This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith  
Featuring 6 returning favorites and  9 NEW timeless classics!   
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Available now,  this new Pure Piano CD includes ~75 minutes of timeless music! Click the player above to enjoy Jeff Bjorck's fresh arrangements of these 15 grand old hymns. 

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"This I Know is a wonderful recording for anyone who loves the classic hymns, but will also be a joy for anyone who loves deeply-felt piano solos. A rich and satisfying experience awaits the listener!" 
~ Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com

Jeff Bjorck grew up with the grand old hymns. They rang out from the record player and radio at home, and he sang them every week in church. His deep love for these classic melodies has inspired his fourth Pure Piano CD, This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith. With nine new hymn arrangements and six returning favorites, this CD features almost 75 minutes of Bjorck's interpretations of the music that helped to shape his faith in Christ. He states, "Each of these pieces is a personal favorite, anchored in rich history, relevant for today, and pointing me to a 'hope and a future' (Jeremiah 29:11)."
     The re-released six tracks from earlier CDs were recorded between 1995 and 2005, as were "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus," "It Is Well With My Soul," and "Jesus Loves Me." The remaining six new pieces were recorded in 2007. 
     This I Know provides more of Jeff's signature quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world. A number of the arrangements can also be enjoyed with the volume turned up—way up—reflecting their heritage as rousing anthems. While developing these pieces, Jeff became aware of musical influences planted during his childhood that reemerged as he played. "Our church pianist was a student of Rudy Atwood, renowned accompanist for Charles E. Fuller's Old Fashioned Revival Hour radio broadcast. Mr. Atwood even came and played at our church once when I was a boy. As I composed these hymns, I was surprised to hear hints of his style in my own playing. It is no small coincidence that I would grow up to become a professor at the seminary founded by Charles Fuller. That's quite an interesting full circle!" Fittingly, this CD is being released in the very same year that Fuller Seminary celebrates its 60th birthday.
     Although Jeff acknowledges the influence of old-time religion, the arrangements on This I Know represent a fresh approach to these classic hymns. In fact, some hymn lovers may be challenged to recognize all fifteen pieces in their current forms, each of which present variations of the original themes. Bjorck insists, however, that "While I play these arrangements, I hear the old hymns clearly…at least in my head!" 
     Whereas most hymns are typically associated with the authors who penned their lyrics, the composers of the melodies are generally less well known. With this in mind, Jeff views this CD as a tribute, first and foremost, to the composers. "Although I know at least some lyrics to all of these hymns, it is their melodies that are indelibly carved in my consciousness. I would not be surprised if the same were true for many listeners!" 

   To read the stories behind each piece, click here.

More Reviews 

     "Seems simple: our favorite hymns covered on the piano. Yet, it’s so much more than that—Bjorck reworks each composition, and upon initial listen the musical themes are almost unrecognizable. Known for his Pure Piano Music series, he relies on the simplicity of solo acoustic piano to convey his message. It works, too. Unique arrangements make up for the minimalist instrumentation. At times you’ll find yourself singing a familiar chorus, but more often than not, you’ll be trying to place that one melody. Bjorck claims his album as a tribute to the composers of the melodies for each hymn; the authors are often credited for their lyrics, but he brings a new emphasis on the musical side of the hymns. The perfect combination of classical piano, well-known hymns and contemporary piano arrangements, This I Know is a unique release.
     Bjorck’s motto for his music is, “Quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world,” and This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith is the perfect example. Put this in your CD player for a time of calm devotion, or use it as background music at your Sunday Service."
~~Worship Leader Magazine, September 2008

    "The dancing, Vince Guaraldi-like stride Jeff Bjorck gently grafts onto Come Thou Font of Every Blessing evokes the sonic equivalent of sunrise in an unspoiled, dew-laden meadow. The rest of this CD—the latest in his Pure Piano series—dedicates itself to faith hymns with a similar spirit of artistry and reverence. It Is Well With My Soul begins with the brushstrokes of single piano keys, then unfolds with flower-petal sensitivity. If you’re looking for a lullaby to soothe your child-like soul, Jesus Loves Me finds salve in the instrument’s upper register, its 88 seconds enveloping the listener in swaddling cloth."
~~Lou Carlozo, Christian Century Magazine

     "The fourth in his Pure Piano series, This I Know contains Jeff Bjorck’s favorite hymns, featuring his own solo piano arrangements for them....Bjorck is a devout Christian, of that there is absolutely no doubt. However, take it from me, an avowed agnostic and fallen-away Catholic; enjoyment of this CD is not restricted to those for whom these hymns hold spiritual significance. I’d guess that if one were Christian, then these wonderful interpretations might stir his/her soul in a special way. However, Bjorck is a talented pianist and his arrangements make even the most “hymn-like” hymns sound inviting to a secular music lover, such as myself.
~~Bill Binkelman, New Age Reporter

     "Jeff Bjorck is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology. He is also an seriously incredible pianist. He calls his music "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world" and he is 100% right on the money there. Beautiful stuff here ... simply beautiful."
~~Kim Jones, correspondent for About.com Christian Music~~

This Timeless, Evocative Album Takes You Places
     "I've listened to Jeff Bjorck's latest instrumental piano album, This I Know: Ancient Hymns of Faith, several times over the last month or so. While this veteran artist's lovely renditions of classics such as "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" haven't yet failed to set a mellow, meditative mood, this collection of 15 tracks (nearly 75 minutes total) somehow turned even more poignant and alive during a recent Sunday afternoon car trip through central Connecticut.
     Passing through the snow-covered New England landscape as the sun shined upon huddled neighborhoods, gray smoke exiting chimneys and tall church steeples casting long shadows across bare trees, Bjorck's music was akin to a time machine. I found the emotion of his playing (and even more crucially, the very rustic, timeless quality of his tone and composition) filled my mind with images of the countless people who've worshiped to these hymns over the centuries. Passing by Thomaston I wondered what it might have sounded like inside the town's Covenant Church during its first Sunday service in 1890 as the founding congregants heard the opening strains of "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling"---then only a decade old. Bjorck's melodies come about as close as you can to answering such questions....This I Know: Ancient Hymns of Faith is indeed timeless---but don't let that fact dissuade you from immediately letting it enrich your present reality." (CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~~Dave Urbanski, Senior Developmental Editor of Youth Specialties~~

Deeply moving arrangements for fans of spiritual and new age music
     "This I Know" is a collection of hymns arranged by pianist Jeff Bjorck, who is a leading composer in the genre variously known as "contemporary instrumental," "adult instrumental," or "new age." Six of the tracks are remastered versions of pieces that appeared on previous albums by Bjorck, but the remaining 9 tracks are all new, for an impressive 70+ minutes of beautiful music. I am a primarily a fan of new age music and discovered Bjorck through his other albums ("Impressions in Black and White," "Pure Piano Portraits," and "Pure Piano Panoramas," all equally excellent albums). Bjorck has created lush, romantic arrangements of classic hymns in this album that should please fans of both new age and spiritual music.
     All of the tracks on this CD are strong; my favorites, though, were "Fairest Lord Jesus," "Jerusalem," "Be Still My Soul," and "All Creatures of Our God and King." "Jerusalem" in particular was simply outstanding: The song begins with a call and refrain of a long, rumbling bass note that you feel deep in your chest followed by a delicate sprinkling of high treble notes spelling out the melody. The song then transitions into chords that inspire and challenge. Oh, it may also be worth mentioning for the benefit of other listeners less familiar with spiritual music that--while "Day by Day" is very pleasant--it is not the song from Godspell but another hymn. 
     In all, an excellent album and one well worth purchasing, especially for those who are looking for a more contemporary take on classic hymns.
~~Monica J. Kern, Lexington, KY

This I Know: (and you can too!)
     "There is so much that I appreciate about [this] CD. Jeff Bjorck summed it up best with the line "47 years in the making" and it shows in the music and all the little extras. The explanation in the credits on the selection of artwork and photos was meaningful. His reflective "thank-you" as well as the "personal stories" about the music add to the beauty of this CD and give us a glimpse of the heart behind the hands. But it is the music that shines. The selection of hymns is prime. The arrangements have that classic "Bjorck" stamp -- tender and thoughtful movements that invite a heartfelt response. I especially enjoy listening to this CD (and others Jeff has produced) because I find his compositions rejuvenating. In fact, I think that "encouraging" is also an apt description of all of Jeff Bjorck's music!
~~Jim Covington, Los Angeles, CA

Great performance - great production...GREAT CD !!!
     "I found out about this CD in one of the recording forums on the web. I'd never heard of Jeff but feel fortunate to have happened upon his music. After listening to several soundbytes of this disc that were posted on the gearslutz forum, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to add to my collection. The songs on the disc are billed as a collection of hymns, though many won't be recognized as such due to Jeff's creative interpretations. The production, engineering and recording of this CD will blow you away...it's as if you're sitting in the room with Jeff as he plays. The only thing that overshadows what producer Bill Pearson did in the studio with the knobs is what Jeff Bjorck did in the studio on the piano. This is just a great collection of soothing solo piano music played by a very talented musician and captured by a top notch producer. And it keeps my blood pressure down while sitting in traffic in Atlanta! Truly the best $15 bucks I've spent in awhile."
~~R. Hendee, Norcross, GA

Beautiful Music for the Soul
     "This is a wonderful collection of Bjorck's renditions of classic hymns. I love listening to the beautiful music...it is food for the soul, and a lovely musical portrait for the senses. I particularly enjoyed reading Bjorck's description of the personal meaning that each hymn has for him. I have given this CD and other CD's of Bjorck's piano music to friends, and they absolutely love it! Whenever I have Bjorck's music on in the background, friends who call me on the phone, or are accompanying me in my car will inevitably ask, "What is that music? It is BEAUTIFUL....." I do highly recommend that you get this CD, as well as some of Bjorck's other CD's....you will be glad you did."
~~Lisa Wen, San Francisco Bay area, CA

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