In August of 1991, I (then I was Stan Sawyer; now I am Stan Stewart) was the parish musician at St. John's Episcopal Church in Clayton, California. The parish priest is a very creative person who encourages the creativity of the people in his parish. Seeing my interest in doing a recording and the fact that I hadn't done one in California until this time...coupled with his interest in doing creative projects, Father John Bennison suggested that we create a tape of my piano improvisations for commercial purposes...and to allow me to fulfill a dream.

Father John and I devised a short ritual surrounding the sound and poetry that make up each hymn. These usually included singing or reading the hymn; perhaps reading a bit of Scripture or saying a prayer; and nearly always included time for silent meditation.

Then, on five summer evenings in August, 1991, I sat down to the piano in the sanctuary of St. John's Episcopal Church. Six to ten other people joined John and I on each of the evenings. Inspired by this worshipful setting of quiet community prayer, personal meditation and singing, a variety of improvisations on hymn tunes emerged. These selections come from a broad range of styles and traditions, and are offered on tape for your own reflection and enjoyment.

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