Thank you for taking the time to listen and purchase this CD. The CD begins with jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold playing, I AM THINE, O LORD. His masterful control of the lower register, at the beginning, builds to "Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord," where he ends two octaves higher than where he started. Truly great music for just thanking God. "IT IS WELL" is an orchestral arrangement of this great hymn of the church that is a favorite song of my uncle "June" (Robert Reddick, Jr.) to whom it is dedicated. The words offer a calm assurance that if you have God in your life, you will be able to say, "It is well with my soul" when faced with challenging situations. Coloratura Soprano, Arietha Lockhart is kind, humble and a truly gifted singer. I am honored that she took the time from her busy schedule, touring worldwide and performing with major orchestras, to sing my composition, "STAND." This song comes from Psalm 46. Today, there are many experiencing "mountains shaking and being carried into the midst of the sea" in their lives. But, in the midst of it all, the small, still voice can still be heard saying, "Be still and know that I am God." A contrapuntal style is utilized to interpret the hymns. Listen closely to the piano and you will hear many melodies interacting with each other as they blend with the primary melodic line. A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE is a lined hymn that is mostly sung a cappella. I have seen facial expressions, on both young and old, frowning when lined hymns are sung. This song is one of many that we find in the collection of this rich African American music art form. Deacon Herman Pate was asked to sing this song. The voice heard on this CD was recorded on the telephone. This arrangement begins with the spoken voice, "A charge to keep I have…" as the monophonic singing begins, drums enter, remembering a period in African American history when voices and percussion were all you heard in church. The song adds voices and piano and continues to develop until the last verse is lined, "Oh may it all my pow'rs engage, to do my Master's will." The call and response ends with the addition of orchestral instrumentation.