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CURRENTLY IN MUSIC
Music that is a challenge to, therapy for the soul

Michael Siebert

Waiting for Aidan Steve Bell. Winnipeg: Signpost Music, 2001.

The title of Steve Bell’s new CD Waiting for Aidan made me wonder who Aidan is and why he should be waited for. Aside from being a seventh-century Irish missionary, Aidan is the name of the child recently born to Bell’s manager Dave Zeglinski and his wife. “Waiting” is an apt description of the time preceding any birth (like an album) and can allude to times of longing for spiritual rebirth.

From the start, this CD was meant to be a major production. Unlike Simple Songs, it incorporates a wide variety of musicians – including Phil Keaggy – and experiments in new musical directions. The title track, for example, is a quick jazzy tune that could well illustrate one’s anticipation in a hospital waiting room. Overall, the CD has an upbeat, easy listening feel and features many wonderful instrumental solos, including mandolin, violin and a tasteful electric guitar.

The lyrics have a depth that challenges the listener. The reverence Bell has for Scripture is evident and his added commentary is illuminating. “A Sorrow for Connoisseurs” comes from Luke 2 where Simeon prophesies to Mary that although Jesus will be great, her love for Him will pierce her heart. Like C.S. Lewis, Bell draws the conclusion that even though love will involve pain and sorrow, it should in no way be abandoned.

Some songs are not from Scripture, but come out of personal experience. “Somebody’s Gotta Pay” emerges from his family’s experiences with a foster girl who lived with them for six years. It struggles with the unfairness of her abusive background and about the difficulty of forgiveness.

Besides the profound lyrics, what I found most enjoyable about this album is how certain themes are threaded throughout the album. “Eventide”, a beautiful song that incorporates Jabez’s prayer, introduces at least three themes that are picked up in subsequent songs and then are used with a new emphasis. The music is uplifting and hopeful (amidst suffering), and there are many outstanding arrangements. One disappointment is that the keyboards often tend to obscure the prominence and natural simplicity of Bell’s guitar. However, the overall combination of thoughtful poetry and musical inventiveness make this album insightful and enjoyable – both a challenge to and a therapy for the soul.

Michael Siebert is a university student and attends River East MB Church in Winnipeg.

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Last modified July 10, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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