Category Archives: music

Flute and Harp Duo Lift Spirits

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Oswald & Goeckeritz

“Have you had your music today?” That is what Tamara Oswald, (harp) and Jeannine Goeckeritz, (flute) ask their viewers in their new series of videos released on YouTube. In this video, they perform the beloved classic Londonderry Air – “Danny Boy”, arranged by Sam Cardon, from their CD ~ Chanson ~ Music of Light, Peace and Relaxation. Filmed above the city in a peaceful rooftop garden on the LDS Conference Center, this piece was a beloved favorite of the late President Gordon B. Hinckley who’s vision and example inspired generations Continue reading →

Alex Boyé Takes Music To Higher Ground

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The latest release by the irresistible Piano Guys, entitled “Peponi“, has become yet another YouTube sensation for the classical duo. But, this one is an extra special treat. Pianist Jon Schmidt and Cellist Steven Sharp Nelson partnered with vocal powerhouse, (and my personal friend), Alex Boyé to create an African ”spiritualization” of Coldplay’s hit song “Paradise”. Alex Boyé is a British-born Mormon convert of Nigerian descent who currently lives in Utah, USA. Alex is a husband, a father, and a professional singer and actor. He gives his whole heart and soul into each performance, and allows his music to stand as a testament of his life and faith. Continue reading →

Silent Night Gets A Fresh Take

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Jake Justice and Amy Whitcomb recording Silent Night - used with permission

Jake Justice and Amy Whitcomb may be young, but they are already making a name for themselves in the competitive music industry. The two talented Mormon artists recently collaborated on a new recording of “Silent Night” which I am pleased to share with you today. Continue reading →

Carol Of The Bells and Cellos

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Confession time. There are a few Christmas songs I don’t particularly care for. Take Carol of The Bells, for instance, which usually scrapes along the edge of my nerves like a dull razor. The song is merciless for any singer with articulation problems, or any listener who prefers their music to stay on pitch. And, don’t even get me started with all of the painful High School Choir concert renditions I’ve been forced to sit through…”ding, dong, dinng, doonnnnng”…But, I digress. Enter cellist extraordinaire Steven Sharp Nelson and the magic elves with The irresistible Piano Guys (all classically trained Mormon musicians). They have just redeemed this poor carol from its drudgery status and demonstrated to the world how truly brilliant it can be!  Continue reading →

The Most WONDERFUL Time Of The Year

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English: Dwight McCann, http://dwightmccann.co...

Mathis: Image via Wikipedia

The distinctive voice of Johnny Mathis crooned through my radio, declaring “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!” The popular Christmas song went on to list exactly what makes it so wonderful, such as holiday greetings, being with loved ones, caroling, “parties for hosting”, and even “marshmallows for toasting” Continue reading →

Conference Highlights – October 2011

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The Conference Center, SLC Utah

It is impossible to give true justice to a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a mere summary. However, for the sake of my many readers who may not have had the opportunity to watch or hear the conference yet, or for those who would like my perspective – here are a few of my personal observations and highlights from the recent October 2011 Conference weekend: Continue reading →

The Importance Of Music

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This new video expresses perfectly the way that I feel about music.

Marissa Rohlfing

I am so impressed with Marissa Rohlfing, a beautiful young Mormon Soprano woman from Hawaii who is truly magnifying her talents by not only sharing the song of her heart, but helping others to do the same. From one “MoSop” to another, I salute Marissa! May we all follow her good advice and positive example. – Aloha!

BONUS:  Download Marissa singing  “Nearer My God To Thee” - FREE HERE. Enjoy.

The Memorial Day Promise

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Cemetery Hill

Image by Soaptree via Flickr

On the cold afternoon of November 19, 1863 United States President Abraham Lincoln joined with over 15,000 people in a field on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The crowd was gathered for the purpose of dedicating the fresh graves of a newly created Soldiers National Cemetery; location of one of the most vicious and deadly battles of the raging Civil War.

The featured speaker of this event was U.S. Senator Edward Everett, a popular orator who chose to wax poetic for over two full hours to the [extremely patient] crowd. After he sat down, President Lincoln was asked to give “a few appropriate remarks” in closing. Lincoln spoke for only four minutes, and yet his words have become one of the most enduring and memorable speeches in American history. I feel his words stand as a solid American oath for Memorial Day, and an enduring anthem for every day. Continue reading →