Shout for Joy
Background
“Shout for Joy” was conceived in a traditional hymn-form consisting of 3 verses, from Psalm 100, each using the same melody and chord sequence. The tune is simple, energetic, and joyful, befitting a “call to worship” as people gather to lift their voices in praise to the Lord.
Considering its traditional construct, I viewed “Shout for Joy” mainly as a piano-accompanied song and was eager to engage my friend and musical colleague, Rick Drake, who has appeared on many of my recordings. Rick is a highly skilled keyboardist, teacher, director, composer, and arranger. He received his Master’s in Piano Performance at Ithaca College in 1988. Rick and I served together in the music ministry of Covenant Love Community Church (near Ithaca, NY) in the 1980’s and ‘90’s, until the time he and his family relocated to his native Minnesota. In 2016, when I began recording my worship songs at home in Ithaca, I was delighted to learn that Rick was able to send me his recorded musical contributions, via the internet, to be included in my recordings. What a wonderful blessing he continues to be to me.
Early in the recording process, I wrote the “bridge” to introduce a new melodic line with harmonies adding variety and interest to the song. I chose the beginning verses of Psalm 105 for the bridge, as Psalm 100 was already well used. (The “bridge” follows verse 3.)
“Shout For Joy” begins with a lovely piano Prelude, derived from the melody in the bridge. It was arranged, and performed by Rick who added lush, synthesized strings for great effect. As the first act of worship, the Prelude is unhurried and introspective, inviting worshipers to gather and to transition from their busy lives into a sacred place of communion with God and with each other.
Join with Rick and me as we play, sing and Shout for Joy to the Lord!
Credits
Song copyright © 2000, John C. Miner, TreasureField Music
Recorded in 2023, Ithaca and Minneapolis
Mixed by John Miner
Mastered and produced by Doug Robinson
Piano – Rick Drake
Synthesized Strings – Rick Drake
Guitar – John Miner
Drum programming – John Miner
Vocals – John Miner
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John Miner