Hello to all you who fly the friendly skies. This is what happens when someone who is creative gets upset because you tossed his Taylor guitar across the tarmac. I hope this gets re posted on a billion websites.
Personally, I've flown with my Taylor guitar and had no problems; but, I've never flown with my guitar on United. I guess I'll stick with South West. United can go suck eggs.
Apparently, United has no idea about the great sacrilege that it has committed. Maybe I'll pass this along to Bob Taylor and see if we can start a Taylor boycott of United. Wouldn't that be grand? HAHAHAHAHA (evil conspiratorial laugh). Taylor owners unite (no pun intended)! Let us bring low the mighty airline who dares to break our precious guitars into tiny piecies. Let them feel your mighty displeasure! Better yet, all Taylor owners should make videos of our guitar nightmares on airlines! Post them on the internet and name names! Wage a terrible war against the evil oppressors who snap our guitar necks!
George & Guitar
I live to play!
Showing posts with label Music interests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music interests. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
New Music for the Psalms
I'm currently working on two Psalm settings. I have finished Psalm 78: Do Not Forget which is the setting for the Feast of the Exalation of the Cross on Sept. 12. And I have finished the refrain for Psalm 25: Remember Your Mercies, O Lord. I'm still deciding on how to proceed with the verse of Psalm 25. I think that I will try to have a metered melody, but that may change if there is no regular phonetic rhythm to follow in the text.
For Psalm 78, I chose to write a simple psalm tone for the verses because they were so irregular in English. Those Latin monks sure knew what they were doing when they invented Psalm tones. They are very useful particularly when one cannot paraphrase the text to fit a particular melodic idea.
For Psalm 78, I chose to write a simple psalm tone for the verses because they were so irregular in English. Those Latin monks sure knew what they were doing when they invented Psalm tones. They are very useful particularly when one cannot paraphrase the text to fit a particular melodic idea.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Jaw Dropping Guitar Work
I have been told time and time again by many music types that the guitar is a limited instrument. Every time I hear that claim I think of this:
and this:
and this:
and this:
Any questions?
and this:
and this:
and this:
Any questions?
Summer Update
After being inactive for the month of July, I will be posting more frequently.
During July I did some travelling to two of the Regional Conventions of the National Pastoral Musicians Association. I will be going to the Western Regional Convention in Los Angles next week. If you are there be sure to check out the International Liturgy Publications booth. The new St. Augustine Hymal is coming very soon. It is a wonderful worship aid that contains many great songs from the past and today. If you would like a free trial copy visit the ILP website.
During July I did some travelling to two of the Regional Conventions of the National Pastoral Musicians Association. I will be going to the Western Regional Convention in Los Angles next week. If you are there be sure to check out the International Liturgy Publications booth. The new St. Augustine Hymal is coming very soon. It is a wonderful worship aid that contains many great songs from the past and today. If you would like a free trial copy visit the ILP website.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Fire at Little Portion Hermitage
By now many of you have heard of the terrible fire that burned much of the common areas of the Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas. Personally, I felt a deep sadness as the loss the community there has suffered. As a musician and a Christian John Michael Talbot has been a real inspiration for me. His spirituality and his music have provided me with much comfort as I have faced challenges on my own journey.
At times like this I ask myself, "What I can do?" First of all, I know that I can pray for the community. Prayer is certainly an important part of dealing with adversity. I know that I can also give thanks because this fire did not result in any loss of life. Buildings can be rebuilt and possessions can be replaced. God did protect his children from physical harm in this instance.
However, since I do not possess large financial resources I am trying to do something small to give back to a person and a community who has given much to me. I have selected some of my favorite John Michael Talbot songs and compiled them to an iMix available through iTunes. These songs are ones that have supported and sustained my spirit over the years. I hope that many will choose to listen and download this music in an effort to support John Michael and the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.
At times like this I ask myself, "What I can do?" First of all, I know that I can pray for the community. Prayer is certainly an important part of dealing with adversity. I know that I can also give thanks because this fire did not result in any loss of life. Buildings can be rebuilt and possessions can be replaced. God did protect his children from physical harm in this instance.
However, since I do not possess large financial resources I am trying to do something small to give back to a person and a community who has given much to me. I have selected some of my favorite John Michael Talbot songs and compiled them to an iMix available through iTunes. These songs are ones that have supported and sustained my spirit over the years. I hope that many will choose to listen and download this music in an effort to support John Michael and the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.
Friday, April 18, 2008
It's Time to Vote
Yes, it is now time to vote once again. Top Catholic Songs is selecting the Top Ten Holy Spirit Songs for 2008. Pentecost is coming soon and I'm sure that many would like to have quality music to help them celebrate the birthday of the church. Please take a minute to stop by Top Catholic Songs click on the Latest Happenings tab to be taken to the latetst poll.
Your vote does count and you can make a difference by supporting great Catholic music and musicians.
Your vote does count and you can make a difference by supporting great Catholic music and musicians.
Monday, February 4, 2008
It's Time to Vote!
Yes, it is time to vote this week. Not only will many people be selecting a Presidential candidate, but we will also be selecting the TOP TEN Catholic Songs of Lent (2008). The second reading for Ash Wednesday from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians says "Now is the favorable time; this is the day of our salvation." Lent is just around the corner and now at this favorable time we can minister to our fellow Catholics who are hungering and thirsting for spiritual nourishment. Cathoic music has much to offer those who are seeking to walk closer with the Lord during this Lenten season.
My friends at Top Catholic Songs have selected 19 songs to be considered for the Top Ten Songs of Lent. All that is left to do is to join the yahoo group (send an email to: topcatholicsongs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) then VOTE for your favorite songs. Please take the time to join and vote. It will mean alot to the artists who have nominated songs. It will encourage them to keep producing quality music that ministers to your spiritual needs. It will also mean alot to other Catholics many of whom are not even aware of these rich musical resources. It will help to build up the kingdom as we work together to raise the profile and awareness of Catholic Music.
To be upfront and honest, I do have a horse in this race. I have two songs nominated "If Today" and "Turn My Heart." Both of these can be heard here (www.myspace.com/georgelowermusic). I hope that you enjoy my music; but, more importantnly please vote your heart. This is only the beginning of something that is much bigger than my personal successes or failures. May God be with you during this Lenten season.
Top Catholic Songs will be posting the winning songs next week. Voting is open until Friday, February 8, 2008.
My friends at Top Catholic Songs have selected 19 songs to be considered for the Top Ten Songs of Lent. All that is left to do is to join the yahoo group (send an email to: topcatholicsongs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) then VOTE for your favorite songs. Please take the time to join and vote. It will mean alot to the artists who have nominated songs. It will encourage them to keep producing quality music that ministers to your spiritual needs. It will also mean alot to other Catholics many of whom are not even aware of these rich musical resources. It will help to build up the kingdom as we work together to raise the profile and awareness of Catholic Music.
To be upfront and honest, I do have a horse in this race. I have two songs nominated "If Today" and "Turn My Heart." Both of these can be heard here (www.myspace.com/georgelowermusic). I hope that you enjoy my music; but, more importantnly please vote your heart. This is only the beginning of something that is much bigger than my personal successes or failures. May God be with you during this Lenten season.
Top Catholic Songs will be posting the winning songs next week. Voting is open until Friday, February 8, 2008.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Top Ten Songs of Lent
Top Catholic Songs will soon be selecting the Top Ten Lenten Songs for 2008. This is exciting for many Catholic musicians and artists who up to this point have been stymied from getting some real national exposure. The nomination process is already underway with voting due to begin the First week of Lent. This will kick off a six week advertising blitz that will feature the Top Ten Songs for each of the following categories: Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Divine Mercy, Adoration and Confirmation.
A question that one may ask is: "How are the songs nominated and selected for inclusion in the Top Ten list?" To answer, each artist that wishes to have his or her song considered simply nominates it for considertation. This is done because the winners split the cost of the adverstising. Therefore, if someone nominates a song they are committing to pay their portion of the cost if that song is selected. There is an option to nominate a song into a "I love this song" category. This exists so that others can make suggestions that are not financially binding on the artists.
Once a song is nominated it must survive the voting process in order to be included in the Top Ten list. This is where anyone can decide to participate. If you love music and would like to have a voice in which songs are included visit Top Catholic Songs and click on the "Join" tab at the top of the page. Follow the directions to become part of this influential growing movement.
For the upcoming selection of the Top Ten Songs of Lent, I have submitted two of my own songs for consideration, "If Today" and "Turn My Heart." Both of these selections are available on iTunes. However, if you would like to listen to the songs (for free) you can visit my band page:
www.myspace.com/georgelowermusic. I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback.
May your upcoming Lenten seaon be blessed.
A question that one may ask is: "How are the songs nominated and selected for inclusion in the Top Ten list?" To answer, each artist that wishes to have his or her song considered simply nominates it for considertation. This is done because the winners split the cost of the adverstising. Therefore, if someone nominates a song they are committing to pay their portion of the cost if that song is selected. There is an option to nominate a song into a "I love this song" category. This exists so that others can make suggestions that are not financially binding on the artists.
Once a song is nominated it must survive the voting process in order to be included in the Top Ten list. This is where anyone can decide to participate. If you love music and would like to have a voice in which songs are included visit Top Catholic Songs and click on the "Join" tab at the top of the page. Follow the directions to become part of this influential growing movement.
For the upcoming selection of the Top Ten Songs of Lent, I have submitted two of my own songs for consideration, "If Today" and "Turn My Heart." Both of these selections are available on iTunes. However, if you would like to listen to the songs (for free) you can visit my band page:
www.myspace.com/georgelowermusic. I look forward to hearing your comments and feedback.
May your upcoming Lenten seaon be blessed.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I Choose Life
This week marks a grim anniversary for our nation. Thirty-five years ago in the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, the United States legalized the practice of abortion. Since that time more than four million babies have lost their lives. This is an issue that speaks deeply to me because I have had a real intellectual struggle with this issue within my own spiritual life. I have not always understood why abortion is such a grave evil.
Perhaps one of the reasons that I have struggled so is because so many women find themselves in difficult circumstances; and, one cannot help but feel empathy for their situation. Yet, the church's teaching on the sanctity of human life is clear. Furthermore, in choosing to end a human life through abortion one is essentially choosing an objective evil in order that some temporary life situation may be made subjectively easier. The taking of life even for seemingly good purposes cannot be a legitimate moral choice. Therefore, after much deep thought and prayer, I have to stand on the side of life in all cases. This is a very difficult position to maintain because it is often misconstrued as a harsh and judgemental position. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth.
I find for some it is hard to move past the deep emotions this issue elicits. That is why I find that music can be a powerful tool that can help communicate the truth of the Pro-Life position in a way that combines both the intellectual and emotional comprehension of the pain and evil caused by our culture of death. My good friends at http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/ have compiled a list of the best Pro-Life songs that are currently available. These songs run the musical spectrum from "soft contemporary to jazz infused rap". The featured artists cover a whole multitude of Pro-Life issues from nearly every angle, from the political to the personal. If you are looking for inspiration and support for a culture of life please check out these artists and support their music.
Since we are on this topic allow me to put in a plug for my favorite Pro-life Song "Unborn Victims of Violence" found here: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=76875197&id=76875245&s=143441 on iTunes. You can also check out Fr. Stan's website here: http://www.francescoproductions.com/
We are constantly faced with choices. We can choose to do nothing and allow the culture of death to continue; or, we can choose to stand up for life. Please let us resolve to work in love to support life. Perhaps through our prayers we can help to change hearts and minds so that the sanctity and holiness of human life will once again be honored and respected.
Perhaps one of the reasons that I have struggled so is because so many women find themselves in difficult circumstances; and, one cannot help but feel empathy for their situation. Yet, the church's teaching on the sanctity of human life is clear. Furthermore, in choosing to end a human life through abortion one is essentially choosing an objective evil in order that some temporary life situation may be made subjectively easier. The taking of life even for seemingly good purposes cannot be a legitimate moral choice. Therefore, after much deep thought and prayer, I have to stand on the side of life in all cases. This is a very difficult position to maintain because it is often misconstrued as a harsh and judgemental position. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth.
I find for some it is hard to move past the deep emotions this issue elicits. That is why I find that music can be a powerful tool that can help communicate the truth of the Pro-Life position in a way that combines both the intellectual and emotional comprehension of the pain and evil caused by our culture of death. My good friends at http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/ have compiled a list of the best Pro-Life songs that are currently available. These songs run the musical spectrum from "soft contemporary to jazz infused rap". The featured artists cover a whole multitude of Pro-Life issues from nearly every angle, from the political to the personal. If you are looking for inspiration and support for a culture of life please check out these artists and support their music.
Since we are on this topic allow me to put in a plug for my favorite Pro-life Song "Unborn Victims of Violence" found here: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=76875197&id=76875245&s=143441 on iTunes. You can also check out Fr. Stan's website here: http://www.francescoproductions.com/
We are constantly faced with choices. We can choose to do nothing and allow the culture of death to continue; or, we can choose to stand up for life. Please let us resolve to work in love to support life. Perhaps through our prayers we can help to change hearts and minds so that the sanctity and holiness of human life will once again be honored and respected.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to my new blog. I am a Cathoic musician working full time in a South Florida parish. Currently, I'm writing music for use in Catholic worship as well as personal reflection and meditation. I will be using this blog to keep people updated about new happenings and events in my ministry. Also, I will be posting my thoughts and reflections on happenings in the Catholic music world.
As of last week Nick Alexander and Joel Stein among others have started a blog to document the Top-Ten Catholic songs for various generes, styles and occastions. Take a minute to go over and check out http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/. These lists will be available for all to view and comment upon. It will be a fun way to promote excellence in Catholic music as well as a forum to post your thoughts and comments.
George L.
As of last week Nick Alexander and Joel Stein among others have started a blog to document the Top-Ten Catholic songs for various generes, styles and occastions. Take a minute to go over and check out http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/. These lists will be available for all to view and comment upon. It will be a fun way to promote excellence in Catholic music as well as a forum to post your thoughts and comments.
George L.
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