One Monk's Junk Is Another Monk's Treasure

If you happen to be getting a Grande Peppermint Mocha Latte at the Starbucks on the corner of Church Street and Murray Street you just may meet Gregor Ian Chance. He claims that he rarely gets to imbibe in the worldly pleasures of high-end caffeine and triple espressos. However, it would be rarer still to find a day where his flowing robes and well-manicured, well- floured hands DON'T pay a visit (or 3)

In a general sense Gregor is a monk. In a more specific sense he is NOT a country monk... he is quite clearly a city monk. Expert in the ways of kneading (although he's quick to point out he NEEDS nothing), baking, and all things rising. His other daily tasks and routines center around meditation, cleaning the abbey, reading, and other various vows (some more adeptly than others... specifically silence being the most challenging). 

The biggest test of his devotion to his order is his inner need to sing... all the time... anywhere...and everywhere. His superiors have shunned him on numerous occasions for his show tunes in the showers... or Bette Midler after hours. As his penance he has been ordered by the order to put his musical talents to a more benevolent goal... that is to record a Christmas album. The restrictions put on him were as follows:

1. use the traditional music of the order (plainsong, chants, etc.)
2. don't use any instruments other than male voices
3. record it in the empty halls of the abbey when his fellow monks are out on retreat

According to unnamed sources, the project is coming together nicely and should be released by Christmas 2012. 

In the next post Gregor has agreed to discuss the project in more detail, reveal a bit about his roots, and perhaps give us a sample of some songs.