This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith – Fresh Solo Piano Interpretations of Timeless Classics for Peaceful Worship and Prayerful Meditation

Jeff Bjorck grew up with the grand old hymns. They rang out from the record player and radio at home, and he sang them every week in church. His deep love for these classic melodies has inspired his fourth Pure Piano CD, This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith. With nine new hymn arrangements and six returning favorites, this CD features almost 75 minutes of Bjorck's interpretations of the music that helped to shape his faith in Christ. He states, "Each of these pieces is a personal favorite, anchored in rich history, relevant for today, and pointing me to a 'hope and a future' (Jeremiah 29:11)." The six tracks previously released on earlier CDs were recorded between 1995 and 2005, as were "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus," "It Is Well With My Soul," and "Jesus Loves Me." The remaining six new pieces were recorded in 2007. This I Know provides more of Jeff's signature quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world. A number of the arrangements can also be enjoyed with the volume turned up way up reflecting their heritage as rousing anthems. While developing these pieces, Jeff became aware of musical influences planted during his childhood that reemerged as he played. "Our church pianist was a student of Rudy Atwood, renowned accompanist for Charles E. Fuller s Old Fashioned Revival Hour radio broadcast. Mr. Atwood even came and played at our church once when I was a boy. As I composed these hymns, I was surprised to hear hints of his style in my own playing. It is no small coincidence that I would grow up to become a professor at the seminary founded by Charles Fuller. That s quite an interesting full circle!" Fittingly, this CD is being released in the very same year that Fuller Seminary celebrates its 60th birthday. Although Jeff acknowledges the influence of old-time religion, the arrangements on This I Know represent a fresh approach to these classic hymns. In fact, some hymn lovers may be challenged to recognize all fifteen pieces in their current forms, each of which present variations of the original themes. Bjorck insists, however, that "While I play these arrangements, I hear the old hymns clearly at least in my head!" Whereas most hymns are typically associated with the authors who penned their lyrics, the composers of the melodies are generally less well known. With this in mind, Jeff views this CD as a tribute, first and foremost, to the composers. "Although I know at least some lyrics to all of these hymns, it is their melodies that are indelibly carved in my consciousness. I would not be surprised if the same were true for many listeners!"