A large crowd attended a concert at St Peter and Paul’s Lower Hutt last Friday to attend the launch of “Angel of the Forest“, a new album by Fr Chris Skinner SM.
A special feature of the concert was the performance of five songs with lyrics by well known Wellington priest and writer, Fr James Lyons.
During the concert both artists had time to explain how the words and music came about.
Lyons said that the phrase ‘thieves of innocence’ compelled him as he wrote “Mother of Mercy”; saying the song carried a message about how sorrow and pain might be met by compassion and mercy.
Skinner says the album contains some very moving songs and some lively upbeat compositions.
“This is truly something quite different given the collaboration that has taken place and the arrangements have a real celtic flavour,” he says.
The last song from the album was Mum and Dad which Chris wrote after looking at his parents’ wedding photograph.
It was a gentle reflection on love, hope, dreams and memories.
For concert-goer Margaret Riordan, the line “You hold seeds for the planting in the soil of our sorrow,” that spoke gently and powerfully to her.
Another song “Into my Life” had lyrics by Lyons that spoke of thankfulness for precious friendships in our lives, and as Fr Chris wove the beautiful melody with his voice, I was grateful for all those who came to my mind,” she said.
Click to order “Angel of the Forest”
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