Description
Missa Bossa Nova is a four-track 33 ⅓ RPM 7-inch vinyl EP featuring songs written by the American singer, songwriter, and reverend Father Peter Scholtes, released on Flair (Flair Record Productions) in 1966, distributed by F.E.L. Records. Instrumental and vocal arrangements by Father Louis Burrell and Dennis Fitzpatrick, respectively. (Full title: MISSA BOSSA NOVA – a contemporary approach to worship from the south side of Chicago by Father Peter Scholtes.)
The song on the B-side, “They’ll Know We Are Christians”, have later been covered by many artists, e.g. by Carolyn Arends on her compilation Seize the Day and Other Stories released in 2000, and by Michael W. Smith on his single by the same title, released in 2023 (performed by Smith for the film Jesus Revolution).
Churches on the south side of Chicago comprise many elements among their parishoners. One of these churches is St. Brendan’s Roman Catholic parish where the composer of this record is an assistant pastor.
Some of the young people of St. Brendan’s parish belong to gangs – in this case, the Satan Lovers gang.
Seeking a solution to the worship needs of this segment of the parish, Father Scholtes conceived the idea of the ‘Missa Bossa Nova’. The gang members would bring their instruments to church – bongos, guitars, maracas, whatever was handy – and would join in with the music of the Mass.
SIDE ONE: Lord, Have Mercy (Kyrie); Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus); Lamb of God (Agnus Dei). SIDE TWO: Hymn – They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love.
The composer, Father Peter Scholtes (at right) and Father Louis Burrell, S.V.D., who did the instrumental arrangements and plays the drums and maracas on the recording. Vocal arrangements by Dennis Fitzpatrick. [Note on the back cover of the EP]
EP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Lord, Have Mercy” (Kyrie)
A2. “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Sanctus)
A3. “Lamb of God” (Agnus Dei)
Side Two
B1. “They’ll Know We Are Christians” (Hymn)
Note: The music is available in the Hymnal for Young Christians, distributed by F.E.L. Church Publications, 22 E. Huron St., Chicago, Ill. 60611. Published with ecclesiastical permission.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.