"Musical Christian Monks Cross Over Onto Pop Charts"

Remember those chanting monks that were becoming extremely popular in the UK?

Well, they're doing just as well in the US:

It isn't every day that a group of Catholic monks find themselves on the pop charts.

Yet that's what happened to the monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery near Vienna, whose CD of Gregorian chants has become a runaway hit.

After its European release in May, "Chant: Music for the Soul" became the top classical album in Britain before crossing over to the pop charts, at one point outselling recordings by Madonna and Amy Winehouse. Even before its U.S. release on July 1, the album became the most popular classical recording in this country, thanks to copious downloads on iTunes.

Call it divine intervention, or perhaps clever marketing on the part of Universal Records, which signed the monks to a recording contract after launching a search in Catholic publications in February. The record company had wanted to capitalize on the growing sales of chant music — which were due in part to the popularity of the video game Halo, which uses chantlike melodies in its soundtrack.

Universal found the monks after their spokesperson, Father Karl Wallner, who also runs their theological academy and Web site, sent in a link to a YouTube video of their chanting that he had posted last September following a visit to the monastery by Pope Benedict XVI. (San Francisco Chronicle)

I've had this CD as my "AmP CD of the Month" for some time now.

Catholic Rap: Elijah & Elisha

Spotted on the happening PhatMass phorum:

Hello everyone, my brother and I have decided to give up 10 years of rapping about anything and everything to rapping about our Catholic Faith. We made this decision a couple of weeks ago and have some sample songs for you guys to check out. If you wanna check out our songs, go to www.myspace.com/twinrecords We will have a brand new myspace page coming soon and also an official website. The myspace link above is the link to our old myspace that we had our "other rap songs" on there but just took them out and put our Catholic songs.We are both devout Catholics who are in love with our faith. We are currently working on an album but for right now, we can give samples. Thank you!!

I listened to one of their songs - not bad, if you dig the genre.

An in a related vein, Pope Benedict said this weekend that young people are called to be apostles to their friends:

Before the recitation of the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about his July 12-21 trip to Australia for the 23rd World Youth Day. Recounting his experiences at the Sydney event, he encouraged young people to follow the example of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati by being apostles to their friends.

Speaking from the balcony of his summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father described World Youth Day as an “extraordinary experience.” He told his audience that in Sydney he met the “youthful face of the Church,” a “multicolor mosaic, composed of boys and girls from the world over, united in one faith in Jesus Christ.” (CNA)

Music ain't a bad way to start.

In the Mailbox: Chant CD from Into Great Silence

Courtesy of the producers, I today received a CD of chant entitled Office of the Night: The Monks of the Grand Chartreuse, which you may remember, opened their doors for the unique documentary Into Great Silence.

I'm seriously excited to hear it. Here is the description:

In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready.

In 2007, the documentary film Into Great Silence came to American theaters. Audiences and critics embraced it immediately. After releasing the soundtrack to the film, Jade Music is proud to release Into Great Silence: Office of the Night.

This is the first time that any recording of the Office of the Night at the Grande Chartreuse is made available in its entirety. The two-CD album is a collection of chants, readings, prayers, and sounds of silence recorded by the film director Philip Gröning during his six-month stay at the monastery.

Devoted listners will be happy to know that the accompanying CD materials contain the lyrics (both latin and english) for the entire CD, as well as a short description of the monks and the office of the night.

Mike Mangione increases distribution; will appear at WYD and more!

Talented Catholic musician Mike Mangione, who I spotlighted back in March, has plenty of good news to report:

Tenebrae (his latest CD) will be at a Barnes and Noble near you Aug 5th. That's right, it is being distributed by Oarfin and will be in Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Borders as well as many more stores/Ma and Pa record places .... Make sure to run out to the stores Aug 5 and make Tenebrae's national release a huge success! [You can already purchase it on Amazon].

And what's more - they'll be at World Youth Day! Stuck in the states like me? You'll get your chance:

The band will be playing all the way through October so be sure to see them when they pass through your town! Check for dates here on myspace (or here on Facebook). If you would like to help promote please drop us a line and we will send you posters.

Here's a music video for Mike's tune "Me Not You", animated by Grey Gerling:

Are you a Catholic musician or artist who wants some exposure? Drop me a line and we can try to work something out for you. I'm always happy when I can introduce my readers to up-and-coming talent.

Tip: Popular European Chant now available on Amazon!

Catholic product/service tip of the day:

Today Chant: Music for the Soul by Stift Heiligenkreuz is released in the U.S.; Amazon starting shipping last week. We can hope that it does as well in US charts as in UK charts, for that would mean several hundred thousand people, or perhaps millions, will be introduced to the holy sound of this great music, perhaps for the first time. Listeners will also be impressed at the sheer quality of the singing and the style. I think I can confidently say that I've never heard chant this well done, ever. It really sets a new standard in my own mind. (The New Liturgical Movement)

Wow - high praise!

Music: UK Superstars ColdPlay talk "Saint Peter" in latest CD

I don't often get a chance to review or talk about pop music, but this thread caught my eye. English rock superstar band Coldplay is releasing a new CD soon, and its subject matter is notable.

I'll get right to the interesting part of the first pre-review which appeared in the UK Sun:

"This latest album — much of which was recorded in churches in Spain and and Latin America — is full of religious references. It’s as heavy-going as the Bible but as ultimately as rewarding if that’s your bag."

British tabloid rhetoric aside, the lyrics of Coldplay's title-bearing song "Viva La Vida" don't dissapoint in terms of religious imagery. See what you think of them:

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

Chorus: I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you go there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

Chorus: I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world

(Repeat Chorus)

This will probably be one of the most popular CDs released this year. I wonder what the other songs say.

Ph/t: Phatmass user "yndige23".

Breaking: John Michael Talbot’s Hermitage Burns To The Ground

Horrible:

A major fire is testing the faith of a Catholic monastery near Eureka Springs. Flames destroyed the chapel and dining hall of Little Portion Hermitage just after midnight Tuesday.

Firefighters from four departments were able to keep the intense fire from spreading to the living quarters of its members. They lost their archives, library, and storeroom. Little Portion's founder is recording artist John Michael Talbot, who says some at the monastery suffered from minor smoke inhalation.

If you'd like to make a donation for recovery and rebuilding, you can do so at Little Portion’s Web site.

More:

• Music News: Fire destroys Little Portion Hermitage (GrapeVine)
• Breaking News: John Michael Talbot’s Hermitage Burns (Catholic Online)

Ph/t: AmP reader Joan.

Confirmed: Kelly Clarkson to perform "Ave Maria" for Pope

I know, this reads like a spoof headline, but it's legit!

Singer Kelly Clarkson is best known for being the first American Idol winner and then going on to become a "pop superstar". She will sing Ave Maria to Pope Benedict XVI on April 19 at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, which is a gathering for 20,000 Catholic Youth (primarily of the Archdiocese of New York).

I've read claims that she is Catholic, but that fact almost never gets any mention, so I don't know if she is practicing or not.

It's hard to find a good picture of Kelly because she appears to change her style every couple weeks (this photo at left is from one of her American Idol apperances). I'm sure for her performance with the pope she'll be wearing something a bit more sedate than her normal concert wardrobe.

It's notable that in the artist's rendering (photo) of the stage in Yonkers there are two walkways, although I don't think Ave Maria is exactly a "get the crowd involved" song, now that I think about it.

Oh yeah, an AmP Shout-Out to the person who writes the best re-written Kelly Clarkson lyrics for the event.

Some suggestions:

• "Because of Benedict"
• "Since Heresy Been Gone!"
• "Behind These Papal Eyes" (Rocco)

AmP Spotlight: Mike Mangione Band

Last night I saw Mike Mangione and his band perform at the Quincy House in Brookland, DC (which is quickly becoming the hot spot for local Catholic/Christian musicians - check it out if you are in the area).

After their instruments were safely stowed, I talked with Mike, his brother Tom, and learned more about their inspirations and plans. They are not only impressive men personally, they are fantastic musicians, and it's my pleasure to introduce them to AmP readers.

Mike told me about studying theology of the body and the writings of John Paul II, and (if I'm allowed to give it away), the story of him proposing to his wife at World Youth Day. His brother Tom mentioned that they often play for Catholic students at Newman centers as well as listening rooms across the country. Their song lyrics reveal their understanding of Catholic theology, and their song topics show their sensitivity to issues especially important to Catholic youth.

And as you can see, they also put some serious heart and soul into their music:

These guys work hard (Mike's performed over 150 times a year in the past three years), and it's paying off:

Born in Illinois, and now residing in Milwaukee, Mike Mangione is quickly becoming a familiar name throughout the city's growing music scene. Bringing an organically subtle, yet expressive sound, Mangione has drawn comparisons to such songwriting heavyweights as Ryan Adams and Elliott Smith.

In the past three years, Mangione has averaged 150 shows per year, performing in countless venues and festivals including SXSW and Milwaukee's own Summerfest. Needless to say, Mike Mangione has been putting in more than his fair share of work, and has a large mass of live experience. His previous album, "There And Back," charted as high as No.16 on the CMJ countdown, proving his following has grown to respectable lengths.

Now touring behind his new opus "Tenebrae," Mangione feels ready to spread that following to even greater amounts with much-deserved confidence in the album. "Tenebrae" is a classic-sounding piece full of beautifully arranged acoustics and Mangione's vocals can be heart-breakingly delicate at times, comparable to how James Blunt only wishes he could sound. [source]

I think it's clear that Mike is a very promising up-and-coming artist.

So how can you get involved?

Listen to tracks from his latest album, Tenebrae on his MySpace page (for free).

His website has a list of upcoming shows; he'll be criss-crossing the nation in the coming months - so check it out! His website also has more information about him, including some fun facts that I thought I'd share:

Tom Mangione took guitar lessons from a teacher with a glass eye who didn't realize Tom was playing upside down until three months into lessons. When the mistake was discovered Tom figured he had learned way too much on the instrument and the information was irreversible. Arguably the best and worst decision he ever made.

Mike was cast as "Mail Boy" in the Will Ferrell movie "Anchorman" and can be seen through out the movie in the office scenes. Can you find him?

Mike is a firm believer in the Theology of the Body.

Mike's song "It's Me, Not You"was just picked up by Burger King for licensing!

Finally, Mike mentioned to me that he and his bandmates have been invited to perform at World Youth Day in Sydney Australia. They do, however, have to find a way to pay their way, so once the setup an easy online way to assist them, I'll post on that as well. In the meantime, buying their music is a great way to start!

As for me, I'll be dropping the tracks from Tenebrae and There and Back Again on my mp3 player tonight.

As a final treat, here's a short video of his performance the night I heard him at Quincy House:

If the sound quality is poor, it's the fault of my camera - not the Quincy House or Mike.

Bottom line: I believe Mike Mangione is exactly the combination of real artistic talent and positive Catholic values that I hope and trust will flourish as part of the ongoing second spring of Catholic culture.

(I should add: other Catholic artists who will be in Washington DC are welcome to drop me a line.)

Listen to Matt Maher's latest album online for free

Matt Maher is a an up-and-coming Catholic musician from Canada who now lives and records in Arizona.

He just released his fourth album, Empty and Beautiful, and you can listen to all of it online at http://www.mattmahermusic.com.

His most popular album, Overflow, is available on Amazon.

You can read a 2006 inteview with him here.

Know of other good Catholic music groups? Link to 'em below!

Pavarotti received Anointing of the Sick

CNA reports:

Luciano Pavarotti, the world renowned tenor was laid to rest in Modena’s cathedral with a grand funeral which paid tribute to the opera legend and gave witness to his return to the Catholic faith.

The diocese had received criticisms that it had gone overboard in honoring a remarried divorcé. But Pavarotti's parish priest, Fr. Remo Sartori, said the twice-married singer had been reconciled with the Catholic faith, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. Pavarotti had received the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick before losing his battle against pancreatic cancer last Thursday, aged 71.

Church leaders and pastors, including Pope Benedict XVI, sent messages conveying their condolences. The Pope’s message expressed his sorrow at the loss of "a great artist who with his extraordinary interpretative talent honored the divine gift of music".

In his tribute, Archbishop Benito Cocchi of Modena recognized Pavarotti as an exceptional talent and as someone who “expressed himself in charity towards those who suffered."

One of the emotional climaxes of the funeral was a 1978 recording of Panis Angelicus (Bread Of Angels), performed by Pavarotti and his father, Fernando.

Another followed a prayer composed by Pavarotti's three eldest daughters from his first marriage, which said: "We thank God for having given Dad the gift of a great voice and we pray that he will allow him to use it in heaven to sing his praise."

Pavarotti's musical talent emerged in a church choir, where he sang with his father, Fernando Pavarotti, who was a baker. His father also had a terrific tenor voice, but stage fright prevented him from developing his talent.

Video: Give Paul Potts a quick listen

Thales at Fumare reminded me today that I had wanted to share this video with my readers.

Thales also tell us why this is an important cultural moment:

But there is a implicit foundation to these [American-Idol type] shows which is wholesome: an inherent recognition that there exists the True, the Good, and the Beautiful. No matter how much a performer relies on glitz, if the performer does not have true talent, the audience sees through the outward appearance and the performer fails. If the performer is truly good and demonstrates truly beautiful art, the audience generally recognizes and honors the performer.

That is what recently happened in Britain, on Britain's Got Talent, the British version of a glorified talent show. In an incredible Cinderella story, Paul Potts, a pudgy, insecure 36-year-old cell phone salesman and amateur opera singer stunned the judges in his first audition and proceeded to capture the hearts of the audience throughout the competition.

Here is Paul Potts's first audition. Be sure to check out the reactions of judges Simon Cowell (a scathing, acerbic judge on American Idol) and Piers Morgan (an acerbic, scathing judge on America's Got Talent), as they go from disdain to disbelief. Sit down without distractions, turn up the volume, and I think your soul might be touched. I was, and I don't even like opera!

Well, I love opera, and it worked for me as well.

Here's the performance:

Paul Potts' first CD, One Chance, is on its way to top the UK charts. It goes on sale in the U.S. July 30th. Fumare has more. You can pre-order it here.

For those looking to dig a bit deeper, Paul Potts chose Nessun dorma from Giacomo Puccini's Turandot, one of the most beautiful arias in opera. Luciano Pavarotti made it his signature song, and it's not hard to see why.