Take my hands CD
Relaxing piano music by Rob Baker.
Inspired by the words of Frances Ridley Havergal:
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
ADD (52′ 23″)
Buy Now for GBP ￡13.00 including Postage & Packing (Worldwide).
Samples at reduced quality (click on a link to play):
The Resurrection and the Life (5′ 10″)
This piece was inspired by much of the background music heard on Hollywood films and the like. Whilst repetitive, the initial idea continually changes key, lifting the music. I guess this is why I gave it this title. John 11:25 says: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies.” I’d like to dedicate it to Arie & Irma Piet from Holland, whose son, Pieter, was born to the music of “Creation” (my previous CD).
It’s your Kindness by Paul Heatley and Rob Baker, (5′ 42″)
This piece was originally written by Paul Heatley and me as a song in our musical about Ruth, ‘Goodbye to the past,’ first appearing where Boaz shows kindness to Ruth.A lovely tune, which also works well as an instrumental - I hope you’ll agree! “In kindness, he (God) takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life change.” Romans 2:4 (The Message). I’d like to dedicate this one to Paul, with thanks for all his help in songwriting and his encouragement to me as a musician. Here’s to many more!
Through the Valley (3′ 50″)
Psalm 23 says: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, though art with me. Thy rod and staff comfort me.” This piece aims to be both mournful and comforting, with some lush chord sequences.
There is Hope (3′ 33″)
Another song from the Ruth musical - a lively piece, unusually in 5/4 time. I’d like to dedicate it to my good friend of 16 years, Clive Rahn, who once had a sticker of this phrase in the window of his Mk3 Escort!
Carillon for the Children of Eritrea (3′ 57″)
Eritrea is as small country in NE Africa, bordering Ethiopia. The harvest in Eritrea has failed and people are hungry.
Justice for all Nations (4′ 05″)
I recently discovered the sharpened 11th chord, which opens this piece. I want these “dis-chords” to symbolize the struggle of the developing countries, often torn by war and crippled by debt to the West. We must continue to strive for justice in the World, even if it means sacrificing some of the luxuries we have come to accept as normal. I’d like to dedicate this one to Roger Evan, for all his advice and encouragement, and because I know he loves jazzy chords too!
Song for Judy (4′ 39″)
Judy Feil was a dear friend and an altogether lovely person who served The Lord in so many ways. She was taken to be with Him in November 2000 and is greatly missed. I’d like to dedicate this song to the memory of Judy and also to John, Tom, Mary and Sarah.
With Outstretched Hands (4′ 37″)
Some of my favourite chords in this one. Partly a play on words, as you need to stretch out your hands to reach all the notes of the chord, but also a call to us all to use our hands to help the poor and needy. “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy” Proverbs 31:20
Eternity Starts Here (3′ 21″)
As a Christian, I believe in eternal life with God when I die. The repeated arpeggios in this piece describe the idea of eternity, which, for a Christian, begins now. I’d like to dedicate this to Steve Plummer, a good friend and pastor and an awesome preacher. He often says; “God doesn’t just offer us pie in the sky when we die, but also steak on a plate while we wait!”
The Dove Descending (4′ 30″)
If Vaughan Williams can have an ascending lark… This song describes the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, as at Christ’s baptism in Mark 1:10. This one’s for you, Lois, with thanks for being a great wife and for all your support in the making of this CD.
Wait for the Lord (5′ 22″)
Thanks to Arvo Part and JS Bach, who have both inspired me to compose this track. It is somewhat minimalist in nature, but also calm, reflective and unrushed. Surprisingly, this was one of the hardest pieces to play, as there is little scope for improvisation!
Take my Hands (3′ 10″)
If you listen carefully, you may hear that the notes used for this piece are exactly the same as in the hymn “Take my life and let it be,” but with the rhythms and harmonies altered significantly. The second verse of this song begins: “Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of thy love,” hence the title. I dedicate this song to all of you who are listening to this recording. May God use your hands to help others and serve Him.
All compositions and CD sound samples c Copyright Rob Baker 2003-2006
All rights reserved. Unauthorised copying, reproduction, lending, public performance or broadcasting prohibited.
Recorded on a Steinway Piano at SRT Studios, St. Ives, Cambridge on 11th April 2003
