In the liner notes to his 1965 masterpiece, A Love Supreme, jazz legend John Coltrane wrote that he had experienced “a spiritual awakening which was to lead me to a richer, fuller, more productive life.” He wrote that he had asked God for the “means and privilege to make others happy through music,” and that A Love Supreme was his “humble offering to Him, an attempt to say, ‘Thank you, God’ through our work, even as we do in our hearts and with our tongues.”
No less a secular critic than Rolling Stone called A Love Supreme a “legendary album-long hymn of praise.” Coltrane is a powerful example of a “secular” artist (in the eyes of the world) who viewed his music as an ongoing prayer of thanksgiving to God, who desired that his music bring joy to the listener.
On stage at the American Music Awards in 1988, Brian Wilson echoed Coltrane’s embrace of the spiritual power of music: “I wanted to write joyful music that made other people feel good – music that helps and heals, because I believe that music is God’s voice.”
I am simply one of millions whose lives have been inspired with joy by Brian’s music over the years. The loving power of his music still rings true.
Half Moon Bay (and all my music) is my humble offering of thanks to Him who inspires and blesses the work of my hands. To compose and play skillfully is to honor the One from whom all my blessings flow, blessings which certainly include my talent and ability as a musician.
In music as in life, I embrace the truth of Psalm 46:10, “Be still & know that I am God.” A master musician named David penned that verse some 3000 years ago. Like David, like John Coltrane and like Brian Wilson, my prayer is that God uses my music to replenish your spirit with peace, joy & love.
As I wrote in the liner notes for Half Moon Bay, “To Jesus Christ – your love and mercy fill my life.” May He do the same for you.