Recent comments
Author: Richard Schletty
Love the intro. Reminiscent of Leo Kottke. The vocal harmonies remind me of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Cool song. Good words. I place this in the top five of your songs I've heard so far.
Author: Don9of11
Thank you Richard,
I am aware of the Corpus Christi Watershed collection of hymnals. You might want to visit this website if you like devotional music. The Devotional Hymns Project
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for posting the lyrics plus the backstory. I may have more comments later.
Author: ronsue
My mind cycloned refers to my experience in the late sixties as a student at UMass in Boston during the anti-war protest, sexual revolution, and wide spread drug use. The city was teeming with us baby boomers come of age and pride. promiscuity, drug abuse, and nihilism in the anti-war demonstrations were full-blown. In my senior, we had bomb sacres twice a day and the faculty voted to shut the school down in early March and we had no graduation just a diploma mailed to us. Some people I...
Author: Richard Schletty
Don, check out this article: https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/49-catholic-hymnals.
Free download of 49 Catholic hymnals
Links to 49 old Catholic hymnals, listed at Corpus Christi Watershed:
Please visit the Corpus Christi Watershed web site for updates. The following list will continue to grow & be updated. Most of these are Catholic hymnals; some are Anglican ones. Many were scanned and made available by Corpus Christi Watershed, others by Google.
Author: Richard Schletty
You are much better read than I ever was. My main daily reading has to do with efficient ways of developing websites, and troubleshooting tech gone bad.
I do derive good counsel and inspiration from Sunday Mass scripture readings and the psalms.
Looking forward to the lyrics. This song deserves and needs to go viral. How can we make that happen?
Author: ronsue
I've read many books by Pope Benedict and one thing he reminds us of is readiness to face persecution.
The line about a knife is an allusion to outright persecution. I read the life of St Thomas Moore and how the persecution of the faithful sprang up rather quickly.
Author: Richard Schletty
Your song has a bit of a Simon and Garfunkel vibe. Good lyrics and rhythmic momentum. Clever wordplay.
"Living by the edge, the edge of a knife, could easily end my bodily life. But anyway you cut it, my hope is your [sight/side?]" I am not understanding some of the words. But I get the general gist of the song. It would be nice to see the lyrics. Have you performed your songs in public? This would be good for a youth rally.
Thanks for sharing.
Author: ronsue
Thanks for sharing this beautiful song. Ron St Martin
Author: Richard Schletty
You give a very thorough coverage of a hymn's history, complete with sheet music images and sound files. Really good job.
I see that the St. Mary's Church where you sang was in Akron, Ohio. I sang at St. Mary's in St. Paul, MN, for a dozen years.
I have dozens of old hymnals that I have collected over the years. I will enjoy bookmarking the songs you feature in these old songbooks.
Thanks for posting this in the Forum section of TCS. This is an underutilized area for discussion....
Author: Don9of11
Thank you Richard and thank you for allowing me to post here at Top Catholic Songs. St. Mary's in Akron, Ohio has been my parish for over thirty years. I also have nice collection of old hymnals that I use for my research. I hope others will read my stories and share them with their friends!
Author: Richard Schletty
Wow, what a complete coverage of a hymn's history, complete with sheet music images and sound files. Really good job.
I see that the St. Mary's Church where you sang was in Akron, Ohio. I sang at St. Mary's in St. Paul, MN, for a dozen years.
I have dozens of old hymnals that I have collected over the years. I will enjoy bookmarking the songs you feature in these old songbooks.
Author: ronsue
I just think that if we capitalize God - Father- Son that it follows we can capitalize the pronouns that refer to Him. I don't think it misleads or confuses anyone.
Sincerely, Ronald St Martin
Author: Jeremy St Martin
Good Afternoon,
It is interesting that you capitalized the prose pronouns in the middle of the sentences. Is this an attempt to encourage the Universal Church to change it's current practice or a mistake?
Sincerely,
Fr. Jeremy St. Martin
Author: Richard Schletty
Harmonious vocals, sweet guitar and a singing violin help draw the faithful to God. Love it.
Author: ronsue
Beautiful song asking for the god Lord's help and GUIDANCE.
Author: ronsue
Thanks for the critical review and all the info and links on the the lyrics you wrote and the album and Cherokee website. Adios Rn
Author: Richard Schletty
Well done, Edgar! This is a beautiful ode to the Creator. Excellent lyrics, melody and chord progressions. I'd love to hear this recorded with good post-production. It's a bit muffled. Light instrumental additions such as strings and piano would be good.
Author: Richard Schletty
You're good at folk-style storytelling through melodic voice and Travis-picked guitar.
Incidentally, I wrote a song called "Against Your Will (The Trail of Tears Story)" several years ago. A collaboration with two musicians from Germany. They created a musical soundbed and I wrote and sang the lyrics, based on a story about The Trail of Tears that I happened to chance upon in a newspaper someone left behind in a coffee shop. I did further research by talking to someone I found...
Author: ronsue
Yes I was one of those young folks of the baby boom generation who went to University and lost Faith in the Good Lord, but as he never gives up on us and through the intercession of His people He called me back to Himself.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like it. A journey back to God, gently sung and strummed with conviction. Good testimony.
Author: Richard Schletty
The transcript is a good way to follow along.
Please note that I corrected the title of your post here at TCS. You had "Your in Control". It should be "You're in Control". I see the YouTube video has the same misspelling.
Thanks for sharing.
Author: ronsue
Here id the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-ax_74X1Ts
Author: ronsue
Just added link to YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-ax_74X1Ts
Author: Richard Schletty
Jeremy, I agree that it would be nice to see this song on YouTube, with words onscreen. I'd also like to see all the song lyrics posted in your Dad's blog post.
FYI, I collaborated with Jane Kraemer a few years ago to produce our own rendition of Psalm 67. Your deaf friends can view our sheet music with words here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pP-TIP_eAA
And here is another rendition of the same psalm setting with me as cantor and guitarist at the Church of St. Matthew...
Author: Jeremy St Martin
It would be great to have a youtube link of this song with captioning so that my deaf friends could see the lyrics as the song progresses.
Author: Richard Schletty
Another beautiful composition and performance. Your voice has a beautiful timbre and legato in this. Love that violin! I am not bothered by the reverb in this one. It floats through the sanctuary like gossamer threads. As always, thanks for sharing these psalms every week as you approach completion of your 3-year psalter.
Author: ronsue
I would think it an honor to be a guest guitarist on some of your songs. I'm 76 years old and my fingers are not always up to the task of playing like they did when I recorded most of these songs 25 years ago
but we will see what the good Lord has in mind. Adios Ron
Author: Richard Schletty
I really like this one. Have you heard songs by Cindy Kallet and Gordon Bok? They could really put a bead on this song.
Neighbors album
https://music.apple.com/us/album/neighbors/57787944
Author: Richard Schletty
I like it! A litany-like refrain with verses interspersed. I really like your guitar playing. I may ask you to be a guest guitarist on some of my songs. Are you up for that?
Author: ronsue
Yes Sidewalk counseling is very difficult and is a last resort, as well as probably the worst environment do do any sort of counseling. We had a lot of prayer support and that made all the difference. Thanks for the comment. Ron
Author: Richard Schletty
Good words expressed artfully. Thank you for sharing this.
More songs like this are needed to help turn the tide of the culture of death. A few years ago, I co-wrote a song about abortion with Sharon Shultz and recorded it.
Daddy (a song about loss)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptjR7cVS-Xk
My wife and I also did some sidewalk counseling. That is a really hard task. So much venom is encountered when witnessing for life and offering an alternative/choice to women and men in distress about...
Author: ronsue
Thank You to all who have helped in any way to respond to our complaints Ron
Author: ronsue
Thanks for the reply. I am amazed at how well the Google Pixel 5 phone records and uploads to YouTube.
I'm 76 years old and thought my writing, playing, and recording songs were over. But a year or so ago a song came into my mind called Maranatha and with the encouragement of my son, I did the pixel 5
recording and it came out fairly well on a simple upload to YouTube. Since then I've written and recorded almost a dozen more songs. Keep on playing the guitar and singing. Adios Ron
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for the invitation to record any of your songs. There are some very good lyrics in many of your creations. My guitar playing is not as good as yours. I do mostly chord strumming and chord arpeggios. I don't do lead runs very well. Your Google Pixel 5 phone recording sounds quite good!
Author: ronsue
Thanks for the suggestion, I've downsized my recording to just the guitar and me recording on a Google 5 pixel phone. If you want to use any of these songs to record a version of your own you a welcome. Adios Ron
Author: Richard Schletty
This has a nice ballad quality – almost like a Medieval minstrel performer. I'd like to hear flute and percussion added. It speaks nicely to the rising day. Good job.
Author: Richard Schletty
I never had a four-track Tascam. Analog recorders sound very good. They seem to have mastering built into the system. I did a bit of recording on a Sony reel-to-reel (open reel) tape deck with 7-inch reels. Just a single stereo track (each direction). No sound on sound or sound with sound (i.e. over dubbing or multi-tracking).
My digital recording journey began in 2004 with GarageBand. Soon after I progressed to Apple Logic. Have you recorded with a software DAW (digital audio workstation)?
I...
Author: Richard Schletty
A song of expectation sung with devotion and tenderness. Many good aspects of Christianity in your lyrics. This has a nice folk music vibe. I like it. Your sincerity shines as a beacon of hope in the Lord.
Author: Richard Schletty
Well done. Nice guitar underlayment. You sing articulately. The guitar doesn't necessarily need to double your vocal melody throughout. It might give your voice more freedom and flow if you simply sing along with the arpeggiated guitar chords. This song would be great as part of a passion play.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like this approach using field recordings. Your videos are quite evocative. I listened to several selections from #7. I like Wind Presence and Votive.
I did something similar several years ago. I recorded the lector, choir, bells and other environmental sounds at my church, then layered them into a montage. I am pleased to have my concept validated by you! Your tracks are much more pleasant to listen to – akin to dreamscapes. My track below is more like a nightmare.
https://soundcloud...
Author: Richard Schletty
I love the violin. Guitar and voices are superb, as usual. Very prayerful and soothing. "It's da balm."
Author: Alexander John
Hey guys, I really appreciate you giving these couple of tracks a listen and providing extremely useful feedback. We defiantly went in a new direction as I'm finding myself more and more in experimental creative spaces. Thanks again for your time and words and hope you are both doing well.
All the best,
Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
I said I thought track 2 was more integrated. That means that I like it better than track 1. The voice does not sit well in the mix in track 1.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Alex,
You certainly are moving a new direction here. I like it! The risk taking, if you can call it that, is working. I respectfully disagree with Richard and I like the second track better. The vocals at the end kind of shocked me at first but I ended up liking them. Tell your dad the producer I really like that second track. The first track was okay and it did have a certain flow to it. Interesting use of tone correction software too get that "vocoder" effect on that first track as...
Author: Richard Schletty
Interesting new approach. Part 2 feels more integrated than part 1. Raw Faith is certainly an appropriate title for these two pieces. You lay it all on the line – the good, the bad, the ugly, the sublime. Keep on rockin' in the cradle of God's creation.
Author: stevdrak
We will leave GarageBand for our Shure SM58's and home studio mixes ... And for their vast library of loops :)
Author: Richard Schletty
Ah, thanks for that clarification. Indeed, I thought you might be using $3500 Neumann U87 mics with free GarageBand. LOL.
Author: stevdrak
Yes, we feel blessed that we have the range of voices in such a small group, bass, tenor, altos and sopranos.
Just to clarify, we didn't record the vocals in Garage band. Only the backing track was created in GarageBand using the free loops and percussion instruments. It is amazing how vast the library is...
The vocals were recorded in a studio and the overall song mix was handled by a professional engineer, and mastered as well.
Only the...
Author: Richard Schletty
I started out with GarageBand in 2004, then graduated to Apple Logic Pro. It is quite user friendly for me and very powerful. I also use Steinberg Cubase on some collaborative projects.
I love your Caribbean styling. You have good singers and have captured their resonance quite well with GB.
Author: stevdrak
This is one reflecting our Caribbean roots Richard ????, thanks for the feedback. Yes, GarageBand is indeed alive and well, even the version on the iPad, very simple to use .
interesting looking at that video from Guy which shows the additional capabilities. And as he said, it's free!
Author: Richard Schletty
Indeed, this is quite a departure from your usual acoustic guitar folk arrangements. The voices are compelling and coherent. As you aptly describe it, a conversation about belief in God the Father. The cartoon illustrations are very supportive of the text. Nicely done.
GarageBand is not dead! Coincidentally, Guy Michelmore posted this video 4 days ago:
Film Scoring in GARAGEBAND?!
https://youtu.be/H9iApt_tb3k
Author: Alexander John
So nice of you to take the time to give it a listen. I'm really glad that you enjoyed the EP from my two biggest inspirations in my life. All the best, Alex.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Alex,
I always enjoy your art and especially like your new ep. Imo your best yet!
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, thanks for taking the time to give it a listen. I have made sure to thank them and shared your comment with them both as I knew it would make them happy. I'm glad to be recording again and hope you and your family are well. All the best to you. Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
"Nurse by day and angel forever." What a beautiful tribute to your wife. Tell her and your dad hello. And thank them both for encouraging your creativity. May you flourish as you continue on your path to God and goodness. Thanks for sharing this latest album.
Author: Richard Schletty
A gentle song that rolls along like a wave, reaching to heaven. Very nicely done.
Author: Richard Schletty
Tony Moran and I did a 3-year psalter of Spanish Salmos Responsoriales, but we had never recorded the psalm for the solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul. So I recorded it yesterday! Thanks for the fine arrangement and the inspiration.
Author: Richard Schletty
Absolutely beautiful. Descending chords. Resonant harmonies. Your singing is thrice praying!
Author: Richard Schletty
Your vocal harmonies are sublime. Praise the Lord!
Author: Richard Schletty
Nice balance of women's and men's voices in this. Has your ensemble grown? Guitar as usual is superb. Keep the Liturgical Folk revolution alive!
Author: Richard Schletty
Can you send me the chords for this psalm? I have an opportunity to sing and play guitar to whatever psalm I want at two masses this coming Sunday. I'd like to do this setting.
Edit: I figured out the chords. I am practicing the psalm now!
Author: Richard Schletty
Hi. Welcome to Top Catholic Songs. I have a Resources page here with links to many hymnals and liturgy planning guides:
https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/Resources
Can you tell me what kind of sheet music you need? Are you looking for SATB arrangements? Sheet music with piano and voice?
What hymnal do you use at your church? If your church does not allow you to take home a choir edition of the hymnal, I would urge them to buy extra choir hymnals for home use. My church allows that. A choir...
Author: Andrzej
Thank you, Richard - I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and I am grateful your kind comments. Thank you also for providing a forum to share and for your help with the code. As for the visuals, I have a fellow that does them for me. Those sort of effects could be well approximated by using a visualizer app - there are probably a bunch of good free or very affordable ones out there. He also sorts out the editing of the visuals.
Thank you again for your support and for the...
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks for sharing your new set of songs. Mellow, meditative and organic. I like "The New Jerusalem" and "We are like those who dream." Your singers are excellent. Great instrumentation set into an immersive, ambient soundspace.
How did you create the colored lights effects?
I'm glad you figured out how to insert the YouTube iFrame code.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Cora, for providing more information about this version of the Magnificat. Blessings.
Author: Richard Schletty
This is very evocative in its sparseness and ambience. An a cappella approach is an appropriate way to convey the passion and death of Jesus. Well done.
Author: Richard Schletty
Nice to see the liturgical version of your electro-pop version. Happy Easter!
Author: Richard Schletty
Beautiful song. Full, rich choral sound. Bravo. It's cool to see everyone singing from their mobile devices. Inspiring. A holy moment.
Author: Richard Schletty
Laisy, I am very sorry that I missed your request for song suggestions for the 22nd Sunday In Ordinary Time Year C. I will try to be more vigilant!
I created a resource page here at TCS which can lead you to liturgical planning guides: https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/Resources
Author: Richard Schletty
I like the soundscape of "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption". Fit for contemplation. You have a good chord progrssion in the verses that provides a nice lift. Well done.
As usual, your voice has clarity and grace.
Author: Andrzej
I know what you mean about the dissonance, Richard. I really like it, however. It reminds me of the sort of happy collision one might hear from time to time in a Tallis motet or something like that. It's a remarkable, pleasant surprise! That said, the alternative chords you suggest woudl also sound great. Hats off to the composers and performers for sparking our imaginations!
Author: Richard Schletty
Very nice composition and recording. As always, beautiful imagery to go along with a beautiful voice and guitar.
Author: Richard Schletty
Excellent work, Captain. I like your take on the Divine Mercy Chaplet. God is upbeat and upchannel. Win with Jesus! I did a couple Divine Mercy songs with a member of TCS a few years ago, so I am onboard.
Author: Richard Schletty
Keep rockin' and rollin' out these teaching songs "adapted" from popular nationalistic songs that exclude God from the equation.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Absolutely beautiful! Love the "turns" - those little triplets - those really add a lot to the song! Hats off to MacDonald for her composition!
Author: Richard Schletty
A beautiful proclamation. The guitar and voices are nicely layered. Peaceful yet resounding. Thanks for sharing this.
Author: Richard Schletty
I like the rhythm of the words in the refrain. Very cool. Good composition. Your performance is a beautiful declaration of gratitude for God's saving graces.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you for your continued sharing of your arrangements of responsorial psalms. They have a gentle folk rock vibe.
Author: Rene Asologuitar
Thank you so much, Richard!!!
Wishing you and your whole family Peace and Joy for the Holidays!!!
With love and respect,
Rene and Clarissa
Author: Richard Schletty
Clarissa has a voice of an angel which is well supported by a very able guitarist. Bravo, my friends. Merry Christmas to you!
Author: Richard Schletty
Mellow devotion to God. I always get a feeling of calm when I listen to your recordings. Very nice.
I have a question about the chord you play at "for" in "for He has worked wonders". I am hearing some dissonance on that word. Since you are singing the note Ab, it seems that the chord C# would work well for this phrase, i.e. C# - Eb - Bb. What chords do you play in this arrangement? I am hearing Eb - F - Bb.
If you are using a capo at fret 1, then C - D - A would work fine...
Author: Richard Schletty
Like my uncle used to say, "You boys are clever!" Nice conjoining of Catholicity with Korean dancing. Keep up the good work.
Author: Richard Schletty
Good to know that you know the people behind Great Catholic Music streaming radio. I have asked them for advice on starting my own streaming service for Salmos Responsoriales.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
I know these folks! They're from where I'm from - Canton, Ohio (USA) area. Their flagship station took over an old daytimer a couple decades ago called the "Big 1060". Good folks.
Author: Andrzej
A beautiful message, indeed. Thank you for sharing your music with us - looking forward to hearing more of it in the new liturgical year!