Sometimes words are not enough. How do you encourage someone then? I set out to compose an album of original solo piano music for ten families who mourned the loss of a baby. I wanted to create a musical gift for remembrance and healing. After ten emotional interviews, several months at the piano, and a few days in the studio, I was pleased to finally announce the release of Now I Sleep – Solo Piano in April 2011. Since its release, this album has been a resource for bereavement ministries around the world who serve these dear families. This CD features a beautiful 12-page booklet telling the heartfelt stories that inspired these songs. It also includes 2 bonus tracks. While designed to be given as a gift to those who are grieving, it also serves as a deeply relaxing collection of piano lullabies that soothe the soul. FREE Digital Album so you don't have to wait! ($10 value) FREE Shipping in the US! 10 precious ones remembered and honored Full-color cover & credits 12 fully-mastered songs and their moving stories Jewel case & CD Inspired by the compassionate work of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS) Choose from regular or autographed! The album is also available in digital format: Now I Sleep - Digital Album Review by Kathy Parsons John Albert Thomas’ beautiful solo piano album Now I Sleep was inspired by the work of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (nilmdts.org), an organization of 7000 volunteer photographers who take “remembrance” portraits of families with a newborn baby who has either died at birth or has little chance of survival. These portraits are provided at no cost to the families with the purpose of providing healing and comfort by “honoring their child’s legacy.” John Albert Thomas interviewed ten families who had lost newborns and then composed music in memory of each baby. He also shares each family’s story in the accompanying 12-page booklet included with his CD. While all of this seems overwhelmingly sad, the music is graceful, uncomplicated, and very soothing. A thread of hope runs through each piece, making the album a welcome addition to any solo piano collection. The father of four children himself, Thomas mentioned to me that he was often moved to tears as he composed this music. He also said, “It's difficult to explain, but sometimes it felt like I was watching myself compose. At the risk of sounding presumptuous, it honestly felt like God gave me the music in those moments at the piano and I got to participate (and worship) in His music project. It still leaves me speechless and humbled at times. So He gets the credit for the good in it.” Each piece tells a different story, but all are composed and played with such love and gentleness that it’s impossible to pick favorites. This is obviously a very unusual album, but the bottom line is that all of the piano solos are quiet and heartfelt, offering feelings of peace and calm.The CDs contain two bonus tracks that are not included in the digital version as well as the 12-page booklet that brings even more meaning to the music. The two bonus tracks are Thomas’ arrangement of “Baby Mine” from the Disney movie Dumbo and “Scandalous Grace,” composed for a young lady on her 21st birthday.
