presents

April 30, 2021 Macel Falwell Recital Hall MUSIC 305 7:30 PM Still a Ways to Go Ryan Townsend (b. 1999)

Blue Bossa Kenny Dorham (1924-1972) Keith Cooper, acoustic guitar

Sweet Home Chicago Robert Johnson (1911-1938) Caleb Pearn, bass; Evan Hasker, drums; Konner Kennedy, acoustic guitar/vocals

This Masquerade Leon Russell (1942-2016) Caleb Pearn, acoustic guitar

Anthropology Charlie Parker (1920-1955) Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) Caleb Pearn, bass; Evan Hasker, drums; Christian Santiago, piano

Lenny Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954-1990) Caleb Pearn, bass; Evan Hasker, drums

Low Lonesome Duke Levine (b. 1961) Caleb Pearn, bass; Evan Hasker, drums; Konner Kennedy, acoustic guitar

17 Chris Renzema (b. 1995) Caleb Pearn, bass; Evan Hasker, drums; Konner Kennedy, acoustic guitar/vocals

Still a Ways to Go Still a Ways to Go is an original solo guitar composition. It is a musical reminder that our current season of life is not permanent, and that the end of this season is the beginning of a new one. The melodic motiefs represent the beauty of life, the simplicity of our calling, and the hope that we still have a ways to go.

Blue Bossa Blue Bossa, composed by Kenny Dorham (1924-1972), is a standard Bossanova tune. It contains classic ii-V-I movements that give musicians plenty of room to improvise and show off their improv chops.

Sweet Home Chicago My guitar playing has always been deeply rooted in the blues. Sweet Home Chicago is one of the most classic twelve-bar blues tunes of all time. This prime example of the Delta blues has influenced most of the music I grew up with in some way, and is dedicated to all of the blues guitarists that have influenced me over the years.

This Masquerade This Masquerade is one of my favorite charts that I’ve worked in my four years of lessons. It is a laid back feel and harmonic progression, and it creates a fun tune to solo over.

Anthropology A Charlie Parker (1920-1955) and Dizzie Gillespie (1917-1993) masterpiece, Anthropology is a solid chart for jazz musicians to have in their repertoire. It is a fast bop: very fast. Blazing horn solos and an unorthodox melody make translating this chart to the fretboard a fun challenge.

Lenny I remember sitting on the living room floor at home and listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Texas Flood record for the first time. It sparked my passion for the blues and guitar in general more than any other musical experience had at that point. Lenny is a beautiful love song, wordless but captivating, with all the emotion a love song deserves provided by six strings and a lot of soul.

Low Lonesome Low Lonesome encompasses every aspect of music that I love. Blues, soul, and country guitar licks blended with soaring solos and a consistent pocket makes this song extremely fun to play and listen to.

17 17 is one of my favorite songs from the past year, and tells a story of doubt, regret, love, and forgiveness that all of us can relate to. It is the constant struggle of our sin and separation from God, trying our best to live according to His image but struggling with our inability to do so on our own. When we are tired, worn-down, and ready to quit, God reminds us His immense love for us.

I would like to thank all of the faculty, staff, and students at Liberty for encouraging me and supporting me throughout my time here. I would also like to thank my parents, for being so supportive of my passion and calling my entire life. If it weren’t for them, I definitely wouldn’t be here today. Thank you to all of my friends who have stayed with me and pushed me to be a better musician and a better person, I love you guys!

Ryan Townsend is a student of Mr. Keith Cooper.

This recital is presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music: Recording Engineering and Producing Concentration degree.

We would like to thank the Liberty University Administration for their faithful support of the School of Music.

Dr. Jerry Prevo, President Dr. Scott Hicks, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Stephen Müller, Dean, School of Music The School of Music Administration, Faculty, and Staff