With the contributing artists, composers, producers, and organizing committee members for the Workshop for the Arts scattered across the globe, this album required the service of several professional producers and as many as forty five artists over a period of three years through virtual, digital collaboration tools combined with teleconferencing and Internet communication. The songs on this album are of a very wide diversity of styles and genres - a sampling of the passions and inspirations of Bahá’í musicians around the globe. Never has so much diverse talent from so many disparate lands been professionally produced by a non-profit organization to support a world-wide spiritual training program utilizing the arts at every step of the process. The mission of The Workshop for the Arts is simply “To Promote the Unity of Mankind through the Arts and Media.” We view diversity as a vital resource, not an obstacle or cause for prejudice. The unique beauty of all spiritually minded peoples with loving hearts can be shared most effectively through music, regardless of their race, religion, culture or economic strata. “The world is one country and mankind its citizens.” – Bahá’u’lláh 1 / O Wayfarer O wayfarer in the path of God Take a portion from the ocean of grace O wayfarer in the path of God! Take thou thy portion of the ocean of His grace, and deprive not thyself of the things that lie hidden in its depths. Be thou of them that have partaken of its treasures. A dewdrop out of this ocean would, if shed upon all that are in the heavens and on the earth, suffice to enrich them with the bounty of God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. With the hands of renunciation draw forth from its life-giving waters, and sprinkle therewith all created things, that they may be cleansed from all man-made limitations and may approach the mighty seat of God, this hallowed and resplendent Spot. words: Bahá’u’lláh and Colleen Lovejoy music: Colleen Lovejoy and Jeff Bohnhoff vocals: Colleen Lovejoy backup vocals: Maya Bohnhoff guitar: Colleen Lovejoy drums: Jeff Bohnhoff synthesizer: Jeff Bohnhoff bass: Jeff Bohnhoff electric piano: Jeff Bohnhoff 2 / O Befriended Stranger O Befriended Stranger! The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, quench it not with the contrary winds of self and passion. The healer of all thine ills is remembrance of Me, forget it not. Make My love thy treasure and cherish it even as thy very sight and life. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Laura Harley vocals: Laura Harley guitar: Laura Harley bass, keyboards, programming: Jarome Matthew 3 / Detachment Detachment is as the sun; in whatsoever heart it doth shine it quencheth the fire of covetousness and self. He whose sight is illumined with the light of understanding will assuredly detach himself from the world and the vanities thereof. … Let not the world and its vileness grieve you. Happy is he whom riches fill not with vain-glory, nor poverty with sorrow. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Just Kat vocals: Just Kat guitar: K. M. Dalal keyboards: Kelly Snook flute: Chris French congas: Chris French other percussion: Kelly Snook 4 / Plane of Sacrifice Until a being setteth his foot in the plane of sacrifice, he is bereft of every favor and grace; and this plane of sacrifice is the realm of dying to the self, that the radiance of the living God may then shine forth. There can be no doubt whatever that the peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God. Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. words: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh music: Steve Smith arrangement: John Hicks vocals: John Hicks guitar, mandolin: John Hicks bass: Kelly Snook 5 / Endeavor Gird up the loins of thine endeavor, that haply thou mayest guide thy neighbor to the law of God, the Most Merciful. Such an act, verily, excelleth all other acts in the sight of God, the All-Possessing, the Most High. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Matthew Levine vocals: Matthew Levine, Kelly Snook, Katharine Kripke, John Hicks drums: Marty Quinn 6 / Righteousness By the righteousness of God! Open your lips and make mention of the Lord, and divine inspiration shall descend from heaven. By the righteousness of God! Whoso openeth his lips in this Day and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of My name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Joy of My Most Great Name is a joy born from heaven! Mention of My Most Great Name brings divine inspiration! words: Bahá’u’lláh and Katharine Day music: Thalia Moshtagh and Katharine Day choir: Voices of Glory Choir Director: Karen Tobin Sopranos: Diane Burke, Carolina Chacin, Parisa Eithne Roohipour, Karen Tobin Altos: Maura Copeland, Katharine Day, Laureen Evans, Kathy Morrison Tenors: Phillipe Copeland, Crystal Craft, Martha Elliott, Danny L. Heath keyboard/B3: Hobert Yates bass: Ruth Mendelson drums: Jonathan Kenner 7 / Guide Thy Neighbor Gird up the loins of thine endeavor, that haply thou mayest guide thy neighbor to the law of God, the Most Merciful. Such an act, verily, excelleth all other acts in the sight of God, the All-Possessing, the Most High. Whoso ariseth to teach Our Cause must needs detach himself from all earthly things, and regard, at all times, the triumph of Our Faith as his supreme objective. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: John Hicks vocals: the Bosch Bahá’í Bluegrass Band (John Hicks, Jonah Hill, Hannah Macunas) guitar: John Hicks spoons: John Hicks piano: Kelly Snook 8 / The Victory When the victory arriveth, every man shall profess himself as believer and shall hasten to the shelter of God’s Faith. Happy are they who in the days of world-encompassing trials have stood fast in the Cause and refused to swerve from its truth. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Richard Cook arrangement: Jeff Bohnhoff vocals: Chris Bank guitar: Jeff Bohnhoff tenor saxophone: Chris Bank soprano saxophone: Chris Bank bass: Jeff Bohnhoff drums: Jeff Bohnhoff 9 / I Loved Thy Creation O Son of Man! I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou love Me, that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Ramine Yazhari vocals: Ramine Yazhari backup vocals: Just Kat bass: Ramine Yazhari piano: Ramine Yazhari flute: Chris French bongos: Gustaff Besungu programming: Jarome Matthew 10 / Cup of Sorrow The Ancient Beauty hath consented to be bound with chains that mankind may be released from its bondage, and hath accepted to be made a prisoner within this most mighty Stronghold that the whole world may attain unto true liberty. He hath drained to its dregs the cup of sorrow, that all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy, and be filled with gladness. This is of the mercy of your Lord, the Compassionate, the Most Merciful. We have accepted to be abased, O believers in the Unity of God, that ye may be exalted, and have suffered manifold afflictions, that ye might prosper and flourish. He Who hath come to build anew the whole world, behold, how they that have joined partners with God have forced Him to dwell within the most desolate of cities! words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Brian Taraz arrangement: Jeff Bohnhoff vocals: Brian Taraz backup vocals: Maya Bohnhoff guitar: Jeff Bohnhoff bass: Jeff Bohnhoff drums: Jeff Bohnhoff saxophone: Roger Hogan synthesizer: Jeff Bohnhoff 11 / Absolute Submissiveness They who are the beloved of God, in whatever place they gather and whomsoever they may meet, must evince, in their attitude towards God, and in the manner of their celebration of His praise and glory, such humility and submissiveness that every atom of the dust beneath their feet may attest the depth of their devotion. The conversation carried by these holy souls should be informed with such power that these same atoms of dust will be thrilled by its influence. They should conduct themselves in such manner that the earth upon which they tread may never be allowed to address to them such words as these: ‘I am to be preferred above you. For witness, how patient I am in bearing the burden which the husbandman layeth upon me. I am the instrument that continually imparteth unto all beings the blessings with which He Who is the Source of all grace hath entrusted me. Notwithstanding the honor conferred upon me, and the unnumbered evidences of my wealth—a wealth that supplieth the needs of all creation—behold the measure of my humility, witness with what absolute submissiveness I allow myself to be trodden beneath the feet of men…’ words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Brian Taraz arrangement: Jeff Bohnhoff vocals: Brian Taraz backup vocals: Just Kat guitar: Jeff Bohnhoff bass: Jeff Bohnhoff drums: Jeff Bohnhoff synthesizer: Jeff Bohnhoff 12 / Unrestrained as the Wind Be unrestrained as the wind, while carrying the Message of Him Who hath caused the Dawn of Divine Guidance to break. Consider, how the wind, faithful to that which God hath ordained, bloweth upon all the regions of the earth, be they inhabited or desolate. Neither the sight of desolation, nor the evidences of prosperity, can either pain or please it. It bloweth in every direction, as bidden by its Creator. So should be every one that claimeth to be a lover of the one true God. It behooveth him to fix his gaze upon the fundamentals of His Faith, and to labor diligently for its propagation. Wholly for the sake of God he should proclaim His Message, and with that same spirit accept whatever response his words may evoke in his hearer. He who shall accept and believe, shall receive his reward; and he who shall turn away, shall receive none other than his own punishment. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Nelson LeDuc arrangement: Jamie Findlay vocals: Just Kat guitar: Jamie Findlay fretless bass: Kelly Snook 13 / God's Purpose God’s purpose in sending His Prophets unto men is twofold. The first is to liberate the children of men from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquility of mankind, and provide all the means by which they can be established. words: Bahá'u'lláh music: Jeff Bohnhoff vocals: Maya Bohnhoff saxophone: Roger Hogan synthesizer: Jeff Bohnhoff 14 / The Knowledge of Him The knowledge of Him, Who is the Origin of all things, and attainment unto Him, are impossible save through knowledge of, and attainment unto, these luminous Beings who proceed from the Sun of Truth. Unlock the gates of true understanding and let the light of faith shine resplendent. words: Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá music: Elika Mahony vocals: Elika Mahony piano: Elika Mahony guitar: Jarome Matthew programming, synthesizer: Jarome Matthew 15 / Be Anxiously Concerned Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements. words: Bahau’llah music: Kerry Dean arrangement: Jeff Bohnhoff vocals: Maya and Jeff Bohnhoff oboe: Kelly Snook synthesizer/programming: Jeff Bohnhoff 16 / A New Life A new life is, in this age, stirring within all the peoples of the earth; and yet none hath discovered its cause or perceived its motive. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Larry Magee arrangement: Jeff Bohnhoff vocals: Larry Magee backup vocals: Maya Bohnhoff guitar: Jeff Bohnhoff bass: Jeff Bohnhoff organ: Jeff Bohnhoff piano: Jeff Bohnhoff drums: Jeff Bohnhoff 17 / Unity of Mankind The progress of the world, the development of nations, the tranquility of peoples, and the peace of all who dwell on earth are among the principles and ordinances of God. The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Jason Cohen and Jarome Matthew vocals: Jason Cohen guitar: Jason Cohen bass: Jarome Matthew keyboards: Jarome Matthew drums: Jarome Matthew 18 / Tabernacle of Unity Religion is verily the chief instrument for the establishment of order in the world and of tranquility amongst its peoples. The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Jason Cohen and Jarome Matthew vocals: Jason Cohen guitar: Jason Cohen bass: Jarome Matthew keyboards: Jarome Matthew drums: Jarome Matthew 19 / Equality Women and men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God. Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. words: Bahá’u’lláh music: Gustaff Besungu vocals: Gustaff Besungu percussion: Gustaff Besungu vocal percussion: Gustaff Besungu 20 / No Doubt (instrumental reprise of the middle section of “Plane of Sacrifice”) music: Steve Smith mountain dulcimer: Steve Smith If you want to learn more about the texts featured in this album, you can read about the Bahá’í Faith at www.bahai.org and www.bahai.us, or call 1-800-22-UNITE in the US. Please visit The Workshop for the Arts for more information about this project and links to websites/contact information of the contributing artists. THANKS… Araceli Jackson, in Katharine’s Ruhi Book 1 study circle, remarked, “What I would really like is a CD of songs from a lot of different artists and musical styles, to help me to memorize the quotations…” and thus, this project was conceived! Julie Rosser was part of the team that started this project—before she deserted us for China. Brooke Hart provided enthusiastic and dedicated organizational assistance during the early phases of this project, and Kim Bowers shared wise and loving guidance and support throughout the process. Cindy Firooz designed and set up the project’s original website. If the Bahá’í Faith had saints, the three producers, Kelly, Jeff, and Jarome, would certainly be sainted for the hours and hours of tireless work they put into recording, mixing, editing, coordinating, and telephone conferences. (“Aaugh! We’re going through the X-ray machine in the airport!”) “Righteousness” was a big production—Dissonance Resolved Records (www.dissonanceresolved.com) made it happen and helped to defray the production costs. BIG hearty thanks to all of the artists and composers for donating their time and talents to this project. We offer our humble gratitude to everyone who prayed for the CD’s successful completion. And…praise be to Bahá’u’lláh for giving us a reason to do this project in the first place, and all the material and spiritual tools we needed to complete it! Tracks 1, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 16 produced by Jeff Bohnhoff at Mystic Fig Studios, San Jose, CA www.mysticfig.com Tracks 2, 9, 14, and 17-19 produced by Jarome Matthew at PSD Sound Labs, Vancouver, Canada Tracks 3-5, 7, 12, 19 and 20 produced by Kelly Snook at It’s Not Rocket Science Studios, Washington, DC www.itsnotrocketsciencestudios.com Track 6 produced by Katharine Day and Dissonance Resolved Records, Boston, MA www.dissonanceresolved.com, with recording engineer John Weston and mixing engineer David Moulton Executive Producer: Katharine Kripke Cover art: Walter Wagner © Copyright 2006 by The Workshop for the Arts, 1301 Coryell Street, League City, TX 77573. All rights reserved. The Workshop for the Arts www.workshopforthearts.com “Promoting the Unity of Mankind Through the Arts and Media.”