Blog January 4th Mustard Seed Songs – Looking back on 2023.

I thought it would be nice to look back over the last year (and some of the year before that) and remember some of the things Mustard Seed Songs did.

The sequel to “Risen! The Musical”, “Theophilus -The Musical”, began with a story board of recordings and this week I want to share four clips featuring two top West End performers (hence “unlisted” and not “public” on YouTube)

Theophilus -The Musical “You are the Shepherd of my Soul” performed by Peter (youtube.com)

Theophilus -The Musical ” I Was Sleeping In A Prison Cell” performed by Peter (youtube.com)

Theophilus The Musical “He is the Image of the Invisible God” – performed by Paul (youtube.com)

Theophilus The Musical “Nothing Can Separate Us From Christ’s Love” Performed by Paul (youtube.com)

Next week I will share the Theophilus- The Musical Staged Concert

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Blog January 4th You are a Wonder.


The Fire of Sacrifice featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album Precious recorded and produced by Ross Gill

I thought it would be nice to start the new year with a positive thought and I am, therefore sharing something I recently read in “Word for Today.”
Despite your aches and pains, you are a living, breathing, walking, talking wonder. The psalmist said, ‘You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made’ (vv. 13-14 NIV).
One author explains: ‘Most of us take our eyesight for granted, but even the simplest of processes is divinely complex. The retina, for example, conducts close to ten billion calculations every second, and that is before an image even travels through the optic nerve to the visual cortex. The human nose can detect one-millionth of one milligram of garlic floating in the air and distinguish among ten thousand distinct odours. The hairs blanketing your body magnify the sensation of touch so that you can discern a thousandth of an ounce of pressure on the tip of a half-inch hair. Amazing, isn’t it?’
Trillions of chemical reactions are taking place in every cell of your body every second. You are inhaling oxygen, metabolising energy, digesting food, maintaining equilibrium, purifying toxins, producing hormones, exhaling carbon dioxide, repairing tissues, and circulating blood. As you read this, millions of electrical impulses are firing across billions of synaptic pathways, and you don’t even think about it.
But you should, and you should praise God for the gift of life and the multitude of His blessings you enjoy. And you should do one more all-important thing: discover your life’s purpose and dedicate yourself to fulfilling it. It has been said the two most important days in a person’s life are the day they’re born and the day they discover why they were born. Think about it!

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Wishing you all a most blessed 2024
Mustard Seed Songs

Blog December 28th The Little Drummer Boy

 

I have been sending e- cards this Christmas. They have featured the Bath Abbey Choir singing “The Little Drummer Boy”. One reason why I chose this song is because the Rev. Stephen Girling is a Minister at Bath Abbey and he was formerly the Vicar at Holy Rood Church, Stubbington where he conducted the wedding of Caroline and myself. Stephen is also the father of Joffy, the Mustard Seed Songs’ Musical Director.

One of my favourite versions of the song is by Pentatonix which so far has had 294 million YouTube views:

(190) [Official Video] Little Drummer Boy – Pentatonix – YouTube

Back in 2020 I also shared this heart- warming version by a group called “Gentri” which has 167 million views.

“Little Drummer Boy” (Official Music Video) | GENTRI (youtube.com)

And then recently I found this version by King and Country with 1.5 million views which is especially brilliant if you love drumming!

for KING & COUNTRY Little Drummer Boy Live from CMA Country Christmas (youtube.com)

Listening also reminded me of the song’s history. In the lyrics, the singer relates how, as a poor young boy, he was summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. Without a gift for the Infant, the little drummer boy played his drum with approval from Jesus’s mother, Mary, recalling, “I played my best for him” and “He smiled at me”.

I discovered the “Little Drummer Boy” was originally titled “Carol of the Drums” because of the repeating line “pa rum pum pum pum,” which imitates the sound of a drum. The song lyrics are said to be based on an old Czech carol.

It’s not certain who wrote the song although most believe it to be Katherine K. Davis in 1941. However, according to some reports, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone penned the lyrics to the song. It was recorded for Decca as “Carol of the Drum” by the Trapp Family Singers in 1951 and credited to Davis.

The song has been covered over 220 times and in 7 different languages. Artists who have recorded it include Johnny Cash, Johnny Mathis, David Bowie and Bing Crosby, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Beiber and Susan Boyle.

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Blog December 21st Shane MacGowan Part Two

And to carry on from last week’s blog featuring Shane MacGowan (the lead singer of “The Pogues” and co- writer of “Fairytale of New York”)

But it wasn’t just Catholicism that resonated with MacGowan.

In A Drink with Shane MacGowan (Pan Books), presented as a conversation between him and his wife, Victoria Clarke, a more syncretistic spirituality emerges. He talks about praying to Buddha as well as God, and even suggests that Jesus’ resurrection was a result of him visiting “the East” and developing Taoist powers.

Clearly, MacGowan’s faith is difficult to pin down, echoing that of his good friend, Nick Cave, who has in recent years returned to church, but stops short of calling himself a Christian. How fascinating it would’ve been to listen in to some of their conversations about faith!

Nonetheless, it seems that Christianity was an important feature of MacGowan’s life – one that he perhaps held onto more dearly in later years. In an Instagram post announcing her husband’s death, Clarke said Shane “has gone to be with Jesus and Mary and his beautiful mother Therese.” At his funeral, held at St Mary of the Rosary Church, Tipperary, Fr Pat Gilbert said MacGowan “had great faith” and received Holy Communion at the church regularly. U2’s Bono, a fellow Irish rockstar and Christian, read from 1 Corinthians 13. Jonny Depp and Bob Geldoff said prayers.

Last year, MacGowan gave an intriguing interview to The Guardian (the singer’s first interview with a British newspaper in a decade). In the article, journalist Simon Hattenstone reported how religious icons were “crammed” onto MacGowan’s mantelpiece, and the photoshoot shows the musician sporting a huge crucifix.

During their conversation, MacGowan revealed that he and his wife no longer receive many visitors, but a talkative priest comes regularly. The singer admitted losing his faith “a few times” over the years “but never for long”. He refused to elaborate further, but the following night, Hattenstone received a phone call from MacGowan. “I just wanted to know if you have faith,” said the singer. After offering a response, Hattenstone returned the question. “No, I just wanted to know about you,” said MacGowan. “God bless.” The line went dead.

It speaks to the enigma of MacGowan, while shedding further light on a faith that seemed to have depth but was not without doubt and struggle. “I’m very, very aware that there but for the grace of God go I,” he once said.

For him and for ourselves, we can only say: “Amen”.

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A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

MUSTARD SEED SONGS

 

Blog December 14th Shane MacGowan Part One

 

Of all the secular “Christmas songs” I have always loved “Fairy Tale of New York” co – written by Shane MacGowan, the lead singer of the band The Pogues. Shane died last month and I was interested to read about his faith in an article written by Tim Bechervaise in the Premier Magazine. It is a fairly long article and so I have divided it into two parts. Next week’s blog will feature the Pogues version of “Fairytale” but this week I am going to feature two Irish buskers, 18-year-old Allie Sherlock and 13 year old Fionn Whelan. singing in the streets of Cork.

Did you know that Shane MacGowan was born on Christmas Day? I didn’t – until his death last month. How apt for a man whose band, The Pogues were responsible for ‘Fairytale of New York’, one of the all-time great festive songs.

It’s one of the many notable soundbites to emerge as tributes poured in for a man whose music and life resonated with many – as reflected in the thousands who turned out for his funeral last Friday. Another interesting fact is that, for all its popularity, ‘Fairytale of New York’ has never made it to number one – until this year maybe?

But there’s something else nestled away in the many tributes being paid to the Irish music legend, and that’s numerous references to faith – including how, prior to becoming a punk star, he once considered entering the priesthood.

So, to what extent does faith emerge in the life and work of Shane MacGowan?

“I was brought up to be a religious maniac from an early age,” MacGowan once said of his Catholic background. He gathered with his wider family to pray the rosary and his home was decorated with religious icons. He regularly attended Mass, which he described as “one of the most beautiful experiences a human being can be subjected to.”

Despite the rollercoaster ride as one of Ireland’s most famous artists – including drug and drink abuse, with Sinead O’Connor even calling the police in an attempt to get him off heroin – this upbringing never left him. Indeed, it perhaps meant more to him than is universally acknowledged.

“I always loved the stories of the lives of the saints, and I believe in the saints and always have, I pray to them every day and to Jesus and His Holy Mother,” he told The Catholic Herald.

“I don’t take it for granted that I was born on Christmas Day, Christ’s birthday, and I don’t like that people miss the point of Christmas. It’s not about Santa Claus and presents, it’s supposed to be about the teachings of Christ, who is love. Jesus forgives everyone and we need to practise forgiveness as much as we can. And Jesus teaches peace and love and tolerance, which is what we all need.”

These beliefs fed into his work, with biblical imagery a frequent feature of his song lyrics. In ‘The church of the holy spook’, the opening track of his 1994 post-Pogues solo début, The Snake, he howls: “When the sacred blood of the Holy Ghost is boiling in my veins / I think of Jesus on the cross and I scream out for his pain”. They also inspired his artwork, with one of his drawings offering a take on the Last Supper.

Quote of the Week

There is more to life than there appears to be with the five senses.

Shane MacGowen

 

Blog December 7th Risen! The Musical – 2024-Part Three

Restore Us Lord God Almighty featuring Lucy Stimpson-Maynard from the album Where Would I Be Without You? recorded and produced by Ross Gill

So to continue from the blogs of the last two weeks – the focus of Mustard Seed Songs has recently been our work in progress “Theophilus- The Musical” and its spin off “A Journey of Faith”.
However, our second musical – Risen! The Musical is back! In May 2024 we have 5 performances booked at Titchfield Festival Theatre’s, Arden Theatre– a brand new auditorium holding approx. 450.
The Director and Choreographer is Jody Brown with Harry Wells, the Musical Director.
Last week I shared with you the letter of invitation that is going to potential performers- this week it is the list of characters.
Risen! The Musical – Characters
Timeframes refer to the film of Risen! The Musical
Risen! The Musical with subtitles in English – YouTube
• Jesus- gentle, but at the same time strong, and very determined. Example of songs “You Are My Rock” (17 mins – 18 mins 37 secs) “All Authority”. (1 hour 16 mins 20 secs- 1 hour 17 mins 12 secs)
• Mary the Mother of Jesus-– a person of dignity, highly respected- example of songs “Give Them Your Heart Lord” (1 hour 27 mins 52 secs- 1 hour 30 mins 08 secs)
• Mary Magdalene- a devoted follower of Jesus and first to see Him after the resurrection. Example of songs “I Know It’s Not Yet The Start Of The Day”. (32mins 35 secs- 34 mins 35 secs)
• Mary wife of Clopas (some believe her to be the wife of Cleopas) – a follower of Jesus – needs a “belt voice” for lead on “Jesus Is My Lord”. (58 mins 21 secs- 1 hour 01 mins 26 secs)
• and call backs on “Risen!” (1 hour 38 mins 14 secs- I hour 41 mins 40 secs)
• Mary sister of Martha and Lazarus- devoted follower of Jesus – sings “My Beloved King”. (1 min 53 secs- 4 mins 38 secs)
• Martha sister of Mary and Lazarus- another devoted follower of Jesus (Jesus often stayed at Martha and her sister Mary’s house in Bethany) sings some solo verses on, for example “Give Thanks To The Lord” (46 mins 36 secs- 49 mins 15 secs)
• John- narrator, youngest of the disciples and writer of the 4th Gospel – example of recitative “So Mary Was The First” (39 mins 23 secs-40 mins 30 secs) Example of song “Your Merciful Love” (1 hour 24 mins 28 secs- 1 hour 26 mins 40 secs)
• Peter- disciple who later becomes their leader- sings “How Can I Love You More”? (1 hour 13 mins 49 secs- 1 hour 15 mins 35 secs)
• James- a disciple who was brother of John and described by Jesus as “a son of thunder” sings “Judas I Don’t Understand” (20 mins 42 secs – 23 mins 35 secs)
• Thomas- disciple, unfairly dubbed “Daunting Thomas” but is, in fact a loyal friend of Jesus. Example of songs “You Are My Lord” (1 hour 02 mins 39 secs-1 hour 03 mins 47 secs)
• Matthew- disciple and writer of the first Gospel- starts “How Great Are His Signs”. (55 mins 45 secs- 56 mins 22 secs)
• Judas- one of the 12 disciples – he betrayed Jesus –Example of songs “I Have Betrayed An Innocent Man”. (23 min 41 secs – 25 mins 35 secs)
• Cleopas and also the disciple Philip– as Cleopas in semi- humorous scene with his friend- sings “Cleopas Come On”. (40 mins 33 secs- 42 mins 58 secs)
• Cleopas’ friend and also the disciple Andrew (brother of Peter) – in semi- humorous scene with Cleopas- sings “Cleopas Come On”. (40 mins 33 secs- 42 mins 58 secs))
• Ensemble
• Simon the Zealot (disciple)
• Nathaniel (disciple) aka Bartholomew
• James, son of Alphaeus-(disciple) aka James the Younger
• Thaddeous (disciple) aka Jude

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Blog November 30th Risen! The Musical – 2024-Part Two

Risen! featuring the Original Cast from the album “Risen! The Musical” recorded and produced by Joffy Girling/Joffy James

So just to continue from last week – the focus of Mustard Seed Songs has recently been our work in progress “Theophilus- The Musical” and its spin off “A Journey of Faith”.
However, our second musical – Risen! The Musical is back! In May 2024 we have 5 performances booked at Titchfield Festival Theatre’s, Arden Theatre– a brand new auditorium holding approx. 450.
The Director and Choreographer is Jody Brown with Harry Wells, the Musical Director.
Last week I shared with you the promo and today it is the letter of invitation that is going to potential performers- so if you fancy “treading the boards” please read the below and get in touch!

Hello,
It is my pleasure to invite you to the Show Launch of “Risen! The Musical” at Holy Rood Church Centre, Stubbington PO14 2AS on Thursday, December 14th at 7.00 pm.
Risen! The Musical is an original “sung through musical” produced by the charity Mustard Seed Songs and will be performed at the new Arden Theatre of Titchfield Festival Theatre PO14 4BG, from Wednesday, May, 1st to Saturday, May 4th.
The Director and Choreographer is Jody Brown and Musical Director, Harry Wells.
Auditions will take place during the first week of January 2024. Rehearsals will immediately follow twice weekly in Stubbington and/or Portsmouth.
The “Risen! The Musical” storyline begins just before Palm Sunday and, unlike Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell, finishes not on Good Friday or Easter Sunday, but 40 days later. We believe this production to be unique and attractive to people of all ages and persuasions.
An earlier production was filmed at Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal and featured “The London Touring Cast” – alumni and students from the London College of Music, Ealing, London. The Arden Theatre production will be similar, but not identical to the filmed version with, for example the cast not necessarily required to dance.
Here is a short promo taken from the film: https://youtu.be/NP5jJIwzBhw
The full film can be seen here: Risen! The Musical with subtitles in English – YouTube
Attached is a list of the characters, playing ages, voice and song examples using time references from the film.
If you would like to attend the Show Launch, please email your details to ken@risenthemusical.com and I will add you to the attendees list.
With very best wishes
Ken Shearsmith
Founder Mustard Seed Songs (registered charity no 1077618)

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Blog November 23rd Risen! The Musical – 2024

The focus of Mustard Seed Songs has recently been our work in progress “Theophilus- The Musical” and its spin off “A Journey of Faith”.
So, what happened to Risen! The Musical you may well ask – well its back! In May 2024 we have 5 performances booked at Titchfield Festival Theatre’s, Arden Theatre– a brand new auditorium holding approx. 450.
The Director and Choreographer is Jody Brown with Harry Wells, the Musical Director.
Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing the details, but let’s kick off with the promo which is featured today.

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Blog November 9th Gaza

There is very little I can say about the conflict in Gaza and Israel- the horrific images on our tv screens says it all.

The featured video was meant for Ukraine, but I trust it to be just as relevant for the Palestinian and Israeli people.

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Jesus Christ