Album Notes

Father Peter Bowes has devoted his life in service to God, and has served as a Priest and Master Teacher for over 20 years. He currently serves as Co-Director of the Order of Christ/Sophia, teaching and ministering to students throughout the country. Many of the elements of the Mystical Christian teachings of this Order can be heard in Father Peter's lyrics, encouraging the listener to discover the Truth within. (See www.orderofchristsophia.org).

Father Peter demonstrated musical acumen from the earliest ages, receiving an invitation to join the Vienna Boy's Choir at the age of 12. He also picked up guitar at an early age, developing an ear for modern folk/pop melodies, and has been influenced by the likes of Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles. Living in Newport Rhode Island, home of the famous Newport Jazz Festival, gave Father Peter the opportunity to hear and even perform with many of the major folk, blues, and jazz musicians of the late 60's and early 70's.

Father Peter Bowes' debut release, "Devoted To You", combines modern folk/rock music with the essence of ancient Christian Mystical experience, giving the listener a deep sensation of God's Divine presence. Father Peter leaves no question as to the message of his music or the motivation it would instill in his audience. The clarity of Father Peter's voice in delivering simple and ingenious lyrics, over moving and inspirational melodies, succeeds in creating a unique body of work that vigorously compels and gently caresses the world to listen.

The straightforward arrangements and minimalist production sensibility of "Devoted To You" leave plenty of space to connect with the music and allow Light to inundate the heart. Father Peter eschews the high-tech tools and gadgets so prevalent in a modern recording studio. Instead applies timeless spiritual technology to plant a seed within each listener's heart, pour the water of God's love and the Light of Christ's being over it, and allow it to bloom into full expression of God's divinity within us.

In the title track, Father Peter is genuine and credible when he says "God's Light increases within me now / My anger and pain ended years ago / God's grace forgave me and lifted me somehow / All the things that prevented my growth". Similar lyrics throughout the CD express the power of God's love to bring us to peace and joy. Recorded "live in studio", this music is raw and accessible, making clear that the power behind this work is the inspiration of God, mediated through a true disciple of Christ.

The compositions span a wide range of musical structures, from devotional hymns and poignant ballads to pop/rock foot-stompers and joyous folk sing-alongs. Father Peter's varied, multi-textured fingerpicking technique lends flavors of blues, jazz, and rock to his classic folk style. His versatile voice rings clearly, and subtly weaves into the occasional minor key with grace. One can easily envision several of these songs covered in a variety of styles by mutliple artists, in the way that classics such as Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" and The Beatles' "Let It Be" have over the years.

Ultimately, this CD release marks the turning of a page, the beginning of an era, the dawn of a new day in Christian music. Father Peter's works testify to the power of his vision, the clarity of his sight, the strength of his ministry, and the humility of his soul. He sets a standard of devotion to God against which all other Christian works can be compared.