Notes From Dewey Erney
I first started thinking about recording some sacred music after 1) hearing Dana Seufert play the
piano, and 2) hearing the music of the Ken Medema. Dana's sensitivity, and the musicianship which he brings to his playing, plus the meaningful music and lyrics written by Ken (and his wife Jane) Medema, added up to the kind of combination I favored for my style of singing. Both gentlemen have a "feel" for the rhythms and harmonies of jazz--so that "feel" plus my own leanings in that direction made a connection which absolutely thrilled me. And, singing music which praises and honors our Lord Jesus has made an incredible development in my life as a Christian.
I have been singing most of my life; primarily music from the "The Great American Songbook;" i.e., Gershwin, Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Kern, Mercer, etc., and I've had the privilege of making music with some of the finest jazz musicians there are. I've had six CD's and two vinyl albums released, so I've been truly blessed.
When I discovered that my good friend and recording partner in the secular music world, Gerry Schroeder, was also thoroughly familiar with the Christian music literature, I wanted to include his considerable talents in this recording. Our collaboration produced three "standard" hymns with jazz overtones for this program.
Three of the tunes are played by Ken Medema (the composer of 8 of these songs) through the means of his beautiful accompaniment tapes in his "Songs For The Turning" series.
I have been a member of the choir at the Lakewood First Presbyterian Church of Long Beach for a over twenty years and I'd like to dedicate this recording to all the wonderful people of that congregation.
Special thanks to Dr. Anna De Michele, our current Director of Music Ministry, Dr. Richard Birkemeier, Dean of the Fine Arts Dept. CSULB, Dr. Steven E. Wirth, our Pastor, Rev. Marge McIntosh, Associate Pastor, and especially to our former Director of Music, Larry Hillhouse, Sr., who introduced me to the music of Ken Medema.
A big thank you to my dear friends, George and Ann Seufert.
Notes From Rev. Dr. Steven E. Wirth
Pastor, Lakewood First Presbyterian Church, Long Beach, CA.
When Dewey Erney sings these sacred songs he is not performing, but singing his faith. I first heard Dewey sing most of these songs in our worship services at Lakewood First Presbyterian Church of Long Beach, CA where Dewey and his wife Sandra have been members for 22 years. Dewey sings in our choir every week and is always willing to grace our services with a special musical offering. I have also been moved when Dewey sings these songs as a witness to the resurrection at memorial services. His heart and soul go into each song, so that not only the spirit of the music comes alive, but the spirit of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Dewey's lyrical voice and love for good jazz always attracts wonderful musicians to join him, and this CD is no exception. Gerry and Dana have also brought many gifts of music to our congregation. Dewey's rendering of this collection of sacred songs will be pleasing to any jazz music lover and inspiring to every person of faith. Enjoy!
Notes From Dr. Anna DeMichele
Professor of Music / Conductor, Scripps College, Director of Music, Lakewood First Presbyterian Church
It is said, "he who sings, prays twice." Such is true of Dewey Erney in this magnificent collection of inspirational and spiritually moving songs. Dewey's commitment to the Lord is consistently shown through his unceasing willingness to raise his voice m the glory of God each week in the choir at Lakewood First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach, but these songs and Dewey's heartfelt interpretation go far beyond. His soothing voice and his genuine belief in the lyrics are perfectly married in these songs. Teamed with such fine musicians as Dana Seufert and Gerry Schroeder Dewey's mellifluous tones and his sincere 'praying of the words' gives a feeling of peace, hope and comfort; something often missing in today's hectic society. As someone who has savored all of Dewey's recordings, solos in church and who is privileged to work with him weekly in the choir, I speak with great confidence when I say this is a collection which does not disappoint. Sing praise to the Lord! Amen!
Notes from Ken Medema
Brier Patch Music
"Dewey has chosen a fine selection of my early music that remains the favorites of many long-time Medema fans. He adds his own stylizing to each piece, which makes these selections a memorable listening experience."
