Meet Brother James
Spirit-filled Socrates, live your life in me May I protest a little less than James of Zebede. Oh Brother James, The blessed saint the first to be set free By Herod's sword he joined you Lord to reign ten thousand years. Oh Christ, live your life in me, oh Jesus, Christ, let me die with thee, that I might Rise, rise to life and be your brother Christ, live your life in me. Spirit-filled Socrates, make your home in me We may not have a place to rest, but I’ll find my rest in thee. Oh Brother James, the lucky saint to be your brother here; May I be found to him akin and be your brother dear. Oh Christ, live your life in me, oh Jesus, Christ, let me die with thee, that I might Rise, rise to life and be your brother Christ, live your life in me. So Brother James the third, I’ll be if you see fit for me To live in Christ, and die to gain is all I ask for please. So curb me now impatience vain to read thy veiled decree And count it joy to suffer, Lord, if so brought nearer thee Oh Christ, live your life in me, oh Jesus, Christ, let me die with thee, that I might Rise, rise to life and be your brother Christ, live your life in me.
(Housemate: “how’d the show go tonight?”)
This song will be played at every Brother James living room concert from here on, but will likely never be released publicly. These “concerts” will look different every time, but they’ll always include songs, conversation, and good company. Generally I just want to build relationships with people and help people while growing myself in the process. I think living room “concerts” are the best way to accomplish this. This is an undercover mission to love a bunch of folks deeply with my music, stories, and songs.
The Portion, therefore, will be the name through which I and Aaron Feeney will release music intended for the church (congregational singing and/or contemplation) and Brother James will just shares stories of his life that anyone can relate to. That’s not to say that Brother James won’t have Christian elements; he’ll just represent me more broadly, maintaining a public identity that is accessible to all.
So instead of becoming a monk, which I’m very interested in but unlikely to ever do, I’ll be the traveling monk-brother, James. Since James is my middle name I’ll take on the patron saint name of James (which james, who knows) and I’ll spread the life of Christ — in word and song, but more commonly in witness and in deed — with my touring and music releases.
I’m glad you’re joining me in this journey! If you’d like to help make all of this a reality financially, invite me to your house for a living room conversation, become my patron for at minimum $1 (though of course more helps accomplish all of this more successfully), or email me if you’d like to contribute more substantially or in other ways (talents, resources, connections, etc).
Thanks for your love and support!
Justin