Thursday, October 06, 2005

A music recommendation

A few years ago we were introduced to the music of Stephen Eager when my brother-in-law gave us one of his CDs for Christmas. We now have both Breath of Life and Breath of Life 2. I can't say enough about how awesome these recordings are. This man has an amazing voice and is also an incredible pianist. Both recordings have a Celtic flavor, and the words of the songs are full of depth and meaning. It's really hard to describe how good they are; you really have to hear a sampling for yourself. You can now check out Stephen Eager's website to listen to samples. I highly recommend these! Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs from Breath of Life:

By Grace I'm Saved

By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless;
my soul believe and doubt it not.
Why should we stagger at God's promise?
Hath scripture ever falsehood taught?

By grace I'm saved, not by my own merit:
our works, our conduct have no worth.
God in His love sent our Redeemer.
Christ Jesus came to sinful Earth.

By grace I'm saved, O, wonderful promise
when thou are by thy sins oppressed,
when Satan plagues thy troubled conscience,
and when thy heart is seeking rest.
All of man's reason never will comprehend
all that God's grace alone doth send.

by Christian L Scheidt/Traditional Irish Melody


I see that he also now has a recording of Broadway style love songs out--I think I'll have to check into that! I hope he will come out with more Christian recordings again in the future, also. They're an awesome addition to our music collection.

5 comments:

Erin said...

Carrie,
I listened to his music samples. What a good voice! His voice reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Josh Groban, though the style is different. I'm adding him to my list of CDs to get someday:o)

Hope you're having a good day! Yay...it's the weekend!:o)

Carrie said...

Erin,
Glad you enjoyed checking out the samples. That style isn't everyone's taste, but since I love Celtic/Irish type music, I personally really enjoy it.

I think I've heard Josh Groban only once (well, only one song, but several times on the radio :)) and he does have an awesome voice. I know a few of my friends really like his music. I like the one song I've heard ("You Raise Me Up") except it gets a little too be-boppin' at the end for my taste. :) But I love the first parts. Do you know what that song is talking about, just out of curiosity? Friendship? God? Love? I've never been able to figure it out yet! I like the words, but I'm always going, "now who is he talking to?" Hee hee--I guess I overanalyze!! :D

Anyway, I hope you have a fun weekend too. Take care!

Erin said...

Hi Carrie,
You made me curious with your question about the song lyrics, so I looked them up real quick. I was never sure, either, if he was talking about God or a person. I've heard this song on our Christian radio station (with a different singer), and the words look like it could be about God! But I don't know if that's how Josh Groban means it or not:o)

You Raise Me Up lyrics
When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

Anonymous said...

I think that song could be sung to just about anyone who is close and supportive of you. I like Josh Groban too. In fact, I like most tenors.
-Zan

Carrie said...

Thanks for sharing the lyrics, Erin--it's been a while since I've heard it. :) Zan, I agree--I think it could be about God, a friend, a spouse; whatever--anyone who is supportive of you, as you said. I love tenors, too. Have either of you heard of John McDermott? He's a Canadian (I think) tenor but he's Irish or Scottish in background and sings some songs in a Celtic style, as well. We have a couple of his CDs--a lovely voice!!