poetic texts of Pastor Susan Briehl lend a soulful depth to the songs "Once We Sang and Danced" and "Only You, O God." There is a tranquil sonority in Haugen's rich harmonies and insightful texts. Only You, O God exemplifies the beauty of simplicity.

Music for Advent.

This electrifying guitar-based recording of instrumental music-produced by Stephen's friend David Haas is a satisfying blend of traditional hymns and contemporary pieces as well as several charming original instrumental compositions. Recorded with the utmost attention to sonic detail, the music encompasses a variety of styles that will satisfy everyone's musical taste. A traditional classical guitar treatment accents Schubert's "Ave Maria," while Beethoven's "Hymn to Joy" is showcased with a light, Southern blues arrangement. David Haas's haunting "You Are Mine" is delivered in a simple, straightforward style, while "Winds of the Spirit" receives a more blues/new-age, full-blown treatment. "God of All Creation" and "At Dawn" both draw on a very modern pop style. The reflective feel of the recording provides a relaxing respite from the proceedings of everyday life. Arrangements are warm and soothing, yet with enough zest and verve to make for an exciting collection.

This profound collection fo Palm Sunday, Triduum, and Easter, deeply infused with the passion of the season, evolves from the worship in the parishes where Rory Cooney and Gary Daigle have served over the years. "Trumpet in the Morning," Rory Cooney's highly inspirational hymn for the millenium, is set to the haunting strains of an early-American melody. The text draws on jubilee imagery, especially from the book of Leviticus, but its point of view is distinctly modern. New hymns resound with the emotions of the season, including the solemn strains of Good Friday's "Precious Blood" and the truly uplifting title song, "This Very Morning." Also included is a new concertato arrangement of Suzanne Toolan's classic, "I Am the Bread of Life." Highlights of this collection include a stirring acclamation for baptism that has been expanded into a song for the sprinkling of the assembly. There is an upbeat "Litany of Saints" to accompany the baptismal procession to the font, appropriately based on "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" and incorporating the refrain from that enduring spiritual.

Tony Alonso’s first Christmas recording has much to offer. The selections include fresh new arrangements of many Christmas favorites plus original material by Alonso, John L. Bell, and Liam Lawton. There is also a real “chestnut” among the titles, which may have passed you by. “Child of Light,” by Dan Kantor (composer of GIA’s popular “Night of Silence”), is a delightful quodlibet using the beloved tune greensleeves and featuring a lush string arrangement. This title was published in 1990 but has never appeared on a recorded collection. Other highlights include “From the Cradle to the Cross,” an original carol by Alonso set in a bluegrass style. This haunting text reminds us of the life that Jesus led and modeled for us all. The collection features two songs in Spanish: one a fresh arrangement of the traditional carol “Alegría” and the other a Latin arrangement of “Ding Dong Merrily on High.” John Bell’s new text, “We Do Not Know,” will enlighten your perception of the timeless Christmas story, and Lawton’s soaring refrain found in “Noel, Noel” will stir your soul. Alonso, Bell, Kantor, Lawton—old songs, new songs—English and Español. This is a treasure!

It's all here: bounces, lullabies, songs for tickling and wiggling…music and rhymes from Feierabend's wonderful early childhood books! Each CD combines the very best for each age group from all 5 books—more than 60 selections on each recording, complete with a fully illustrated booklet of lyrics and special directions. All songs are performed with only one voice, guitar and string bass, following Feierabend's philosophy that simplicity in musical accompaniment makes it easier for children to focus on the important melody of the song. With this collection, John M. Feierabend and Luann Saunders present a simple way to make a connection between adult and child and develop a child's imagination, as well as enjoy a wonderful playtime together.

Yes, it’s liturgical. Songs like "Come, Taste and See," “Hold Us, Jesus,” and “Go Out to the World” will have your cantors, choirs, and assemblies raising their voices. Is this collection good for listening? You bet! “In Your Presence” is inspirational; “Can You See God” is convincing. Some might say there’s a good deal of originality with a slight touch of cleverness in de Silva’s text writing. The verses for “Make a Joyful Noise,” for example, are taken from the Beatitudes, while the refrain draws its inspiration from Psalm 100—a skillful combination. The music is solid, yet fresh, with a contemporary sound. The melodies are memorable; you’ll come away humming the tunes. We’re certain this new release will cross generational lines as well. Both the young and the not-so-young love the fine work Chris is doing at his parish, St. Brendan’s, in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. We have a feeling your whole parish family will love Chris’s compositions as well. These new songs definitely deserve a listen, and for a very good reason. There’s a lot of “contemporary” music available these days that makes for great listening. But with de Silva there’s a difference—with de Silva, folks just can’t help but sing along.

Known for his wonderfully accessible writing for choral ensembles, Father O'Brien produces another excellent collection with Maker of Heaven and Earth. From the joyfulness of weddings to the solemn reflection of Good Friday, this inspired new collection is filled with liturgically sound pieces for cantor, choir, and assembly. "Faith, Hope, and Love" puts a lovely melody to the I Corinthians Scripture and can be performed by choir or as a solo. For Holy Week, "Tree of Life and Glory" and "This Is My Example" are ideal for the Mass of the Lord's Supper, while O'Brien's setting of Psalm 22, "My God, My God" and "Hosanna" are perfect for Passion (Palm) Sunday and Good Friday.

GIA is pleased to release an impassioned new recording from Jeanne Cotter. Tender Hearted is filled with songs that pour forth the message of God’s unconditional love. These songs tell the story of Christ’s heart of compassion and of his gentle yet untiring call for us to live as his disciples. Written for her three children, the title track “Tender Hearted” encourages us all to clothe ourselves “with kindness, patience, and humility” and to “live a life worthy of our calling.” The moving texts of “All Is Holy,” “The Way You Love Me,” and “In You, I Abide,” remind us that we are called to be imitators of Christ—to build the kingdom through our acts of mercy, kindness, and compassion. The music of Tender Hearted is not just about our outward actions of grace and holiness toward others. It is also about the grace that God shows each of us daily. Songs like “Do Not Be Afraid,” “By Your Love,” and “ I’ll Walk by Your Side” are filled with encouraging words of hope and healing. Tender Hearted is quintessential Jeanne Cotter. When you listen, be prepared for your heart to swell with love, kindness, and peace.

In this recording from Tony Alonso, you will find ritual songs of mission and ministry that challenge us to take the Gospel vision from the table of Christ Jesus to the table of the world. Songs like “How Good It Is” and “I Will Arise” portray a message of forgiveness, reconciliation, peace, and unity. These themes are also reflected in the usage of diverse languages and music from other cultures throughout this recording. Many of the songs are bilingual, incorporating both Spanish and English. “Touch the Earth Lightly,” with text by Shirley Erena Murray, is a gentle plea that calls us to be good stewards of the earth. In the title track, “Table of the World,” Alonso skillfully crafts, through the marriage of an original text to the familiar tune NETTLETON, a sending forth that directs us to “become what we receive.” Table of the World truly communicates God’s call for us to live as one in grace and peace.

From John L. Bell and the Wild Goose Resource Group comes a new collection of 21 shorter songs for public worship. The music in The Truth that Sets Us Free magnifies God and the experience of God’s people and effectively offsets the personal focus that most popular praise songs emphasize. This diverse mix of world music has biblical roots and references—some express exultant praise—others yearning, or anger. Many of the songs are suitable for most Sundays while others are better suited to a particular season or liturgical act. It is the hope of the Iona Community that this collection will add to the pool of similar material, which takes both God and the world seriously, since it was for the world and not just humanity that Christ came.

Cry Out with Joy was recorded at St. Bernard Church in Pittsburgh, home of a wonderful 97-rank Casavant organ, which Fr. Jim played. Brass, harp, woodwinds, and percussion completed the forces, resulting in a marvelous recording.

Aptly titled, this collection offers songs for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Las Posadas (the traditional Mexican remembrance of Mary's search for an inn), and Christmas. The recording was produced by Gary Daigle. Celebrate the season with this wonderful music!

The Best of the Dameans, Volume 1, includes favorites like "Beginning Today," "Speak, Lord," "Remember Your Love," and "Look Beyond." Volume 2 includes "You Have Anointed Me," "Path of Life," "Joyfully Singing," "Table Prayer," and "Blessed Be the Lord." These are the perfect recordings for both the long-time Dameans listeners and those enjoying this group for the first time!

Diverse choirs throughout the country are raising a joyful noise with the powerful anthems, spirituals, and gospel selections available from GIA's African American Church Music Series, edited by James Abbington. Like Stop By, Lord, the first recording and collection in this series, Guide My Feet contains 14 pieces from this popular series, recorded by a tremendous gospel choir, under the direction of Dr. Abbington.