Dave Mincy

Paul Keew is a youngster (compared to me anyway :-/) who is writing some nice music. My first time meeting Paul was while I was working on my vocal album, Just As I Am. I needed some back up singers for several numbers and Paul ended up being one of them. Paul is a consummate musician, and not only sang on a number of my songs, but also became the de facto director for the back up ensemble. But I digress…
As I said, Paul is writing some excellent music and I especially like some of his congregational hymns.  He currently allows his music to be downloaded, listened to, and printed without charge.  I would encourage you to visit his website, watchsong, and would recommend the song Born Again in particular. Thanks, Paul, for some strong new music. Keep up the good work!

I really appreciate James Koerts as a composer and have used a number of his pieces with my church choir in the past two years.  For those that might not be aware, he is also a fine pianist (put out a piano and orchestra CD in 2009 called Wondrous Love).  While I was catching up on his blog this past weekend, I was pleased to notice that he has four (and counting) free piano arrangements available.  He had sent me a “Joy to the World” arrangement before Christmas, and was kind enough to ask for my opinion and feedback.  That piece, plus three others, are now available on his site.  I’ve printed and played through all of them and my personal favorite is his latest–Come Thou Fount.  Beware, while these arrangements are not incredibly hard note-wise, there are some tricky (but really nice) rhythmic spots in them. Thanks, James, for the nice pieces! I’ll be playing Come Thou Fount soon!

In the spring of last year, I decided to try my hand at writing a “true hymn”…by that, I mean something more vertical, something singable by the average congregation member, and–in the tradition of many of our classic hymns–something Trinitarian. The result was a hymn called Gracious Father. I also decided to write an SATB arrangement (with flute/violin and piano) as a token of my appreciation for my wonderful choir at Community Baptist Church and felt that perhaps it would “feel” more authentic if it were published through a traditional publisher (instead of as a download, like I do most of my music). So, I was pleased when SoundForth decided to publish it. It has just been released as of the 1st. Hope it might be useful for some other choirs out there. You can listen/buy it here. The words are below.

Gracious Father
©2009 by Dave Mincy

Gracious Father, You have shown us love without condition;
Sending down Your Son to suffer, offering redemption.
Help us love without condition, loving others with Your love;
Love unchanging and unending, love descending from above.

Patient Savior, You have taught us by Your own example
Selfless living, joyful giving, love that’s sacrificial.
Help us then be truly patient, giving as we have received
Daily mercies for our failings, grace to help in time of need.

(Bridge)
Humbly now we offer all we are anew,
Lifting up our voices full of praise to You.

Guiding Spirit, You have measured comfort and conviction;
Aiding us in tribulation, heaven’s Benediction.
Help us then be strong to witness so that all may clearly see,
Christ alone, our Hope of Glory, now, and for eternity.

This is a new song I have just written.  On a scale of 1 to 10…with 10 being a song I consider completely done, I would rank this song a 7…feel like it may still need some “tweaking”.  Would love to hear your feedback.  I don’t have the lead sheet done yet, but you can download the words here.

I wrote this song for my wife and it is the title track of the album on which I am currently working. I have finished 6 of the ten planned tracks, and they are available for download *here. (tracks are 99 cents, or all 6 are $5) This track is one of two vocal tracks…the other four are piano only (and the four I have left to record will be piano only, too)…enjoy!