DISCOVERY IN THE CHAPEL: THE DISCOVERY MASS BAND This project came to being through a deceptively simple equation: Music+Friends+God=Joyful Noise. As with many blessings in our lives, our collaboration here is the result of good intentions combined with a series of fortunate events that resulted in the chance assembly of, in alphabetical order: Tom Black, lead and background vocals and mandolin; Mike Ernst, lead and background vocals and acoustic guitar; Len Musgrove, backup vocals, piano and electric piano; Pamela Musgrove, lead vocals (once dubbed the “Aretha Franklin of the Episcopal Church” by SMAA’s former rector, Mark Anschutz); Matt Savage (backup vocals and standup bass); and Eric Spomer (lead vocals, backup vocals and acoustic guitar) or, as we are known at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, The Discovery Mass Band. The roots of the DMB trace back to Mike, Pam and Len volunteering to perform a “one time” (yeah, right!) performance of the music in a St. Michael’s service about 10 years ago in relief of our dear friend Martha Schattmann, then the SMAA music minister. Soon it became a “once a month” service to prop up a fledgling service at the request of the charismatic Chip Edens, then the Associate Rector of SMAA. Next thing we knew, 3 became 4 with the addition of the energetic and talented Eric, a lifetime friend of Len’s. Suddently, 4 became 5 when Matt brought his slappin’ double bass and warm harmony vocals into the mix at the suggestion of Father Chip. And then, on a total chance meeting, Pam and Len persuaded Tom to bring his guitar, mandolin and voice to the DMB. And suddenly, the one-time substitute trio became the 6 members of the DMB. “Discovery in the Chapel” is a musical tribute to our beloved St. Michael’s Chapel, which was beautifully remodeled just as our collective music ministry was coming to fruition. Thanks to the considerable understanding and latitude of SMAA’s Rector Bob Dannals, not to mention the devoted SMAA Altar Guild, our hearty crew assembled in the Chapel early one Sunday afternoon in June of 2010, and we managed to lay down all the tracks you hear on this CD in the organic, “old fashioned” way: we all recorded and played through each song together until we got it right. Since we recorded the project on a Sunday in the Chapel, it was only appropriate that the album resembled our weekly Discovery Mass service, so that’s exactly what we did. The only difference is that we added a whole slew of communion songs—clearly we couldn’t help ourselves! The songs on this project represent many of the collective DMB favorites among the songs we are privileged to play to our congregation on Sundays. Please join the DMB in our never ending quest to teach stiff Episcopalians the gifts of rhythm and harmony! Peace be with you! Pam, Tom, Mike, Matt, Eric and Len Credits and Special Thanks to: Paul DeFoe, our awesome engineer ; Rev. Robert Dannals, SMAA Rector, for his support and backing; Rev. Chip Edens, former SMAA Assistant Rector and current Rector of Christ Church in Charlotte, NC, for his vision and encouragement to push the envelope; Martha Schattmann, you are still our hero!; Mary Turner, a former DMB member—we miss you!; Kevin Huddleston, SMAA Priest and keeper of the Discovery Mass—you’re the Man, RevKev!; James Diaz and Hyeon Jeong, SMAA Director and Assistant Director of Music, for your support and allowing us to do our thing, whatever that is!; all other SMAA Clergy and former Clergy that put up with us, including Rev. Amy Meaux (Go Aimoe!!), Rev. Michael Harmuth and Rev. Jermonde Taylor; all our faithful Discovery Mass congregation members over the years…you know who you are!; to Monique Black, Joyce Ernst (for the awesome cover and insert photography!), Lisa B. Savage and Betty Spomer and all our great kids—a large dose of love and thanks for your understanding; and most importantly, THANKS BE TO GOD for the opportunity to give our gifts back to You, the Giver of Music. Producer: Len Musgrove Tracking and Mix Engineer : Paul DeFoe Artwork: Brian Nadurak All Songs Arranged by The Discovery Mass Band (c) 2012 The Discovery Mass Band and St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. All Rights Reserved.