LDS songwriters and musicians have been turning out new songs in record numbers in recent years. And the folks at Inspirational Music Showcase/Sounds of Zion began to notice something interesting, says Earl Madsen, director of creative product development and marketing. "Every time we released a CD, we'd get calls from people saying, 'I really like this particular song. Where can I get the print music?' "
People wanted to be able to sing the songs at missionary farewells or have them sung at Young Women's programs. They needed them for church meetings or family gatherings.
"So," says Madsen, "in a moment of either madness or inspiration, we decided to see what we could do." The result is a print-music songbook called "80 Most Requested LDS Songs." Starting with "A Woman of Faith" from Joy Gardner's new CD, and running all the way through "You're Not Alone" from the first "Songs for Young Women" album, the book covers the gamut of new, original LDS music.
The songs come from a dozen different CDs, including "Seminary's Greatest Songs," "Let Us Go Forth," "He Leadeth Me: Hymns and Songs of Christ," "God Be With You: Hymns of Comfort, Hope and Peace" and "My Redeemer Lives: Volume 1, Calvary."
There are also arrangements of some favorite LDS hymns, including "Abide With Me," "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," "If You Could Hie To Kolob" and "Sweet Is The Peace."
Most songs are arranged for piano and vocal solo. There are piano/violin/C instrument arrangements, as well. And the book includes SATB or SSA arrangements for mixed and women's choirs.
"What's so exciting," says Madsen, "is that there are songs from so many different people." Even those working with other record companies. "Once they realized what we were doing, that we wanted to present this as a resource, they all came on board. So a big thanks to all of them."
So far, the songbook has been popular. "We've already had to go into a second printing." But it's been a rewarding project, he adds. "It's nice to know that people will be able to enjoy the songs they love in new ways."
"80 Most Requested LDS Songs" sells for $39.95 and is available where LDS music is sold. For more information visit www.InspirationalLDSMusic.com.
E-MAIL: carma@desnews.com