A MUSICAL MYSTERY TOUR

Discover the musical tradition of Advent

This is a special time of year for Christians who are observing Advent, anticipating Christmas.  And, Advent is all about the music!  Join me on a musical journey and let's explore the joy of the season’s music in Ottawa.

While not well known in these parts, the Rorate Mass is an ancient Advent tradition within the Roman Catholic Church, especially among German speaking countries.  A candlelight Mass celebrated in the early morning while still dark, its name is from the Rorate Caeli, which is sung during the opening procession.  Take a listen to this sample of Gregorian chant.  Spoiler Alert – it is Latin! 

A treat for all musical lovers, head out to Ottawa’s German Parish, St. Albertus www.st-albertus on Saturday, December 16.  Don’t worry if you don’t understand Latin or German – it doesn’t matter.  The Rorate is a truly beautiful musical experience.  Hmm…one last thing, set your alarm clock because you will want to be there for 6:45 a.m.

On Sunday, December 17, with three choirs performing, St. George’s Parish on Piccadilly Avenue www.saintgeorges.ca presents its Advent concert.  Mark your calendars! The concert starts at 11:30. Offering a diverse line-up, there is something for all musical tastes. What might you hear?

Coram Deo offers traditional Sacred music, including chant and polyphony.  There is also a contemporary choir that takes a modern approach to musical settings and compositions - listen to Kari Jobe below for the sweet sound of contemporary.  And, last but not least, the children’s choir from St. George’s School will enchant with classic Christmas carols – angels in action for sure! sge.ocsb.ca

Also on December 17, Notre Dame Cathedral on Sussex Drive holds a Choral Celebration beginning at 2:30 in the afternoon.  This is big!  Capturing the majesty of the season, the choir usually plays to a full house so get there early.  Making this day extra special, the Cathedral will be designated a national historic site.

Within the Anglican tradition, Christ Church Cathedral on Sparks Street has a musical legacy for which it is known around the world.  There are two Choral celebrations on Christmas Eve that are sure to delight.

Well, that ends our musical journey of Advent.  But, wait! There's more to come.  You see, while Advent ends on December 24, the Christmas season begins on December 25 with new selections.  Indeed, the season is magical!

For more on Christmas, check out The Mic Drop where Caitlin offers a fresh perspective, and Lynette shows us how to DIY on Crafting the College Life.  Thanks ladies!

Wishing you a Merry Musical Christmas.

Sheila's passion for music emerged at a young age.  From dancing around the house to Motown beats, she experimented with road trip rhythms, holding her own with Elton & Kiki.  These early influences surface on her latest release Shower Serenades.  Her repertoire stands the test of time.

Kari Jobe - Bethlehem

O come o come Emannuel

YOUR PASSPORT TO THE WORLD

Ever wonder about where a band's name comes from...or, where a band actually comes from! Like peanut butter and chocolate, we were curious about what we would get if we put these two questions together.  So, hold on tight and enjoy the trip! We invite you to review our list of some notable bands whose name is actually a place. 

Nazareth – Who knew?  All these years I thought this band took its name from the promised land. Wrong! Hailing from Scotland, this hard rock band, formed in 1970, took its name from Nazareth, Pennsylvania mentioned in their song The Weight.[i]   Best known for the 1975 hit Love Hurts, Nazareth is still touring.

Boston – This makes more sense.  Boston actually comes from Beantown.  Another 1970s band, best known for the hits More than a Feeling and Amanda, Boston started out opening for acts such as Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult.  A guitar shaped spaceship became the signature for their album covers. 

GRToday.com

Kansas – Travelling now to the mid-west, this popular 1970s fusion rock band is named for its home state.  Its breakthrough album, Leftoverture, put the band on the charts with the hit single Carry on Wayward Son.  Perhaps the band’s most memorable recording is the acoustic Dust in the Wind; a spiritual reflection with biblical themes, it is a must listen.  Love the violin!

Chicago – Ah, the windy city! Eclectic and sophisticated, just like the band that borrowed its name.  One of the most successful and enduring bands in musical history.  Really, I am not worthy, despite that slump in the early 1980s.  There are no words - listen and you will understand. 

Alabama – Do I have to say it! This country and southern rock band from Payne, Alabama made it big in the 1980s. They were part of a wave of country artists who successfully crossed over into the mainstream earning superstar status. One the best-selling bands of all times, you could not watch an award show in the 1980s without these guys walking away with a prize. 

Chilliwack – Moving north of the 49th parallel to beautiful British Columbia, this band from Vancouver is best known for that catchy, or annoying, tune Whatcha Gonna Do, as well as My Girl.  Oh, she’s been gone so long. This band helped put Canada on the map in the 1970s, paving the way for future generations of Canadian artists.

Berlin – Home of some of the hippest and most happening music and dance festivals in the world….wait, stop the presses! My bad, nothing to do with Germany.  From the O.C. in California, this group’s anthem is Take My Breath Away from the 1986 movie Top Gun. Enough said. 

Spain – Home of the great mystics and the Camino de Santiago, it is fitting that this band is from the City of Angels, L.A.  Even more fitting, try out their single Spiritual from the album Blue Moods of Spain.  Spain’s music has been covered by Johnny Cash, and Pat Methany played with them.  Not bad!  Currently touring in Los Angeles, catch a show if you are in the area. www.spaintheband.com

We’d like to hear from you!  Where would you go?

Sheila's passion for music emerged at a young age.  From dancing around the house to Motown beats, she experimented with road trip rhythms, holding her own with Elton & Kiki.  These early influences surface on her latest release Shower Serenades.  Her repertoire stands the test of time.

[i] Official Nazareth Web-site

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Blurred Lines...Oh, Mercy Mercy Me!

I set out to write about the continued relevance of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 concept album What’s Going On in regard to its social commentary.  I intended to set it against the controversies around Robin Thicke’s song Blurred Lines, hence the title.  Of course, I would have highlighted the musical mastery of Gaye’s album, its innovations and, oh, those lyrics. Inspired!

As I reflected, I became focused on one aspect of the album – the voice.  Not, Marvin’s but, rather, the perspective from which he tells his story. Of a soldier coming home from Vietnam.  I remember the backlash these men faced as they tried to reintegrate into “normal” life.  As if the horrors they encountered in war were not enough, American veterans were seemingly abandoned by their Government and, in large part, by society.  They became punching bags to protest an unpopular war.  They were neglected and forgotten.

During the Vietnam war we wore POW-MIA bracelets. Engraved on these bracelets was the rank, name and loss date of a soldier captured or missing.  The proceeds of sales were used to promote awareness about imprisoned and missing soldiers.  This campaign was a campus initiative started by a couple of young women who recognized a grave injustice and chose to do something about it.  

Speaking of injustice, the last track on the original album, Inner City Blues sums it up.  What’s Going On reflects Gaye’s religious upbringing, and he embodies Soul.  From beginning to end, he reveals the Gospel.  This album is a prayer for humanity and it speaks of all that is good, true and beautiful. So, what is its relevance today?

On November 10, Algonquin College is hosting a Songwriters’ Circle featuring some great Canadian talent, including Sarah Harmer and Joel Plaskett.  Tickets cost $100 and proceeds go to Guitars for Vets, a program sponsored by Vets Canada.  This program offers guitars and lessons for those suffering PTSD, disability or injury.  It recognizes the healing power of music.  Now, this is social commentary!

Vets Canada is a non-profit charity providing emergency transition services to marginalized Canadian veterans, including current members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP. Boots on the Ground is their motto, and volunteers across the country hit the pavement daily to help the homeless and invisible.  Much like the ones who returned from the Vietnam War about which Marvin Gaye sang.

The power of music lies in its ability to tell meaningful stories, make people feel, engage them, and effect change. Gaye’s album did this. I am not convinced much has changed in the almost 50 years since his album was released.  Yet, the spirit of Gaye’s lyrics remains true – may we have faith and hope.  Perhaps, here at Algonquin, we can get some traction and make a difference.

I believe prayer is protest and, to paraphrase Saint Augustine, when we sing, we pray twice.  I think Marvin knew this.