Franciscan Sisters Invite All to "Rise Up with the Shepherd and Follow" their Calling
Franciscan Sisters feature Alexis Cole's "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow" as their Christmas Song at the Franciscanized World Vocation page http://www. fscc-calledtobe. org
Manitowoc, WI (PRWEB) December 25, 2010
Alexis Cole's "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow" is the Franciscan Sisters' Christmas Song at the Franciscanized World Vocation page. http://www. fscc-calledtobe. org
A rising star in the jazz world, Ms. Cole reflected on the unique arrangement of "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow" "I studied Indian Classical singing in Mumbai, India in 1999. The sounds of drones and overtones resonated deep within me. I felt that with this spiritual, Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, that it would work, both musically and contextually."
"I love the lyrics of this song. They really speak to the concept of abandoning ones self to God, leaving everything to follow. I think the second verse is most powerful: "If you take good heed to the angel's words, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. You'll forget your flocks, you'll forget your herds, Rise up, shepherd, and follow." Having the courage to drop everything and go, like the shepherds did, is one of the key lessons of the Bible."
"Musically, the Indian drone and tabla beats remind me of wise men on camels, the East, the desert. At the end of the track I laid down some overtone singing laden with reverb. I knew that track needed one more thing. I wanted it to add a new dimension, and leave the listener with an other worldly feeling."
Said Novice Sister Pamela Catherine "There is a beautiful combination of cultures in this song! First, the very beginning of this song reminds me of the call to prayer within the Islamic faith. The music itself, with its captivating Middle Eastern overtones, is enough to draw the listener, creating a mystical quality, one of beckoning, longing and curiosity. Secondly, there are the lyrics, to "Rise up and Follow" after the star leading to Jesus, encompassing the core of Christian faith. The words themselves are a call to leave all and follow Christ. A wonderful song!"
Alexis Cole is cited as 'a rising star in the jazz world' by Hot House Magazine. She has been featured on NBC's NY Morning Show and in magazines Time Out NY, Downbeat, Jazz Times, All About Jazz and more. Jazz Weekly calls Cole's album The Greatest Gift, 'A gift to mankind.'
Established in 1869, the Roman Catholic Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic Health Care, Education and Parish-Community Service throughout the United States. Mission locations extend from St. Theresa in Kekaha, Hawaii, the westernmost parish in the United States, to rural Ohio, from the Mission of San Xavier Du Bac in Tucson to parochial schools in the Green Bay Diocese.
CONTACT: Sr. Julie Ann Sheahan OSF 920-682-7728
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity
Http://www. fscc-calledtobe. org
The World needs you. God Calls You. We Invite You. Catholic vocations.
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