I’ve been debating with myself over what song to share next. As I see it there are many ways I could go about this. I could go chronologically, sharing my early songs from The Lost Sheep days, through the Background Noise stuff, into the early Cor Sanctum songs and my solo endeavors. Or, I could focus on the songs I consider my best. Or I could share the favorites of certian friends, fans, and family. Or I could just go from project to project at random… Decisions, decisions.
Ultimately I’m trying to gear up to starting some new recording projects. But, as I’ve said, I can’t seem to shore up any enthusiasm. I know I should be doing it all for God’s honor and glory, but I’ve put a LOT of time, effort, treasure, energy, and sacrifice into the music over the years. and gotten nowhere really. I have 9 CDs available on Amazon, (God bless you, Rick! You’re a better friend than I deserve.) none of which are selling enough to pay for the service. There are 5 videos of the band on YouTube that nobody is watching. I have 8 more CDs of varying quality available on request that no one is requesting. I have enough songs for easily over a dozen more CDs… good songs, I think, on a variety of topics in a variety of styles, that I fear no one is interested in hearing. My frustration level is a bit high. But you’re not here (if in fact anyone is here) to read about poor, poor me… are you.
In 1999 I was approached by the then US national moderator of the Pro Sanctity Movement to take the prayers and writings of the founder, Bishop Guglielmo Giaquinta, and adapt some for music. I did the best I could and everyone seemed pleased with the efforts. I joined with some of my most musical of friends and Cor Sanctum was born. We created Make Us Saints.It was a lot of fun and, for a first effort, pretty good, I think… for the limitted time and money we had available at the time to put in on it. With Joy McCurley, Jen Gaddie, Gregg Gaddie, and myself, plus Joan Kash, Colleen Steinhauser, David Steinhauser and Sue Miller, we recorded it at Tesco Studios here in Omaha.
I don’t listen to the CD all that often. I like to think I’ve grown and improved in composing, performing and recording since then… I do, however, sing some of the songs pretty often. This one, Tell Me, My Lord, is the first of the good Bishops prayers I adapted for music. It was very easy… I read the prayer, played three chords and the song was just there.
Hard to believe it was 12 years ago… In many ways this is the prayer of my heart. I don’t feel the Lord’s grace and most of the time I cannot see Him in my life. I believe He’s there and I’m not looking for people to point Him out for me. I do believe and I try to live according to that belief. However…
TELL ME, MY LORD
(Words – Bishop Guglielmo (William) Giaquinta, Music – Stephen M. Tefft)
1) Tell me, my Lord, that you love me.
Speak to my heart once again.
Cry out to me ever stronger.
I am breathless when faced with Your love.
Chorus: Give me a heart that is burning.
Make mine a voice that shouts love,
Ceaseless in telling all others,
How much You love me, my Lord,
How much You love us, dear Lord.
2) Lord, I have nothing to offer.
To You I bind myself forever
You hear the Psalm of my heart, Lord:
“O, to live only for love.”
3) It is true I am nothing in Your sight;
I have neither strength nor voice.
But when You let Your gaze fall upon me
I bloom beneath Your grace and love.
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Wanted to see if I could do this consistantly. I’ve written a lot of songs, many of which I consider worthy of attention. (a totally unbiased opinion, of course) However, lately, I’ve lost enthusiasm for the music. My last project,The Cenacle, which I was and am still very enthusiastic about, didn’t generate as much interest as I’d hoped and, to be honest, anticipated. It was very dis-heartening. Makes me wonder if I’m doing the right thing with the music. Perhaps my time and energy, talent and treasure, would be better spent elsewhere.
I’m supposed to be working on a new CD project, well, more than one CD, actually. But I cannot seem to generate any enthusiasm for it, as the last one seems to be an abject failure. So, to try something a bit different, I will be sharing songs and reflections on the same, in the hopes that I might find… something to rekindle my imagination and the joy that I believe still lurks somewhere in my heart.
Thus:
This song, now over 15 years old, still seems to be a favorite, especially of my mom. (thanks, Mom!) I think it a very good song, one of my better ones and I enjoy performing it. The version above was recorded by Richard Schultz and performed by my first band, The Lost Sheep. James Seberger (now Doctor Seberger) is heard on the first verse and on the saxophone. David Steinhauser has the last verse and melody on the chorus. I am on guitar, the second verse and harmony on the chorus. As I recall, this was a first take recording. We couldn’t afford recording time and almost ran out of tape at the end, causing Richard and my sister, Jen (who was there as moral support) to burst out laughing at the end of the song.
I recorded the song again for my first studio solo CD, My Mind’s Eye.
I find it interesting how a song evolves over time. It’s still basically the same melody and harmony, yet it seems more to me. I didn’t have a sax player this time so I did the solos on guitar. And as much as I like the sax on the first version, I think the guitar part I played just fits better. I wonder what that part might sound like on the sax…
Not really very deep or even interesting but for a first try it’s sufficient. If you might be interested in the music, please drop me a line, let me know what, if anything, touches you and what your favorites of my stuff might be.
Stephen
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Simon and Billy have a been an amazing source of inspiration for us.
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Today’s concert featured 23 songs, only eleven of which have been previously recorded. That is part of the charm of Live Music — with over 1000 songs to choose from, it is the only place to hear the latest and greatest.
Bear Creek Coffee has offered us not only the opportunity to share the music, but the establishment has also offered us the opportunity to record a live album. Pick up Stephen M. Tefft: Live This Saturday at Adoremus Books in Omaha, Nebraska or visit their website from our link.
The next concert will be held on January 21st. We hope to see you there!
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Climbing Up the Sledding Hill
It is that time of year again, the time for snowmen, letters to Santa, and coming home for the holidays.
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I am pleased to announce our return to Bear Creek Coffee in Omaha!
September 10, 2011
October 15, 2011
November 5, 2011
December 17, 2011
Bear Creek Coffee is located on 144th and F Streets. Thank you for your support!
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The staff and patrons at Borders have been very generous to us, and we would like to thank them.
THANK YOU!!!
Here are a few tunes from the usual set:
Long Gone (This Is Not A True Story)
Summer Play (Nebraska Shakespeare Sonnet Writing Contest Winner 2010!)
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We have the pleasure of being invited to a local favorite Morning, Noon and Night: Coffee, Tea, Wine and Gifts. Thank you, Dianne, for this opportunity!
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Come jam with us! Listen to the following demos and play along!
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