How has music changed the way people experience worship? Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Justin Brooks, Director of Contemporary Music at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, to explore the evolution of contemporary Christian music and its place alongside traditional worship. From hymns and rock bands to songwriting, authenticity, and even the growing influence of AI, they unpack how music can connect generations, stir emotion, and create a deeper worship experience.

Saint Michael and All Angels' contemporary band joined forces with our Traditional musicians for our second annual Hallelujah Hootenanny–and it was a toe-tapping, hand-clapping good time! This one-of-a-kind event was a celebration of our faith, music, and community, set up like the iconic Grand Ole Opry and reminiscent of vintage variety shows like Hee-Haw and Prairie Home Companion. Y'all come back now, you hear?

On this in day in history, December 19th, 1984, Daniel Larusso beat Johnny Lawrence to become champion of the All Valley Under-18 Karate Tournament. In honor of that fateful day, here’s my rendition of “Training Hard” (The Karate Kid Theme) by Bill Conti, using Gibson J-45 guitar, 1998 Thinline Telecaster, and lap steel. Bonsai!!

Written in 1882 by William Kirkpatrick, this melody has imprinted itself on many a heart for generations. One of my favorite hymns and hope you enjoy. #hymn #instrumental #folk #resonator #guitar #accordion #banjo #mandolin #bluegrass #worship FOLLOW ME: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/justinphilipbrooksmusic/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justinpbrooks/

Here’s an original jazz arrangement of “We Three Kings” done in 5/4 time in the style of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five”. This was a blast to play and thanks to all of these gifted musicians for bringing it to life! Performed at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, TX Musicians: Justin Brooks - acoustic guitar/vocals Mario Cruz - sax Lane Harder - drums Lou Harlas - bass Adam Jones - electric guitar Ashley Westgate - keys #epiphany #lessonsandcarols #jazz #davebrubeck #takefive #jazzmass

As I was searching for an All Saints hymn for this Sunday, I came across a beautiful arrangement of "For All The Saints" by Fernando Ortega. I reached out to him to see if he happened to have the music for it, and he was kind enough to send it to me. Written for piano, this is my interpretation of it on guitar. Fernando's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ML6WFskgYI

Listen on Spotify: https://rb.gy/4aqvk0 Listen on Apple Music: https://rb.gy/2tsolc Listen on Amazon Music: https://rb.gy/msf6gt “Peace Is My Last Gift To You” Written by Justin Philip Brooks, Paul Demer, and Jon Cole (c) 2017 and 2024 Elgie Street Music (ASCAP) | Demer Music (BMI) Produced by Paul Demer Mixed & mastered by Chris Bethea Artwork by Paul Soupiset Video filmed and edited by Clay Hervey (wearesaltbox.com) Justin Philip Brooks - vocals, guitar, lap steel, percussion, accordion Paul Demer - vocals, guitars, bass, banjo Lyrics Do you know what I your Lord and Master Have done to you I have given you an example That you should do As I have done Peace is my last gift to you My own peace I now leave with you Peace which the world cannot give I give to you I give you a new commandment Love as I have loved you By this the world will know you're my disciples That you have love For one another Peace is my last gift to you My own peace I now leave with you Peace which the world cannot give I give to you Song Story Justin Philip Brooks (Director of Contemporary Music at Saint Michael and All Angels, Dallas, TX) and Paul Demer (Director of Contemporary Music at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral, Dallas, TX) met at a songwriting retreat that focused on setting Holy Week prayers and scriptures to music. That very day, they wrote "Peace is My Last Gift to You" along with fellow songwriter, Jon Cole. This text from John's gospel is included in the Maundy Thursday service in the Book of Common Prayer where it is called "An Anthem for the Washing of Feet." Traditionally this is a text that choirs sing while ministers wash their parishioners' feet. Drawing inspiration from the harmony structures and musical stylings of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, the ending song took on life as a folk ballad. The band Liturgical Folk ended up covering it on their album "Crumbs" in 2018, but Justin and Paul always desired to record their own version of the song. In January of 2024, this became a reality as they recorded it in Paul’s home studio and released it in March of 2024. This accompanying video was done in a spirit of collaboration — two churches and musicians coming together to advance the arts in the Church and the message of the love and hope of Christ in the world. We hope this video is a blessing to you and look forward to more Saint Michael arts collaborations in the future!

Justin Philip Brooks plays a meditative arrangement of "Amazing Grace" on his Gibson J45. Justin is Director of Contemporary Music at @SMAADallas and part of the folk trio @roscojohnny Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinphilipbrooks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinphilipbrooks