Hillsdale UCC asked Julie, a member of CtH, if she was willing to perform a porch concert at Hillsdale UCC for a community event in September. The concert would have to happen within 3 months which is a short time frame without even any defined materials. A big idea emerged.
Julie had recently formed the A.R.T.S Group at CtH – a collective of musicians, artists, writers, healing arts and movement teachers, and more. Together, we joined in an experiment to take an old hymn from the CtH Book of Words and modernize it. Together, we transformed the song “Breath on Me Breath of God” to Breath on me Great Mystery.” It became clear there were talented musician and vocalists in the mix. Pianist and Vocalist, Ari Meadows, and Vocalist & Cajon Player, Jill Crisci were passionate about music and agreed to join Julie in this quick-turn endeavor.
The three met week after week to present new music to each other – mostly originals and a couple of personal favorites, to see what would emerge. They worked diligently to synthesize their voices and instruments and time passed quickly. Particularly since Covid had struck, they were presented with new challenges.
It was exciting to share unfinished instrumentals with Heather and Ari. Particularly, one that I wrote when I was 18. Ari and Jill both heard lyrics and vocals and together with two of them. I always knew they were intended to be performed with others, and then the magic happened. Were they ready enough to present to the world? We doubted it at first, but we did it. – Julie Gorham
It was quite a collaboration in such a short time, and I’m deeply grateful for Jill and Ari’s participation, especially in light of schedule demands. We learned a lot, laughed a lot, and made quite a few mistakes at the live concert… but nobody noticed, only us. I look forward to a time we can get back together and pick up where we left off, and maybe even with more collaboration. Special thanks to Mark Mcreevey for his help with amps and mics. What a fun learning experience!
- Ari opened with Poem – Venus by Tuesday – The impetus for the formation of The Climate Cafe
- Free Yourself – Instrumental on guitar, drums & keys
- Waterfall – Instrumental on guitar, drum & keys
- Holy Holy Holy – Sung by Jill, accompanied by guitar & keys
- Hello – Sung by Jill, accompanied by guitar
- Say My Name – Sung by Jill, accompanied by guitar
- When We Walk Together – accompanied by guitar, keys and drum
- Come By the Hills – Sung by Heather, accompanied by guitar & drum
- The Subtle Chase – Sung by Heather accompanied by guitar & drum
- Rainbow Connection – Sung by Jill, accompanied by guitar
- Mama Tree – Piano by Heather
- Music Box Dancer – Piano by Heather
- Venus By Tuesday – Poem by Heather
- Breathe on Me – Sung by all with guitar and piano
