A Spiritual New Beginning

​My dear friends!
{Insert drum roll here}
I would like to announce the completion of the FIRST of my arrangements of hymns and spirituals! Today, Andrew Blendermann and I recorded the traditional American spiritual, "He Never Said a Mumblin' Word" - in its accompaniment version.

​UPDATE: WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE PREMIERE: (Annasatasia Victory, pianist extraordanaire)  --This song is at: 8:29)

 
​This is a very special song for me, ever since I first sang this arrangement (a capella) for a church service over three years ago, And then, again sung it in a capella form - as part of my program at Carnegie Hall in 2014. (if you'd like, you may listen to that version here)

After that performance at Carnegie Hall - there was a woman who came up to me afterwards, and I will never forget the words that she said. "That song, and the way you sang it - has changed my life. I was having some doubts, and you brought me back, Thank you."     ...Wow. 

 I have been creating 'arrangements' that I have performed for years in church services -- and just have never made the time to get them down on paper. (They have all been haphazardly audio recorded-and need to be transcribed.) -I have always been too busy. People have often approached me after performances and asked for the sheet music. "I'm sorry" I would say, "I don't have it - it's just in my head." and together we would would sigh.

One other story, is this letter I received from a friend the other day: after I posted a disgruntled and poking-fun-at-myself Facebook status about having royally screwed up during an audition. :-) 
She said the following: 

I saw your post today on Facebook about screwing up an audition. I'm really sorry.  But think about how many times you haven't screwed up and also what a positive impact you have on many people, how your music helps others in ways that you may not even know about.
For example, I will never forget you singing "The Lord Is My Light" at a church service a few years ago. The beautiful words and melody, expressed through your amazing voice and phrasing, created one of the strongest spiritual experiences I have ever had in our chapel and I recall it often, especially when I'm feeling doubtful or down. I should have thanked you then.
Please don't be discouraged by what happened today.  You are doing wonderful things with the talent God has given you.
Love,
- 

I was so touched by her letter. She was describing one of my arrangements, and I had completely forgotten about it.  

​I can say one thing: Auditions don't matter. THIS matters. What could be more powerful than the power of music with God as the subject? ​

​Well - this marks the official beginning that I am going to actually finish STARTING this project! (If that makes sense)

The goal is to record them all, transcribe them all, and also create a platform through this webpage where people may download the sheet music, for performance themselves. I have around 15 or so on the docket and many more where those came from. 

​And here is the first!  

It's a real thing out in the universe! ​I am ecstatic to have finally finished 'on paper' this arrangement, which can be performed a capella or with accompaniment.

​Couldn't do it~ without Andrew Blendermann, pianist extraordinaire... and chart-making mastermind. Here he is yesterday, putting on the finishing touches! Thank you so much Andrew!

And many thanks to all of you, for your support and love, and most importantly, I am thankful to the Lord, for all of his tender mercies. I am excited to no longer wait or put this off - . I owe all of my joy, gifts, and blessings in my life - to Him.