Oct

23

Be Still – Away in A Manger

Posted on October 23rd, 2007 in Music by Fred McKinnon

Hey Everyone -

We’ve been talking about our upcoming Christmas series – it will be called “Be Still”. It comes at a time when we’ve been having some great times of prayer and worship. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of encouragement from those around me about “playing” … it seems that sometimes the soft piano background during our prayer time helps people really connect and “be still”.

I’ve tried for years to come up with a Christmas instrumental album, but it’s never been pulled off. So, I could use some “pushing”. All of this has inspired me to get into the studio and give this another shot. I told David that I’d like to steal his sermon series for a new, Christmas-themed piano instrumental entitled “Be Still”. He was all for it.

I started arranging last night and recorded a bit until 12:30 AM. The idea is to have an album that is peaceful and brings some of the wonderful Christmas melodies back into our hearts – but in a “be still and know” kind of way. Something you can put on and just relax, rest, and slow down … yet, something that keeps you “in the spirit” of the Season.

I thought it would be fun to get some input from you all and offer some “sneak peeks” …. So, here’s a 1:30 snippet of “Away in a Manger”.

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So, whatcha think? And more importantly, would you buy it? (grin)

(image found @ Flickr)


  • http://www.weboniks.com Karl (from the GNWDA)

    I’ve been reading your blog for awhile Fred – great stuff!

    I really liked your take on “Away in a Manger.” I love the idea of “being still.” I’m convinced that the Lord wants to communicate with us (like a Dad with his kids), but so often we are on the go that we never stop to listen. And when we do stop, we may not be listening for our heavenly Father.

    What better time than Christmas time, with all of the holiday hustle and bustle, should we be especially sensitive to stop, be still and listen?

    And yes, I would probably buy it. :-)

  • Mom

    Sign me up for enough copies to give all the family members for Christmas! Just one question – would you have “Go Tell it On the Mountain”? (blast from the past). Seriously, you know I have encouraged you to do some Christmas music for years! Please do! Love you.

  • Ariel

    I really like this idea, yes, if I had enough money at the time I’m sure I’d buy it. It would be awesome to have a cd I could just listen to and relax. =)

    Ariel

  • Robert McKinnon

    Love it, bro! Sorry, wouldn’t buy it. Mom is giving me one for Christmas!

  • http://www.RaisingUpWorshipLeaders.com Peter Park

    Awesome. You have a true heart of a worshipper.

  • http:///www.fortcarolinechristianchurch.com FreedbyJC

    Amen, Fred- you are a worshipper in spirit and in truth. It is sooo easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that surround the celebration of Christmas. A “Be Still” styled album of Christ-celebrating music would be the perfect package to get people to slow down and get back tio the true reason for the season…the birth of Christ.

    Sign me up for 10 copies as soon as you release it…forget that! Fred, call me and I’ll come up and turn pages, gofer coffee, sweep the floors. It sounds so awesome so far…It’ll be like being a shepherd in the Bethleham hills being serenaded by the angels all over again. God Bless you on heeding His call and giving your heart and talents over to His will and purposes…again!

  • debby

    Fred, that was sooooo awesome. Really, awe is the word that describes what I am feeling at this moment. You captured the feeling of stillness I imagine that night as the world and that little group in the stable waited for the arrival of our King. What a talent God has blessed you with. I have always felt that He put music here for us in order to keep us in touch with Him. It touches the deepest part of us it seems. You have clearly been blessed with the talent to assist God in that endeavor. singn me up for the first copy! OK maybe your mom should get the first one, and maybe your church the second one, but I want to be near the top of the list! thanks for sharing.

  • http://betterthanblank.org alex mclean

    I’m going to call you Enya McKinnon from now on – almost allowed me to drift into a peaceful and much needed sleep. And that is the highest compliment I can give, it’s beautiful!

  • http://ordinary-radical.blogspot.com russ

    Yay! Enjoyed the snippet. Very good. You’re my pian-ro (piano-hero)!

    My analytical musical mind was stilled up until the very last phrase, i kind of felt like the piece hiccupped and then resolved. Was that intentional?

    Otherwise, AWESOME!!

  • http://www.chrismoncus.com/ Chris Moncus

    Enya McKinnon!!!! Ha!

    I’d buy it. I’d buy it to give for Christmas. I’d even do some cover art for it. :)

  • http://4whatitsworth.wordpress.com/ Shannon Lewis

    Sounds like a great idea, and the song sounds good as well. As an aside, former long-time Set on Edge pianist/organist/bassist (and yes, he played them at the same time – it was a sight to behold), Pat Strawser, has released 3 rather interesting instrumental Christmas c.d.’s that you may find interesting – you can listen to them here:
    http://strawswermusicstudio.com/

    It seems his site is down at the moment, but check back sometime – they’re work checking out.

    blessings!

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  • Daddy

    Sounds great. Go for it!

  • http://stephenbarry.blogspot.com stephen

    Really good. You have a pretty amazing ear for unique arrangements. Forget Christmas – I’d play that year round to help me fall asleep. Super peaceful. If you’re going for “be still” – you nailed it. It’s great.

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  • Peggy

    a perfect example of the music i love best…. and i don’t own enough of it in the Christmas theme… absolutely beautiful! will keep checking for news of the cd release… God Bless!

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