Author Archives: Greg Scheer

Blue Turned Green

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Greg Scheer

I had an idea for a jazz tune: it would be a minor blues in A minor, but instead of heading to the D minor chord as its next move, it would move down to a G minor. [I know, … Continue reading →

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Psalm 17: Show Me the Wonder of Your Love

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Greg Scheer

In Psalm 17, the Psalmist is being pursued by enemies and calls to God for help. The six-part Psalm includes an initial appeal for God to hear, a proclamation of innocence, a petition (save me!), an accusation of the wicked, … Continue reading →

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Americana

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Greg Scheer

A few months ago, I accompanied my wife to Detroit. She attended training for a new job while I stayed behind as a “hotel husband.” Since I had only a bass to work out my musical ideas, I gravitated toward … Continue reading →

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A Beautiful Delusion

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Greg Scheer

I’ve been reading Faith, Hope, and Carnage by Nick Cave. I highly recommend it. In a series of interviews with Seán O’Hagan, Cave discusses his artistic process, the death of his son, and the way his faith has changed and … Continue reading →

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Psalm 15: Lord, May I Dwell with You?

Posted on February 25, 2023 by Greg Scheer

From my Psalm 15 study notes: I’ve got to admit: it’s almost depressing reading Psalm 15. Not only is it works righteousness, but it sets the bar impossibly high. Who may dwell in God’s sanctuary? No one… I believe that … Continue reading →

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Psalm 14: We Wait for You, Our Savior

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Greg Scheer

Update: This song is now available at gregscheer.com. I’m posting this Psalm two days after the Superbowl, which has given people 48 hours to register their disgust at Rihanna’s halftime show. Clutching their pearls and a bag of chips, they … Continue reading →

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Psalm 108: O God, My Heart Is Ready (w/ Kate Bluett)

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Greg Scheer

Update: This song is now available at gregscheer.com. Whenever I get the chance to work with Kate Bluett, I jump at the opportunity. She has a knack for writing hymns that are fresh and insightful, yet draw a worshiper’s attention … Continue reading →

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Psalm 11: Our God Is Still on the Throne

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Greg Scheer

Update: This song is now available at gregscheer.com. There are many, many ways to set the Psalms to music. Some of the most popular choices include metrical, responsorial, and verbatim Psalm settings. Each approach has its merits and I try … Continue reading →

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Charlotte

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Greg Scheer

One of the keys to composing is filling a need. Break up songs? Dime a dozen. Songs about Toothpaste? There’s plenty of room there for newcomers. Settings of Psalm 23? Yours needs to be better than the hundreds of well-loved … Continue reading →

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Sehnsucht

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Greg Scheer

“Sehnsucht,” is the German word for “longing.” It connotes more than a garden variety longing, though. It carries the deeper sense of longing for something that is out of reach or a longing that can’t even be put into words. … Continue reading →

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