Joel Rosenberger's music is quiet. You would probably fall asleep during his concert. And it's probably not advisable to listen while operating heavy machinery.

Oh yes, and he plays hymns. Constantly. Songs that predate your earliest memory. Your grandmother probably sang these songs in the kitchen. But although Joel performs these hymns in a way that is comfortably familiar, like an old friend, they are still somehow, different.

Because he likes to improvise and invent, borrowing techniques and harmonies from classical, roots, folk, and jazz. His style at the piano is poetic, instraspective, almost philosophical. Like he's dreaming up new ways to express the melody and harmonies of each piece, in real time. And he probably is. Many of his performances are completely unique for that reason.

So if you don't need to stay awake for some reason, listen to music that is born from and made for contemplation. Check out the countermelody in Be Thou My Vision. The sustained, ambient tones of Angels in the Snow. The climax of God Be With You Till We Meet Again. The soaring clarinet in The Day Thou Gavest Lord has Ended.

So sit back, and close your eyes. And try to stay awake.





Want to hear more? Joel's got plenty of mp3 downloads on his blog/podcast, joelcast.blogspot.com