It is a wicked world, in which the power of any individual to cause suffering is so great and his power to do good is so slight, but here we are… and signs of loving Providence are everywhere around us.
– Garrison Keillor, From Time Magazine. November 27, 1995.

I wrote a pretty extensive solo for the classical upright bass last year, and it had a wonderful performance by my good friend Nicholas Walker, who I think is one of the premiere bass players in the New York City area. His tone is exquisite.

These are four fairly long mp3s of his performance (One mp3 for each of the movements).

Providence, Movement I mp3
Providence, Movement II mp3
Providence, Movement III mp3
Providence, Movement IV mp3

The bass solo starts with the melody Idumea from the Sacred Harp tradition, “And am I born to die — to lay this body down — or must my trembling spirit fly into a world unknown…”, and concludes with the melody from Green Pastures, “Those who have strayed were sought by the master — he who once gave his life for the sheep. Out on the mountain, still he is searching, bringing them in forever to keep…”

This piece of music was, and is, my answer to the hatred that I have become aware of in growing into my adult boots. This piece is the answer to my growing fear of violence, and deepening belief that Christ is the light for all of us — rich and poor.

I suppose you are wondering why I would spend so much time and effort on one small solo piece for such a gregarious and preponderous instrument? Because people haven’t used the beautiful and the nasty sounds of the instrument to their fullest, I don’t believe — and Nicholas has a touch on the instrument like no other. I think that the upright bass is like an orchestra in itself.

May we all recognize God’s loving Providence all around us tonight, after a long Valentine’s Day with family, or with only memories to keep us warm. Let us pray for those who have no one to celebrate with, and no joy in their lives, that they too might find Providence.

Click here to check out more of my performance music.