There are some very special bands that are rich and deep in heritage. Bands like P.O.D. with their reggae inspiration and roots; Rich Mullins' late Ragamuffin Band with their organic instrumental jams; Santana and his Latin/soul inspired jamming; The Grateful Dead; The Lost Dogs; and the ensemble I witnessed tonight... (penned Friday, September 1st; posted Tuesday, Sept. 5th).
I just witnessed a very special event. Kemper Crabb and his friends filmed a couple live concerts for a DVD release -- The Vigil, and A Medieval Christmas. I presume it might be out in time for Christmas online ordering? I hope so, as I'd like to give some of these as presents.
They draw from a deep, deep well that reaches back into the 9th, 14th, and other medieval centuries, songs with culture, soul, and energy. Kemper kept joking about how they were playing the "greatest hits of the Middle Ages," and it was true. If a melody can last in listeners' ears and minds for a long time (a long, long, LONG time -- like several centuries), then it truly is a greatest hit. These melodies and songs that Kemper wrote (after being inspired by Tolkien and studying Runes) sort of leap out of the air and grip the worshipper's heart with a powerful clench, almost guiding and directing the air out of the lungs in praise to the Creator. It's quite pure, unique and powerful worship material.
Utilizing instruments like the sitar, mandolin, jembe, harmonium (and a dozen other unique, small, large, and ambient others that are hard to spell), this HM Magazine columnist led a large troupe that spanned the stage (that included percussionist John Simmons on stage left, Frank Hart, Ryan Birsinger, David Marshall, John Simmons, sandwiched by percussionist Garett Buell on stage right, to name only a few), which brought down some intricate and skillfully-played music, layering it with harmonized vocals, and extended sections, like the 15-minute closer, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."
I love it when music transcends the melody and goes beyond a simple chorus. Hearing him share song anecdotes, like the song about martyrdom and the explanation about being bondservants that began "Doulos" add more dimension to captivating songs. A song like "The Danse" is one of those compelling numbers that tells a story, but with its deftly-worded lyrics can possibly free up self-conscious believers to dance with abandon before the Lord (and in the sight of other people). Wow. I felt truly blessed to be alive and able to take in such an event. It's cool knowing how many special, and gifted musicians are out there doing it. This was an isolated event, but it's cool to know that there are pockets like this all around the world. If we stop to listen, we can truly "go somewhere." I have to say, though, this event felt special.
It's truly a by-product, I believe, but engaging worship leaves the worshipper feeling high, happy, and in love. Jesus is worthy of worship -- with or without residual feelings that come as a result -- but, wow, what an experience it can be to freely enter into His presence or silently meditate on how awesome He is. We can try to manufacture this stuff, and sometimes we can pull off a close imitation, but the really good stuff is something to be grateful for. It's a gift. I'm glad I was able to receive it last Friday night.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at September 5, 2006 05:43 PMThanks Doug. It's, uh, "jembe" though. Or "djembe" if you'd like to keep the colonial "d."
:)
Great review, Doug! Not to pile on, but it's "runes" not "ruins".
Posted by: Chuck at September 6, 2006 09:24 AM