TracksCome Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Nothing But the Blood, Praise to the Lord the Almighty, As for Us, Con Que Pagaremos, Softly and Tenderly, What Wondrous Love Is This, Teach Me Thy Way, Mi Abuelito, Morningstar, Chimayo, I Love to Praise Your Name, Night of Your Return, Living Water, I Need Thee Every Hour- Just As I Am - Come Ye Sinners, Nearer My God to Thee, Here Is Love, God Made Them All, My Song Is Love Unknown, I Remember Well, Road Song, Family, Now That You're Gone, Creation Sings, Green Pastures, Near the Cross, Jesus Lover of My Soul, Sacrifice of Praise, It's Your Love, Stricken Smitten and Afflicted, Brethren We Have Met to Worship, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, Tossed on the Wind, This Is My Father's World
NotesBEGINNINGS - the premiere 2-CD collector's edition of early Fernando Ortega recordings. Included in this comprehensive compilation are selections from Fernando's first four albums produced by RPI (Randolf Productions, Inc.). MEDITATIONS OF THE HEART (1993) MEDITATIONS OF THE HEART - ENCORE (1994) HYMNS & MEDITATIONS (1994) NIGHT OF YOUR RETURN (1996) Classically trained in piano at the University of New Mexico, Fernando comes from a family of weavers and farmers who, for eight generations, have lived in Chimayo, a small village on the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountatins, north of Santa Fe. His music celebrates this heritage in songs that are filled with spiritual longing and a deep reverence for his Lord. Fernando's music unites virtuoso piano skills with tender, authentic vocals. The rich accompaniment of cello, accordion and strings allow the songs to resonate with a simple yet sensitive quality that gently touches every listener's heart.