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My weekly song-based-on-a-bible verse challenge continues, with a song inspired by Sam Cooke. This song was a part of the 4/26/2020 virtual service of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church.
The passage is Luke 24:13-35, The Road to Emmaus. After Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, 2 travelers walk along the road and encounter a man they do not recognize. The men lament Jesus' death and wonder about rumors of an empty tomb, and the stranger reassures them with scripture that all is happening as has been foreseen. They reach their destination, and at the moment Jesus breaks bread with them, they recognize him, and He disappears. They ask, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” The phrase "our hearts were burning" suggested an 60s R & B style and chord progression, and I decided to incorporate doo-wop vocals as part of the mix. I hope you enjoy it. Our Hearts Were Burning Written by Dave Martin Guitar, drums, bass, and vocals: Dave Martin Piano: Douglas Scott Flute: Carole Scott We were walking down the road, We were talking bout the Lord, And how he met his end at Calvary. When a stranger matched our pace, Friend, he said, why the long face? We had to break the news he had not seen. Told him our Lord was sent to die. We couldn’t believe our eyes When he was both betrayed and crucified. And worse, since that day, Someone took His body away. And now some rumors say that’s he’s alive! And friend, Our hearts are burning, burning inside! Our hearts are burning, oh, burning. Our hearts are burning, burning inside! Our hearts are burning, oh burning. That stranger listened as we walked, Then he began to talk Of prophecy, and he told us to not to grieve. All that’s happened’s been foreseen, Every trial of the teacher From his birth to his death has been decreed. Amos saw the darkest day, (Amos 8:9) The Psalms sang of His betrayal. (Psalms 41:9) Isaiah wrote that he would hang among the thieves. (Isiah 53:12) Although deceived by a friend, (Psalm 41:9) He will rise and will ascend. (Psalm 16:10) It is written, the Messiah, He will live again! Our hearts were burning, burning inside! Our hearts were burning, oh, burning. Our hearts were burning, burning inside! Our hearts were burning, oh burning. We walked and we talked until the end of day, And then we said, “Friend, join us for a meal to keep you strong.” When he took the bread and broke it, our eyes were finally opened. The stranger was the Lord, he’d been with us all along! Our hearts were burning, burning inside! Our hearts were burning, oh, burning. Our hearts were burning, burning inside! Our hearts were burning, oh burning. Just as quickly as He came The Lord left, but he left a flame. The fire is lit to this day, And our hearts are burning!
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This week, I've re-recorded another song originally performed by the GIPC band. This one is all me - 3 layers of guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, and a funky, fun feel. The lyrics elaborate on my choice to be a Christian, one that came later in my life of agnostic skepticism. Doubt is not my adversary, but my faithful friend - maybe you can relate?
A Fool Who Believes Written, performed, and recorded by Dave Martin. This version was a part of the 4/19/2020 virtual service of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church. I swear I've felt the touch of His hand And the flutter of the breath of the spirit But maybe it was the breeze or the rain Or a voice inside my head I’ve read the words of the four who walked And I’ve harkened the thoughts of the prophet Spent nights in conversation And contemplation on the meaning of love Despite my faith I own my fears. I'm still not sure, But still I'm here! I choose to believe How ‘bout you? My questions feed Like faithful fuel I choose to read and I walk with you I think it’s alright to admit I could be a fool If so I’m a fool who believes And that’s cool with me With a hunger and a need To know the answer and live my creed Should walking the talk be easy Or is the challenge some kind of test? Sometimes it seems it’s only me Who has to struggle with belief They didn’t have to work to get it But shouldn’t hope be more than a habit? Despite my faith I own my fears. I'm still not sure, But still I'm here! I choose to believe How ‘bout you? My questions feed Like faithful fuel I choose to read And I walk with you I have to concede I could be a fool Doubt is not my adversary But my faithful friend Always there to challenge me To decide where I stand And I know amazing grace Was given for you and me I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see People if you've made your choice Oh won't you let me hear your voice? I believe! (I believe!) In the Father and the Son Holy Spirit, three in one Crucified, died for me On the third day, He set me free I believe! (I believe!) For the April 12 virtual Easter service for Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church I decided to re-visit a song I had written and recorded previously with the GIPC band for the Sunday Morning Live, Vol. 2 Album.
Eclipse was inspired by Matthew 27:45, which describes the moment of the death of Jesus: From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. The song tackles the hours of the eclipse as a time of uncertainty and worry - fears that seem very relevant to me in the midst of this pandemic. This arrangement is not of a full band but a more stripped-down acoustic performance, along with some droning effects and sitar-like sounds to intensify the mystery of the lyric. I was joined on this recording by my brother, bassist Jeffrey Martin. His groove helped inspire the direction of this arrangement. Note: This video will premiere at 11:30am on 4/12/2020, immediately following the virtual service which airs at 10:30am at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church's Facebook page. Eclipse Music and Lyrics by Dave Martin First, a shadow falls across the sun, A tiny sliver stolen from the star. Oh, soon, all eyes cast heavenly, The wailing thieves ask why has the sun forsaken me? Lost in the halo, Obscured by the moon, Dark divides the day. My God, what have we done? What wickedness has brought this shadow upon us? Is there some great sadness we commit? Why are the righteous in this world always so quick to dim? Will this day of darkness never end? Lost in the halo, Obscured by the moon, Dark divides the day. My God, what have we done? I choose to trust The dark is just a shadow of the sun. More gracious than just In this life a new light will ascend. After the eclipse, I choose to trust. Note: This video will premiere at 11:30am on 4-5-2020. The song will be the anthem for the 10:30 4-5-2020 virtual service at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church facebook page.
Written for the April 5, 2020 virtual service for Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church (GIPC.org). This song is inspired by Matthew 21:6-11 & 26:36-42, and is unapologetically written in the style of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by Dave Martin Music by Dave Martin and Douglas Scott Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Strings: Dave Martin Piano: Douglas Scott Copyright 2020, Shinyheadmusic.com Piano was recorded remotely and integrated into the Logic Pro X project. "Thy Will Be Done" by Dave Martin This bitter cup, take it away. I am alone, awake in my hour of need. I can recall not long ago Your fervor knew no rest for the prophet of Galilee. You sang "Hosanna!" You called me "King!" You fanned the air with your faith. You fanned the flame. This too shall pass, A name is blessed. The hour comes for glory To the son of man. Father, save me from this night. Father, glorify Your name. I have glorified it, And will glorify it again! Oh, nation see! Oh, Pharisee! Your love of praise is greater than your love of me! No! I came to save and not to judge. Sleep well my friends, just one more hour. Lord, Thy will be done. It's been a while since I've written a song for worship at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church. It's something I've always loved doing, but as other work, family, and musical pursuits have become important to me, I've stopped my regular songwriting practice. With nearly everything put on hold by social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, I've chosen to start again.
This song was inspired by the liturgy of the 3-29-2020 GIPC virtual church service, Matthew 4:1-11. I wrote the lyrics to incorporate the Word and my own feelings of isolation at this time. I recorded the basic tracks, and created the sheet music in Finale. I sent them to GIPC pianist/organist Douglas Scott, who wrote the flute part. He and his wife, flutist Carole Scott, recorded the piano and flute parts in their living room, and sent the parts to be incorporated into the project. I hope this song brings you peace in this uncertain time. NOTE: This song will premiere during the virtual worship service at GIPC's Facebook page at 10:30am on Sunday, March 29. The above video will go live at 11:30am on the same day. “Be With Me” I do not live on bread alone but on the words from your lips Two score days and nights in the wilderness I listen for you in my isolation I pray to feel your peace Hoping in my stillness You’ll come to me Be with me, oh God Be with me, oh my Lord When I turn off all the noise I feel so ill at ease The din has become A part of me You sent the enemy away, So I shall find my peace Holding on to You With my belief Be with me, oh God Be with me, oh my Lord I’m lost because I feel closest to You When I’m among a crowd I pray to feel your presence with me now Be with me, oh God Be with me, oh my Lord Among my best received compositions is a sweet song about Mary, holding her newborn baby close to her and softly singing words of comfort. Inspired by quiet moments with my own newborn children, the song continues to be a favorite among fans. In fact, after performing it at St. James last month, the choral director there and at GIPC asked for an arrangement for their choirs to perform. I removed the original orchestrated flute and cello parts, and expanded the choir's role. I performed the song with the GIPC Chorus on December 8, and the St. James choir performed it with another soloist on December 15. The arrangement is available for purchase - just contact Dave. Here's the performance from GIPC.  Photo: Madeline Jones It was a beautiful night in a beautiful room with some beautiful people! After an invitation from my good friend (and fellow hair club for men reject) James Johnson, I was honored to be a part of the St. James Episcopal Church 2019-20 Music Series. I played a series of songs I've written for the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church Band, as well as songs for my wife (Victimless Crime) and kids (The Sound of Me Ignoring You), and one about the drudge of driving in our great state (Michigan Winter). I used my guitar, a looper pedal, a harmonica, and the lovely new piano at St. James to accompany myself. The audience was receptive and really listened to my lyrics and melodies with open hearts. I'm grateful I was able to present this set of songs written over many years as a cohesive bunch. I hope to have the opportunity to do it again soon! The Music of Dave Martin "Thanksgiving and Reflection" 11-2-2019, St. James Episcopal Church, Grosse Ile, MI I: Sarah, In Her Wake, Inside The Music, The Connection, Sometimes/Surrender, Victimless Crime, Let It Be, The Sound of Me Ignoring You, Eclipse, So Far Away, Arise and Awake II: Michigan Winter, The Task, The Stones (Will Fall), Release, Father's Day, 20 Beautiful Children, A Fool Who Believes, I Call Your Name. November 2 will be a rare chance to catch a solo acoustic show featuring Dave's original songs and selected covers in a beautiful and intimate setting: the chapel at Grosse Ile's St. James church. Selections will include original worship music he’s written for the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church Band, as well as other songs about love, loss, belief, connection, joy, and redemption. The show is 7-8:30pm, and is part of St. James fall concert series. See the Facebook event for more information  What's Dave been up to lately? LOTS! My primary focus has been playing in Raising The Dead - a tribute to the Grateful Dead. For 2 years, we've been climbing the ladder of Detroit Jam Bands and making fans from St. Clair Shores to Gibraltar. In one weekend early August, we played 4 sets over 2 days at a Hippies at the Village in Lake Orion, and then we played Comerica Park for the Detroit Tiger's Grateful Dead night! You can see the entire show below. We'll be playing this fall at Otus Supply in Ferndale, The Watermark in St. Clair Shores, and more places to be announced soon. We are ending the summer by playing the Taylor Botanical Garden and Conservatory on August 28, and the Watermark on August 30. The Classics have also had a fun summer playing the classic #1 hits of the 50s and 60s. You can see a song from our last show in Auburn Hills below also. Dave has stepped back from doing solo acoustic shows for the time being, but all it takes is the right opportunity, and I'm back! In the mean time, give Raising The Dead a Like on Facebook and come out to a show - it's a beautiful time! Flock of Words is a beautiful song by Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, from his debut solo album. I've loved this song for years, especially the beautiful vocal harmonies and haunting lyric. When the theme of worship at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church was announced as "The Power of Words," I knew the time to perform this had come. Doug Scott and I charted the song, and I rehearsed the harmony with my daughter Mia. We performed it on September 15, 2018, and here's the resulting video. The audio is from a camcorder and thus not super high quality, but the performance still shines through. Check out the original song on YouTube. |
See DavE PERFORM With RAISING THE DEAD
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  See the winning Downriver Idol 2012 Performance of "Maria"
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