Category Archives: Demos

But I Do

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Greg Scheer

I’m a huge fan of Chet Baker, especially when he sings or performs with orchestra. One of my favorites is a mopey ballad called “Everything Happens to Me,” written by Tom Adair and Matt Dennis. It hilariously bemoans the unrequited … Continue reading →

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All for Love

Posted on April 17, 2024 by Greg Scheer

Forever ago, Outside Pocket played a show for which Olivia Vargas was the opener. The week of, she posted a video of a new song she had written for the concert. I had hoped to surprise her with a companion … Continue reading →

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Psalm 63: You Are My God

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Greg Scheer

I was surprised to discover I hadn’t set Psalm 63 to music yet. Perhaps I shied away because I thought the competition would be fierce for a Psalm like this; it is a Psalm full of beautiful sentiments that fairly … Continue reading →

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Tuesday Was Behind You (w/ TL Moody)

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Greg Scheer

This is the second “slice of life” song co-written with Tammy Moody. This time Tammy turned to Philippians 3:13 for her inspiration: “I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting … Continue reading →

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Firefly (with TL Moody)

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Greg Scheer

Tammy Moody and I have been collaborating for quite some time. Much of our past work has been on hymns, but recently she has begun to stretch into new areas. Her newer texts are still inspired by scripture, but instead … Continue reading →

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Psalm 31: In Your Shadow Is My Refuge

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Greg Scheer

Psalm 31 has a place in Holy Week worship because Jesus quoted it from the cross: “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” Though verses 9-13 give a glimpse into the terror of the cross, much of the Psalm focuses … Continue reading →

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Brush Your Teeth

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Greg Scheer

On Thursday, I’ll lead an assembly called “Help Me Write a Jazz Song” at a local elementary school. I’ll tell them what a composer does and what it takes to write a song. Then I’ll tell them about my plan … Continue reading →

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Psalm 28: My God, the Rock (tune: ROCKY)

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Greg Scheer

As I explained in a previous blog post, Kate Bluett’s rendition of Psalm 28 was so good that it needed two musical versions to bring out the nuances of the text. I named this hymn tune “ROCKY” because of its … Continue reading →

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Psalm 28: My God, the Rock (tune: SANDY)

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Greg Scheer

I asked Kate Bluett if she would be willing to write a new Psalm text on one of the Psalms I haven’t yet set to music. She came through with skill and style! Psalm 28 is a three-part prayer. It … Continue reading →

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Psalm 21: The Coronation of the King

Posted on January 10, 2024 by Greg Scheer

This is the Psalm that almost ended my relationship with the Psalms. I mean, I’ve made songs out of some pretty difficult Psalms, but this one almost did me in. No, it didn’t have hateful imprecations. (I’m looking at you, … Continue reading →

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