Small Voice

IN:5 Interview - Episode 1

2011-08-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here's the first episode of a three part interview series with IN:5. Look for more in the coming months!

mayne island finale

2011-08-26T09:45:00.003-07:00

at the end of the week of filming, josh & the other musicians put on a concert for the community of mayne island. throughout our stay, various mayne islanders had hosted our shoots on their property, joined us as members of the chorus or audience for songs, or served us in some other way during our stay. so it was a sweet final moment to give something back to them in this way.

it was one of my favorite josh garrels concerts ever! he didn't feel like his voice was in top shape, but i loved hearing all the songs they'd been playing together all week at one time. it's not often he gets to play with such a talented ensemble as this. plus, heron & shepherd got to join us for the show, dancing in the field, playing with trucks on an old quilt, picking blackberries at dusk. oh, & it was my onstage debut, as we performed little blue together while heron sat on grandpa's lap. the show was a great finale to an incredible week!

: matt & gabe on mallets :

: the johnsons' niece, emily, joined the troop on stage with accordion :

heron ran up on stage during "beyond the blue"

& i decided to let her stay.

she led the audience in clapping!

: dan & jon sang "pallet on your floor" :

it was AWESOME!

(everyone really liked it)

: this is emma, sharon, & blayne johnson, our gracious hosts for the week :

(you can barely see, but that's matt, who cooked for us for the week, & mom & dad garrels, who joined us on the island for a few days, in this picture, too)

: the sisters : emma, georgia, & chantal johnson :

home again!

2011-08-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

two weeks, eight hundred miles, and one hundred & twenty film hours later, we're back in portland! it was an incredible experience of music, fellowship, & filming with mason jar music up in mayne island, bc as we worked on the documentary "the sea in between". it was such a privilege to work with such a talented production team, cinematographers, and musicians, and we are ever grateful to the johnson family for making this all possible!

we expect the film to be ready for release in about six to eight months, but for now, enjoy some images from this collaboration in the beauty of the gulf islands in the following posts. eleven videos were filmed, each in a different stunning location in the seaside & forest landscapes of mayne island. you'll see pictures from seven of those shoots below.

michelle

film shoot : bread & wine

2011-08-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

film shoot : sailor's waltz

2011-08-21T11:47:00.001-07:00

a natural driftwood stage with the rising tide at golden afternoon, with all of us joining in on the "la-da-das" (shepherd & heron, mike & marti, the johnson family, & others from the mayne island community)... goodness. every one of these video scenes has been spectacular! georgia, jon, dan, katrina, & andrew, you did an amazing job scouting out these spots!

(i was keeping close tabs on sheppy & heron for this one, so they wouldn't knock over mic stands & what not, so i didn't get many pictures. if any of the photographers can fill in some gaps of musicians or the general scene, send me a photo or two, & i'll add them here)

: russel on fiddle :

: chad on clarinet, dan setting up sound :

: char on cello :

: here's a little iphone video of a practice session :

film shoot : fire by night

2011-08-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

midnight mossy woodland knoll. felt like a dream. (one of my favorite songs ever, now with images & memories to match)

(photo by sasha)

: set-up :

: char on cello :

: jkp on banjo :

: jason on drums :

: jon, production & sound :

: russel on mandolin :

: mossy floor :

: "that's a wrap!" :

(but none of us really wanted it to end)

film shoot : pilot me

2011-08-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

i was too busy trying to keep my kids from falling off a cliff to capture any good photos from this shoot, but here you can see a bit of the grandeur of the location. it was filmed at the highest point of the island. the kids & i had great fun dancing to their practice sessions.

: here's a little iphone video glimpse of practice :

film shoot : the original spacefan

2011-08-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

it was so surreal seeing this song josh wrote for my dad, transposed & performed by five incredible accompanists by firelight by the sea. jon put his headsets on me so i could hear the full sound, & i lost it. thank you for choosing this song for this project. this was an incredible tribute to my dad.

family time on mayne island

2011-08-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

josh had a 5 a.m. shoot for the song "never have i found" in a misty field as the sun was rising. before he went back to bed for the morning, we enjoyed some seaside family rock-skipping, tree-climbing, & creature-finding. the kids are content for hours toodling about at the water's edge.

: josh got to wear his favorite hat for the video :

: i love that furrowed little brow :

: heron is a collector :

: heron, our expert tree-climber :

: shepherd, blonder by the day :

film shoot : ulysses

2011-08-18T11:44:00.001-07:00

josh & jay, sound & camera crew were ferried out by raft to this tiny island off the coast of mayne island to shoot a performance of "ulysses". i was able be out on the boat with one of the filmers while emma johnson watched the kids back home. thanks emma! i was so glad to be able to be present for this shoot. it was epic!

film shoot : little blue

2011-08-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

(photo by katrina or andrew)

on wednesday morning we filmed "little blue"-- a josh + michelle duet for our daughter heron. i got to sing the "dum-dum-dums" & play the glass xylophone/aquarion. we were backlit in a grove of alders. the setting was so idyllic. i think it was one of the sweetest moments of my life.

: katrina loading the rolleiflex film for some portraits :

: jon setting up sound :

: the "aquarion" :

: practice :

mayne island, days 1 & 2

2011-08-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

filming of the musical performances began yesterday, with the three most rigorous days ahead. but before the hard work started we enjoyed a couple of days of family time on the island.

: whale-watching :

: early evening at water's edge :

filming begins

2011-08-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

filming has begun! we're now on mayne island, in canada, filming "the sea in between". part of the documentary project involved filming us at home in portland, and on our roadtrip + ferry trip out to the island. so andrew ellis, head cinematographer, flew out three days early to be with us in our home, getting to know us, interviewing us, & filming our daily life. we're such private people in a way, & certainly not accustomed to cameras, so it was difficult in a way, & strange, to be sure. all our conflicts + kisses/diaper changes + morning devotions on film. but andrew is really good at what he does; he set us at ease, & was able to capture some really beautiful moments on camera, that, outside of this documentary even, will be family treasures for a lifetime.

: andrew filming josh, heron doing what she does :

: these kids aren't shy with strangers :

after several days of being under the lens, josh & i snuck away for a friday night date with our friends the vanderpools. we returned home, & (unexpectedly) it was my turn to be interviewed!

: after three days of filming, we started the roadtrip :

: (the next day) breakfast on the ferry :

: filming at sea :

we have been on the island since sunday, scouting out locations for the shoots, getting to know the johnsons, waiting for the accompanying musicians to arrive (tomorrow) from new york (along with jay from indiana), & having a wee family vacation by the sea. they'll film three songs each day for three days, then end with a performance of josh & the orchestra on sunday night--a concert for the small community of mayne island.

the sea in between

2011-07-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

next week we'll be heading out to mayne island, BC with twelve of the folks from mason jar (who accompanied/produced josh in "words remain", and composed/produced three songs on josh's new album, including "white owl") for the filming of the documentary "the sea in between". our friend jay kirkpatrick will be meeting us there from indiana. this began as an opportunity (funded by the kind & generous johnson family) for josh & mason jar to collaborate once again in composition & performance--some new music videos filmed in a remote idyllic location. but now, in addition to these song performances, mason jar will be making a documentary. the videographer, andrew, will be meeting up with us here in portland a few days prior, & will drive with our family up the coast & out to the island. the kids have their passports, & we're ready for this little adventure!

though tickets are being covered, along with lodging & food, by our hosts, mason jar will still have some expenses to cover in renting & transporting equipment, as well as post-production costs. if you'd like to contribute to this project, please do so now, right here!

i, michelle, will be documenting our time on mayne island through images, posting them here on josh's blog. check back soon!

5 Questions with Noisetrade

2011-07-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Derek Webb and the folks at Noisetrade have been kind enough to help promote my album "Love & War & The Sea In Between" through their "tip based" music download site. I initially made the album available through Noisetrade thinking it would just be another supplementary venue to make my work available for free. What I didn't anticipate was the listener response and interaction that Noisetrade had been curating long before I ever arrived. With over 18,000 downloads through the Noisetrade site alone, I have a newfound respect for their approach and values. Recently they asked me 5 thoughtful questions, and they've since posted the interview on their blog. You can read the full interview in full HERE.

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 5

2011-05-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Mastering the album with Nick Moon of Tone Proper

I’m both overjoyed and relieved to announce that the record is finally done! My voice healed up in time to finish the recording process in full strength, and then it took us the next two months to mix and master the work. We spent time in Colorado mixing the songs with David Wilton at his St. Ida’s studio, and then I had the pleasure of working with my old friend Nick Moon on the final master here in Portland. I’m so pleased with the final product, and I can honestly say that it wouldn’t have been possible without the overwhelming amount of support, prayer, and friendship that was extended to us from start to finish.

The album release is scheduled for June 15. But here's the catch: IT'S FREE! We've really felt the Lord asking us to give this album away for one year, and it's our joy to do so! So beginning June 15th a full digital download of "Love & War & The Sea In Between" will be available for free on my website. When downloading the album you'll be able to choose from various file formats, including full CD-quality. You'll also receive files containing the album art (designed by Chris Tobias), liner notes and lyrics. At some point in the coming year we'll begin "selling" the album in its final hardcover edition, as a beautiful hardbound book (details below). But in the meantime, if you'd like an actual CD in hand, come on out to one of my shows and you'll get a free Garrels family original (think cardboard sleeve + rubber stamps). In grand Portland style, it's DIY! We’re going to press thousands of these limited edition hand-stamped CDs and give away as many as we possibly can in one year. It’s gonna be fun!

Your generosity has paid for this album, and we are so grateful! Not only have all the collaborators been paid, but mixing and mastering costs have also been covered. This is the first time we’ve not gone in debt while making an album! The only remaining cost we have is album manufacturing. This includes the limited edition albums we're giving away for free as well as the hardcover editions we'll be giving to donors, selling in music shops, bookstores and Amazon, and submitting to digital aggregates like Pandora and itunes (since the DIY-version won't cut it there). Any money earned from the sale of the hardcover album and itunes downloads will either be given away or used to manufacture more copies to give away. We want this to be a “year of jubilee"!

If you'd like to contribute towards album manufacture, so that we can blanket the world with music + God's love, you may do so here:

You can send a check to:

Small Voice Records
c/o Josh & Michelle Garrels
P.O. Box 11500
Portland, OR 97211

Or you can donate electronically by clicking here or by visiting the "Store" section of my website.

Thank you for all of your love & support during the course of this year-and-a-half-long project. Your prayers & encouragement have sustained us. We can't wait to share this music with you!

Be blessed,
Josh & Michelle Garrels

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 4

2011-03-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

It’s been a long and frustrating, yet ultimately fruitful winter of work for me here in Portland. Frustrating, because I was struck down with wave after wave of sickness for almost four months, resulting in my singing voice being rendered fairly useless for recording. Although physically healthy now, my voice still isn’t restored to the place it needs to be for me to record these new songs. I’ve never felt so incapacitated, especially during a season in which I would have hoped for optimum health!

Needless to say, this has created a sort of crisis within my process, and forced me to exercise trust and faith that all things will in fact work together for good... and in the right timing. I’ve been praying that the Lord would be my physician, and I’ve been trusting in His promise that, “those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint.” As humbling as it is to feel a sense of powerlessness in regards to my mortal frame, I take heart in the words, “Not by might and not by power, but by my spirit says the Lord.” I’m confident this album will be completed, but only with the help of God's strong arm.

In the meantime I’ve felt like Noah, toiling away in the desert, building a big boat with the expectance of the coming rains. For months and months I’ve been building and collaborating in recording all of the instrumentation for the album. Each song’s been built from the ground up using my initial scratch vocal tracks as the guide, and as it stands, nearly all of the instrumentation is completed for the entire 18-song album! Now the music is just waiting for the voice. Let it rain!

Recent Studio Guests

Three of the songs on my next album were headed up by a gifted production team called Mason Jar Music. They’re a group of composers, music engineers, videographers, and musicians, all working together in Brooklyn, NY. This past summer they invited me out to shoot an orchestral version of my song “Words Remain”. It was such a magical night, and I was so impressed with their work, that I asked if they would consider doing some orchestration on my next album. To my excitement they said yes! Here’s the video from that night in New York.

I’m down to my final four weeks of recording, and my wife Michelle is working hard on the album art! Our plane tickets are booked, and we’ll be flying out to Boulder, CO to mix and master the album with David Wilton on April 10th. We are still hoping the work will be in production by May and in our hands (and yours, too!) by some point in June.

Here are ways you can pray for me right now:

That my voice would be healed and restored to the health needed to finish this work with excellence.
That I’d continue waiting and working in faith and trust, and not give way to fear and anxiety.

God has been faithful to carry us through this project with the help of friends. If you feel led to contribute towards this final sprint to the finish, here's what your gift will go towards:

The final costs of mixing and mastering the album in Colorado with David Wilton.
Art production and overall album layout.
Manufacturing of the first pressing of 2,000 copies of “Love & War & The Sea In Between”

You can send a check to:

Small Voice Records
c/o Josh & Michelle Garrels
P.O. Box 11500
Portland, OR 97211

Or you can donate electronically by
clicking here or by visiting the "Store" section of my website.

Thank you for all of your love and support!

Warmly,
Josh

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 3

2011-01-04T06:50:00.001-08:00

I’m writing you this update from the woods of North Carolina, where we’ve been spending a few weeks visiting my mother-in-law during this holiday season. Being here has proved to be a much needed time of rest and reflection, purposefully refraining from work while being intentional about our time spent together as a family. This will be the deep breath before the final plunge.

In a few days we’ll be flying back home to Portland, where I’ll begin the final push to bring this next album to completion. Although there’s still a lot of work to be done, I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, and so I begin this last leg of the race with renewed strength and perspective. The process of creating this album has by far been the most rigorous mental and spiritual struggle I’ve known as an artist, so I’m thankful to be re-entering the process from a place of peace and purpose.

I’ll be in the studio recording through January and February, and then spending the month of March on the final mix and master of the album. This should make this album’s release May or June of 2011. Until then I’ll be working closely with a hand-picked team of collaborators that are helping build the sound of this album into something really special.

It’s my pleasure to introduce the cast of players who will be supporting the songs on “Love & War & The Sea In Between”:

Jay Kirkpatrick

Multi-instrumentalist and longtime friend. Jay’s playing can be heard on all of my albums; whether accordion or banjo, bass or melodica, Jay’s accompaniment has been an integral part of the “sound” on each album.

Josh Green

Drummer extraordinaire. The first time I saw Josh play was with the trip-hop jazz trio “Infradig”...and he was playing stuff live that didn’t seem possible. His drumming will add a new dimension to this current work.

Mason Jar Music

A start-up music production company based out of Brooklyn, specializing in orchestral composition and video work. I’ve done previous work with these guys (yet to be released!), and they’re currently composing music for several songs on the new album.

Jason Brewer

Electric and upright bass. Jason knows how to bring the funk, or create a tasteful upright thump. His work often inspires me to take songs in unexpected directions.

Tim & Laurie Thornton

Violin, cello, mandolin, and harmonica. I first met Tim and Laurie through their work with “Enter The Worship Circle” and “Blackthorn Project”, and have since had the pleasure of working with them a few times. I don’t know of anyone who can capture an old mountain folk sound like them.

Colleen Davick

Flute. I met Colleen when she was the flautist for the retro-hippie jam-band “Seeds”. We’ve been talking about collaborating for a long time.

Annalisa Nutt

Vocalist. Annalisa is a gifted singer-songwriter, but she’s also provided backing vocals for the likes of Grammy nominee Matthew Santos. She’ll be accompanying me on a few songs as well.

Scott Frantz

Electric guitar. I came into contact with Scott through his work on my good friend Josh Rosen’s albums. Scott’s one of those guys who specializes in making an electric guitar into an ethereal, ambient, and emotional instrument.

Mike Garrels

Trumpet and piano. My dad’s the one who nurtured the gift of music in my life, and, being a music teacher, he can find his way around on the trumpet and piano quite well.

David Wilton

Mixing and Mastering. Dave’s a gifted music engineer who’s worked with such artists as Aaron Strumpel, Sleeping At Last, Enter the Worship Circle, Blackthorn Project, and Josh Rosen. I’ll be flying out to his Studio--St. Ida’s, in Colorado, to complete the mixing and mastering of this album.

First, I want give the deepest thanks to all who have so generously given of themselves in prayer, gifts, letters, and finances. Thank you! Your response to our invitation has been moving, and we’re filled with gratitude for you. We have all of your names and information saved, and we’ll be sending each of you a pre-release of the album.

Currently we’ve received about $10,000 in financial support towards the completion of this album! Guys, this is awesome. In the end, when all is said and done, the full cost of production will be approximately $20-25,000. This cost will include paying my team of musicians, investing in some production gear for my studio, mixing and mastering in CO, design work, and the final manufacturing of the album. If you would be interested in helping finance this final push, here's what you can do:

You can send a check to:

Small Voice Records
c/o Josh & Michelle Garrels
P.O. Box 11500
Portland, OR 97211

Or you can donate electronically by
clicking here or by visiting the "Store" section of my website

Sincerely,

Josh

P.S. Here’s a video of my new song “Farther Along” which will be on the new album, “Love & War & The Sea In Between”.

Small is Beautiful.

2010-11-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love" - Mother Teresa

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 2

2010-10-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

By fate or providence I found myself at two different conferences, on separate sides of the country, both on the weekend of my 30th birthday. One was called STORY and it was held in Chicago, and the other was called Storyline and it took place here in Portland. Both conferences were assessing the stories that we tell with our life, faith, and art, and the goal was to help us see and lay hold of the best story. The tales we all love are those that contain a noble vision, adversity, hope despite all odds, and heroic sacrifice for the sake of others. Naturally, I found myself sorting through the last three decades of my life, searching for clues as to what kind of story it is that I’m telling. After charting the most positive and negative experiences that I’ve had in my lifetime, I began to see a pattern emerge. Many of my lowest points were associated with experiences of rejection, and my high points were often connected to music and fellowship. The questions I’m left to answer: Will my wounds create character and compassion in my life, or will I let them derail my story? And, how can my gifts and dreams now be used for the sake of helping others? Grappling with these questions is fueling my current project.

I started writing songs for my next album over a year ago, and now I have what’s proving to be a 20- song project underway! While the songs won’t necessarily follow a chronological storyline or cycle, they’ll definitely function as a family, cumulatively telling a story of love, loss, war, the sea, and return. Somehow these themes have become intertwined in my heart and mind, and each song feels like a vital character in a novel told through music. My hope is that these songs will connect with people at various stages of their own journey, and bolster a sense of courage to push through the low points, to believe in a redemptive story, and to end well.

Here's a preview of "Ulysses" from Love & War & The Sea In Between

Starting in October of 2010 I’ll begin the recording process as a full-time endeavor for a span of 4 to 5 months. I’ll be doing very few shows and almost no traveling during this time of investment and creation in hopes of having the album available by early 2011.

If you believe in what I'm doing and feel that God would have you contribute towards this project, would you consider partnering with us? I truly believe that with the help of friends, family, and supportive listeners investing in this work on the front end, it will not only enrich the process but create a more dynamic, community-driven final product. For those of you who wish to give a one-time gift, or offer ongoing support for this span of months, be assured that at the very least you’ll be the first to receive an advance copy of the album. In the meantime, Michelle and I are dreaming of other fun ways to bless you and show you our thanks!

Here's How:

You can send a check to:

Small Voice Records
c/o Josh & Michelle Garrels
P.O. Box 11500
Portland, OR 97211

or go to the “Store” section of my website

click here to donate electronically.

If you’re interested in knowing the approximate cost breakdown it’s going to take to produce this album, I’ll be sending out another newsletter in a few weeks focusing on budget and specific areas of need. I’ll also be introducing you to the family of musicians I’m working with, each offering their distinct gifts and sounds to make this album something special.

Until then,
Thanks for your friendship and support!

Sincerely,
Josh (and Michelle, Heron, and Shepherd)

"Ulysses" - Filming in NYC: Part 1

2010-08-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

I'm learning more and more that one of the great joys of making art is the unexpected intersection and collaboration that happens with other people along the way. Case in point, some time ago I was given an exciting proposition by way of email from a stranger living in New York City. His name was Jon, and he was in the midst of starting a production company with a whole band of composers, engineers, instrumentalists, cinematographers, etc. etc., and "would you like to come to New York and do a live recording, in a cathedral, in Manhattan, with an eighteen-piece symphony?" All I had to do was cover my own flight. Hmmm, let me think.

Last month I made the trip from Portland to New York, trusting that the time and resources used would prove to be worthwhile, both for myself and for those hosting me on the other side of the country. Upon arriving in the evening I navigated my way up to Harlem by way of taxi and subway (this is still a novel experience for a kid who's never lived in a "big" city). My final destination was an old row house where Jon and the chief cinematographer Andrew welcomed me.

The next day, before heading to the cathedral to begin our full-scale production, we set up a little recording rig in their backyard in Harlem and did a one-take recording of a new song of mine called "Ulysses". Stay tuned, for next month I'll continue the story of my time in NYC, along with the final footage of our production in the cathedral. I can tell you it was "magical", though. For now, here's a "leak" from my new album. Presenting "Ulysses"...

Also, here's a riveting number by Leah Siegel, performing with the same production company in the same cathedral where my piece was recorded. This will give you a taste of what's to come next month.

the small voice newsletter

2010-08-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

For the Love.

2010-01-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

Today on a fellow musicians blog I found this old video in which Canadian pianist Glen Gould speaks on the intense musicianship he sees in one of his own peers, fellow pianist Sviatoslav Richter. Once again, I'm reminded that everyday we come to the same crossroad of decision within whatever craft or work we're engaged in. We can work for control and mastery over the "object", thereby exploiting it for our own gain and recognition, or, we can enter into the love of the work for it's own sake, exploring the mystery with open hands, thereby inviting others to enter into our joy. The latter is what makes good art: Art that's not dependent on recognition, yet conversely art that proves to be the greatest service to mankind. “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” writes Howard Thurman. These old mentors have somehow helped to renew my mind and focus in regards to my own relationship with music and how I approach it.

REEF Collaboration

2010-01-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

My good friend Russell Brownley just finished this short promotional piece for REEF Sandals "Ugandal Project". My song "Lake Yarina" is used for the soundtrack, and I'm honored to take part in such a meaningful endeavor.

Reef Uganda from Russell Brownley on Vimeo.

Small Voice - Back Issue #2

2009-05-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

It's better to have a little and be content, than to have amassed stock piles of ill gotten gain, this is what wise king Solomon once said. Yes, we're the small ones, and we're moving somewhere beneath the radar of the worlds power and influence. Relatively undetected. Within random rooms and forgettable cities we work quietly, using what resources are within reason, pushing and exploring the parameters of our less than perfect instruments and surroundings...and thoughts. We're hoping to handcraft something, anything, that has integrity and purpose, even if it's made from another mans trash. "Those who are full loath the taste of honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet." We're living within a gridlocked structure, a system that is loathsome and full, that refuses to feed its inhabitants with anything of substance. And now, we little ones are hungry, and we're digging through the trash heaps and roaming the forgotten woods; searching, stalking, and slowly banding together to survive on the bitter roots and bread crusts we happen to find and share. We are joyful and content with what we've been given, as we sit around the fire sharing our stories, pictures, and songs that bare a reflection of the lives we've chosen to live. With love, and respect for one another we'll find the meaning and purpose embedded in life once again. For the answers the psycho-systematic spokesmen have sung to us have been as empty as our stomachs, and we're tired of chewing on that meatless bone. The devil cannot feed us true food because he is the little god of emptiness, the the god of what is not. But there's manna from heaven, free and fullfilling, for all who have been led out of slavery.

-------

Small Voice. A homespun record label, created to house and nurture musicians and artists who are willing to walk the path of a slow and steady growth. A growth in art, faith, and character that only comes from continually living out personal conviction, belief, and purpose. I believe that meaningful art is a byproduct of the process of real life, real sorrow, and real hope. When these foundational building blocks of true experience are bypassed and replaced by quick gain, words and story become an irrelevant soundbyte that are then exploited unto the masses. History shows us that the masses then begin to believe what the loudspeaker of mass-media is telling them. Compromise, falseness, and vanity become the norm and are even embraced by those who have been seduced by the false promise of reaching a glorious end without ever knowing or embracing the means to this end. To make the leap straight from "A" to "Z" without learning all the letters in between those two endpoints would mean that you have no ability, authority, or message to convey to us. My hope and vision for myself and for all who are to join this community that is Small Voice, is that we would remain true to that small voice that has been placed within us. Oh, that we would live, and produce art honestly with the utmost care, and do so despite any current media trends or flawed industry standards that scream for our attention, and threaten to engulf us. We will feel inadequate and humble in the presence of these powerful giants, but that does not make our stance wrong. This label will grow as we grow, and as we build this house, slowly, with our own hands we'll add on when there's need. Eventually, others will come from near and far, and take part in this work with us. Our front porch will be the make-shift platform as we stomp our feet and sing stories of the beauty and truth we've found together. The wind will carry the echoes of these homespun hymns wherever it pleases, and perhaps in a quiet moment there will be some who will pause, and listen...and be pleased.

The Prophets - Back Issue #1

2009-05-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

For years I kept pseudo-blog on my old website, under the "news" section. When launching my "new and improved" website, I decided to bite the bullet and transfer these journal type writings to a proper blog. Below is a sort of reissue of a three part series I had written over the span of about a year and a half, concerning the artist as a prophet. I'll be posting more of these older writings in the future.

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*The Prophets: Part One

I was talking with a friend last night while packing up after a show, and eventually the subject of "the prophet and the artist" arose between us. We both agreed that within the arts there is the amazing potential to shake souls and move mass culture, either toward further degradation or further restoration. When this power is placed in an artists hands, his/her selfcentered-greed or selfless-service toward fellow man will become evident. I use the word "potential" because many who call themselves artists (creators) do not in fact hold the key (authority/privilage) to enter into peoples hearts and souls with the work they create. Such work is mediocre and impotent due to its formulaic unoriginality. There is spirit and mystery in powerful work, and this moves beyond expensive and time-consuming technical training. Then there are the others who have actually been given the key, yet fear to use it, because the voice that has been placed within them is unlike anything they hear or see around themselves. The parameters of an established society of thought and image have no place for this new unknown entity, so the small voice is hushed and the interior dream abandoned. The few who end up using the key must then choose what to do with it; to control or to liberate our brothers and sisters. Build or destroy....
A.W Tozer writes, "Another kind of leader must arise from among us. He must be the old prophet type, a man who has seen visions of God and has heard a voice from the throne. When he comes (and I pray God there will be many) he will stand in flat contradiction to everything our smirking, smooth civilization holds dear. He will contradict, denounce and protest in the name of God and will earn the hatred and opposition of a large segment of Christendom. Such a man is likely to be lean, rugged, blunt-spoken and a little bit angry with the world. He will love Christ and the souls of men to the point of willingness to die for the glory of the one and the salvation of the other. But he will fear nothing that breaths with mortal breath." I can only hope to become one of these men.

*The Prophets: Part 2

If we are created to create, we must confront the impatience within our own souls, and then say "No" to a society that tells us to rush ourselves and bypass the process. Over and over again I meet young and old aspiring artists and musicians who are living in extreme anxiety. Hearts buckling under the pressure of a few heavy questions. "Is life as an artist feasable? Is it practical? Could I provide for myself with this work? Could I support a wife and a newborn child?". These are realistic questions, but if one doesn't stay on gaurd, unneeded fear and anxiety can worm their way into the decision making process of day to day living. One temptation is to disengage from actively taking risks with our time and our art. When this happens, money and comfort have taken priority over the inner desire to create and explore. All too often the art then becomes a hobby or a pastime activity that is relegated to an evening here and a free saturday morning there. For most, these focused moments of creation can be life-giving, but for the one who has been called to the work and has a fire in their bones to create, this will not be enough. They will not be able to shake the feeling of unfulfillment, for they are not only cheating themselves, but those who would be positively affected by their work. The next temptation is to rush, and bypass the process of growth and revelation, in order to reach what is seen as the end destination....right NOW. Compromise your values, integrity, and your work in order to receive the whole cake immediately. Then, you won't have to worry about money, respect, or whether or not you're really "worth it" in the end. Everyone will love you, and you'll have a huge platform to broadcast your work that is obviously so important it must be heard. Right? If you choose this path of compromise you will cut the legs out from underneath yourself and your work, rendering yourself impotent and crippled. You will be swayed by your newfound "audience" and bend to their will, and you will abandon that small powerful voice that was placed within you. Your first love will be lost, but maybe you'll be media idol to some distant faceless person who has believed your lie. Unfulfillment will find you on this end of the spectrum also, as you've deceived yourself of your true voice and true calling. We must engage in the full process, no matter how slow, tedious, unknown, or joyful. The fullness of time. True art will come from a true life lived, not from a fearful retreat from life and risk. Be courageous. Stand up. Have faith to live the impossible. While in the desert fasting for 40 days Christ was tempted Satan (the god of this world). Satan said, "Bow down to me and I will give you all the kingdoms of this world." Compromise, and I'll give you what you know is destined to be yours anyway. If Christ had bowed down, his life would have been rendered impotent, and he would not have tread the long road of suffering that led to the cross. He knew his path, his identity, his high calling, and he lived it out day by day in power without compromising. In the end he was exalted to the highest place of honor, and given authority to grant eternal life to all who call on his name. He owns the earth and the heavens, and broke Satan's power. I share this because we, too, must walk this same road of trust and conviction. If you do, you will be given authority and revelation that is not of yourself, and you will overcome the vain powers that are trying to intimidate you into a life of impotent formulaic mediocrity. Follow the most holy spirit to freedom and new creation.

*The Prophets: Part 3

What compels us onward in our most heartfelt pursuits? Is it the recognition & applaud of our family, friends, fans or critics? If our work is contingent upon the acceptance or rejection of our fickle fellow men, we are doomed to the slow degradation of compromise, and eventually impotence. You cannot truly love anyone who holds power over your life: your decisions, work, identity & destiny. You will hate them yet serve them out of fear, as the pagan bows down to an idol that makes his life miserable & un-free. If the idol is appeased it may grant its worshipper some small fleeting reward; if it is angered it is feared for its power to hurt & destroy. The house that is built upon the sand will be washed away when the storm comes crashing down, and its fall will be great. Our lives, our words & art--these are not meant to be swept away by the power of men or idols, but they?re meant to stand fast, like a strong refuge amidst the beating torrent, offering shelter & blessing to mankind. The wise man built his house upon the rock. We must perch ourselves upon the unmovable rock, like a lighthouse on the edge of a raging sea, issuing forth a flame of hope and warning. The solitude and resolve of this rock dwelling station may seem laughable & outdated in a world of ever-changing opinions & seasons. Yet, when the tempest of the dark night rains down with fury, & homes are washed away, & ships are lost at sea, many will see & thankfully understand why the house of flame rests upon the rock. So it must be with the prophet/artist, & the fire that has been placed in his bones. He must speak true things, continually, regardless of external pressures, criticism, or even opposition. He must live, create, & speak out of deep conviction & sincere love for mankind, calling hearts to hope and to warning, all the while knowing that his work may be misunderstood, rejected, & scoffed at by his fellow men. The acceptance or rejection of his work does not move him from his work, for his work is founded in love. A prophet toils in freedom & in love because no man has control or power over him. Alas, like a mystery revealed, many will see and joyously understand his words & deeds, perhaps long after he?s gone, & in this revelation many will find blessing and shelter from a shifting & unforgiving world.

Hope International

2009-02-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

My wife Michelle is in the midst of taking a course dealing with the micro-financing aspect of development work in developing countries. Michelle was born in the Amazon jungle of Peru, South America, and she ended up going back after college to work with Food For The Hungry in the same jungle village where she grew up. She moved back to the states to marry me, but her heart still longs to be back on the field doing what she does best. Currently, we're living in North Carolina, and actively wondering, waiting, and working toward a way that we can mesh music and art with cross-cultural development work. The puzzle pieces are slowly getting put together. Recently my friend Nic Mclean took a trip to Haiti with Hope International and filmed the following short documentary about Hopes work there. Michelle and I are encouraged by it, and I hope you are too.

Jedidiah - Gabriel House

2009-01-01T05:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a joy to work with, and collaborate with, the folks at Jedidiah. Here's a touching piece documenting their trip to Mexico to spend time with the kids at Gabriel House.

Christmas at The Gabriel House from Jedidiah Clothing on Vimeo.

Seattle & Vancouver: Travels End

2008-12-18T14:07:00.000-08:00

The last leg of our album release tour was spent out in the far northwestern lands of Seattle and Vancouver. It worked out that we were able to spend time with our family over Thanksgiving weekend in Seattle, and then proceed on up to Langley and Vancouver, BC for a few Christmas concerts and an intimate show on Granville Island (Thanks, Mike Wipf!). It was a joy to meet up with my good friend Trace Bundy and his wife Becca, as Trace and I shared the stage together each night of our northwestern tour. We endearingly call these short tours together "The Gunbarrels Tours" (Bundy + Garrels = Gunbarrels, see). Our last show together was at one of the most beautiful venues that I've ever had the privilege to play, The Triple Door in downtown Seattle. It was the perfect ending not only to our northwest tour, but to the months of traveling around the country that have collectively made up my album release tour for "Jacaranda" . That night, shared with so many friends and family at the Triple Door, will live on in my memory as one of the highlights of my musical career. Thanks to all of you who came out.

Playing at "The Spirit Of Christmas" festival in Langley, BC. Photo by Mike Rathjen

Sharing the stage with Trace at "Spirit of Christmas".

A quick snapshot before we travel on to Vancouver. From left to right: Becca Bundy, Michelle Garrels, Heron Garrels, Josh Garrels, Trace Bundy.

Trace and I scoping out the venue before our soundcheck.

Performing at "The Backstage Lounge" in Vancouver.

Photo by Michelle Garrels

Gorilla in the mist of Granville Island. Michelle calls this one "Urban Warrior", but I think it looks like I'm on a movie set...it was a surreal evening.

The show flier for our show at "The Triple Door". Designed by Trace Bundy and David Salinas.

Taking the stage at Triple Door.

As an encore on our final night, Trace and I performed "O Come O Come Emmanuel".

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pennsylvania Tour

2008-12-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to all who hosted us and came out to the shows in Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Gratham, Pennsylvania! This rather short leg of our "northeast" tour was exciting, grueling, but really meaningful! We look forward to coming up to the Northeast again, but next time, we'll head all the way up to New Jersey and New York. Anyone up in Boston and Maine want to help me book a show? May as well go all the way, aye? Here are some photo highlights from the Pennsylvania tour.

Downing a cup of coffee while listening to opener Katie Becker at Senorita Burrita in Lancaster, PA.

An "up close and personal" set at Senorita Burrita.

We stayed in an old row home for a few nights in Philadelphia. Two of the guys living there were welders/artists who transformed the home, inside and out, with old scrap metal and extra bike parts. It felt like we were staying in the lost boys' tree house. It was rad.

Spending some time with our friends Jay Beck of "Psalters", and Aimee Wilson of "Porchfront Factorye" at the market in Philadelphia.

A thank you note drawn by Stephanie Beach during our show at Circle of Hope.

Art For Sale.

2008-12-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

My sister and brother-in-law, Gala and Zack Bent, have just posted a body of work available for purchase on Etsy.com. All the drawings from my latest album "Jacaranda" were done by my sister Gala, and currently both Zack and Gala work as full time visual artists in Seattle, Washington. Their work is beautiful and rich, and I'd love for more people to get acquainted with them. Feel free to visit their store here , and get some of your Christmas shopping taken care of. You can even get your piece framed and delivered to your doorstep, all at the click of a mouse!

Drawing and Watercolor by Gala Bent

Photography by Zack Bent

www.zackandgalabent.com

Full Length Video of Jedidiah Florida Tour

2008-12-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Video by Russell Brownley

Florida/Jedidiah Tour

2008-11-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

Me, my wife Michelle, and our daughter Heron just got back from a wild ten day tour in Florida! We started in Flagler Beach at the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Contest and then worked our way all the way down to the Florida Keys. We linked up with the Jedidiah crew and did shows in various surf shops linking visual art with music, activism, and surfing. It was rad. Here's some video and photos highlighting the trip.

Video by Russell Brownley.

The Tommy Tant Surf Contest at Flagler Beach, FL.

Performing with Braddigan at Flagler Beach.

Performing at Compound Surf Shop in Sarasota.

Mike Doyle and Cheyne Cottrell teamed up with us in Ft. Lauderdale.

My ladies, Michelle and Heron, enjoying another evening with good friends.

Performing at Eikon in Ft. Lauderdale.

Russell Brownley filming a car interview while on the road.

Heron meets Sushi.

Playing on the Miami bay at Key Biscane.

Partick Maxcy painting wild octopi during my set in St. Augustine.

Kahana Kalama: surfer, tour manager, grill master. Outdoor show at The Surf Station in St. Augustine.

Performing at The Goods Surf Shop in Melbourne.

Thanks for the shirt Buddy!

Video by Matt Katsolis

Studio Under Way!

2008-11-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

Between tour dates I've been pecking away at building my new recording studio at our current home base in North Carolina. After drywalling, mudding, sanding, and putting on two layers of the wrong colored paint (it always looks different once it's on the wall, doesn't it!), I'm now ready to finish the music room and begin work on my next music project. I've got a lot of song ideas brewing, lyrics being scrawled in journals, new collaborators to work with, and I'm looking forward to seeing how these new songs take shape. Currently though, it feels good to just work with my hands and learn some basic construction skills.

Album Reviews

2008-10-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

A good writer/reviewer can shed light with words in ways that others cannot. Most of us grope for meaningful ways to explain ourselves and the world around us. More often than ever these days I'm coming to terms with my own inability to describe and "name" thing well. And the default has been to keep my mouth shut. Words are tricky.

I'm honored that two really gifted writers have written meaningful reviews of "Jacaranda". They're more objective than me, the creator, and have described the sounds in such an adept and discerning way. Thanks guys.

*Jon Scott's review for Stereo Subversion

*Andy Whitman's review for Razing The Bar

Time: Luxuriating in the Supremely Gutful Lassitude.

2008-10-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

A few years back my wife Michelle picked up a complete stranger whom she had mistaken for someone else. He was a homeless veteran with a hook for a hand, who'd just been released from prison a few day before after serving a multiple year sentence. They sat down to a bottle of Coke and had a pleasant conversation. In his mid-40's he'd gotten his degree while in prison, and at some point during those long lonely stretches of time in his cell, a change had taken place in his soul. He allowed every hard knock, injustice, and failure to become fuel for a holy fire within. He had become become a servant of the Lord, therefore a servant of mankind, and would dedicate himself to redeeming the homeless population of Indianapolis. He became a close friend and partner to our family, and went on to get his masters degree while founding several homeless shelters within the city.

Last week he sent me a quote that really spoke to me concerning time, and how it can be our slave-master or our workhorse. He told me he would meditate on this phrase while in prison, a place where one is incapable of "doing" anything to change their circumstance, yet, strangely enough, this powerlessness can set the stage for the greatest change to take place within.

"He did not still feel weak, he was merely luxuriating in that supremely gutful lassitude of

convalescence in which time, hurry, doing, did not exist, the accumulating seconds and minutes

and hours to which in its well state the body is slave to both waking and sleeping, now reversed

and time now the lip-server and mendicant to the body’s pleasure instead of the body thrall to

time’s headlong course." --William Faulkner

What'd He Say?

2008-09-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

Over the years I've had so many people write me, and ask where they can find the lyrics to the various songs that I've written. With the age of digital downloads and album burning, it seems that those who value reading along and understanding the words they're listening to, have been left mystified and befuddled trying to figure out, "what'd he say?". So, for the sake of those who want to read the actual poetry of each song, I've posted ALL the lyrics to my last two albums; "Over Oceans" and "Jacaranda", right here on my blog. Thanks for your requests and interest concerning these words...

Jacaranda : Album Lyrics

2008-09-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Lake Yarina

Instrumental

Don’t Wait For Me

Please don’t wait for me

I lost my way again

I lost my job, I walked away

From the life that I was leading with my friends

When I was young I dreamed

Of a life that had freedom that had joy

Oh life it crushed my soul

With its cruel demands and fool’s gold

Please don’t wait for me

I lost my way again

I lost my house and my good name

When I found the road of my king

When I was young I dreamed

Of a life that had beauty that had joy

But now I lost my life

For the one I dreamt of as a boy

Please don’t wait for me

I ain’t coming back again

I cannot turn around

From the place I’m going to where I’ve been

Season of Rain

Praise the Lord, when it’s all gone wrong

Everything fades but our love shines on

Praise the Lord, when your hope is gone

Everything fades but our love shines on

Like waves on the ocean singing old songs

Like waves on the ocean breaking beyond

So faint the impatient can’t hear

The sound of the one without years

The culmination of every child’s tears

Form tide breaking on the eternal lands

Time stands still

In the moment when we are healed

I questioned if this was real

But then I opened up my heart and I could feel

The feather of a bird in the wind

Fire in the brush if we only

Speak when we must

A hush of heart will become a good treausure

Kept in a place without systems of measure

But as real as an undying love

We will discern what comes from above

Compared to that which could never be sustained

The season of rain will bring labor pain

But its end will be the most wonderful

Joy, Oh Lord

Praise the Lord when it’s all gone wrong

Everything fades but our love shines on

Praise the Lord when your hope is gone

Everything fades but our love shines on

Like waves on the ocean singing old songs

Like waves on the ocean breaking beyond

Rabbit & The Bear

Run, run so fast

Over fields and grass

At last, at last

We escaped from the trap

With the rabbit and the bear

And the sparrows of the air

Come one, come all

The hunter is gone

And this is our chance

To crawl under the wire

Through the darkest wood

On up to the mountain of fire

Where everything is free

In the light of the sun

Where every creature sings

Oh Lord, you rescued us all

Don’t listen to the snake

For he lies and he takes

Your hope, your faith

Away from you

But when the lion comes around

With his claw and his crown

Follow, follow

His every move

Centipede

Instrumental

Zion & Babylon

Oh great mammon of form and function

Careless consumerist consumption

Dangerous dysfunction

Described as expensive taste

I’m a people disgraced

By what I claim I need

And what I want to waste

I take no account for nothing

If it’s not mine

It’s a misappropriation of funds

Protect my ninety percent with my guns

Whose side am I on?

Well who’s winning?

My kingdom’s built with the blood of slaves

Orphans, widows, and homeless graves

I sold their souls just to build my private mansion

Some people say that my time is coming

Kingdom come is the justice running

Down, down, down on me

I’m a poor child, I’m a lost son

I refuse to give my love to anyone,

Fight for the truth,

Or help the weaker ones

Because I love my Babylon

I am a slave, I was never free

I betrayed you for blood money

Oh I bought the world, all is vanity

Oh my Lord I’m your enemy

Come to me, and find your life

Children sing, Zion’s in sight

I said don’t trade your name for a serial number

Priceless lives were born from under graves

Where I found you

Say, my name ain’t yours and yours is not mine

Mine is the Lord, and yours is my child

That’s how it’s always been

Time to make a change

Leave your home

Give to the poor all that you own

Lose your life, so that you could find it

First will be last when the true world comes

Livin’ like a humble fool to overcome

The upside-down wisdom

Of a dying world

Zion’s not built with hands

And in this place God will dwell with man

Sick be healed and cripples stand

Sing Allelu

My kingdom’s built with the blood of my son

Selfless sacrifice for everyone

Faith, hope, love, and harmony

I said let this world know me by your love

By your love

Oh my child, daughters and sons

I made you in love to overcome

Free as a bird, my flowers in the sun

On your way to Mount Zion

All you slaves, be set free

Come on out child and come on home to me

We will dance, we will rejoice

If you can hear me then follow my voice

Never Have I Found

I walked under the blood red moon

At night when wolves gather ‘round

And I’ve spent some time with the Devil

But never have I found

Another one like you

Oh Lord

Jesus

And I’ve tasted too many temptations

And I’ve been chased by a demon hound

Lord I just can’t be satisfied

Because never have I found

Another one like you

Oh Lord

And your love

Jesus

Rejoice and Lament

Learn this lesson well, my friend

There’s a time to rejoice and lament

Every season will find an end

All will fade and be made new again

Standing on the rocks of the railroad tracks

Feet calloused, eyes open, sun beats on my back

As I gaze upon the unseen winds

And they are wandering, whispering

Wisdom that’s eternal

From the heart to the mind

To the hand to the journal

Now the kernel of the seeds in the cleft of the rock

And it’s watered by the winds

Having power to unlock and

Stop the clock of chronological logic

With its homogenized systems

That are dead and can’t dodge it

Being deaf to the voice of the Almighty One

Spirit illumines the dark like a fire

Revealing the way that was hidden but is higher

Now we must travel on the wings

That will never grow tired

Of searching the mysteries of God

I said Father the feathers of my wax wings

Fall away by the rising of the sun

And I have descended when I was undone

And I will ascend when your Spirit comes

Because what’s been done and overcome

Cannot be stopped by the power of any human

Like the number of sand we will stand

And we will fall, all

In the face of an eternal call

But those who call on His name

In the midst of the pain

In the guilt and the shame

And the world full of blame

And all the bloody stains

From the unjust gains

I learned all men suffer the same

Because we’re wayward sons

And all our jokes betray

Our foolish hearts and our selfish ways

But if we would turn to the Father’s grace

We would never be the same

This is an unseen land of a devastated soul

That’s prepared in contemplative silence

For the mighty working hand of an unseen Lord

To come restore this land from its violence

I said walk another mile

Stare across the fields of grain

This is how the prophets train

Learn this lesson well my friend

There’s a time to rejoice and lament

Every season will find an end

All will fade and be made new again

Words Remain

Heaven and the earth will pass away

But your words all remain

And my hands are growing old

And weary with pain

Still I fold them to pray

To the one unchanged

Yesterday and today

Oh YHWH

I will try to stay awake

Take my last breath of faith

As I wait for you to come

Take me beyond

This land undone

Over the flood

By your word, spirit, and blood

It was prophesied long ago

Every word set in stone

Not one will pass away

Or walk alone

All that I own does not compare

To the love that we share

Please remember me

When the hour arrives

And you must decide

If you’ll wait for me to come

Take you beyond

This land undone

Over the flood

By my word, spirit, and blood

Jacaranda Tree

Sitting on porches

Since Friday while the sky

Tilts like a watery glass

We wait for downpours

A drenching joy

A carnival sky

But what I don’t say

What I can’t say

Is that with this joy

Comes a mourning

Something left behind

Blue lined, teary

Mingled

I move on

All things will change

We wait for the rain

And the promise remains

Live life fully

Peeking through fingers

Slung in our hammocks

Cocooned

Skimming the water

Trapezed above time

We glide like slingshot angels

Belly up and

Floating we see

The promise in the sky

Up to Orion’s ribs

We climb this tree

And listen

For our pulse

All things will change

We wait for the rain

And the promise remains

I flung loosely

Into that world

I stayed heavily

I’ll be a Jacaranda Tree

In Indiana

I say

Greenhoused and sung to

I pray light will

Leak from out pockets

We’ll be drenched, overcome

At night the fireflies

Streamers at our sides

Silent flaming arcs of hope

All things will change

We wait for the rain

And the promise remains

*Words By Michelle Garrels

Little Blue

Who is like my child

Who’s so lovely and wild?

Oh, my little bird

By the river I have heard

My lover calls

In fall and spring

She says

Keep your eyes on heron’s wings

She’s coming soon

Let’s dance and sing

For the joy a new life brings

Strong and graceful, too

Like your mother

In red and blue

Love I never knew

Filled my heart

When I held you

My lover calls

In fall and spring

She says

Keep your eyes on heron’s wings

She’s coming soon

Let’s dance and sing

For the joy that her life brings

Blessed is He

You will not see me again

Until you can say

Blessed is He

Who comes in the name of the Lord

Yeshua

Amen

Desert Father

When we were young

We walked where we wanted to

Life was ours

And now we’re old

We go where we’re told

The Lord’s Spirit calls

He’s singing

Follow my road to sorrow and joy

Be intertwined

And find

All things are under my wings

And rise

Given time

Oh my

Brother sun, sister moon

All children of light

Fly around the world

Let the glory be unfurled

All things are made new

We’re marching on

To a spirit song

That no man can cage

In lands of dead wood

That reject the good

From our old Father’s hands

But we run free

And weep gracefully

In a world

Dark and cold

Hold on

All you

Who wait by the blue shores

For Him

To part the water

Desert Father

Show us a new way

The impossible dream

Through the deep and the unseen

Carry us home

The Original Spacefan

You left on a Saturday

In her hands you passed away

On seashores we laughed and played

Only months ago

And I know you tried so hard

To heal the space between our hearts

And now your work is done

For your daughters and sons

Swing low to the ground

For we have lost our father’s crown

Hallowed was the night

When the veil was torn

And your spirit took flight

From the world

We gathered the sticks and leaves

To set aflame our memories

Your family gathered around

To lay your ashes down

Sing treetops and clap your hands

For the grace in this sorrowful plan

That night when one candle remained

We whispered your name

Swing low to the ground

For we have lost our father’s crown

Hallowed was the night

When the veil was torn

And your spirit took flight

From the world

Embarkation

Instrumental

Over Oceans: Album Lyrics

2008-09-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Fire By Night

We are one, every daughter and son

With our forgotten names

We left home on the open road

To find the holy flame

We are the children of a sun king

Hold onto my hand this mysterious evening

It’ll meet us like a dream

Call all our names and we’ll be found

Walking were we heard the sound, on down

Tomorrow mountain we will climb

Tonight the stars and fire shine

In our eyes

In the wood

We’re alive

Cloud by day, and the fire of night

We will never look back

Young and old with a sojourner soul

Illuminate the path

Follow were the moon does shine

Through the leaves of trees above

Wild life, holy night

The ocean is singing of

The earth trembles with his love

Over Oceans

I remember when all the trees knew your name

Flames from fire flies would light our way

Have I lost all that which I never knew I had found

Searching for you on the wings

On oceans to you

All my time comes to you

How long has it been

Flying home again

Will we be the same as we were once before

Remember like children the stories of old

Your hand was in mine be the firelight when we danced

Mighty wind will carry me

On oceans to you

All my time comes to you

How long has it been

Flying home again

And I’ll be there too

And I’ll be there soon

Decision

Brother come on open up you eyes

Quit believing all those lies

That the devils been telling you

Sister I know that it happened again

But girl you that you’ve got a friend

I’ve been there too

Brother you can take of that mask you wear

Quit acting like you don’t care

About the things that are killing you

Sister don’t go that way no more

You’ve been down that road before

I’m in love with you

Everyone says that it’s alright

Living in darkness every night

But I think it’s time, Lord it’s time

I’m ready to give up all my sin

But I don’t know where to begin

But I think it’s time to find out

And make that change

I’ve been lonely too

Many days pass by, what’s done is done

I give up my life

I’ve been running through the night

Towards the light, of the sun

Now I’m free

Bring a little love for me

Sweet love of mine

It’s the morning of a new day

I thank you Lord for everything

That you’ve done

In me

I will meet you there

In the end of time

Come together as one

SISU

By the word and command, mortal man can stand, son of man is the manna manifest

In the flesh and the blood, and the bones and the rocks, in the valley of the dead

The dry bones are gonna walk and talk

To the rhythm of the saints y’all, to the rhythm of the saints

And I paint it red to remember the dead, who layed down their lives for the truth

And the seed that is buried takes root, and this ignorant world will have proof

I remember the sins of my youth, the path and the madness of unrestrained pleasure

The heavier trip it made the heavier debter

In the deepest of dark without a wing or a feather,

The spiral closed in like a cage, like a cage

A maze that’s amazing for days turns to rage if the page it refuses to turn

And the hopeless will hope the book burns

When the lesson it returns, but the lesson is still unlearned

See I yearn to discern if a life can be earned or is given as a gift to the dead

I read and I bled and I fed to the full my soul on the sickest of sickness

Seeking the light of a saviors witness, a way that one day that I might forget this

But slave master wont permit this

Cause I’m a hooker I’m his mistress

And when I look for freedom he puts more chains on me

Strangles my hope so that I live like a zombie

What masters house can this be, that when I look for freedom he still deceives me

If there’s a God I screamed, “Answer me!”

I didn’t expect an answer to be received, He said

You must die, to be set free, living in the kingdom of God eternally

Open up my eyes so that I can see, and die with a cry revolutionary

Every man and woman is a witness, and we will never forget this

Truth

Undiluted, undisputed, never to be substituted, or uprooted, fully suited for the war

It’s a modernization of a timeless metaphor, and

By the boomerang we bring the beats back more

What for man, do we work exterior to core, or begin it in the spirit of the Lord

Now you could pull the chord, but the people still sing it acapella

Marching to the beat I hear their feet are in the cellar

Fear not the world cannot stop what must begin within you and me

A fire wind, holy hymn, beautiful diadem, hidden within positively pure prism refraction

Every colors broken down, harmonize with my eyes spectrum

In the end bleeding into the One, to the source, to the beautiful father of light

All the pressure and pain, produces perseverance

It’s purged by the flames, without interference

Produces a hope, In the glory of God

My God I am your son, and I know that you will finish the work that you’ve begun

Homespun, grassroots, spontaneously suits the purpose, and we don’t deserve this

Life

He said

You must die to be set free, living in the kingdom of God eternally

Open up my eyes so that I can see, and die with a cry revolutionary

Every man and woman is a witness, and we will never forget this

Truth

My Child

Hear a voice echo soft

From a place where one was lost

I believe, but my hands let go.

The darkest night, with tears I dream

Of a childless mothers scream

I believe, oh my Lord I do.

Where is my child?

Will a man find a home

If he walks the world alone

Searching for a promise land.

Another day, walk and wait

For this choice to end in fate

Searching for life among the dead.

Once I held you near, and words were clear

My hands rested upon your heart.

Now by night and flame I call your name

My love, when will an answer be found?

Where is my child?

Break Bread

Let us break bread together on our knees

When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun

Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees

When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun

Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

Let us praise God together on our knees

Let us praise God together on out knees

When I fall on my knees, with my face to the rising sun

Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

Sweet River Roll

Sweet river roll over me

Let my body find peace and let my mind be free

Oh my soul sings to Thee

The wild man he just killed my religion

He cut it to the bone like a needed incision

The cancerous growth of formulaic precision

That blocks the life-blood in rebellious collision

Cold constructs robbing faith from decision

But where’s your rubric for the man that was risen

He is my vision, he is my vision, be Thou my vision

When the tables have turned, and I’ve lost money, and temples are burned

By His scares we will learn about truth

In the depths of our souls that are marred by the tooth of a beast

Underneath so many deceased, sold out suckers traded life to be yeast

Just to get a piece or a status increase

Find grace and have peace when you eat the Lords feast

And you eat, of His flesh, and His blood

It’s coming quick and strong as the mightiest flood

Yet my mind still gets stuck in the mud

Bottom feeding on the trash like a catfish, brats wish on all of that which

Is established to sit ill in hearts and in our souls, sweet river roll

Sweet river roll over me

Let my body find peace and let my mind be free

Oh my soul sings to Thee

It’s like the water in the valley, submerged totally

Yet all the children rally around the safety of their shallow beliefs

Let’s swim against the current out and into the deep

But first I pray the Lord for my soul to keep

That price payed was not cheap as I stand knee deep in His blood

We’re knee deep in his blood

See, I choose to refuse the regulated rhetoric of someone elses rehearsed ideals

In place of a real living commitment, Hell no

We put the rock in the water and it made cement

We put the water with the wheat and then we made it ferment

Shine light through the rain and a spectrum represent

We’re pumping water through the veins and the brains content

Went down to the river following providence

Old man under water gonna die when he repents

But there’s a new man coming up with the wings to ascend

The son of man walks on water because he’s heaven sent

I’ve these tears in my eyes as I cry with the joy and lament

Sweet river roll over me

Let my body find peace and let my mind be free

Oh my soul sings to Thee

Songbird

Sweet songbird singing in the morning hour

Waking me up to tell me how

Another day passes along

I love that simple song that reminds me

I’m getting closer to you

And every time thoughts tumble down

My mind is unwound

So much to say

Maybe on another day

When these words will come out right

A lesson in love is the hardest thing

You and I will ever learn

Because our hearts are so shy

And I think of you everyday

And in the night I pray

That you’re safe from harm

We’re walking on a thin string

But I know the Lords got the whole thing in his hands

We’re strangers in this land

But together could make our way home

Make our way home

Sarnwen

The fire passed me by

The earthquakes shaking the mountain

And I let em’ go

When love had left me dry

Your quiet voice broke through

To water my soul now

Oh sweet thing, she’s coming round my way

Oh sweet love, what else can I say

Today

Good Friday

Broken wing, forgotten dream, shattered thing

That a mans hands can’t ever truly mend

Shadow land, desert sand, a man searches

For a love that’ll never die

Truth be known, you’re not alone

Your aching bones will find a home

In place where God he sets us free

Wake me up before you go

I will listen for the sound of your voice

Hear the wind in the trees

It goes where it please

Like the breath in me

And all who have breath can sing

When we layed your body down

In earth and in the ground

Oh child, rest your soul.

Will a hope be made good

When a word is understood

In the day, will we see you again?

Gather round, hear the sound

Of a story that’s so old that it’s been told

Before time

He was born in the flesh and the blood

In a world that was dark as hell, and dead in sin

Born of the spirit, and the virgin child

He’s the son of God, son of man

I didn’t recognize that look in his eyes

When they cried

With a sorrow that no man has ever known

Hang him high, watch him die, hear the cry

Crucified up on that God forsaken tree

And all who have breath can sing

When we layed your body down

In the earth and in the ground

Oh Lord, rest your bones

Will a hope be made good

If your words are understood

In the day, will we see you again

Oh Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?

Oh my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Oh Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani?

Oh my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

YHWH

Holy, holy, holy is the lamb

Almighty, almighty, almighty is the Lord

It’s unlocked in his left are the keys to death and hell

And in his other palm are seven stars

Silently circling like seven seals and sounds and seven cycles

Seventy sets of seven are prophesied

Before the king comes from heaven

The earth will quake and men’s hearts will shake

When they hear the war drum

And I’m talking about creator of the mountains

I’m talking about the one who gave up his son

I’m singing about the one who died for everyone

And in his blood he’s giving us real freedom

Brought by one, bought by one son

Someone from the kingdom come

He was, and is, and is to come

Healing the deaf and dumb

His words cut the dark like a sharp weapon light

Wrong or right?

All mankind was blind and he came to give us sight

Wrong or right?

Tell me, what is it about the name of Jesus Christ

It makes men fight within

Against the sin, against the night, dark or light

Day and night

Polarized

This is not a grey matter choice

And don’t blame it on another mans voice

Because time keeps on slipping, into the future

I don’t lose you

You must make a decision soon

Be it life, or death

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lamb

That was slain, that was slain

Worthy is his name, worthy is his name

YHWH

He was, and is, and is to come

Train Song

Shame on you, shame on me

Lord he took all our shame and pain, and set men free

And I’ve got that fire on the mountain

Fire in my soul

It’s been a long time coming, long time

And ready to go

I’m stepping out the door

Doing what feels right

Following my Lord, through the darkest night

And when the path gets narrow

I’ll follow him

And when the world comes down, around

I’ll follow him

He said, sing it on the mountain

Or in the valley low

He’s my God, and he never let me go

He said, sing it on the mountain

Or fight in valley low

Every mans going to see, and everyone will know

That peace runs deep in him

I said peace runs deep in him

Peace runs deep in him.

Creation Song

We can feel creation groan

It’s crying out for God

Every night when stars come out

I hear creations song

It sings, Oh Lord

We sing, Oh Lord

You are light and you are love

You are flesh and you are blood

Peace will come to those who love

Jehova

The Divine Madness

2008-09-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

There is a beautiful reality that can make what's been mistaken as a predictable life, into one infinitely interesting and mysterious. This ancient truth is that we do not inhabit a closed box of time and space. Meaning, contrary to the dominant, modern western worldview, there is in fact an unseen dimension/being that is found outside of our space and time. It lies beyond the looking glass, and beyond our ability to fully understand, exactly measure, or fit neatly into a framework of reason or limited perception. We constantly here echoes from that place, calling us to listen, investigate, and to believe without material evidence. To follow, we must unlearn the engrained belief, that all things can be made well by the human attempt to systematically dissect, categorize, and control. We need the spiritual, the supernatural, and a the divine intervention of something greater than ourselves to break through, from within, and without. Daily.

Before Aristotle solidified the worship of human reason as the highest measure of exhistence , Morton Kelsey writes, "Plato believed that besides reason and sense experience, there was another way of knowing. He called it, "Divine Madness" and differentiated four forms of it: prophecy, healing (cleansing), artistic madness, and the madness of love.

"A version of the third form of "Divine Madness", artistic madness, is still practiced among Navaho medicine men. The medicine man goes to the sick person and makes a sand painting representing harmony and wholeness. The wholeness of the painting then influences the soul of the patient, takes control over it, and heals it. The beautiful icons, paintings, and architecture of the Orthodox Eastern Church emerged from a similar way of thinking. The Church in Orthodox thinking is the vestibule of heaven. Upon entering the church, one comes into contact with the heavenly because of the artistic perfection."

"The fourth type of "Divine Madness" wast the greatest of all - the madness of love. It is through love that we connect to what is deepest and most meaningful in our lives."

"Plato's "Divine Madness" has parallels in the New Testament. Not only do we find prophecy and extra-sensory perception, but we also discover that healings account for 20 percent of Jesus' activity. One of the reasons why modern Christians do not understand Jesus is that they think of Him as a university professor of ethics rather than a shaman." - Morton Kelsey, from his book "Dreams: A Way to Listen to God". Drawing by Albrecht Durer.

Thus It Begins...

2008-09-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

My old online writing cogs are getting oiled and prepared for motion. The first step in starting the inertia is feeding it, watering the plant, in hopes that something with life and movement will grow. I feel optimistic about this.

Small Voice

IN:5 Interview - Episode 1

mayne island finale

home again!

film shoot : bread & wine

film shoot : sailor's waltz

film shoot : fire by night

film shoot : pilot me

film shoot : the original spacefan

family time on mayne island

film shoot : ulysses

film shoot : little blue

mayne island, days 1 & 2

filming begins

the sea in between

5 Questions with Noisetrade

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 5

IT'S FINISHED!

THE RELEASE

PARTNERSHIP

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 4

Greetings, friends!

Recent Studio Guests

Video : "Words Remain"

Timeframe

Prayer Partnership

Financial Partnership

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 3

Rest

Work

The Logistics

The Team

Finances

Small is Beautiful.

The Small Voice Record, Vol. 2

Living the Best Story

Love & War & The Sea In Between

Partnership

Here's How:

Stay Tuned!

"Ulysses" - Filming in NYC: Part 1

the small voice newsletter

For the Love.

REEF Collaboration

Small Voice - Back Issue #2

The Prophets - Back Issue #1

Hope International

Jedidiah - Gabriel House

Seattle & Vancouver: Travels End

Pennsylvania Tour

Art For Sale.

Full Length Video of Jedidiah Florida Tour

Florida/Jedidiah Tour

Studio Under Way!

Album Reviews

Time: Luxuriating in the Supremely Gutful Lassitude.

What'd He Say?

Jacaranda : Album Lyrics

Don’t Wait For Me

Season of Rain

Rabbit & The Bear

Centipede

Zion & Babylon

Rejoice and Lament

Words Remain

Jacaranda Tree

Little Blue

Blessed is He

Desert Father

The Original Spacefan

Embarkation

Over Oceans: Album Lyrics

Fire By Night

Over Oceans

Decision

SISU

My Child

Break Bread

Sweet River Roll

Songbird