For the Beauty of the Earth - Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano

Track Listings

1. Glory, Glory Hallelujah

2. Doxology

3. For The Beauty of the Earth

4. Shall We Gather By The River

5. Standin' In The Need of Prayer

6. Just As I Am/Sanctus

7. By and By

8. This Little Light of Mine

9. Go Down Moses

10. The Ash Grove

11. Take It On Faith (from Bittersweet)

12. America (from When Saints Go Marching)

13. Steps To The Soul (from In The Moment)

14. Amazing Grace (from We Gather Together)

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
An accomplished composer, educator, critically-acclaimed recording artist, and jazz pianist, Bradley Sowash has delighted listeners of all ages throughout the United States and Europe for over 15 years. His emotional style and formidable technique have prompted favorable reviews in national publications including The Village Voice's comment that "Sowash‘s music powerfully conjures the moods." Known for his instant audience rapport, Billboard Magazine declared "He can really move an audience along with zest and wit." Mr. Sowash has been featured on several episodes of the PBS series, "The Piano Guy," and his recordings have aired nationally.

Product Description
For the Beauty of the Earth Bradley Sowash's final release in the acclaimed trilogy of hymns and spirituals for solo jazz piano has a decidedly personal feel. Some of the selections emphasize nature such as Shall We Gather By he River, The Ash Grove, and the title cut, For the Beauty of the Earth. Others dig deeply into jazz traditions such as the blues inflected Go Down Moses or a striding This Little Light of Mine. Whatever the style, Sowash's unique take on these timeless melodies both surprises and delights. Four bonus tracks include sample cuts from previous recordings.

Designer Bryan Huber's spiritually suggestive packaging contributes to the sense of intimacy with a scrapbook format that includes excerpts from the artist's journals, pressed leaves and Frank Hunter's haunting photos of earthly pathways.

For the Beauty of the Earth - Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano,Bradley Sowash,Bradley Sowash Music,Crossover Jazz,Solo jazz piano with a decidedly personal feel.

Tracks:

For the Beauty of the Earth
O Holy Jesus
Morning Has Broken
As the Bridegroom to His Chosen
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
He Shall Freed His Flock
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Lord Bless You and Keep You
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus
Rejoice the Lord Is King!
Jesu, The Very Thought Is Sweet
Pilgrim's Hymn
I Believe in Christ
God So Loved the World
This Is the Christ
For I Am Called Thy Name
Consider the Lillies

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely the BEST !.......2006-05-31

Our church choir sang a few of these songs which I loved, so I decided to order it. It is a very sweet, gentle, inspiring collection of music. Many times when you get a CD, you are fortunate to find 2-4 on there that you really like enough to play regularly. But on this one, every song is wonderful. This music is so spiritually uplifting and peaceful that you will want to play it regularly. Some if may bring some tears it is so beautiful. John Rutter has a way with this type of music. You will probably want to be giving some of these cd's away to those you love.

Great for bringing a child into this world.......2005-12-22

I had this CD on while in labor with my last child. We had a wonderful homebirth and what better then to have the spirit in our home with this music as we welcomed a brand new baby. It helped me relax and helped the birth be peaceful, calm, and spiritual.

CD like new.......2005-10-02

This CD was advertised as "like new" and it was -- in fact, it was still in the plastic wrapper. I couldn't have found a better deal or quicker service. Everything was great!

The Sweetest Music.......2004-06-07

I love this CD. My family and I listened to it over and over and over again, during the last few weeks of my mother's life. It has been a comfort to me in time of sorrow. Now it brings tears every time I listen to it. This music is like loving arms around me. It touches my soul. I've given so many away, I should have bought a case of them.

This is my new all-time-favorite CD!.......2004-04-22

I bought this CD because I had heard "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" once and loved it. But it's just one of the many beautiful songs on this CD. I'm at a loss to describe what joy this music brings to me each time I listen to it. I carry it from house to car and back again so I can enjoy it wherever I am. I've given away several "Consider the Lilies" CD's to friends and relatives, something I've never done before. Anyone who is facing a serious challenge in life will be uplifted and comforted by this ethereal music.

Average customer rating:

The picture

100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration

Manufacturer: Castle Music UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Heritage of Hymns: Classic Recordings of the Great Songs of Faith and Inspiration
Abide with Me and other favourite hymns
Best Loved Hymns
Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral
Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2

ASIN: B00008GEKT
Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.

For the Beauty of the Earth - Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano, Vol. 3

Average customer rating:

Looks great, well intentioned, but marginal artistry
from Solo Piano Publications
Vibrant piano for active and passive listening alike
wonderful reflective solo jazz piano

For the Beauty of the Earth - Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano, Vol. 3
Bradley Sowash
Manufacturer: Bradley Sowash Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Jazz | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

We Gather Together - Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano
When Saints Go Marching - Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano
Boogie Woogie Gospel
Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening

ASIN: B0006DNRRY
Release Date: 2004-10-22

Tracks:

Glory, Glory Hallelujah
Doxology
For The Beauty of the Earth
Shall We Gather By The River
Standin In The Need of Prayer
Just As I Am/Sanctus
By and By
This Little Light of Mine
Go Down Moses
The Ash Grove
Take It On Faith (from Bittersweet)
America (from When Saints Go Marching)
Steps To The Soul (from In The Moment)
Amazing Grace (from We Gather Together)

Album Description

For the Beauty of the Earth Bradley Sowash's final release in the acclaimed trilogy of hymns and spirituals for solo jazz piano has a decidedly personal feel. Some of the selections emphasize nature such as Shall We Gather By he River, The Ash Grove, and the title cut, For the Beauty of the Earth. Others dig deeply into jazz traditions such as the blues inflected Go Down Moses or a striding This Little Light of Mine. Whatever the style, Sowash's unique take on these timeless melodies both surprises and delights. Four bonus tracks include sample cuts from previous recordings.

Customer Reviews:

Looks great, well intentioned, but marginal artistry.......2007-03-16

I ordered this CD based on the playlist, and upon receiving it was impressed with its graphic design and personal meditation written by Mr. Sowash in the accompanying pamphlet. But then I listened to this recording and was deeply disappointed. Mr. Sowash's touch on the piano is heavy, and densely filled. I enjoyed not one cut, even the songs I love. I don't want to be cruel, but in my opinion this is marginal artistry not deserving of wide distribution.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-06-29

"For the Beauty of the Earth" is the third volume in Bradley Sowash's trilogy of solo piano jazz arrangements of hymns and spirituals. There are ten new tracks and four bonus tracks of previously re-leased songs from other albums. Sowash has a real gift for taking these mostly-familiar church tunes and giving them new life, keeping the melodies intact, but changing rhythms, adding improvisational passages, and infusing them with pure spiritual joy. An extraordinary pianist, Sowash's technique, skills, and heart allow him to freely express himself in many different styles and genres, making him one of the best "piano guys" out there.

"Glory, Glory Hallelujah" has an infectious boogie woogie beat and dances right out of the CD player. "For the Beauty of the Earth" begins traditionally, and then Sowash improvises on the theme, allowing the music to go where it will, with the melody weaving in and out - a really nice arrangement! "Shall We Gather By the River" is darker and more introspective - also very effective. "Just As I Am/ Sanctus" is given a bluesy treatment that really works. "This Little Light of Mine" was a surprise. This is possibly the most improvised of the pieces on the album. I have always thought of this as a children's hymn, and this arrangement has a much more "seasoned" flavor that I really like. "Go Down Moses" is dark, rhythmic, and also very improvised - my favorite track. Other titles include "Doxology," "Amazing Grace," "America," and "By and By."

This is obviously not a standard collection of "pretty" hymns played on the piano. These arrangements are bold and very personal musical statements by someone who knows and understands the piano and the music inside out. I love all three volumes in this series, and kind of hate to see it end. Highly recommended!

Vibrant piano for active and passive listening alike.......2005-04-19

Ohio's Bradley Sowash is familiar to PBS viewers as a regular guest on "The Piano Guy," as well as NPR listeners who have heard his recordings regularly played on "Morning Edition." A composer, educator, and acclaimed pianist, Sowash has toured concert halls and churches alike for more than twenty years. He's recorded six instrumental albums, but this is his third disc of hymns and spirituals for jazz piano in the last four years-and reportedly his final, since it completes a trilogy. Those who enjoyed Chris Rice's Living Room Sessions albums will love this. Sowash's technique incorporates more jazz, which makes it a more lively experience suitable for active or passing listening. Sowash gives a boogie-woogie feel to "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" while gliding through some bluesy runs in the title track and "Go Down Moses." Other highlights include a breezy, bouncy take on "This Little Light of Mine" and a playfully varied "Doxology." Sowash goes the extra mile by offering more than a pretty collection of hymn arrangements. He remains true to the familiar melodies, yet infuses them with personality for an artistically refreshing worship experience.
(Originally posted at http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2005/tenindieartists2005.html)

wonderful reflective solo jazz piano .......2005-02-28

Jazz has always had a close tie to religion, from its roots in gospel music and spirituals to the divine musical quests of Coltrane and the Sacred Concerts of Ellington. However, few artists have mined the hymnal directly for source material, and fewer still have then recorded albums that have reflection and meditation as their key goal.

Bradley Sowash has dedicated a large part of his career to playing this music in a jazz context. For the Beauty of the Earth is the third in a series of solo piano readings of religious music, many of which, like "Doxology" and "This Little Light of Mine", will be familiar even to casual churchgoers. Sowash doesn't wander too far off from the melody of any of these tunes, but this is as it should be-he isn't using this music as a jumping off point, but rather a chamber filled with endless new ideas. Triumphant hymns become introspective washes with floating chords and stolid, reverent songs of praise get a kick of stride. He reworks the melodies slightly, adding new melodic ideas to these old hymns, played with a lovely, crystalline texture reminiscent of George Winston with a little more swing.

As wonderful as it is, this recording would sound out of place as background music at a dinner party. Instead, this is a Sunday morning CD, much more welcome with a cup of coffee than a glass of wine. Sowash designs his music to be part of the religious fabric, and in the end whether or not you like this recording depends on your interest in music with this in mind. He intends his playing to be inwardly fulfilling for himself as well as spiritually rewarding for the listener, but at the very least he accomplishes what many jazz musicians sets out to do: take familiar songs and rework them into a pleasant listening experience.

Average customer rating:

For the Beauty of the Earth

Manufacturer: Covenant Communications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000FJYOR6

Product Description

Tracks: "1. For the Beuaty of the Earth 2. Leaving New England 3. How Firm a Foundation 4. O, What Songs of the Heart 5. The Fireplace 6. Shaker Medley 7. Secret Prayer 8. Nauvoo 9. Primary Medley 10. Jesus, Once of Humble Birth 11. We'll Walk Tall 12. We Thaank Thee, O God, for a Prophet/We Are All Enlisted 13. The Water is Wide 14. O, My Father 15. Winter Quarters 16. Love at Home 17. A Thousand Miles (Angela's Song) 18. The Spirit of God 19. Sunday Morning in the Valley 20. 'Til We Meet Again"

Pop Music:

Recommended Music:

Music: Des Visages des Figures [Import]

Extended Versions (Live) [Live]

Jesus Verbo No Sustantivo

Live at Carnegie Hall [Import] [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Liszt Transcriptions of Berlioz, Chopin, Saint-Saëns

Lips That Taste of Tears

John Cage Diary: How to Improve the World (you will only make matters worse)

Hold on Hope Ep

Maieutics

La Herencia Continua

Now Is the Time: Live at Willow Creek (CD+DVD)

The Shearing Spell/Velvet Carpet