Finding a Voice
Thursday, June 21, 2007
concert, Saskatoon, Wed, June 27th
| Nope -- it's not my concert, it's Martin Blumrich. |
| Wednesday, June 27th, 7:30pm, Saskatoon |
| Cornerstone Church, Saskatoon |
| 315 Lenore Drive |
| Saskatoon, SK |
| Phone: | 306.931.4949 |
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CD Review: “Rural Urbanitis” by Martin Blumrich
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reviewed by Colleen Taylor in *Partner*, Canadian Association of Christians in Student Development vol. 11, no. 2
Student Development professionals are typically multi-talented. Martin Blumrich fits this description. Dean of Students and Instructor at Nipawin Bible Institute in Northern Saskatchewan, Martin, is also a talented songwriter and musician. At the CACSD conference in May, Martin treated his colleagues to a concert, featuring songs from his forthcoming CD. It was a delightful and cozy setting—a “house concert” in the Heritage College & Seminary student lounge. While it is illuminating to hear stories behind the songs from Martin himself, the CD is fairly self-explanatory, with short paragraphs telling something about each song’s origins.
This rich and refreshing CD is fast becoming one of my favourites. Martin’s
lyrics are intelligent, poetic, and skillfully crafted, speaking of community and
faith, life and love. The rhythms and tunes are folksy, with even the upbeat
songs having a gentle quality. Several songs are prayers, one is a wedding
blessing for friends, and the title track, “Rural Urbanitis,” is a tongue-in-cheek
lament about life in small-town Saskatchewan (a feeling I can appreciate!). “Thirsty, Digging, Dry” touches deep longing and surrender, as
do other songs such as “Trial by Fire” and “When I’m Home.” “As Christ Loved the Church” is the single instrumental. This lilting wedding processional, reminiscent of Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze,” was written for Martin’s wife to walk the aisle on their wedding day. The final song, “Day is Done,” is a like a lullaby for vespers.
Martin’s arrangements are simple yet fascinating, involving a wide variety of
instruments, all of which he played himself (except the flute and drum kits). Martin is also listed as the crayon artist himself. Invite Martin to sing for you – on his CD or, even better, live and in person.
THIRSTY, DIGGING, DRY (excerpt)
Give me water, I’m thirsty
From digging my own well
I’m tired and so weak
Thinking of quitting, might as well
What a love,
that picks me up when I’m down
and under almost drowned
What a love,
that sees me for what I am
Don’t understand
It’s too profound
CD Review: “Rural Urbanitis” by Martin Blumrich
----------------------------------------------------------
reviewed by Colleen Taylor in *Partner*, Canadian Association of Christians in Student Development vol. 11, no. 2
Student Development professionals are typically multi-talented. Martin Blumrich fits this description. Dean of Students and Instructor at Nipawin Bible Institute in Northern Saskatchewan, Martin, is also a talented songwriter and musician. At the CACSD conference in May, Martin treated his colleagues to a concert, featuring songs from his forthcoming CD. It was a delightful and cozy setting—a “house concert” in the Heritage College & Seminary student lounge. While it is illuminating to hear stories behind the songs from Martin himself, the CD is fairly self-explanatory, with short paragraphs telling something about each song’s origins.
This rich and refreshing CD is fast becoming one of my favourites. Martin’s
lyrics are intelligent, poetic, and skillfully crafted, speaking of community and
faith, life and love. The rhythms and tunes are folksy, with even the upbeat
songs having a gentle quality. Several songs are prayers, one is a wedding
blessing for friends, and the title track, “Rural Urbanitis,” is a tongue-in-cheek
lament about life in small-town Saskatchewan (a feeling I can appreciate!). “Thirsty, Digging, Dry” touches deep longing and surrender, as
do other songs such as “Trial by Fire” and “When I’m Home.” “As Christ Loved the Church” is the single instrumental. This lilting wedding processional, reminiscent of Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze,” was written for Martin’s wife to walk the aisle on their wedding day. The final song, “Day is Done,” is a like a lullaby for vespers.
Martin’s arrangements are simple yet fascinating, involving a wide variety of
instruments, all of which he played himself (except the flute and drum kits). Martin is also listed as the crayon artist himself. Invite Martin to sing for you – on his CD or, even better, live and in person.
THIRSTY, DIGGING, DRY (excerpt)
Give me water, I’m thirsty
From digging my own well
I’m tired and so weak
Thinking of quitting, might as well
What a love,
that picks me up when I’m down
and under almost drowned
What a love,
that sees me for what I am
Don’t understand
It’s too profound
posted by Colleen McCubbin at 4:12 PM
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