Just something I cooked up for Christmas before going to bed. Goodnight.

Der Voghormya

Joanna Dane interviews Matt Turner on his latest album, a collection of solo cello improvisations.  

Matt Turner On Virion Impasto

Guitarist and composer Mark Lettieri’s “Spark and Echo” explores God’s role as the one true judge of man. This work is in response to James 4:12 and the theme of destruction for Spark and Echo Arts' Bible Illumination Project.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

James 4:12 states, “There is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” (NIV).
I came across this verse while researching the biblical theme of destruction. I had planned on composing a piece about the literal destruction of something physical. I wanted the song to be dark and maybe even violent (which led me to Revelations first, of course). But when I found this verse, I ended up writing a song about destroying something emotional; ultimately a song about love. What I took from this verse is this: without God, we’re constantly tempted to judge and chastise others, as if we’ve always lived a life free of sin ourselves. This song is about the idea that as Christians, we must destroy that desire to judge, and replace it with a showing of His love instead. The heavy layered rhythm guitars, drums and strings represent the tearing down of this judgmental attitude, with the bright melody representing a reconstructed view built on love and respect.

ARTIST BIO:

Mark Lettieri is a guitarist, composer and producer residing in Fort Worth, TX. Originally from Menlo Park, CA, Lettieri moved to Texas to attend Texas Christian University, earning a B.S. in Advertising/Public Relations. After graduation in the spring of 2005, began pursuing his music career.

Since 2008, Lettieri has been a member of jazz/fusion band Snarky Puppy. The band tours heavily, performing an average of 150 shows a year in the US, Europe, Asia and most recently South America. In January 2014, the group received the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance,” for their collaboration with Lalah Hathaway on Brenda Russell’s song entitled “Something.”

Aside from his work with Snarky Puppy, Lettieri also travels occasionally with neo-soul songstress Erykah Badu, and NBC’s The Voice: Season 2 contestant Anthony Evans.

When not on the road, Lettieri is a session guitarist in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Proficient in a multitude of styles, he records and performs in virtually every genre of popular music. He works with several independent artists as well as major labels. Recent recording sessions include work for 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Adam Levine, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, LeCrae, Keyshia Cole, and Xzibit. He is also a member of Team SKP, a production collective led by award-winning producer Symbolyc One (Kanye West, Beyonce).

Since 2010, he has been a member of the house band for “Marcus & Joni,” a morning talk/variety show broadcast in 200 countries on Daystar, a Christian cable network.

As a composer, Lettieri has released two guitar instrumental recordings, “Knows” in 2011, and “Futurefun” in 2013. Through tours with Snarky Puppy and social media network shares, both records created sizable buzz in the indie guitar community. Lettieri looks to tour abroad with his trio in the next year.

Spark and Echo

Spark And Echo - Mark Lettieri

Vitallion III
Steve Cartwright and Mick Smith

Living Off The Lump

Flower Seller -

Composer and vocalist Jessie Downs combined the texts of Psalm 29:3-4; 31:9-10; 81:3 as a “libretto” to produce her work, which is written in the form of an operatic scene for Spark and Echo Arts' Bible Illumination Project.

"The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
    the God of glory thunders,
    the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is majestic."                                     (Psalm 29:3-4)
 
"Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
    my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
    my soul and body with grief.
My life is consumed by anguish
    and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
    and my bones grow weak."                                               (Psalm 31:9-10)
 
"Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon,
    and when the moon is full, on the day of our festival;"       (Psalm 81:3)

Lamentations

Lamentations - Jessie Downs

This simple song emerged from an informal workshop at All Angels' Church's 2018 parish retreat. I penned a few verses in response to a comment made by someone on the retreat, and this is the treatment that developed when I picked up a guitar and began to sing.

Draw Near To God (2018 AAC Parish Retreat)

This track is from the album Estelle's Farewell Gift and is available for purchase on CD Baby here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/benjedaneman

To Lay Down One's Life

Loved So Much

Spark and Echo Arts is creating or commissioning a work of art, music, theatre, poetry, dance, or film in response to every verse of the Bible.