Sheet music and backing tracks for this entire collection may be purchased from Tropical Shores Productions at TropicalShores.net.
Direct Link: www.tropicalshores.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PAB%2Djoyfulnoise

These non-commercial demos were created specifically to give performers a chance to hear the product prior to purchasing the publication.

On June 22, 2019, lightning struck during a performance and my body was lifted off the ground. Jolted literally and figuratively, I stood up and attempted to play the rest of the event. I was thankful to be alive. My body hurt, and I could feel the residual electricity racing through my muscles and causing me to shudder. The doctor explained that the shock caused separations in my neural pathways, but they should return over time. After years of playing full performances from memory, it frustrated me to feel lost in the middle of tunes I had written and performed hundreds of times. Thankfully, I could still read music. Several months later, a childhood friend encouraged me to commit Bible verses to memory. After the first week or two, it was evident that I still had mental blocks. I realized that all of the verses I could recall came from songs, so I started putting scripture to melody. The next week, I was on point with our scripture memorization project. I bought SongsOfScripture.org, and a new creative project was born.

Among other things, the text from these verses discusses service as an act of worship to God, and discerning God’s will. Looking back, I can see little bits and pieces lining up over the years to open the door to the Songs of Scripture project. This may be the first time that I feel completely in alignment with God’s plan and purpose for my career. I can’t begin to describe how impactful the memorization has become in day-to-day situations, in encouraging a brother, or by internalizing a message that hits on one of the verses I’ve learned through music.

The Songs of Scripture project marks my first attempt to set music to pre-existing text. While the music in my mind tends to lean in a specific melodic, harmony, or rhythmic direction, being bound to specific text and syllables within a verbal phrase often sets new stipulations that control musical phrases. I celebrate the slight sonic obscurities that flowed from this project because they break the mold of expected musical trends we may consider “normal” or “in-the-box,” creating choices that derive from both art and necessity. Overall, they spill praises from my soul – celebrating my musical gifts and passion, as well as the God who granted them.

Furthermore, though the songs were written to accompany a word-for-word translation of scripture, the text is officially copyrighted, and may not be released for commercial use with backing tracks. Fortunately, God doesn’t rely on the English language for praise, and the instrumental version of these songs still bring Him glory. Thus, we’re simply making a “Joyful Noise” as instructed time and time again in the Psalms. I honestly think they’re beautiful and energetic melodies that can portray the content that inspired them. I’d like to think the dozens of musical references in the Bible – Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and New Testament alike - are being answered by this collection!