I’m very excited to announce that the Instrumental Guitar Volume 1 album is now available!  It’s available on this site (of course) under Products, but also 20 different online venues including iTunes and CD Baby (You can hear an excerpt from each song on either of these two sites).

Though I majored in Vocal Performance in college, the guitar was the instrument I was known for.  I have recorded 13 albums (Living In Jesus, No Greater Love, Take It to Heart, Radically Committed, Shout for Joy, Sing to the Lord, A New Song, Heartfelt Celebration, Intimacy, Confidence, A Christmas Gift, Heartfelt Praise, and Here to Worship), but this 14th album is my first instrumental one.  My sons were getting on my case for not recording for awhile and convinced me to start this project.  I hope you enjoy it!

This album has a variety of styles with a variety of guitar techniques.  I wrote five of the songs and five of them were written by others.  The acoustic guitar I use is a Taylor 815ce and the Electric-Synth guitar is a Godin LGXT.  Here’s some of the details about each song:

• You Drive – This song is upbeat and jazzy which is great to keep me awake while driving in the car.  The rhythm is acoustic guitar and the solo sections go back and forth between the electric guitar (Santana  style) and the saxophone sound from the Godin synth (using a Roland GR-30).  The solos are improvised.  The title You Drive is a prayer allowing God to be in control of my life.
• Tenacious – The word tenacious means to keep going and not back down.  I use a capo on this song which is on the second fret, but has the second string open.  This gives an unusual tuning and offers harmonies a little different than normal.  I also use an E-Bow which is like an electronic bow, vibrating the strings magnetically.  There is a lot of the rhythmic “tapping” technique in this song.  I use a looping device to be able to play multiple guitar parts in a live situation.
• Freedom’s Challenge – This song tells a story of an unfortunate experience I went through.  God gives us a strong sense of joy and freedom in our new life in Christ, but sometimes hard things happen in life that disrupt and challenge that joy and freedom.  Whether the loss of a loved one, the betrayal of a friend, or a difficult experience at work, sometimes hard things happen.  Healing and comfort needs to take place which happens over time.  But God is faithful and through a message, a song, a book, or a friend, we begin to feel the joy and freedom again God intended us to experience.
• Remember – This is a slower reflective song which has improvised soloing throughout.  Often, this song fits well during communion which is when we remember Jesus and the sacrifice He made on our behalf.  I also use a looping device on this song.  As I was recording this song, I broke a fingernail and had to buy some fake nails in order to get a consistent sound.
• Morning Come Lately – There have been times in my past when getting out of bed in the morning was pretty difficult.  This song tells the story of such a morning.  The alarm would go off and I’d snooze for a while just dreaming about the day.  Suddenly, I’d notice how late it was, jump out of bed, rush to get ready and finally slam the door to get on my way.  This song is in the open tuning of DADDAD.
• Del’s Bells – This song by Phil Keaggy is in “Dropped D” tuning (DADGBE).  There is a luthier (guitar maker), Del Langejans, who is friends with Phil Keaggy.  He made a guitar for him and Phil used it for half of the songs on his Acoustic Sketches album.  One of the songs Phil wrote on this guitar was Del’s Bells.  Though the first part follows exactly what Phil does, the second part is more improvised with some variation.  There is a lot of the rhythmic “tapping” technique in this song too, hence the title “Bells.”
• Carolan’s Draught – This Irish song was written by Turlough O’Carolan in the 1700’s, a popular blind harpist touring extensively throughout Ireland.  This song has a capo on the fifth fret and uses the common DADGAD alternate tuning.
• Don’t Get Around Much Anymore – Written by Duke Ellington in the 1930’s, this song is considered a jazz classic.  It has a nice “swing” feel to it and incorporates some challenging finger-style voicings and chords.
• Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – This song was written by Johann Sebastian Bach in the 1700’s and is considered a classical standard, often played at weddings and special events.
• Amazing Grace – This song, written by John Newton, is probably the most popular gospel song in the world.  In this arrangement, I use the electric guitar with a Jimmy Hendrix style.  It’s a really fun version, but different than what you’re used to.

If you’re interested in downloading this album (or individual songs),  go to Gumroad ($9.00), iTunes ($9.90), or CD Baby ($9.99).  If you’d like to get a physical CD, go to our Products Page and order through PayPal.

Staying at it!

Life seems to be busier and more full than ever whether it’s family, friends, neighbors, work, church, hobbies, recreation, chores, or finances.  It’s easy to feel pulled in so many different directions.  How do we stay focused and not get scattered?  What’s important is that we keep the main things in the forefront of our mind and heart.  Having a Mission Statement for life is a big help.  For me, it is “to lead others toward intimacy with God.”  This puts God and people as the priorities in my life!  It’s not easy to keep priorities straight, but life flows better as we are tenacious, staying at it, daily reviewing and adjusting to be pleasing to God (2 Cor. 5:9).

I continue to give private music lessons in San Jose, Los Altos, and Mount Hermon; teach music and coordinate chapels at Valley Christian School; as well as lead worship with churches throughout the Bay Area. Digital products are available for instant download as well as physical products on our Product Page. Here is a list of digital downloads.

• Book A Special Report on Music & Worship in Churches throughout the Santa Clara County (Check it out)
• 25 song music book of Reggie’s songs called A Compilation of Compositions (Check it out)
• 20 song album called Intimacy (Check it out)
• 20 song album called Heartfelt Celebration (Check it out)

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  Please pray we will follow God’s leading and, in months to come, be found staying at it.

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Upcoming Events

Mar. 8-9 (Fr-Sa) Teaching Workshops at the BASS Convention, Castro Valley
Mar. 10 (Su) Leading Worship with Redwood Chapel, Castro Valley
Mar. 17 (Su), 24 (Palm Su), 30-31 (Easter Sa-Su) Leading Worship with Community Presbyterian Church, Danville
Mar. 23 (Sa) CD Release Concert at Bridges Community Church, Los Altos
Mar. 29 (Good Fr) Leading Worship with Peninsula Bible Church, Willow Glen

Details of these events and other events are at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/

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Finished Recording!

This last weekend, I finished recording my first Instrumental album of 10 songs.  It was a a riot trying to do this in record time.  The first time I sat down to record two weeks ago, I broke a nail and was unable to get the consistent sound needed for the new song called Remember.  So, I went to Walmart and bought some fake temporary nails for my first three fingers on the right hand.  It worked great!  However, my students thought it was a little strange.  I didn’t feel too bad knowing Phil Keaggy uses them as well.  Now, I hope to mix and master each song and have the whole package ready by the Album Release Concert March 23rd.

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BASS Convention

I will be teaching three workshops at the Bay Area Sunday School (BASS) Convention March 8 and 9.  This year is their 50th anniversary of training church volunteers to be effective in church ministry.  They have over 200 workshops.  I’ll be teaching two on Friday – Building a Worship Band and Effective Guitar in Worship. Then, one on Saturday called Band Interactive.  I’ll be using the Valley Christian High School Worship Band to assist in demonstrating worship band techniques.  I’ve been involved with them for 10 years and find it is an excellent conference to encourage and inspire volunteers to lead use their gifts for God’s glory.

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Album Release Concert

I would like to invite you to my Album Release Concert at Bridges Community Church in Los Altos.  I will be sharing songs and stories from my new album Instrumental Guitar, Vol. 1.  This album release concert is a celebration of my first instrumental album and my 13th album overall.  There is mostly acoustic guitar with some electric guitar with fun techniques like alternate tunings, use of capos and e-bow, in many different styles (Rock, Irish, Hendrix style, jazz, classical, easy listening). Bring friends and family.  The concert is free!  You can view one of the songs, Freedom’s Challenge at Reggie’s YouTube Channel.

Igniting Faith and Hope

Have you experienced both highs and lows recently?  Famous athletes like Lance Armstrong reveal a character that is so disappointing. Many still are experiencing financial difficulties which is very frustrating and disheartening.  Then there’s the Superbowl which is a great way to spend time with friends and family even if it’s just one day.  We can also count our many blessings where freedom stands out as one of the most precious.  I have experienced both ups and downs over the last couple of months, but my family, friends, Scripture, and God’s Spirit have been so inspiring.  A Bible verse I memorized years ago has been such an encouragement lately, “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:7-9).  We are not alone in our struggles.  The devil is actively trying to discourage us, but let’s be on the alert and stand firm in the strength of Christ.  Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith.  May He lift your spirit to new heights this month!  I am praying for you and really appreciate your prayers for me.and the ministry of Heartfelt Music.  Through worship leading at local churches, training lay-leaders who volunteer their time and talents to serve others, both musical and Biblical motivational teaching, and sharing my journey and songs by way of concert artistry,  Heartfelt Music continues to ignite in others a strong faith and hope in Jesus.  I’m recording this week and next, looking forward to a new album coming out the end of this month.  Check back at our website blog for details late in the month.

New Song: You Are My God

I just finished a new song which will be on my next vocal album.  It’s called You Are My God as a strong statement that God is alive and deserves to be worshiped forever.  It’s a personal proclamation that through bad times and good times, I will worship God forevermore.  The words are, “When pain comes crashing through and hurt consumes my soul, I lift my eyes to You again.  You are my God and forevermore I will worship You!  When joy comes crashing through and hope consumes my soul, I lift my eyes to You again.”

VCS Chapels

Last week was Spiritual Emphasis Week at Valley Christian Junior High and High School.  We had both Jr. High and High School chapels everyday with a great daily speaker and music from 4 different student worship teams. The speaker was Sarah Hill who is a surfer and youth pastor from Hawaii.  She is Bethany Hamilton’s youth pastor who lost her arm from a shark attack (Soul Surfer). It was a very busy week for me as the High School Chaplain, but a very productive one as well.  To find out more about what’s happening at Valley Christian Schools, click here.

New Albums

I am working on a new guitar instrumental album to be released by the end of February with new songs such as You Drive, Tenacious, and Morning Come Lately, as well as some cover songs such as Carolyn’s Draught, Del’s Bells, and Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.  Another album being worked on right now and due to be released in March has a number of songs never recorded before such as Give Me Wings, Worthy & So Wonderful, and Flame, as well as some songs that have shaped Reggie’s life such as Make My Life a Prayer, Water Grave, and He Is Alive.

Coming Events

Feb. 3 & 10    Redwood Chapel, Castro Valley – Worship Leading

Feb. 22-24    Mt. Hermon’s Couples Retreat – Worship Leading

Mar. 8-9    BASS Convention, Castro Valley – Teaching Workshops

Mar. 10    Redwood Chapel, Castro Valley – Worship Leading

Mar. 17 & 24    Community Presbyterian Church, Danville – Worship Leading

Mar. 29 – Good Friday    Penninsula Bible Church, Willow Glen – Worship Leading

Mar. 30 & 31 – Easter   Community Presbyterian Church, Danville – Worship Leading

See all coming events at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/

January had a great kick-start with my birthday on the 3rd when we saw the movie Cirque Du Soleil and had dinner at Benihanah’s Restaurant.  Vacation was so relaxing.  We went to a number of movies, but stayed home most of the time.  Brandon just came back from snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain and had a great time with friends.  Austin and I have started back to school.  Sherri just enjoyed a Mount Hermon Staff Appreciation party at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.  All of us are continuing to grow in Christ with thoughtful spiritual discussions and regular Bible reading.  What a blessing to know the God of the universe and daily experience His deep love for us.  May 2013  bring to us, and to you, a wealth of faith and abundant life as we put our trust in the Lord Jesus!

The Flame is Getting Brighter

There are many new things happening with Heartfelt Music Ministry in this new year.  I finished a song called Flame.  The chorus describes what the Lord is doing right now in answering my prayer, “I want to be a flame, to be a light to Your name.”  So, we’re stepping out as a ministry to do some new things.

• Upgrading the look of our eNewsletters.
• Adding digital product you can download instantly.

• Holding House Concerts in the coming months so you can reach out to your friends.
• New albums will be coming out in the next few months.

Plus, I will continue to teach at Valley Christian Schools; give private guitar lessons in San Jose, Los Altos, and Mount Hermon; as well as lead worship with churches throughout the Bay Area.  Since I’m free on Sundays, let me know if you’d like me to come to your church (click here to email me).  One more thing that we’ve just added to our Products Page is a digital version (PDF) of the book I put together called A Special Report on Worship & Music in Churches throughout the Santa Clara County.  This is especially relevant for worship leaders and pastors.  Check it out on Gumroad.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as lives are being ignited for God’s glory! 😀

New Digital Downloads

We are now offering digital products for instant download as well as physical product to be mailed to you.  Check out our product page at https://heartfeltmusic.org/products/

• A new book called A Special Report on Music & Worship in Churches throughout the Santa Clara County by Reggie
• The music book called A Compilation of Compositions by Reggie
• The 20 song album called Intimacy by Reggie
• The 20 song album called Heartfelt Celebration by Reggie

House Concerts

I am setting up House Concerts throughout the Bay Area in the coming months and want to know if you’d be interested in hosting one. House concerts are private concerts in the homes of music fans, where friends, neighbors, and acquaintances are invited to attend a  performance with dessert sometimes included.  It is very fun, casual, up-close, and personal.  Let me know if you’re interested through email.  For more information and an introductory YouTube video, visit ConcertsInYourHome.com

New Albums

I am working on a new guitar instrumental album to be released by the end of February with new songs such as You Drive, Tenacious, and Morning Come Lately, as well as some cover songs such as Carolyn’s Draught, Del’s Bells, and Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.

Another album being worked on right now and due to be released in March has a number of songs never recorded before such as Flame, Give Me Wings, and Worthy & So Wonderful, as well as some songs that have shaped Reggie’s life such as Make My Life a Prayer, Water Grave, and He Is Alive.

Coming Events

• January 12 (Sat) — Leading Worship at Mt. Hermon with Billy Graham Center Ethnic American Network
  
• January 20 (Sun) — Leading Worship with PBC Willow Glen
• February 3 (Sun) — Leading Worship with Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley
• February 22-24 (Fri-Sun) — Leading Worship with Mt. Hermon’s Couples Retreat
• March 8-9 (Fri-Sat) — Teaching at the BASS Convention in Castro Valley

(Details of each event can be found at https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/)

I led worship with the Cede band today at the south campus of Central Peninsula Church in Redwood City.  It was exciting to be back together as a band after a couple of months break.  I’m leading worship a couple of times in December at Redwood Chapel (first picture).  The next time is December 30.  I’ll also be helping lead worship at Venture Christian Church Christmas Eve, December 24, during the three services offered that day (2:00, 4:00, and 6:00).  I’ll be joining Brian Clemons, my chapel cohort at Valley Christian School who is one of the worship leaders at Venture.  I hope your Christmas and New Year holidays are meaningful and full of joy!

Valley Christian School had a series of concerts for the Conservatory of the Arts music groups at the beautiful California Theatre in San Jose.  It was a busy week, but a great experience.  I’m enjoying working with the worship bands leading the High School chapels (center picture).  This coming week is finals week for Valley Christian High School, but Christmas vacation is almost here!  It’s hard to believe we’re half way through the year, yet I’m thankful it is going well.

Now is a good time to get a Heartfelt Music gift certificate for a friend or loved one.  You can choose whatever amount and they can choose whatever they want from music CD’s to training books and DVDs (right picture).  It’s easy to do it online and not even have to deal with mail.  Just click on the button below.  I know it’s a difficult time economically for all and Heartfelt Music Ministry is no exception.  We could use your help!  If you are thinking about giving to a non-profit 501(c)3 at the end of this 2012 year, choose Heartfelt Music Ministry and click on the button below.  For more information, go to https://heartfeltmusic.org/about/support/

December is a mix of full-on ministry as well as extended time with family.  We started the Christmas season with tree trimming and putting lights on the house over Thanksgiving weekend which gave us an early start.  As autumn gives way to winter the tree in front of our house glowed with beautiful red leaves.  Last Friday, we took a trip to San Francisco.  The boys spent time at the De Young Museum while Sherri and I went to Pier 39 and walked around the wharf.  Finals are this coming week, but we are looking forward to vacation.

To keep strong in the Lord, I’m continuing to daily read and memorize Scripture.  I’m in Isaiah right now and the two most recent verses are 1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.” and 1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”  What an empowering truth that the Spirit of God lives in us.  We know the things God has given us so generously which inspires a genuine gratefulness especially as we reflect on Christmas.  Have a Merry Christmas as you spend time with friends and family and celebrate Jesus’ incarnation!

Hope your Thanksgiving was both relaxing and meaningful.  Heartfelt Music Ministry has been continuing to lead others toward intimacy with God through leading worship and training.  I’ve been leading worship at various churches in the Bay Area such as Peninsula Bible Church in Willow Glen, Community Presbyterian Church in Danville (left photo), and Redwood Chapel in Castro Valley.  Next month, I’ll be at Central Peninsula Church in Foster City with Cede.  I was thankful for the opportunity to lead the joyful singing at the Thanksgiving Service in Mount Hermon Thursday morning.

Monday was a recital for my private students in the Los Altos area.  I was very proud of them (right photo).  Teaching at Valley Christian School has been such a blessing.  I value these students so much and see such potential investing a part of my life into theirs.  Continue to pray for soft hearts and spiritual nourishment for the student body.

Reggie will be doing a concert Friday, October 26th, at the awesome coffee place called Community Coffee (at Christ Community Church in Milpitas). The event starts at 7:00pm with various artists. Reggie is the “headlining” artist performing from 7:45pm to 8:45pm and Tammi Brown who sings in the CEDE band will be singing too. It’s FREE! Bring some friends. We’ll have fun worshiping together and Reggie willl share some favorites like “Reap What You Sow” and “Getting Stronger.” Come be encouraged!

More details at:  https://heartfeltmusic.org/calendar/

Not only is ministry keeping me busy, but family and friends fill in a big part of my life as well, as they should.  It’s taken me months to complete our new arbor which Sherri designed.  Working a few hours here and there, makes me realize persistence pays off (first photo).  The middle photo above is a picture of our newly painted bedroom completed in one day!  Three friends Sherri and I have known since college decided to come over and help us with some “home projects.”  I was amazed at what was accomplished and how truly helpful it was.  The biggest project was painting our bedroom.  What a blessing!  Not only did we get a lot done, but it was great to catch up with friends.  The third photo is of a cool lookin’ bird’s nest in Mt. Hermon with three eggs in it.  A taste of God’s beautiful handiwork!