PRAYERS & MELODIES

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Steve Klaper : Vocals, guitars, percussion

Randy Leipnik: Keyboards

Produced by Randy Leipnik

at Semper Records, Oak Park, MI
© 1999-2006 Steve Klaper/Ashira Music (BMI)
Design by The Write Stuff, Inc.

We create music for many reasons, to serve many purposes. Sometimes we’re rockin’, sometimes we’re prayin’. As I approach creating music for worship, I try to remain aware of what my teachers have taught me -- that the music is a gift and, when it really works, I have the privilige of being a conduit to something greater. It’s not about clever progressions or key changes; the melodies and harmonies are pretty but they’re not the point. Above all, it’s not about me and it’s not about showcasing my songs as works of creative expression. It’s about getting out of the way and letting emotion create a channel through which spirit might flow unrestricted.

One of my teachers told me that, if I happen to create a melody that moves people to a higher place, a melody which actually might be an aid to someone’s spiritual growth, that the melody isn’t really mine -- it was meant to be here and it’s purely coincidental that I was the one who brought it to life. The lesson, for all composers, is “serve the purpose you’re meant to serve, and then get out of the way.”

I wish to thank the many teachers who have taught me so much about music, creativity, humility and about living in the moment
with mindfulness and gratitude, especially Sifu Robert Brown, Debbie Friedman, Rabbi Dovid Zeller, Danny Maseng, Rabbi David Cooper and Cantor Ellen Dreskin.

May these prayers and melodies be of service.

Stories!  Melodies!  Adventure!

Steve Klaper presents simple guitar and piano arrangements of 27 new songs for worship, adult and kids choirs, song sessions and zimriyot, including several melodies written for Mishkan T’filah, the new prayer book of the Union for Reform Judaism.