Jeff Johnson has influenced this trip in a few significant ways, first by describing trips to Europe in his own life as pilgrimages. In his songs and writings I have encountered a very spiritual approach to touring Europe. In his work I have sensed that it is possible to have a trip to Europe that is far more than just a sightseeing venture; that it is possible - even in this day and age - to be a pilgrim, a spiritual seeker, rather than simply a tourist.
Even on his earliest albums (created back in the 1980's) Jeff would weave ambient sounds recorded in Europe into the music tracks. As I listened to Pilgrimage I suddenly realized that my desire to record the ambience of various places we visit and weave those recordings into music projects I have in mind, this has its origins in the work of Jeff Johnson. (As a side note, recently I have been testing out my little Yamaha recorder, including last night when I recorded a concert by one of the choirs our middle child, Joshua, is in. The Pocketrak works pretty slick, I'm looking forward to using it in Europe).
For years Jeff Johnson has recorded albums that are based on the novels of Stephen R. Lawhead. It was through these Lawhead novels that I came to deeper love of Celtic lore. My favourite Stephen R. Lawhead novel is called Byzantium which follows the journey of a Irish monk who is captured by some vikings and eventually ends up in Byzantium before returning home to Ireland. It was this book that first made me realize how intertwined the history of the Celtic and Nordic people are. The Byzantium recording by Jeff Johnson remains one of my favourite of his many albums.
If you have never read any Stephen Lawhead books I would recommend them as a great source of entertainment and education. I have learned new things with each new Lawhead novel I have read. You can find out more about this interesting author at his website ( http://www.stephenlawhead.com/ ). If you'd like to give a Lawhead novel a try I would recommend either Byzantium or Patrick: these books are self-contained (meaning they are not part of a series) and they are two of my favourite novels of the past decade.
I would also encourage you to check out the music of Jeff Johnson either by visiting his Ark Music website (where you can find music samples to listen to), or by searching for Jeff Johnson on iTunes. (Be aware that there is more than one Jeff Johnson who is a musician with recordings out, visiting Ark Music will tell you if a particular recording is from the Jeff Johnson of which I write).
To conclude this entry I would like to quote the lyrics of the title song from Jeff Johnson's most recent recording:
JOURNEY PRAYER ~ GODRIC’S THEME
Words & music by Jeff Johnson
Words & music by Jeff Johnson
Father, bless to me this day,
And Jesus, bless to me this night,
Spirit, bless each hour of life,
Bless me, God of grace I pray.
And Jesus, bless to me this night,
Spirit, bless each hour of life,
Bless me, God of grace I pray.
Bless the path on which I go,
Bless the earth beneath my sole,
Bless me God and give Your love,
Bless my rest and my repose.
Father, keep me in Your eyes,
Jesus, keep me in Your love,
Spirit, keep me in Your Truth,
Bless me, God of grace I pray.
Jesus, keep me in Your love,
Spirit, keep me in Your Truth,
Bless me, God of grace I pray.
Thanks for this post. I've been a Lawhead fan for years but have never purchased the music of Jeff Johnson. I just may do that now.
ReplyDeleteDo you plan on stopping by Oxford and trying to see Stephen? I would guess he's pretty busy with his next set of novels, but you never know!
God's blessings on your trip!
-Robert
Thanks for the comment Robert! How did you ever come across our blog? However that happened we're glad you stopped by. I checked out your blog which looks very interesting and I will be following your book progress with interest.
ReplyDeleteDennis
Just thought I'd drop a line to say I've finally checked out your blog! Looks great! I didn't have time to read quite everything yet, but I'm finding it most interesting. We're in the process of figuring out our Scottland venture after the choir tour.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Your sis, Kari