This Sunday: Pickup choir for tenors and basses – meet at 9:45, all are welcome!
Come, sing a song with me! Any UUCC members or friends who are tenors or basses (the traditional men’s voice parts) who would like to sing, meet me in the sanctuary at 9:45 a.m. this Sunday, Feb. 18th. I’ll teach you an easy-to-learn arrangement of the Ben E. King classic “Stand By Me”, which we’ll then sing during that morning’s service. No special musical expertise or weekday commitments are required – just be there at 9:45 on Sunday. I’ll see you then!
Music Notes – Sunday, February 18th:
This Sunday’s musicians are The Chancel Choir, The Tenor-Bass Ensemble, Aaron Burkle, and UUCC Music Director Mike Carney
Opening Hymn: #134 Our World Is One World – Taylor
#134 in Singing the Living Tradition, “Our World Is One World” was written by British author, poet and hymnist Cecily Taylor (b. 1930), who is most famously known for Contact, her 1972 collection of poetry.
Centering Music: Meditation – Ellington
One of the true legends of American music, composer and bandleader Duke Ellington (1899-1974) was best known as the composer of dozens of jazz standards, including “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”, “Mood Indigo”, and “Come Sunday”. Late in his career, Ellington composed three larger works (each titled Sacred Concert) that combined elements of jazz, classical music, choral music, spirituals, gospel, blues and dance and explored Ellington’s relationship with the spiritual world. Ellington called these compositions “the most important music I’ve ever written.” “Meditation” is from Sacred Concert No. 2, which premiered at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York on January 19, 1968.
Offertory Music: Creation of Peace – Miller/McDade
American composer, conductor and performer Mark Miller believes passionately that music can change the world. He also believes in Cornell West’s quote that “Justice is what love looks like in public.” Mark’s dream is that the music he composes, performs, teaches and leads will inspire and empower people to create the beloved community. Mark serves as Assistant Professor of Church Music at Drew Theological School and is a Lecturer in the Practice of Sacred Music at Yale University (from markamillermusic.com). “Creation of Peace” is an adaptation of Carolyn McDade’s “We’ll Build a Land” (Singing the Living Tradition #121), as favorite of many UUs.
Closing Hymn: I Am Willing – Near
Born in Ukiah, CA in 1949, Holly Near began singing in high school, and soon built on her performing career with acting parts on Mod Squad, Room 222, and The Partridge Family, and later as a cast member of the Broadway musical Hair. In 1972, Holly was one of the first women to create an independent record company, paving the way for other female recording artists like Ani DiFranco. Often cited as one of the founders of the Women’s Music movement, she not only led the way for outspoken women in the music world, but also worked for peace and multicultural consciousness. Another significant arena of Holly’s activism is the LGBTQ community, and in 1976 she became one of the first celebrities to discuss her sexual orientation openly. Throughout her long career Holly has worked with a wide array of musicians, including Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, and many others. She has received honors from the ACLU, the National Lawyers Guild, the National Organization for Women, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; she was named Ms. Magazine’s Woman of the Year and received the Legends of Women’s Music Award. (from hollynear.com). “I Am Willing” originally appeared on Holly Near’s 2003 album Cris & Holly, a collaborative project with fellow folk artist and activist Cris Williamson (b. 1947). “I Am Willing” has since become one of Holly’s best-loved songs and has been performed all around the world. This powerful song was featured prominently at the 2023 UU General Assembly in Pittsburgh.
Postlude: Stand By Me – King, Leiber, and Stoller
“Stand By Me” is an iconic rhythm and blues song co-written by Jerry Leiber (1933-2011), Mike Stoller (b. 1933) and Ben E. King (1938-2015). The song was originally intended for King’s group The Drifters, but the other members of the group did not care for it. Undaunted, King recorded the song as a solo artist, and it became his most successful and best-known hit. “Stand By Me” reached the U.S. top ten twice: in 1960 when it was originally released, and again in 1986 when it was featured on the soundtrack of the popular movie of the same name. To date, there have been more than 400 cover versions of “Stand by Me” performed by various artists, including John Lennon, Mickey Gilley, and Florence and the Machine. The arrangement for a cappella men’s voices you’re hearing this morning was written by Mac Huff in 1997.
-Mike Carney, UUCC Music Director