Search - Mark S Haskett :: Song of The Prophet

Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet as you've never heard it before... in song! Experience a musical journey through the pages of the world's most beloved volume of sacred poetry, authorized by Gibran's estate. From the sweet harmonies of "On Love" to the lilting jazz of "On Beauty"... from the metal-edged blues of "On Laws" to the emotional heights and depths of "On Joy and Sorrow"... The Prophet's familiar words take on new power and meaning as song lyrics for this inspiring collection by artist/author Mark Haskett and ProphetSong.
Product Details:
* Audio CD (November 21, 2008)
* Original Release Date: 2008
* Number of Discs: 1
* Packaging includes four reproductions
of Gibran's original illustrations
* Label: IF Music
* ASIN: B001CBJS3Q
LINER NOTES:
Back in the days of America's last unpopular war, Kahlil Gibran's masterwork of poetic wisdom was practically required reading on college campuses, as well as at life-cycle events from baptisms to funerals. A perennial best-seller since its publication decades earlier, The Prophet developed a devoted following around the globe, admired by readers for its soaring, scripture-like cadences and insight into the human condition.
The Vietnam War was just beginning to wind down when philosophy student Mark Haskett set Gibran's chapter "On Marriage" to music in honor of a friend's wedding. After being invited to sing the words at scores of other ceremonies -- and writing new melodies and guitar chords for several more chapters -- Mark compiled a folksy, John-Denver style adaptation of well over half the book. While still considering his music a "work in progress," he debuted eight of his songs at a local venue, along with a running commentary on Gibran's life and spiritual philosophy.
It was only after Mark became involved in interfaith bridge-building that he became serious about rearranging and recording his "Prophet music." Securing permission from the Gibran National Committee in Lebanon (to whom the Lebanese-born author/artist had bequeathed his royalties), Mark sought out other musicians and vocalists to explore the potential within his songs for a wider variety of musical styles and instrumentation. The resulting group was dubbed ProphetSong; and the finished CD, "Song of The Prophet," is now a remarkable collection that ranges from haunting ballads to incisive blues, from jazz to get-up-and-dance zydeco.
While in some cases Mark rearranged the order of The Prophet's oft-quoted lines to fit a more traditional verse-and-refrain format, he has remained true to Gibran's words. The fact that the lyrics don't rhyme goes virtually unnoticed. And though the music benefits from the book's popularity for added meaning and context, each of the songs stands quite nicely on its own, with several that sound as if the words were written to fit the music than the other way around.
For existing readers and those new to Gibran's work, the universal wisdom and timeless truths in these captivating melodies bring a refreshing alternative to the kind of pop music that entertains, but ultimately fails to enrich us. "Song of The Prophet" does both.