The Best Day
Performed: May 9, 2021
A cover of the Taylor Swift song performed by Cory and me. We are blessed to have you! Wishing Paula, mother and wife, a Happy Mother's Day 2021!
Here Comes The Sun
Performed: April 15, 2021
A trans-Atlantic collaboration between Cory and me. A tribute to Liverpool, England, home of The Beatles, and where my son Cory is currently studying theatre. Also, a tribute to those who worked hard to help us come out of the pandemic, to bring out the sun for everyone. And finally - a tribute to my son, Cory, who celebrates his birthday on April 15 2001. Yes, the "son" literally came out this day.
Vincent
Performed: February 14, 2021
Cory and I present a special Valentine's Day performance of the Don McLean classic "Vincent" for Paula. Beloved wife and mother. With our love: Happy Valentines Day!
Silent Night
Performed: December 18, 2020
Traditional carol composed in 1818 by Franz Gruber for guitar. A priest named Joseph Mohr composed a poem that became the lyrics for the song. The song was first performed in a small Austrian village. This is my own arrangement.
Sing We Now Of Christmas
Performed: December 16, 2020
Traditional French carol (""Noël Nouvelet") that dates from the late 15th century - early 16th century. The word "nouvelet" is related to Noël, which has a meaning of newness. The song celebrates the good "news" of the arrival of Jesus Christ. I have done a more contempletive arrangement of the song.
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Performed: December 12, 2020
Classic advent and Christmas hymn that has origins dating to the 9th century. Arrangement by Filipp Sapienza.
In The Bleak Midwinter
Performed: December 9, 2020
Playing a classic Christmas carol based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti, published in 1872. The poem was set to a score by Gustav Holst in 1906. Arrangement by El McMeen. Adaptation by Filipp Sapienza.
Praying for Rain
Performed: September 27, 2020
The world is speeding toward a climate crisis. Droughts and wildfires in the west are at record levels. In the east, record hurricanes. Something is seriously wrong with the climate. Fortunately, we know what the cause is, and how to stop global warming. The cause: the burning of fossil fuels. The solution: transform our energy infrastructure into renewable sources. We have the technology. We have the knowledge. What's needed is the political will.
Processional
Performed: August 7, 2020
Written by Will Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill records, but also an accomplished guitarists in his own right. Windham Hill produces George Winston's albums. Will Ackerman wrote it for a sad scene in a theater production. Several mistakes in my interpretation and application, per usual. Performed to honor my father, who passed away in August 1975.
Pride of People
Performed: August 6, 2020
Originally written in 1964 by Hamilton Camp, then in 1966 rearranged for guitar and recorded by Gordon Lightfoot.
Its anti-war themes and apocalyptic warning for a decadent empire still seem relevant today.
Vocals: Cory Sapienza.
Hapuna Sunset
Performed: August 2, 2020
Cover of Hapuna Sunset, from the movie The Descendants. Originally written and performed by Charles Michael Brotman.
Amazing Grace
Performed: July 29, 2020
Gospel arrangement of Amazing Grace for electric guitar. Original arrangement by Bobby Griffin. Created to commemorate the passing of Congressman John Lewis.
Take Lord, Receive
Performed: July 11, 2020
Guitar arrangement of Take Lord, Receive, by John Foley, SJ. Photo was taken by guitarist at Camp Sancta Maria in 1979, near Gaylord Michigan. The song is based on the Suscipe written by St. Ignatius Loyola.
The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
Performed: July 11, 2020
Vocals: Cory Sapienza
Violin: Paula Sapienza
12 String Guitar, Electric Guitar: Fil Sapienza
Drums, Bass: free backing track
Arrangement and Production: Fil Sapienza
Written by: Steven Morissey and Johnny Marr
Song Of The Body of Christ
Performed: June 27, 2020
A little late with this as the Feast of the body of Christ was celebrated a few weeks ago. The tune is based on a popular Hawaiian song. I tried to blend the tempo and melody from the version written for liturgy, and also added flourishes drawn from George Winston's piano version on his Plains record. Photo taken at the chapel at Regis University.
What's Goin On
Performed: June 22, 2020
A cover of the Marvin Gaye song. Produced to raise awareness about police violence against black people.
Please consider a charitable contribution to an organization of your choice committed to racial equality.
Vocals: Cory Sapienza (instagram @thehomosapienza).
I Received The Living God
Performed: June 12, 2020
A 12 string version. The arrangement was originally created for guitar by Jim Nailon.