The Best of Ray Repp Vol. I

Known as "the father of contemporary liturgical music," Ray Repp has composed and recorded 11 collections of songs, some of which have been translated into as many as 28 languages. His popular Mass for Young Americans, released in 1965, was one of the first settings arranged for guitar accompaniment, and one of the first to apply folk-music styles. Described as "catchy not churchy," his music -- both early and more recent -- has always reflected his concern for peace and social justice issues.

This two-volume compilation includes the best and most popular music by this legendary composer, offering listeners the opportunity to experience the roots of contemporary liturgical music in the U.S. Ecumenical and universal in tone, these are songs that have been embraced and sung in both Protestant and Catholic communities for more than 30 years. Drawn from the original historic recordings, they are available on CD for the first time.

Reflecting the folk styles and consciousness of the era in which they were composed, Ray's songs make an infectious appeal for brotherly love and charity. Many songs, like the tender and meditative "Look Out Your Window" and "How Long, O Lord," feature Ray's fine tenor voice, with its warm vibrato, accompanied simply by acoustic guitar. Others, like the classic "Allelu!," feature larger ensembles and beautifully arranged solo and accompaniment parts for strings, flute, oboe, banjo, harmonica, percussion and vocals. These are the songs that, when first introduced, had assemblies and youth gatherings on their feet, standing, clapping and singing along.

In a world still broken and divided by injustice and war, the music of Ray Repp is timely and comforting, expressing the longing and hope Christians everywhere have for unity, peace and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth

Volume 1 includes songs from four previously released collections: Mass for Young Americans, Allelu!, Come Alive, and Sing Praise!

Volume 2 includes songs from five previous collections: Sunrise, in the Dead of Winter; Benedicamus: The Song of the Earth; Hear the Cryin'; Give Us Peace; and By Love Are We All Bound.