Psalms from the Soul: Volume 1

The first gospel-style psalmody collection
Introducing Psalms from the Soul, the first psalmody collection designed especially for African American parishes -- and all who love gospel music. Providing 28 gospel-style psalms and canticles with verbatim texts from the Lectionary, it features new music by some of todays best-known gospel composers.

Psalms and canticles for the entire liturgical year
Divided into two volumes, this highly anticipated resource supplies common psalms and Gospel canticles for the entire liturgical year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost and Ordinary Time. Intended primarily for Sunday liturgies in parish settings, it also supports communal recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Recorded with an authentic gospel choir
Recorded with an authentic gospel choir, the CDs reveal the full potential of this passionate music. The call-and-response between cantor, choir and assembly, infectious rhythms, and cantor embellishments all invite enthusiastic participation.

New music by four of todays best gospel composers
All the composers contributed new musical settings. A gifted pianist and composer, Rawn Harbor is one of the preeminent African American liturgists in the U.S. Long-time OCP composer Val Parker has two collections of piano improvisations. Both gifted musicians, ValLimar and Frank Jansen have two collections of spirituals and gospel-style music.

Original cover art by Ghana native Sami Bentil
Psalms from the Soul looks as good as it sounds. The songbooks and CDs feature Outdooring, a colorful original painting by Sami Bentil. A native of Ghana, he produces art that blends the history of that nation with his passionate vision of world peace. More information is available at samibentilart.com.

The entire congregation takes part by singing the response
After the first reading comes the responsorial Psalm, which, the Church tells us, is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and holds great liturgical and pastoral importance, because it fosters meditation on the word of God.  The entire congregation  takes part by singing the response  (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Third Typical Edition).

An essentially Catholic approach to psalmody in true black gospel style
Psalms for the Soul provides an essentially Catholic approach to psalmody in true black gospel style. Written by gospel musicians for gospel musicians -- and all who love this spirited music -- these dynamic settings will help assemblies around the U.S. sing the response to Gods word with heartfelt zeal and authenticity.