My latest tune I put together dedicated to all those in the front lines

Hope

I have re-recorded this piece because it is precious to me, and because my skills have developed significantly since that first pass. Some time ago, I met Chris Lind, a well-known lay theologian and teacher I greatly admired in my Diocese, but before I could have that first cup of coffee with him, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. After a tearful and incredibly holy encounter with him on Good Friday that year (only days after the unexpected death of my father), I decided to bring my harp to play for him in the hospital. There I met his two adult children, and a beautiful friendship developed between the three of us: the two of them awaiting the death of their father, and myself having lost mine without any preparation. While visiting, I played several songs they enjoyed, and decided to include “Starsail,” which I had written recently on a VST retreat where we studied baptism. Chris, his wife Anne, and Aaron and Emma adored this piece, so I recorded it for them. They told me later they listened to it on a loop with Chris, and I was privileged to play it live for him a few more times, including by his bedside when he was in hospice. It became a sort of anthem for us, especially Emma, Aaron, and me, and every time I play it now I think of Chris, his smile, his audacious hope, and the beautiful smiles of his children, my “big bro” and “big sis.” I release it on his birthday. The only thing missing from this take is the help of my other band, “Songs with Friends.” Maybe one day you’ll get to hear that version too. The subtitle "Comet Version" refers to this quick and upbeat arrangement; when I play this piece in sacred settings I often slow it down. I call that one the "Starfield Version."

4 - Starsail (Comet Version)

Hunger

Démos guitare/voix enregistrées en live à l'Urban Studio de Saint-Quentin, avec l'aide précieuse de Sylvain Tricotet. En prime, un accent anglais bien rouillé et quelques mots empruntés à Heather Nova.

Golden Ghosts

There was a time where I felt constantly shadowed by death, not only in my exterior but my interior life. I wrestled a lot with sharing this song at all, but in the time of Advent, when we often mark the solstice with “Longest Night” and “Blue Christmas” services, and contemplate not only a joyful birth but the pain and horror that will end the amazing life which is coming into the world, it seemed appropriate. If this song speaks to you, know that you are not alone. I am joined here by my dear friend Sunshine, who encouraged me to share it because of how it spoke to them. Their support reminded me that lots of folks are too afraid to speak out about their pain, especially at this time of year, and how important it is to name our fears and our demons.

Beneath My Ribs

Rumi Ghazal- You & I

A number of us play in a band called the Fallen Angles here at HT. After seeing the Pentatonix version of Mary Did You Know many years ago, we loved the melody and hook and talked about playing it, but couldn’t stomach the absurd “mansplainy” lyrics, so I never did anything to make it happen. However, it came up every year and then after a conversation in early Dec 2017, Jennifer volunteered to write some new lyrics. She did an amazing job and transformed this song into something authentic to us and inspiring to many. There are starting to be a few folks picking it up. We’ve played it since 2017, but this year (2020) is our attempt to put it down for our own history.
If you feel moved to use it in your worship (intact only, no re-sampling), feel free to do so. However, I am not a copyright lawyer and am not really sure of the potential issues with respect to "parodies" which is technically what this is of Mark Lowry's original song.

Mary, did you know? - Fallen Angles 2020

The Readings: https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearABC_RCL/Epiphany/Epiph_RCL.html

Holy Cross Monastery Sermons (West Park)

Unexpected, Unlikely, & Inappropriate - The Rev. Matthew Wright, The Feast of the Epiphany, 1/6/21

The Readings: https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi1_RCL.html

Leveling Waters - The Rev. Matthew Wright, The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, Year B, 1/10/21

Anglican priest, Celtic harpist, composer, singer. Genre and gender fluid. :)

4 - Starsail (Comet Version)

Clarityharp

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