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PODCAST

Musically Speaking

Jarrod Richey"s Musical Meanderings on music education, church music, hymnody, and more. jarrodrichey.substack.com

music music commentary

All Episodes

5:00

Friday FIVE: September 5 - Jacques & Bach

Musically Speaking ·

2025/09/05

In this week’s episode, we hear how pianist Jacques Loussier and his trio reimagined Bach with the swing of a jazz rhythm section. From the famous Air on a G String to the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, these works remind us that sometimes all they need is a modern genre like jazz to bridge the gap and let us hear just how vibrant they would have sounded when first created.The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features music commentary, examples, and

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Friday FIVE: August 29 - Rough and Raw Voices

Musically Speaking ·

2025/08/29

In this week’s episode, we consider why certain voices move us even when they sound rough around the edges. These are voices that break the mold, resist polish, and still draw us in. What makes them so compelling?The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.Here’s a few listening links. First is Leonard Cohen’s “If It Be Your Will”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fICsHinJNbcHere’s Randy

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Friday FIVE: August 22 - The Common Doxology

Musically Speaking ·

2025/08/22

In this week’s episode, we look at how the familiar Doxology, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” was not originally a stand-alone hymn. It was the shared ending of three different texts by Bishop Thomas Ken. Morning, Evening, and even Midnight devotion all resolve in the same four lines of praise, a pattern that still teaches us how to frame our days.The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features music commentary, examples, and recommendations

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Friday FIVE: August 15 - Daddy Doesn't Pray Anymore

Musically Speaking ·

2025/08/15

In this week’s episode, we consider Chris Stapleton’s Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore and why it leaves such a lasting impression. Along the way, we’ll make a surprising connection to a classic country hit and explore what makes songs like this worth returning to again and again.The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey.Here’s the links promised in the episode:

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Friday FIVE: August 8 - Cecil Frances Alexander

Musically Speaking ·

2025/08/08

In this episode, we look at the life and legacy of Cecil Frances Alexander (1818–1895), who wrote many hymns for children, including All Things Bright and Beautiful, Once in Royal David’s City, and There Is a Green Hill Far Away—but whose poetic clarity and theological depth often surpass what many churches sing for adults today. We explore how her lyrics arm young worshipers with truth, invite children of all ages into the riches of the faith, and challenge some of our modern expectations for

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Friday FIVE: August 1 - The Last Great Waltz

Musically Speaking ·

2025/08/01

In this episode, I take a look at one of Mason Williams’ lesser-known but brilliantly crafted pieces: “The Last Great Waltz.” You probably know him from “Classical Gas,” but this tune tells a quirky story using shifting meters and clever musical turns.Here’s the link to listen to “The Last Great Waltz” in its entirety on YouTube: https://youtu.be/H0jMhedM_-IThe Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and

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Friday FIVE: July 25 - Be Still, My Soul

Musically Speaking ·

2025/07/25

This week, I take a closer listen to Be Still, My Soul, a hymn of quiet trust and enduring hope. We’ll hear excerpts from David Erb’s choral arrangement and explore how this hymn has shaped generations through grief and faith.Here’s a link to listen to “Be Still, My Soul” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_HYtMuSyCckThe Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations from Jarrod Richey. This is a

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Friday FIVE: July 18 - The Rhythm of Gratitude

Musically Speaking ·

2025/07/18

In this episode of the Friday Five, I revisit the classic hymn Now Thank We All Our God, but not in the way you might be used to hearing it. I explore a rhythmic version of this well-loved tune, bringing Johann Crüger’s original 1648 setting back to life with clarity and energy.You’ll hear a recording performed by my junior and senior musicianship students from Geneva Academy in West Monroe, Louisiana. I also highlight three reasons why this hymn deserves a regular place at your table, in your car,

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Friday FIVE: July 11 - Fireproof Letters & Railroad Arks

Musically Speaking ·

2025/07/11

This week, I feature Dearest Magdalene (Big Burn) by my friend and talented guitarist Bill Stutzman. Inspired by the Great Fire of 1910, this ballad from the album Cardinals and Fireflies unfolds like a final letter from a husband and father facing death as he sends his family to safety. With poetic storytelling, ghostly harmonies from his wife Cherise, and a warm vocal delivery reminiscent of James Taylor, this is a hauntingly beautiful song worth a careful listen.Here’s a link to listen to

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Friday FIVE: July 4 - America's First Anthem?

Musically Speaking ·

2025/07/04

Before “The Star-Spangled Banner,” there was CHESTER, a bold and faith-filled anthem that stirred the hearts of the American colonies during the Revolution. In this Independence Day episode, I take a closer look at William Billings’ iconic tune and share three reasons why it's worth rediscovering. From its patriotic theology to its uniquely American fuging style, Chester is a song worth hearing again this July 4. I’ve included clips from both the Robert Shaw recording and Paul Hillier and His

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Friday FIVE: June 27 - Roger and Out

Musically Speaking ·

2025/06/27

This week, we highlight Roger Miller’s fun album, Roger and Out, and share why its blend of humor, heartfelt songwriting, and playful charm makes it a must-listen. Join us as we unpack what makes Miller one of country music’s most creative voices and why you should give Roger and Out a listen.Here’s a link to listen to the album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2wuO3nwb5IJXIKoDyHblyF?si=OyDmF5S4QXmyPlcDjWsdLwHere’s a link to listen to “Got 2 Again” on YouTube:

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Friday FIVE: June 20 - Ancient Airs & Dances

Musically Speaking ·

2025/06/20

In this week’s episode, we explore how a composer famous for grand tone poems turned to 16th-century lute melodies. Ottorino Respighi, best known for Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome, also created three exquisite chamber suites in his Ancient Airs and Dances. We’ll hear snippets of Suite I’s sprightly “Gagliarda” and Suite III’s lilting “Siciliana,” then share three reasons why these intimate reimaginings of Renaissance tunes are so captivating. Tune in to discover the beauty hiding in these

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Friday FIVE: June 13 - Can't We Be Friends?

Musically Speaking ·

2025/06/13

This week, I’m taking a closer listen to one of the most charmingly bittersweet duets ever recorded, “Can’t We Be Friends?” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. There’s something about this track that makes you smile even as it sings about heartbreak. In this episode, I share three reasons why this performance still speaks to us: it feels like a real conversation, it wraps humor around heartache, and it reminds us that not every ending needs to be ugly. It’s jazz with grace, swing, and a whole

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Friday FIVE: June 6 - The Fuging Tune

Musically Speaking ·

2025/06/06

This week on the Friday Five, we discuss the uniquely American musical form known as the fuging tune. Featuring Nehemiah Shumway’s SCHENECTADY set to Isaac Watts’ “From All That Dwell Below the Skies,” this episode walks through three key characteristics of fuging tunes and shares how they reflect both musical creativity and congregational participation.Here’s a recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29KOzkV20EwHere’s a PDF of the sheet music from my Let Joy Resound Hymnal:

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Friday FIVE: May 30 - Sing Joyfully Unto God

Musically Speaking ·

2025/05/30

This week, we take a brief look at William Byrd’s Sing Joyfully unto God—a six-part setting of Psalm 81 and a standout example of English Renaissance choral writing. As we typically do, I’ll offer several reasons why you should know and enjoy this remarkable work of sacred choral music.Here’s a link to a recording: https://youtu.be/wRm0mS6UrH8The Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically Speaking that features five minutes of music commentary, examples, and recommendations

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Friday FIVE: May 23 - Which Was the Son Of...

Musically Speaking ·

2025/05/23

This week on the Friday Five, I’m sharing a choral piece that surprised me with its beauty and depth, even though the text is a list of names. I first heard it live in 2023 during a performance by The Tallis Scholars, and it’s stayed with me ever since. In this episode, I’ll give you three reasons why I think it’s worth your time, too.Here’s a link to the Tallis Scholars’ recording of Arvo Pärt’s “Which Was the Son of…”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5recq2Ff2P8Here’s the link to hear it on

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Friday FIVE: May 16 - Songs that Tell the Story

Musically Speaking ·

2025/05/16

What if the gospel story could be told not by listing its events, but through the songs that have accompanied them? In this week’s episode, I reflect on James Montgomery’s 19th-century hymn Songs of Praise the Angels Sang, which creatively traces redemptive history from creation to resurrection to eternity through the lens of music.Here’s a link to the Coventry Singers’ recording: https://youtu.be/Snu0LzeYfjYHere’s a recording of David R. Erb’s setting also mentioned in this post:

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Friday FIVE: May 9 - A River That Talks

Musically Speaking ·

2025/05/09

This week on the Friday Five, we journey down the Vltava River with Bedřich Smetana’s The Moldau, one of classical music’s most vivid tone poems. From bubbling springs and forest hunts to moonlit waters and rushing rapids, this piece tells a sweeping story without a single word. Host Jarrod Richey shares three reasons for listening and how a river can speak through sound.Here’s a recording link: https://youtu.be/kTfOzsL8hpE?feature=sharedThe Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from

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Friday FIVE: May 2 - An Evening to Remember

Musically Speaking ·

2025/05/02

Fresh off last night’s concert, this special episode of the Friday Five reflects on the Delta Youth Chorale’s Spring 2025 concert, held just last night. Featuring live excerpts from the choir, including György Orbán’s electrifying Daemon Irrepit Callidus, Jarrod Richey shares three takeaways from the evening that celebrated truth, goodness, and beauty through song.Here’s a recording link: https://www.youtube.com/live/4ToVZUKBFbwThe Friday FIVE is a weekly five-minute podcast series from Musically

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Friday FIVE: April 25 - Dvořák’s No. 9, Mvt. IV

Musically Speaking ·

2025/04/25

What do a 19th-century Czech composer and a blockbuster film score have in common? In this week’s Friday Five, we explore the fiery opening of the 4th movement (Allegro con fuoco) from Dvořák’s New World Symphony and trace a musical thread you might not expect. One moment, one motif, three minutes of orchestral drama that may sound...oddly familiar. Take a listen. The sea of sound just might surprise you.Here’s a recording link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCct_tSQ8WYThe Friday FIVE is a weekly

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