Michael Hart, a licensed chaplain with the CPD, put out eight albums between 1985-2010 and after a ten-year hiatus, has released his ninth album, ONE.
“I went back to Regent College in 2007-2009 to finish a Masters. During that time I got the nudge to serve beyond music and teaching and to consider a form of ‘coming alongside pastoring.’ Long story short, this led to two positions in chaplaincy, which I enjoy as it’s a covert form of pastoring that puts you straight into the societal fabric. Presently I’m Chaplain Music Coordinator for individuals dealing with drug addiction in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, in the midst of the present opioid crisis. I’ve learned a lot about music as a tool to aid in the recovery and healing of the human heart. I’ve heard some real out-of-the-box stories, reminders of the human brokenness all of us have.”
So, what motivated Michael to record ONE, a jazzy and uplifting album, mostly performed live at Studio Downe Under in Abbotsford?
“I started writing a lot in 2015 and approached jazz pianist Nelson Boschman to see if he’d be willing to rehearse together to see how the new material would stand up with just acoustic guitar, vocals, and piano. We rehearsed 14 tunes off-and-on for four years, trying different keys and tempos, as well as revised lyrics for the ten chosen, with ONE ending up as title (Ephesians 4:5). I feel it’s important to put the Christian narrative out there in our time, beyond worship songs, which have their needed liturgical place for the Body, yet I wanted to sing to non-churched people as well. Some have said the album is worshipful and lifts them up to The One, whereas a secular person might say they like the groove or a certain song. So I’m happy either way, but it’s probably why this is more of a ‘crossover album,’ yet there’s no vagueness about the Christian impetus of the project.”
All the professional musicians and singers on this project are believers and 25% of all CD sales or Bandcamp proceeds will be donated to those who’ve suffered from sex trafficking.
For more info and links go to www.michaelhart.ca.