Originally recorded in 1979 by Bill Hallam of the Rhyme Cellar, this new album recasts the purity and simplicity of that creative period in a vibrant setting of orchestral subtlety and richness by Paul Avgerinos of Studio Unicorn.
This album is marked by a stunning clarity seldom heard in contemporary recordings that are often technically over-worked. But here, in one chapel, with one microphone, in one take, Deignan's one voice, in harmony with Evelyn Avoglia and percussionist Gina Sader-Rubenstein, conspires to create one simple, elegant psalter of devotion. This recording is dedicated to her mentor and muse, Carolyn Brown-Senier.
Over the decades during which these songs were written, our awareness has grown that customary God-language can come limit the faith and vision of believers. If this is the case with any of the words used to name or image God in songs, we encourage you to adapt them.
Magnificat, magnificat, anima mea dominum.
And my spirit exults in God, my Savior.
And from this day the earth shall call me blessed.
Alleluia! Holy is his name.
In search of those who seek his love.
By confusing the proud in their own hearts.
And has lifted up the little ones.
But the rich are sent away with empty hands.
His servant on whom he has mercy.
Through Abraham, a pledge of mercy.
The Father, the Spirit, and the Word!
(Alleluia) Praise the Lord, our God.
Innocence will live to see you.
Happiness will be your bounty.
Give us the grace of your presence.
Find you and win us a blessing.
So we may praise your great mercy.
Blest be your name now and ever.
All God does is done faithfully.
And with these God would fill the earth.
God is the molder of every heart.
For the ones who need God's love.
God rescues our souls from every death.
Give thanks to God on the lyre.
Sing now a new song for God's praise.
My spirit finds joy in God my savior.
Given to those who revere you.
Confusing the proud in heir own hearts.
You have cast down the mighty from their thrones.
You have exalted the lowly.
The rich sent away with empty hands.
Bring us to the wedding feast in your kingdom.
How to walk with you faithfully.
Make me single- hearted in loving your name.
Listen to my song, O my God, hear my prayer.
You alone, O God, do I praise all my life.
You are my joy. To you I lift my soul.
Merciful and kind, tender- hearted and loving too.
Give me your strength, so to deep praising you.
For the night is come, Maranatha.
And make us rise with the morning light.
And we may wake unto your praise.
That we may behold you're amazing grace.
Be the star of the new Zion.
The Father, the Spirit, and the Word.
There will be no more weeping in God's new world.
Ev'ry tear will be wiped from our eyes.
And God's angels shall harvest in the treasure.
Are becoming the New World within.
Shall become the joy of eternity.
And the new world is at hand.
And burst forth into flower.
Let the gardens of the desert sing for joy.
And stoops to gather up the broken-hearted.
And the lame shall leap and dance like the deer.
And the rivers flow to quench the thirsty land.
To the anxious say: be strong, have no fear.
I must grow less; he must grow more.
I come only to prepare his holy way.
The kingdom, his kingdom is right at hand.
From your sins and fear.
They come to Zion shouting for joy!
Sorrow and weeping are over.
The Lord is gathering a people.
The Lord consoles the afflicted.
Music sounds from her ruins.
We have been born of God's love.
On his hands is carved our name.
Each bare height is our pasture.
The one who loves us is leading us.
Look to know his strength, seek to serve Him.
O hearts that seek the Lord.
Whose judgments pervade all the earth.
Whose covenant is meant for all time.
Who leads forth all people in song.
You guide them in all your commands.
In these we find our delight.