TCATS #269 - New Recording: Let Us All Press On!

This week (Friday, March 8th), a new recording by the Tabernacle Choir & Orchestra at Temple Square will be available, titled LET US ALL PRESS ON. The whole Choir organization is really excited about this new compilation, and I'd have to say that out of all of the recording projects I've been a part of, this one has been my favorite. Why, you ask? Well, for me, nothing can top the spiritual and uplifting powerful that comes with Christian hymns. 

Some of you reading this might be tempted to think that another CD or streaming playlist of hymns really isn't THAT big of deal, is it? I mean, there are lots and lots of recordings of various hymns --so what really differentiates this new recording from all of the others?

While I can't provide you with a complete answer to that question, I can tell you that a lot of inspiration has gone into this new compilation. It was meant to be, and it was meant to come out, now. Our wonderful President Ron Jarrett stood in front of us today, before our rehearsal, and gave us a background story as to how this recording project came about. I won't relate the whole story, but originally, the project was slated to include different songs with a different theme. However, as changes started to take place within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the direction of President Nelson, Pres. Jarrett felt inspired that the recording project include a set of hymns to not only inspire the Church members to "press on" in their faith and devotion to Jesus Christ, but to inspire people throughout the world with "music that will appeal to people of all faiths and traditions." In addition, great thought and care was taken in developing the cover art for this recording. As you can see, the artwork depicts majestic mountains rising above clouds, on the backdrop of a sunrise. As Pres. Jarrett commented on the symbolism of this artwork, my take-away from his comments was that each of us, in going through really hard things in life (climbing our personal mountains), will eventually breakthrough the clouds and the fog and be able to see the light. Our daily, weekly, and lifelong struggles can be overcome as we "all press on" in faith and righteous living. All of the hymns on this recording (which, by the way, includes some of my personal favorites like "Standing on the Promises", "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling", and the included arrangement of "All Creatures of Our God and King") are designed to help each of us in our uphill climb.

That all said, I'd invite you to give this new recording a chance to impact your life. I promise you that it will. Yes, there's the CD you can purchase, if CDs are your thing. You can stream the album if you're an Apple music subscriber or an Amazon music subscriber. And I'm hoping it'll be added to Spotify, too, so that the younger generation who listens to music via that platform, can also be inspired by these hymns. 

I'm grateful for music that inspires, uplifts, and keeps us all going in the right direction. And I'm grateful for music that helps each of us feel God's love and approval as we continue our uphill climb. 

The music on this recording can do just that. And probably more.

Until next time, God be with you.