Music that lifts the spirit and inspires the soul was in the spotlight Friday as the Faith Centered Music Association honored its own at the 2004 Pearl Awards.
The evening celebrated music and artists that crossed all genres, from pop and folk to choir and orchestra; covered all themes, from Christmas to pioneers; and featured everything from traditional hymns to original compositions.
In its 75th year of continuous broadcast and now with its own local recording label, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir received Pearl Awards in four categories. The awards represent "an unbroken legacy of song and singing praises to Heavenly Father," said choir director Craig Jessop.
Debuting singer/songwriter Jessie Clark Funk also made four trips to the podium. A cappella group Eclipse received three awards; as did "Bring Them In: Celebrating the Spirit of Trek," an album honoring and benefiting Martin's Cove.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to longtime Tabernacle organist Robert Cundick, who retired in 1991 and who said he appreciated being part of "this commonality of commitment to excellence."
Clive Romney, leader of folk ensemble Enoch Train, which also received multiple awards, spoke for many when he expressed his appreciation for being able to "do what we love, with people we love, for a cause we love."
Featured performers were Greg Simpson, Jenny Phillips, Sam Payne, Jessie Clark Funk, Eclipse, Brett Raymond, Katherine Nelson and Friends of Martin's Cove. With local actor/entertainer Scott Christopher as emcee, the program will be broadcast on Ch. 4 on July 11.
The 2004 Pearl Award winners are:
SONGS:
Sacred: "Be Still My Soul," Eclipse.
Inspirational: "Clay In His Hands," Jessie Clark Funk.
Contemporary: "Go Bring Them In," Friends of Martin's Cove.
Sacred/classical instrumental: "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing," Jenny Oaks Baker.
Inspirational/contemporary instrumental: "Ein Feste Burg," Enoch Train.
Holiday: "This Year," Eclipse.
ALBUMS:
Sacred: "Consider the Lilies," Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
Inspirational: "Clay In His Hands," Jessie Clark Funk.
Contemporary: "Hey, Hey, Hey," Ryan Shupe and The Rubberband.
Sacred/classical instrumental: "High on the Mountain Top," Merrill Jenson.
Inspirational/contemporary instrumental: "Shall We Gather," Enoch Train.
Themed or concept: "Bring Them In: Celebrating the Spirit of Trek," Friends of Martin's Cove.
Presentation or soundtrack: "By the Hand of Mormon: Selections from the Original Music Production," Sam Cardon and David Pliler.
Holiday: "Three Kings," Eclipse.
Compilation: "True to the Faith: Songs of Courage, Inspiration & Faith," IMS/Sounds of Zion.
ARTISTRY:
Male recording artist: George Dyer.
Female recording artist: Jessie Clark Funk.
Instrumental artist: Jenny Oaks Baker
Group: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
New artist: Jessie Clark Funk.
Performing artists: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Producer: Tyler Castleton.
Songwriter: Ryan Shupe.
Orchestrator/arranger: Tyler Castleton.
Studio musician: Daron Bradford.
Studio vocalist: April Meservy.
Engineer: Guy Randle
OTHER:
Album design: Barry Hansen, "Bring Them In: Celebrating the Spirit of Trek."
Radio show: Steven Kapp Perry, "Sounds of the Sabbath," KOSY 106.5.
Retail manager: Kay Curtiss, This Is The Place, Kensington, Md.
Record label: Mormon Tabernacle Choir
E-mail: carma@desnews.com