Windows Media Player needed - download Real Player needed - download Light in the Midst of Darkness is full of passionate songs. It's a compilation of various musical textures, demonstrating versatility as a saxophonist, flautist and vocalist. It combines Latin rhythms with jazz, as well as a touch of contemporary flavoring. The project was produced by jazz saxophonist, flautist, composer, Justo Almario. It also includes the talents of many notable musicians such as Abraham Laboriel, Bill Maxwell, Greg Matheison, Bill Cantos, etc. Most of the feedback from those who have heard it speak of its ability to usher in an atmosphere of peace. Also included on the project are several past and present Instruments of Praise instrumental and vocal students. « I Choose Joy Personal Message- A dose of joy is definitely the best thing for my goal-oriented personality. "I Choose Joy" is a reminder for me to spend more time enjoying the fruit of my labor and not simply rush on to the next goal. Joy definitely makes the journey more pleasant and enjoyable. Song Description - The song has a soprano sax lead accented with occasional background vocals. The tempo is upbeat yet relaxed. « El Shaddai Personal Message- "El Shaddai" is one of my favorites. When I sing the words I am reminded that not only is He the Almighty God of Abraham, but He is the same yesterday, today and forever. And His providence for my life is sure. So I have to hold on the vision set before me, knowing that He will in fact do exactly what He said He would do. Song Description - The initial mood of the song is set by a rubato, heartfelt expression of the melody on alto sax, followed by a vocal declaration of the same. There's a gradual acceleration in tempo with a climactic transition into a Latin groove and the lead line switches back to alto sax. « Light in the Midst of Darkness Personal Message- "Light in the Midst of Darkness" comes from my desire to effectively minister the unconditional love of God to people living in hopelessness and despair. It's an answer to my commission to be a light creating a path of hope that leades to the Father. Song Description - This is an expressive vocal duet with a few melodic accents on soprano sax. « Doxology Personal Message- I first heard this version of "Doxology" several years ago performed by Helen Baylor with Justo on flute. It gave me a renewed vision for my flute as I played it over and over and over again. When I hear this song, I can't help but do a little shuffle of praise and remember how bountifully God has blessed me. (Psalm 148). Song Description - This is a traditional song turned Latin salsa. The lead instrument is flute and the background vocals, sung in Spanish as well as English, feature the IOP Vocal Ensemble reiterating the words and melody of the chorus. « Joy Medley Personal Message- Jesus is the "Joy of My Desire" and the "Center of My Joy" - my true source. I have to be careful not to look at my abilities or inabilities as the gage for contentment and success. All that I desire and hope for is found in Him. Song Description - The "Joy Medley" is comprised of two melodious songs in an adagio tempo. It opens with the alto sax playing through a verse and chorus of both songs followed by a passionate vocal arrangement of the same. « Total Praise Personal Message- "Total Praise" is such a beautiful worship song. It admonishes me to continually give praise and reverence to God as the source of my strength and the strength of my life. This song finds the quiet place inside of me and compels me to worship. Song Description - This song features the Instruments of Praise flute, sax and vocal ensemble students. The tempo is adagio. It begins with a simplistic form of instrumentation, adding vocals and gradually building to a grandiose finale. « Count Me In Personal Message- God has blessed me with special friendships; people who say "Count Me In", I'll be there for you. Whether it's prayer, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand, they hold me up so that I can stay the course and finish the race. Thank God for them. Song Description - This is an upbeat, joyful instrumental song with a little jazz/gospel flare. The lead line is performed as a duet with alto sax and bass guitar. It also has two featured solos on keyboard and bass. « Grande Eres Tu " How Great Thou Art" Personal Message- How wonderful it is to know that the very same God who created the worlds, the moon and the stars, created me to fulfill His purpose here on earth. "Grande Eres Tu" emphasizes the awesome, omnipotent power of God, with the ability to move mountains on my behalf. There's nothing small about Him! Song Description - This song begins with an expressive vocal arrangement of "How Great Thou Art" sung in Spanish. It segues into a smooth alto sax solo, gradually building to a somewhat regal ending. « We Shall Behold Him Personal Message- "We Shall Behold Him" makes the message of salvation and eternity an inevitable reality. The thought of Christ returning for me and seeing Him face to face stirs a flood of emotion. But to be concerned with only my own salvation would be a pity. I must always strive to be an 'intentional witness' for Christ. Song Description - This song starts as a mellow, adagio alto sax solo. It gradually crescendos to a dynamic forte with the background vocalists triumphantly heralding words of His second coming. « The Steadfast Love of the Lord Personal Message- "The Steadfast Love of the Lord" never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning and great is His faithfulness. That's definitely something to rejoice about! Song Description - This is an instrumental flute song. The coloring is that of light Latin jazz, with a tempo much faster than its well known original adagio version. The bridge has a snazzy rhythmic groove with the flute harmonically doubling itself, then back to the beginning texture. « An Instrument of Praise Personal Message- To be "An Instrument of Praise" doesn't require a talent, gift or skill. It simply requires that I live my life congruent to the message I sing, making an eternal difference in the lives of others. This melody was written as the theme song for Instruments of Praise. Song Description - This is an easy listening vocal song. « The Lord's Prayer Personal Message- "The Lords Prayer" is a song of inspiration. Its melody is simple and sweet, yet powerful, much like the words of the prayer. But as for me, there's nothing simple. Therefore, I rely on the simplicity found in Christ that brings peace and rest. Even in the midst of a busy schedule He provides peace of mind when I remember to take a deep breath and surrender control - 'Thy will be done'. Song Description - This song is played a cappella on alto sax. The style is purposely simplistic and unhindered by accompaniment to clearly portray the message. « Emmanuel-Emmanuel Personal Message- "Emmanuel-Emmanuel" is a passionate reminder of God's ultimate love. So many times when I hear this song I'm filled with emotion. The melody has a way of going deep within the most tender parts of my heart, touching places where only the presence of God can go. The life He predestined for me before I was born was summed up in the life of a baby, Emmanuel...God is always with me. Song Description - This is a medley of two different songs titled Emmanuel. The first is a dolce, semiclassical soprano sax song. The second is a well-known worship chorus sung by the IOP Vocal Ensemble embellished with colorful soprano sax statements.   Windows Media Player needed - download Real Player needed - download « I Choose Joy « El Shaddai « Light in the Midst of Darkness « Doxology « Joy Medley « Total Praise « Count Me In « Grande Eres Tu "How Great Thou Art" « We Shall Behold Him « The Steadfast Love of the Lord « An Instrument of Praise « The Lord's Prayer « Emmanuel-Emmanuel     Home | Introduction | Artist at a Glance | Biographical Sketch Prison | Instruments of Praise | Listen | Purchase info Guestbook | Contact