I like to call this EProbertwestonmusic.com/Piano/Ablum-Itunes.pdf · PAUL KIMSAL – Mixing Paul...
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Transcript of I like to call this EProbertwestonmusic.com/Piano/Ablum-Itunes.pdf · PAUL KIMSAL – Mixing Paul...
I like to call this EP ‘the instrumental Christmas album for people who do not like Instrumental Christmas albums.’
I wanted to do something different and unexpected. I wasn’t looking to be the next Liberace, or Dino. I just wanted to make quality music everyone would enjoy for generations to come.’
Here are some instagrams from the recording session of “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
ABOUT THE SONG
This project...specifically this song...came at a dark time in my life. After
losing my sister, Theresa, (my musical inspiration) to cancer. I would
years later find myself diagnosed with depression and grappling to tread
those dark waters. This song was the first glimmer of light I saw. It was
the first time in a long time I began to create again. Through it I realized
that I was created in the Image of THE CREATOR. I have to create music.
Without that, I am not fulfilling what I was sent here to do.
There are a million interesting notes I could pen about this
arrangement...but I would rather use this time to teach an important
lesson learned. Don't let that dark, negative voice that screams "You aren't
good enough," rule your life. Instead create. You will not inspire
everyone, but you WILL inspire someone. Whether your tools are wood,
paper, musical instruments, or paint brushes, CREATE! It is what HE
made us to do. And, it is the only thing you leave behind to guide and
encourage others after you are long gone.
THE CHRISTMAS PIANO MEDLEY
ABOUT THE SONGO Little Town of Bethlehem This EP has been a series of surprises for me. Over and over, I
have recorded Christmas carols which I said I would NEVER do!
But God gave me a fresh new vision for each of these songs: a
new sound I have never heard before. This song was no
exception. While I share a deep appreciation for hymns, the
message hidden within the lyrics of "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
just always eluded me. Maybe it was the old English or the
heavy poetic styling of the words.
It wasn't until I was reading the words, instead of singing them,
that I fell in love with its message of hope. Through these lyrics I
could see this sleepy little town that was carrying on with
business as usual..having no idea that within its very streets, the
Everlasting Light burst into life. The One who would split time
into to two periods: Before Christ and After Christ. The Main
Character in the world best selling book of all time. The One
who would teach us love and forgiveness. The One who would
lift the weight of guilt and shame that we all silently carry before
knowing who He is and what He did for us. I HAD TO BRING
THIS MESSAGE OF HOPE TO THE PEOPLE MY
GENERATION! I carefully and fearfully restructured, re-wrote
and re-arranged the song, so the meaning was no longer hidden
behind the veil of its poetry and ancient verbiage.
TIMELY FOR THIS SEASON:
This message is extremely important for the holiday season!
Christmas is a joyous time for some, but it can be an
exceedingly lonely, sad time to those of us who have lost loved
ones. This song reminds me that no matter how alone I may
feel, no matter how devastating my life may seem today...I can
have hope that God is working on something BIG. I guess that is
the essence of Faith: knowing that God is in control beyond
what we see in front of us. Bethlehem is the perfect example of
this. So this year, let's celebrate knowing that God is at work.
The pain we feel today is just birth pains of the joy we will
experience tomorrow!
JOSH WARD – Right Hand Man!Along time ago Josh was in the youth band begging to play music with me and my band. Now the roles are reversed. He is a nationally recognized drummer that I would manouevre any hurdle he threw my way to play music together. Not only did he play drums on all of this music. He produced the audio recordings of drums, guitars, ganjos, ukeleles, bass guitar, accordion and vocals.
NICK MORENO – GuitarsBetween Nick and Josh, I really didn't have to give much direction. They got it right EVERY TIME. Nick played the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ganjo, and ukelele for me.
PAUL KIMSAL – MixingPaul is a native of my area but has since moved to Nashville. Within weeks of moving there, he got a job at one of the top studios in Music City–rightly deserved! I threw a lot at him and he ALWAYS delivered the sound for which I was looking! Plus, it was really nice to work with a fellow introvert. We didn’t meet or speak on the phone once. We mixed this whole project communicating through Facebook Messenger.
MILTON SMITH – OrchestrationWhen I was 16, I recorded and instrumental song. The studio sent it off to have orchestration added to it. When I heard the final product, I thought, "This is one of those moments I will remember the rest of my life." Fast forward 25 years later. All those years and I never forgot the guy’s name! I googled "Milton Smith Orchestration" and THERE HE WAS! I contacted him. Once again, I heard his additions to my song and thought, "This is one of those moments I will never forget."
CREDITS&THANKS
LEAH TAYLOR & JOHN PAUL HOLMESI hear musicians say alot of time, "I can't stand to hear recordings of myself." I truly understand that, but I surround myself with friends and musical giants. So, when I hear my songs, I recall the friends I had with me and hear the musical genius these people added, and my heart is warmed every time. I don't even hear myself. I am too overwhelmed with love and awe for these people to think of anything else. JP and Leah are my two best friends. So to hear their voices (& Josh’s) on "O Little Town of Bethlehem" I am left with chills down my spine and tears in my eyes.
KIRSTIN GILLIARD – My New BrideShe renewed my faith in humans. She was always there to say, "You're are amazing!" and without her, I may have forgotten that God is Good and that God is Love.
BASSBy Mark White and Daniel Ornellas on “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
