I don’t usually dig the whole “classical-metal-hybrid” genre, but I had a change of heart when I was hired to perform this piece last year.  The director sent me the following background information on the song’s history which really inspired me to get into the performance.

Happy Holidays & Good Luck in 09!!

from wikipedia:
Paul O’Neill explained the story behind Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 in an interview published on ChristianityToday.com:[1] … We heard about this cello player born in Sarajevo many years ago (Vedran Smailović) who left when he was fairly young to go on to become a well-respected musician, playing with various symphonies throughout Europe. Many decades later, he returned to Sarajevo as an elderly man—at the height of the Bosnian War, only to find his city in complete ruins. I think what most broke this man’s heart was that the destruction was not done by some outside invader or natural disaster—it was done by his own people. At that time, Serbs were shelling Sarajevo every night. Rather than head for the bomb shelters like his family and neighbors, this man went to the town square, climbed onto a pile of rubble that had once been the fountain, took out his cello, and played Mozart and Beethoven as the city was bombed. He came every night and began playing Christmas carols from that same spot. It was just such a powerful image—a white-haired man silhouetted against the cannon fire, playing timeless melodies to both sides of the conflict amid the rubble and devastation of the city he loves. Some time later, a reporter traced him down to ask why he did this insanely stupid thing. The old man said that it was his way of proving that despite all evidence to the contrary, the spirit of humanity was still alive in that place. The song basically wrapped itself around him. We used some of the oldest Christmas melodies we could find, like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Carol of the Bells” (which is from Ukraine, near that region). The orchestra represents one side, the rock band the other, and single cello represents that single individual, that spark of hope.

Big Guitar Solo at the End!

Captured at GOSPEL ANTHOLOGY 2008, presented by the Univ of Ala – Birmingham Gospel Choir, Kevin Turner director. Finale of an evening honoring the legacy of several periods of gospel music (west african slavery, field songs, negro spirituals, golden age, quartet, etc to 2008)

At the mike are Danielle Maltimore, Renita Holmes, E. Marie Gray and Marquita Anthony as the UAB Gospel Choir celebrates the 30 year legacy of the world famous Clark Sisters. You brought the sunshine, Is my living in vain, I’m looking for a miracle. Video captured at the UAB Gospel Choir’s 13th Anniversary Concert: Gospel Anthology. Kevin P. Turner, Director – University of Alabama at Birmingham

The Amazing Marquita Anthony

http://www.uabgospelchoir.com. University of Alabama at Birmingham Gospel Choir 10th Anniversary Concert. Marquita Anthony, lead. Kevin P Turner, Director.

Myspace Player

The first and only time I ever put on a show with large production of my original pop/rock stuff.  It was pretty rough around the edges. You can hear me shouting changes to the band, and none of us could hear our vocals so we’re screaming out of tune unfortunately, but nonetheless, it kicked butt for our first gig.  A couple minor train-wrecks, but still enjoyable.

1.Nothing’s Changed
2.Cool
3.Lay Me Down
4.No Love
5.Searchin’
6.Happy

Personnel:
William Barnes – Guitar /Vocals
Carlos Pino – Guitar
Sarah Green – Acoustic Guitar / Vocals
Marquita Anthony – Vocals
Julanda Sandlin – Vocals
Chad Fisher – Trombone
Omari Thomas – Sax
Lonnie Jones – Sax
Matt Wiley – Organ
Reggie Yarbrough – Electric Piano
Freddie Smith – Bass
Tim George – Drums
David Johnson – Drum Machines

all songs written/arranged: Barnes
Horn arrangements: 1,3,5: Sean Nowell, 2, 4, 6 : William Barnes, Chad Fisher, Omari Thomas, Lonnie Jones.

Rolling Stones Classic “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” Performed by the William Barnes Trio in Birmingham, AL. Tim George: Drums, Emery Kidd: Bass, William Barnes: Guitar. live at Speakeasy in Birmingham, AL 2/24/07

Homage to the Booker T & the MGs classic “Hip Hug-Her” recorded on a lo-res camera in Birmingham, Alabama at Speakeasy on 2/24/07. William Barnes – guitar, Emery Kidd – bass, Tim George – drums

nice boomerang and moogerfooger work in the middle

“It’s Not That Easy”
By John Mark Turner
Live @ Bailey’s Pub 2-20-08
John Mark Turner – Guitar/Vocals
William Barnes – Guitar/Vocals
David Johnson – Drums
Emery Kid – Bass
Clinton Green – Keys

“Presense of the Lord”
By Eric Clapton
Live @ Bailey’s Pub 2-20-08
John Mark Turner – Guitar
William Barnes – Guitar
David Johnson – Drums
Emery Kid – Bass
Clinton Green – Keys
Lonnie Jones – Sax