Description

Drawing upon musical styles from around the world, Janet Sullivan Whitaker has created an Advent collection that's as colorful, multiethnic and eclectic as the church itself.

Born out of her work helping pastoral musicians prepare for this busy and spiritually significant season, this music has universal application and appeal, reaching beyond Advent into Ordinary Time. As Janet explains, "Remaining attentive to the demands of our faith means being Advent people all year long. We wait and watch for the coming of the Lord, the Christ Child who is born in our hearts, every single day. The work of making peace and 'being ready' is ongoing."

Most of the songs are perfectly suited for use in the liturgy, while others make excellent pieces for prayer services, retreats and concerts. Thankfully, no two of them sound alike. Renaissance-style instrumentals and bluegrass-Celtic hymns follow Gregorian chants and full-choir, full-throttle gospel numbers, surprising and delighting the listener at every turn. There's even an other-worldly setting of the Magnificat ("Sing Out, My Soul") that blends Native American and Middle Eastern drumming and chant.

Inviting us to "rise to meet the Long-desired One," "The Returning" is a charming bluegrass tune arranged for guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bodhran (drum). "Maranatha, Come, Lord Jesus" is a captivating setting of the "O" Antiphons employing Jewish modes and melodic elements. "You Humbly Followed" is a touching tribute to Mary and proof that Janet's talent for singing and composing is matched by her gift for poetic song texts.

The collection’s anchor, though, is "Day of Peace," an emotionally powerful ballad and one of her best songs to date. Arranged for piano, voice and recorder, it doesn't allow the listener—or singer—to remain passive in their longing for peace but encourages all to be peace-makers, to "work and pray" for the peace and justice our world so desperately needs.

Adding much-needed musical color to the Advent repertoire, Tryin' to Get Ready firmly establishes Janèt as one of the most gifted liturgical composers in the world today.

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