Contemporary Christian Music
Awakening the Season
Growing up in the Midwest, I always looked forward to the first hint of fall in the air. The cooler weather and changing colors of leaves signaled the beginning of what seemed the most wonderful time of the year. Sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving, as the tree limbs stood bare and days turned chilly and short, I’d begin the joyful traditions of Christmas, make a list for Santa, light the advent candle, decorate the tree, all the while, the sounds of music would waft through the house. As Christmas neared, and we prepared for holiday concerts, school pageants, and my mother’s church choir programs.
Our associations of Christmas are inexorably nostalgic, and come to each of us, as unique as a fingerprint. Happy memories and sad alike mingle, as the holidays threaten to descend with an overwhelming crush of details. Yet, like the feeling in the air before the first snow, or the scent of a freshly cut fir tree, the melodies of Christmas awaken in us a deeply encoded sense of hope—hope for a hurting world in such need of the mystery and majesty of a child born some 2000 years ago.
To listen to clips of these songs, go to the song list at the bottom of the page, Items with RM4.
I have a friend (really) in Nashville Tennessee, named Tim Baird, who recently sent me an e-mail that went something like this: “Jim, I just came back from a violin concert featuring Ruth McGinnis. You MUST check out her music at www.ruthmcginnis.com.” Tim is very sparing with his praise, so I took his advice and went to the web site.
When I heard the samples of Ruth’s music, and I read of her life, I knew I had to share this amazing lady with anyone I could. You can feel the deep passion rise through her totally artistic interpretation of the songs she presents. You can be totally blessed by the way she has overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Ruth draws from a wide variety of music styles, from Celtic and Folk to Classical and Sacred, including some of the best-loved tunes of all time. Although some of the music may never be heard in a congregation, it all has a moving spiritual quality. For example, it might be awhile before I would put "Farewell to Whiskey" in a worship service. On second thought, it is so beautiful and haunting a melody, it just might fit perfectly as a meditation piece.
Please note: because of previous licensing agreements, only a selected number of songs are available for download. If you want to get all of Ruth’s music on CD and find out more of Ruth’s amazing story, I encourage you to check out her web site: www.ruthmcginnis.com
Now, take a couple of minutes to let Ruth tell her own story, as you view the introduction to each album, then listen to the clips that will send your spirit soaring.
My musical journey began at the age of eight, when my parents gave me my first violin. Although my aspirations for many years were focused on classical violin performance, after graduating from The Julliard School of Music in 1981, I became intrigued with the freedom and beauty of folk, country, and bluegrass fiddle styles. This album is a reflection of the complex relationship I have had with an instrument that has been my constant companion for 35 years.
People often ask me, what is the difference between the fiddle and the violin? Quite simply, it is the way the instrument is played. For me, the freedom of playing the fiddle, to let go of perfection, to improvise…to be flawed and real, has been life enhancing. It has helped me discover what I love best, and do best as a musician; I know a good melody when I hear it, and I love expressing feelings through simple melodies.
"Songs for the Good Life" is a collection of melodies that have become favorites of mine. From the classical composers, Bach, Pachelbel and Schumann, to traditional folk, Celtic and hymn melodies. The selections here share one thing in common…the melody line moves me. I hope it will move the listener as well.
To listen to clips of these songs, go to the song list at the bottom of the page, Items with RM1.
“The Music of Life” is the fourth in a series of instrumental recordings I began in the year 2000, with my dear friend and producer Chris Davis. I have cherished each project along the way, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart, because half-way through production, in July 2006, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Facing a potentially life threatening disease brought a sense of urgency to express—to God, and anyone else who is interested—the full spectrum of what I feel about my time here in Earth.
Ironically, “The Music of Life” theme is one I’d long articulated as a speaker.
"We all have a “music of life”—it is the inner part of us revealed to the world in every way we live, the story we write with God’s help. The most beautiful music of life happens, not in the perfect moments, but in the blend of dreams and reality."
While making this record, I had a chance to live my own message with a clarity I’d never imagined. If this season taught me anything, it is that the creative process to which I’ve dedicated my life has been life-giving, allowing me to express feelings and truth I cannot experience or articulate in any other way. It has given me the gift of being fully in relationship with the beautiful and horrible that life has to offer, and finding in the midst if it, unexpected joy.
I have wished many times during my healing process, that I could bottle the clarity, purpose, wisdom, and freedom that comes with a diagnosis I’d never have chosen, and give it to every person in my life. Perhaps the closest I can come to giving that gift, is through the music on this album.
To listen to clips of these songs, go to the song list at the bottom of the page, Items with RM2.
As a musician I've always been drawn to the simple beauty of a compelling melody – a thread of music that fastens itself to our entire being – transporting us through time, geography and the seasons of life. The selections on these albums share one thing in common…the melody line moves me. I hope it moves the listener as well.
To listen to clips of these songs, go to the song list at the bottom of the page, Items with RM3.
Click on any of the songs below to listen to a clip.
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Canon in D
Chris Davis’ jazzy production adds a new twist to an old favorite, written by Johann Pachelbel. (6:15)
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Amazing Grace
Take one of the greatest hymns ever written, let the violin add a mountain flavor, then give it a sweet guitar accompaniment, and you have a fresh, totally rewarding, musical and spiritual experience. (2:39)
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Of Foreign Lands and Peoples
Robert Schumann wrote this piece as part of a collection of piano etudes. Ruth has turned it into a violin/piano arrangement. I think Schumann would have approved. (1:51)
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Neil Gow's Lament
This lament By Neil Gow for the death of his second wife speaks volumes to the experience of loss. (5:18)
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The Good Life
This wistful melody “expresses my idea of ‘the good life’; embracing the joyful and sorrowful process of life with the willingness to feel everything.” (2:05)
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Celebrated Air
This classic air by J S Bach is a stately melodic procession that takes you to spiritual heights. (3:49)
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Be Thou My Vision
Ruth takes you back to the roots of this great hymn. The Irish folk melody is beautifully arranged with the proper Celtic flavor. (3:15)
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Jerusalem
Composed by Charles H Hubert Parry in 1916, this English hymn expresses through both melody and text, the resilience of the human spirit. (3:59)
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St Anne's Reel
This 500 year old lilting melody will become as much of a favorite to you as any contemporary song. A great song that lifts your spirit is timeless. (4:33)
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Fairest Lord Jesus/Shaker Tune
Take a beautiful traditional hymn, intertwine it with another sweet song, and let the tapestry which unfolds bless you over and over. (3:17)
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Little Beggar Man
A traditional Irish fiddle tune that is sprightly and downright delightful. (3:50)
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Ave Verum Corpus
Mozart’s setting of the ancient hymn is a much loved choral work. The hymn is based on a 14th century poem. (3:45)
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At Evening
“At Evening” is from Robert Schumann’s collection of Fantasy Pieces. “The hypnotic and deceptively simple sounding, ripple of notes, reminds me of raindrops falling in a steady rain, like the sun falls steadily towards the horizon, at evening.” (4:01)
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Nessun Dorma
“Turandot” was Puccini’s final opera, based on a fairy-tale with all the classic elements. This aria ends with the words “Vincerol, Vincerol”, “I shall conquer! I shall conquer!” (3:15)
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American Dream
Start with a sweeping orchestral introduction, then add an upland fiddle. It sounds improbable, but the effect will take your breath away (Composed by Chris Davis, fiddle solo created by Ruth McGinnis). (3:32)
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Thanksgiving
This German melody dates back to the 1500s, and appears in “The Oxford Book of Carols” as Thanksgiving Carol. Our 21st century interpretation blends the ancient hymn harmonies with contemporary rhythmic elements, giving voice to the complex nature of life-for which we give thanks. (5:53)
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Farewell to Whiskey
Neil Gow (1727-1807) was a celebrated Scottish fiddler and composer in his time; a prolific writer of reels, strathspeys and airs. This air is particularly poignant. (5:00)
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The Lea Rig
A beautiful example of the rich legacy of Scottish song, preserved and collected by the famous poet, Robert Burns. Picture a pastoral scene in the loveliest part of the field, away from the wind and cold. (3:25)
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Solace
This 1909 work, by the “King of Ragtime Composers” became smash hit nearly seven decades after it was written, as part of the Academy Award winning score of “The Sting.” (Composed by Scott Joplin, arranged by Christopher Davis and Ruth McGinnis) (3:08)
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Remembrance
An original composition by Christopher Davis and Ruth McGinnis, which is in remembrance of two dear friends. (3:42)
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Before the Throne of God Above
A beautiful old Celtic hymn. Before the throne of God above * I have a strong and perfect plea. * A great High Priest whose name is Love * Who ever lives and pleads for me… (4:07)
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The Lord's Prayer
A sacred standard that is one of the favorite prayers of all time. It features the musical gifts of Ruth’s friend Lisa Bamford. (2:53)
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Appalachian Melody
This gentle tune is a haunting arrangement that descends from an old English folk song. (4:45)
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Andante
The andante movement from Sonata #2 in A minor by J S Bach is a magnificent work for unaccompanied violin, which allows the freedom for the melody to soar. (4:14)
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Ave Maria
The Ave Maria was composed by Franz Schubert at age twenty eight, just three years before his death. It has become one of the most beloved melodies ever written. (7:16)
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The Holly and the Ivy
Lively, bright, and cheerful describes this delightful mix of familiar Christmas melodies.(4:27)
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Greensleeves
You are greeted with an almost tumultuous introduction. Then the smooth flowing sound of the strings resonating from Ruth’s hand brings a perfect balance to a time-honored song. (4:35)
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Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
A Classical Christmas melody is impeccably arranged and performed. (3:26)
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I Saw Three Ships
This traditional bright song has been given a delicious Celtic flavor. If this doesn’t get your toes tapping and your lips whistling, then Scrooge might be your new nickname. (3:54)
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Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Take a 15th century German Carol, add a flowing accompaniment, and, of course, add the artistry of Ruth’s singing strings, and you have a perfect complement to the season. (4:20)
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Silent Night
“Silent Night” was originally written for guitar. This arrangement has the acoustic guitar provide the accompaniment to the violin. The result is pure beauty. (3:46)
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O Holy Night
This majestic presentation of a truly beloved melody will touch your heart, and make your spirit soar. (5:29)
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Burn songs to CD
When you have chosen your songs, you can indicate in the box the number of CDs you would like to have shipped to you. For charges and other information, click on "Burn songs to CD".
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Special Note for Dial Up and Low Bandwidth
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Some people using dial up and/or low bandwidth have encountered problems listening to clips. If you try to listen to a clip and the streaming audio keeps stopping, you can stop your media player, right click on the name of the song, and download the clip at no charge. Then you can listen to it with no interruption.
If you don't want to take the time to download, don't have an mp3 player, or would just rather have a CD, we can now accomodate you. Just click on the "Burn songs to CD" box located in any of the product lists. There will be a small shipping and handling fee to take care of the extra time and expense.
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The Lamb
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Promesa
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Yeshua
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Psalm 57
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Stand
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Yehalelu
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Rejoice
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Kedushah
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Creator
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One God
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Enter In
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Ya'Ale
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Restore
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Send Me
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Passover
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Holy
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