Tom Kendzia

Captures the impact of music used in national workshops
After witnessing the incredible impact spirituals had in their presentations across the country, ValLimar Jansen and Tom Kendzia knew it was something that needed to be captured in the studio. The results are nothing short of spectacular.

Speaks to listeners of all ages and all walks of life
Ten of the most well known spirituals are re-imagined with arrangements featuring contemporary drum loops, keyboards and the "eSKape Singers" youth choir from South Kingston High School. ValLimar's brilliant lead vocals put the finishing touch on an infectious collection that will speak to listeners of all ages and all walks of life.

Captivating, uplifting and soulful
The title track kicks off the album with a joyful invitation for all of God's children to "Get on Board." "Wade in the Water" exudes a smooth jazzy groove and captivatingly intense vocals that never seem to rise above a whisper. A thumping drum loop serves as the heartbeat to the uplifting "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." ValLimar's soulful riffing in "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah" will have listeners shifting from side to side and clapping their hands with this bluesy gospel anthem.

Fresh new version of "Come by Here" (Kum-Ba Yah)
An intimate percussion opening makes way to the delicate arpeggio of acoustic guitar. The choir anchors the steady pace of this song, while strings contribute an ethereal, ambient element. Effortless lead vocals playfully intertwine with each other, while piano runs and melodic inflections add dimension as the song builds through each key change.

Introduces timeless classics to new generation
This collection masterfully honors the rich tradition of these timeless classics, while introducing them to a new generation of listeners to enjoy. Youth ministers: are you looking for a way to get the future of your parish excited about their faith? Look no further than Get on Board.

Tracks: Get on Board | Come by Here | Wade in the Water | In My Heart (Lord I Want to Be a Christian) | Steal Away | Down by the Riverside | Swing Low, Sweet Chariot | Glory, Glory, Hallelujah | This Little Light of Mine | Go Tell It on the Mountain

Lead Us to the Water is a collection of spiritually rich liturgical music to enhance your contemporary worship experience. Three psalm settings are featured along with easy-to-play music appropriate for various liturgical seasons and occasions including the rite of baptism.

The individual songs in the collection are linked thematically; this is especially apparent in the different arrangements of the title track as gathering, Communion and dismissal songs. The steady, African-sounding rhythms that permeate the recording serve to further unify the diverse musical selections, ranging in style from American spirituals to jazz.

Lead Us to the Water speaks a language understood by all; it will leave you with your feet tapping, your hands clapping and your soul rejoicing.

This is the MP3 playlist for Like a River.

"I have tried over these 30-plus years to offer music for worship that is easy to sing communally, and at the same time, musically interesting for church musicians to perform."
—Tom Kendzia

Inspire worshipers of all ages
Serving the needs of liturgy, as well as faith formation, Tom has the unique ability to craft songs that inspire worshipers of all ages. From pieces for gathering, communion and sending forth to psalm settings and songs for youth and young adults, this collection provides a variety of music to sing God's praises.

Celebrate the living God in each of us
"Live the Message" is a simple call to accept the challenge of following Christ—including vocals from longtime friend and collaborator ValLimar Jansen. Featuring powerfully visual texts from Rory Cooney, "One in Love" exhibits the living God fully alive in each of us. Tom also provides a revised "Exsultet," updated with texts from the new Roman Missal.

Bring music to life
Whether you lead with a single piano and cantor or with a full contemporary-style band and choir, the Like a River octavo packet (coming soon) provides you with the vocal and instrumental arrangements you need to share these songs with your community.

Tracks: Live the Message | Like a River | Forever I Will Sing | Faithful Cross | Calling Me Home | The Hands of God | With All My Heart | As a Light | One in Love | Answer the Call | With One Voice | Exsultet

This is the MP3 playlist for Endless Is Your Love, by Tom Kendzia.

Innovative arrangements, lively rhythms, contemporary styles
Endless Is Your Love, the latest collection from Tom Kendzia, has all the marks of this gifted composer's good hand: innovative arrangements, lively rhythms, and a delightful mix of contemporary styles. These 13 new compositions give assemblies and choirs fresh music for worship throughout the year.

13 songs for every season of the year
The collection supports liturgies in Advent, Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Ordinary Time, with psalms, gathering songs, Communion processionals and more. Combining elements of gospel, jazz, Celtic, folk and other styles, the songs feature memorable melodies and rich harmonies. Tom's dynamic rhythms bring a life-giving joy to the ritual experience.

Featuring gospel, jazz, Celtic, folk and other styles
"Mercy, Lord" is a versatile set of Lenten ritual pieces, for the gathering/penitential rite, responsorial psalm (Ps 130), Gospel acclamation and intercessions. A high-energy gospel-style setting of Psalm 81, "Honey from the Rock" features the powerful voice of ValLimar Jansen.

Two songs with texts by Sydney Carter
The collection contains two songs with texts by Sydney Carter, the well-known English poet and songwriter. In "Lord of the Dance," Tom has taken Sydney's popular Easter text and set it to a new Irish-flavored arrangement of the familiar Shaker tune. "Judas and Mary" is a dramatic retelling of the encounter between Judas and Mary of Bethany.

Psalm settings, music for Advent, and more
Based on the O Antiphons, "Shine Down" is ideal for youth choirs. Featuring John Angotti on lead vocals, this Advent hymn invites Emmanuel to "come and make all things new." A setting of Psalm 139, "Endless Is Your Love" expresses awe in the face of God's intimate and eternal love. Uilleann pipes and Irish whistles give it a sound that's both joyful and melancholy.

Endless Is Your Love is another gift from Tom Kendzia to the English-speaking Church.

14 songs by a variety of well-known composers
Master arranger Tom Kendzia has released his ninth instrumental collection. This second volume in his Come to the Feast series includes 14 songs by a variety of well-known liturgical composers. With the release of this new CD, Tom has now arranged and recorded instrumental versions of more than 100 popular liturgical hymns and songs.

Four of Tom's most popular songs
From his many beloved recordings, four were specially selected for this collection and given new life. From Clothed in Love, Tom chose "Stand by Me" and Unity Award Song of the Year (2003) "The Eyes and Hands of Christ." Off of Lead Us to the Water are "Create in Me" and "Out of Darkness."

Features four songs recorded in Ireland
A lovely instrumental version of "O Waly Waly," the traditional English melody, is among the four songs Tom recorded in Ireland. Other well-known tracks recorded in Ireland are Bernadette Farrell's "God Beyond All Names," Carey Landry's "Isaiah 49," and Tom's own "Create in Me."

Variety of song styles and instrumentation
The music on Come to the Feast, Vol. 2 ranges from simple piano and guitar to pop to traditional Celtic instruments. Tom played the majority of the instruments himself, including his 100-year-old Mason & Hamlin grand piano on a few of the songs.

Excellent background for prayer and meditation
Come to the Feast, Vol. 2 is gentle and soothing, with each of the songs beautifully performed on piano, guitar, woodwinds and strings. Play them in your car, at home, at work or as a background for prayer and meditation.

A fine addition to his previous instrumental collections
Tom's previous multi-volume instrumental series include Come to the Water and Light from Light. The skillful arrangements on Come to the Feast, Vol. 2 show that Tom is truly an artist in full command of his craft. This new disc is a strong addition to his already impressive body of work.

This is the MP3 album for Christ Within Me

A versatile collection
Offering 20 songs, this versatile collection from longtime Catholic musician Tom Kendzia features music for all ages in a variety of styles, including traditional choral, lively pop/rock, gospel and jazz. Some of the songs come from Tom's previous collections. In fact, this album contains some of his earliest compositions such as "Pietà" and "I, the Lord."

Explore new songs
Also included are two brand new songs, both beautifully written. The title track is a wonderful new setting of the much-loved St. Patrick's Breastplate prayer, commissioned by a parish in Southbury, Connecticut, in memory of an Irish choir member. Composed for Ciaran Somers (Tom's good friend who works as a music teacher in Ireland), "May the Road Rise Up" features the voices of the students from Ciaran's class on the recording. With "May the Angels/Amazing Grace," Tom also offers a new arrangement in a gospel style that combines one of his older songs and "Amazing Grace." The recording showcases the extraordinary voice of ValLimar Jansen.

Enjoy music for liturgy and reflection
The music throughout the collection is quite varied, appealing to many different types of church musicians and anyone who appreciates contemporary sacred music. The instrumentation is equally diverse, including brass, flute, fiddle, electric guitar, organ, drums, Uilleann pipes and more. With simple melodies and easy-to-sing lyrics, songs like "Sing Hosanna" and "As a Doe" will be great additions to any liturgy or celebration. Others would also be ideal for meditation and personal reflection, including "The Path of Your Return" and "Chill of the Nightfall."

Track listing
Sing Hosanna | Pietà | This Is the Day | May the Road Rise Up | Lord, Come and Save Us | Let the Heavens Rejoice | I Lift Up My Soul | Christ Within Me | As a Doe | May the Angels/Amazing Grace | The Path of Your Return | Chill of the Nightfall | Come, O Spirit of the Lord | Without You | Send Us Your Spirit | To Dwell in Your House | Light of Christ | In Your Love, Remember Me | I, the Lord | Happy Are You

This is the MP3 playlist for A Celtic Christmas, by Tom Kendzia.

Lively, new arrangements of well-known hymns and carols
A Christmas sequel to The Ships That Sailed, this instrumental collection features lively, new arrangements of well-known hymns and carols. Contemporary guitar stylings complement a traditional Irish blend of fiddle, flute, pipes and more, giving the recordings a fresh and unique sound.

Showcases some of Ireland's best traditional musicians
These 15 tracks, including 2 medleys, showcase players who are regarded as among the best in Ireland. Composer and arranger Tom Kendzia masterfully captures the energy of this enthusiastic group of musicians as they belt out reels, jigs, airs and other traditional Irish favorites.

Captivating, intricate and playful
"Apples in Winter" opens the album with a swift, non-stop tempo. Cello longingly cries out with droning lows and weeping highs in "What Child Is This." Both "Sliavh Gallen" and "An Chiuilfhionn" feature captivating and intricate runs on the harp. Finally, "Gooseberry Reels" will have listeners stomping their feet and clapping their hands as flute, fiddle and accordion playfully battle back and forth.

Transports listener to an Irish holiday party
A Celtic Christmas provides a musical backdrop for celebrating the joy-filled season of Christmas. From rousing dance numbers to deeply spiritual ballads, this collection transports the listener to the living room of an Irish party brimming with holiday cheer.

Tracks: Apples In Winter | Merrily On High - Dance Medley | Were You At The Rock | Christmas Eve | The Wexford Carol | What Child Is This | Mist Covered Mountain | Fairy Queen | The Holly Bears A Berry | Sliavh Gallen | Sleep Soundly Child | Hark The Herald Angels Sing | An Chiuilfhionn | I Saw Three Ships | Gooseberry Reels

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The Ships That Sailed is a unique collection of instrumental arrangements based on traditional, sacred Celtic hymns and songs. Recorded in Ireland by an exceptional ensemble of musicians, it captures - and celebrates - the great spiritual and musical heritage of the Irish.

The title refers to the vessels that carried thousands of Irish across the Atlantic to the United States in search of a better life. Tom's grandmother was on one of the ships that sailed, in 1916. His piece by the same title is an evocative, three-movement musical portrait of the "American wake" and other festivities the night before the journey, the journey on board the ship-with music and dancing to help pass the time - and finally the joyous, long-awaited landing in America.

As Tom explains, "The music in my heart comes from many places, but it clearly is rooted in this land of my ancestry. The 'soul' of the music of Ireland also comes from many experiences, especially the many years of hardship that persisted. The pervasive sense of melancholy in Celtic music gives way to unbridled joy that sends one soaring."

At times boisterous and mirthful, at times subdued and meditative, this album captures the Celtic-Irish soul in full color. Quick-stepping reels, jigs and other dance pieces alternate with wistful, melancholic ballads and sumptuous instrumental versions of classic tunes such as "Be Thou My Vision" (SLANE) and "Morning Has Broken" (BUNESSAN). The collection also includes secular slides and reels, two new compositions by Tom, a traditional American folk tune and an African-American spiritual. Beautifully recorded, it features traditional Celtic wind, string and percussion instruments, including fiddle, box accordion, harp, guitar, uillean pipes, whistles and flutes. Several tracks feature ethereal vocals in Gaelic.

An excellent background for prayer and meditation -- but great for listening at any time -- The Ships That Sailed is a touching, personal testament to the special contributions of the Irish to our music and our faith.

Innovative arrangements, lively rhythms, contemporary styles
Endless Is Your Love, from Tom Kendzia, has all the marks of this gifted composer's good hand: innovative arrangements, lively rhythms, and a delightful mix of contemporary styles. These 13 new compositions give assemblies and choirs fresh music for worship throughout the year.

13 songs for every season of the year
The collection supports liturgies in Advent, Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Ordinary Time, with psalms, gathering songs, Communion processionals and more. Combining elements of gospel, jazz, Celtic, folk and other styles, the songs feature memorable melodies and rich harmonies. Tom's dynamic rhythms bring a life-giving joy to the ritual experience.

Featuring gospel, jazz, Celtic, folk and other styles
"Mercy, Lord" is a versatile set of Lenten ritual pieces, for the gathering/penitential rite, responsorial psalm (Ps 130), Gospel acclamation and intercessions. A high-energy gospel-style setting of Psalm 81, "Honey from the Rock" features the powerful voice of ValLimar Jansen.

Two songs with texts by Sydney Carter
The collection contains two songs with texts by Sydney Carter, the well-known English poet and songwriter. In "Lord of the Dance," Tom has taken Sydney's popular Easter text and set it to a new Irish-flavored arrangement of the familiar Shaker tune. "Judas and Mary" is a dramatic retelling of the encounter between Judas and Mary of Bethany.

Psalm settings, music for Advent, and more
Based on the O Antiphons, "Shine Down" is ideal for youth choirs. Featuring John Angotti on lead vocals, this Advent hymn invites Emmanuel to "come and make all things new." A setting of Psalm 139, "Endless Is Your Love" expresses awe in the face of God's intimate and eternal love. Uilleann pipes and Irish whistles give it a sound that's both joyful and melancholy.

Endless Is Your Love is another gift from Tom Kendzia to the English-speaking Church.

Also available as an MP3 playlist.

Lead Us to the Water is a collection of spiritually rich liturgical music to enhance your contemporary worship experience. Three psalm settings are featured along with easy-to-play music appropriate for various liturgical seasons and occasions including the rite of baptism.

The individual songs in the collection are linked thematically; this is especially apparent in the different arrangements of the title track as gathering, Communion and dismissal songs. The steady, African-sounding rhythms that permeate the recording serve to further unify the diverse musical selections, ranging in style from American spirituals to jazz.

Lead Us to the Water speaks a language understood by all; it will leave you with your feet tapping, your hands clapping and your soul rejoicing.

The sequel to Lead Us to the Water
This collection is a sequel to Tom Kendzia's popular collection, Lead Us to the Water, offering exuberant, gospel-style music for the liturgy. Arranged with overlapping melodies and rich instrumentation, this music has a beauty and simplicity that makes it accessible to any assembly.

Music in the tradition of American spirituals
Many of the songs in Clothed in Love reflect the tradition of American spirituals, displaying beautiful harmonies, dynamic rhythms and remarkable solo and duet vocal parts. Arranged for full choir, piano, cello, bass, keyboard, drums, slide guitar and horns. The Lead Us to the Water Mass is featured on the recording and is available in a separate octavo (it is not included in the songbook).