Stephen Lee

"Then you will recite to one another psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; you will sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts..." (Ephesians 5:19)

Inspire prayer and healing
Days before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Stephen Lee and his family were forced to evacuate their home. When approached by the American Music Therapy Association to provide a musical response to the devastation, he jumped at the opportunity. That song—which would later become the title track of this collection—served as an inspiring call to prayer and healing.

Explore the history of African-American song
Stand by Me explores the development and history of African-American spirituals, combining a diverse range of musical styles and influences. Powerful when performed as a complete work, these songs are equally beautiful when shared individually within the context of worship. From chant and soulful blues to the rhythms and harmonies of gospel and jazz, soloists and choir converge as catalysts for celebrations overflowing with an irresistible joy.

Enjoy a range of musical and emotional contrasts
The collection's title track, "Stand by Me" is a reflective, Taiz?-like mantra intended for assembly and choir. "Standin' in the Need of Prayer" offers a booming synthesis of 20th century blues and gospel traditions. The somber "Walk with Me" and energetic "When the Storms of Life are Ragin'" epitomize the musical and emotional contrasts found in this powerful collection.

Worship with heart and voice
Narrated by Father Edward Branch, Stand by Me features performances by renowned vocal groupsùThe Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society and the Spelman College and Morehouse College Glee Clubsùplus revered musicians E. Dwight Franklin and Reverend Adrian Ford on piano, and Uchenna Echeazu on drums. Whether you lead a choir or simply love African-American spirituals, treat your senses to songs that call for worship with heart and voice.

Tracks: Over My Head | Come by Here | Jesus in the Morning | Sweet Jesus | Oh, Freedom | Hush | Stand by Me | When the Storms of Life are Ragin' | Walk with Me | Standin' in the Need of Prayer

Also available as an MP3 playlist.

This is the downloadable MP3 Playlist for Mass of Freedom, a new Mass setting by Stephen Lee.

"Sincere, engaging and appropriately uplifting, [Mass of Freedom] is a work that the assembly will want to sing."
—John E. Ware, D.M.A.
Director of Choral Activities, Xavier University
New Orleans, LA

Praise with heart and voice
Combining the accessibility of folk music with the rousing rhythms of true gospel, this refreshing Mass setting speaks to the collective heart of the assembly. Invite children and grandparents, alike, to clap their hands and lift their voices in joyful praise of our Lord!

This is the MP3 playlist for Stand By Me.

"Then you will recite to one another psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; you will sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts..." (Ephesians 5:19)

Inspire prayer and healing
Days before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Stephen Lee and his family were forced to evacuate their home. When approached by the American Music Therapy Association to provide a musical response to the devastation, he jumped at the opportunity. That song—which would later become the title track of this collection—served as an inspiring call to prayer and healing.

Explore the history of African-American song
Stand by Me explores the development and history of African-American spirituals, combining a diverse range of musical styles and influences. Powerful when performed as a complete work, these songs are equally beautiful when shared individually within the context of worship. From chant and soulful blues to the rhythms and harmonies of gospel and jazz, soloists and choir converge as catalysts for celebrations overflowing with an irresistible joy.

Enjoy a range of musical and emotional contrasts
The collection's title track, "Stand by Me" is a reflective, Taiz?-like mantra intended for assembly and choir. "Standin' in the Need of Prayer" offers a booming synthesis of 20th century blues and gospel traditions. The somber "Walk with Me" and energetic "When the Storms of Life are Ragin'" epitomize the musical and emotional contrasts found in this powerful collection.

Worship with heart and voice
Narrated by Father Edward Branch, Stand by Me features performances by renowned vocal groupsùThe Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society and the Spelman College and Morehouse College Glee Clubsùplus revered musicians Dwight E. Franklin and Reverend Adrian Ford on piano, and Uchenna Echeazu on drums. Whether you lead a choir or simply love African-American spirituals, treat your senses to songs that call for worship with heart and voice.

Tracks: Over My Head | Come by Here | Jesus in the Morning | Sweet Jesus | Oh, Freedom | Hush | Stand by Me | When the Storms of Life are Ragin' | Walk with Me | Standin' in the Need of Prayer