The resulting, self-titled album will be released in February 2009, and is an arrestingly beautiful collection of original material that spans blues, jazz and soul, with experimental flourishes that defy categorisation.
Ben ‘Nostalgia 77’ Lamdin’s introduction to Keith and Julie Tippett’s music was a dusty copy of their 1971 LP ‘Septober Energy’ (written for the 50-strong band Centipede), and the sheer wealth and freedom of creative endeavour enjoyed by that pioneering group of musicians resonated strongly with him.
The Tippetts’ oeuvre spans more than four decades at the forefront of musical creativity. Julie (formerly Julie Driscoll) was the voice of Brian Auger’s r’n’b group in the ‘60s, also releasing a host of solo hits that walked the line between soul and r’n’b, while Keith was the pianist at Ronnie Scott’s and had his own successful free jazz groups. Their work together includes such ensembles as Mujician and Centipede, and has seen them release records on Polygram and RCA among other world renowned labels.
Currently, while continuing to perform and compose (Keith has just performed at the London Jazz Festival, and recent commissions include a work for the BBC Singers) both Keith and Julie Tippett are committed to sharing their passion and experience with an emerging generation of musicians through educational projects; it was on one such teaching initiative that Riaan found himself working with Keith and the seed that grew into the ‘Nostalgia 77 Sessions…’ project was sown. The album finds the common ground between these four exceptional musicians; it is a heady mixture of more traditional song arrangements and the free improvisational work which has been at the core of the Tippetts’ music for all these years.
This album with the Tippetts is set to be the first in an ongoing of series of ‘Nostalgia 77 Sessions…’ collaborations with inspirational and experienced artists.
More biographical information on Keith and Julie Tippett can be found on www.mindyourownmusic.co.uk
Visions
Nostalgia 77 featuring Keith & Julie Tippett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father and I Thy true son
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight
Be Thou my Armor, and be Thou my Light
Thou my soul's Shelter and Thou my high Tow'r
Raise Thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
Oh high King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all
The lyrics of "Visions" by Nostalgia 77 featuring Keith & Julie Tippett are a modern interpretation of the traditional Irish hymn "Be Thou My Vision". The song is a heartfelt prayer to the Lord, expressing the desire for God to be the central focus and guiding force in the singer's life.
In the first verse, the lyrics portray a deep yearning for God's presence and guidance at all times. The singer acknowledges that nothing else matters as much as having a relationship with God and experiencing His light. Whether it's day or night, awake or asleep, the presence of God is seen as the source of illumination and inspiration.
Moving on to the second verse, the lyrics describe God as the source of wisdom and truth. The singer longs to always be in the company of the Lord, recognizing the intimate connection between them as a father and son. There is a sense of unity and oneness, with the singer acknowledging that God dwells within them and they dwell within God.
The third verse introduces a martial imagery, using the metaphor of battle. The singer desires for God to be their shield, sword, and armor in the fight against life's challenges and struggles. God is perceived as both a source of protection and enlightenment. The lyrics also express a longing to be elevated to a higher spiritual plane, emphasizing the power of God in elevating the singer's soul.
The final verse speaks of a detachment from worldly possessions and recognition from others. The singer prioritizes God as their ultimate inheritance and treasure. The lyrics acknowledge God as the supreme ruler and king of heaven. The desires expressed are not for personal victories or material success, but for reaching the joys of heaven and for God to remain the focal point regardless of what may come.
In essence, "Visions" is a prayerful song that expresses a deep longing for God's presence, wisdom, and guidance. It reflects a desire for a profound and intimate relationship with God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of light, protection, and fulfillment. The lyrics convey a sense of surrender and devotion, seeking God's will above all else.
Line by Line Meaning
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
May you be the guiding vision and ruler of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Nothing else should matter to me, except for your presence
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
You are my most cherished thought, whether it's day or night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
Whether awake or asleep, your presence illuminates my path
Be Thou my wisdom and Thou my true word
May you be my source of wisdom and the true word that guides me
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
I am always with you, and you are always with me, Lord
Thou my great Father and I Thy true son
You are my great Father, and I am your loyal son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
You dwell within me, and I am united with you
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight
Be my protective shield and powerful weapon in times of battle
Be Thou my Armor, and be Thou my Light
Be my protective armor and guiding light
Thou my soul's Shelter and Thou my high Tow'r
You are the shelter and refuge for my soul, my towering strength
Raise Thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r
Elevate me towards heaven, O source of my strength
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
I do not value wealth or the shallow praise of others
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
You are my eternal inheritance, both now and forever
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
You and only you are the foremost in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
You, the High King of Heaven, are my most precious treasure
Oh high King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
Oh, the High King of Heaven, you remain my most cherished treasure
High King of Heaven, my victory won
You, the High King of Heaven, have already won my victory
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun
Grant me the ability to experience the joys of Heaven, oh radiant Sun of Heaven
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
You are the core of my heart, regardless of what may happen
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all
Please continue to be my guiding vision, O Ruler of everything
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Keith Getty, Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind