Navigatio by Jeff Johnson with Janet Chvatal

Introduction by Jeff Johnson –

The Navigatio Sancti Brendani Abbatis (The Voyage of Saint Brendan) tells how St. Brendan (AD 489' - 583'), along with a handful of other monks, journeyed to the Land of Promise and then returned to their home in Ireland. Recent discoveries by archeologists as well as demonstrations by adventurers such as Tim Severin have substantiated the claim that St. Brendan may have been one of the first Europeans to land in America.

Yet, St. Brendan's Navigatio portrays a voyage more concerned with the exploration of the spiritual world rather than the physical one. For him, the curtain that separated heaven and earth was constantly being drawn open. The Christian worldview of the Celtic monks only enhanced this way of looking at things. Thus, not unlike Odysseus sailing at a different time and on a different sea, St. Brendan and his companions saw, heard and experienced things that overwhelmed them with wonder, frightened them to near death and illuminated their hearts, minds and souls.

In my own navigatio, I have stood on the world's edge and can humbly say that it is a place of true perspective, yet extreme peril. I have lost my footing often, have heard the Siren's song, and the sheer beauty of the Creator's handiwork juxtaposed with my own wretchedness has caused my heart and soul to falter. But I would not wish to have experienced it any other way, for it is here that I have even recognized that I have a heart and soul and it is here that I have been given the grace to hope.

Featuring –
Jeff Johnson: Keys & voice
Janet Chvatal: Voice
Brian Dunning: Flute & whistles
Tim Ellis: Guitars
Gregg Williams: Drums
Phil Baker: Bass
Derri Daugherty: Guitars
Roger Hadley: Percussion

Tracklist

1.	Encompasser	2:37

2.	O Redemptor (Trisagion)	6:56

3.	Shall I?	2:18

4.	Ave Maria (Blessed Is She)	4:58

5.	Skellig	2:58

6.	Sheol	2:49

7.	Nothing Immortal	5:10

8.	Navigatio	5:22

9.	I Call To You	4:01

10.	Shall I? (Reprise)	0:59

11.	Journey Prayer	5:40

Credits

released March 15, 1997

Produced, engineered & mixed by Jeff Johnson at The Ark / Tigard, Oregon.

Location recording on Skellig Michael, Ireland by Ark Mobile.

Mastered by John Golden Mastering
www.goldenmastering.com

℗ 1997 Ark Records, Inc. / ArkMusic
© 1997 Sola Scriptura Songs (BMI)
(see individual track listings for more information)
Administered by musicservices.org)
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Cover art by David & Kathy Hastings © 1997
Carving design by Alan Hall, Valentia Island, Kerry, Ireland.
Cover design by Court Patton (www.pattonbros.com)

Special thanks to Janet for the many ideas and hours of work that she contributed to this recording. Also, thanks to Des, Pat & Brendan (the modern day one) for helping me get to Skellig Michael. To Kate & Des for their hospitality. To Jetty for the books. To Steve L., the "Celtic Answer Man." To Dave H. for going with me. And, I am forever grateful for the love, support and encouragement from my wife, Susie, and daughter, Hailey, as well as the rest of my family & friends.

Dedicated to Ryan Hastings, who begins his own 'navigatio' (may the Three guide your passage).

In memory of George Mackay Brown whose stories and poems from Orkney have taught me much about the truth, beautry, hope and the ocean of time.

AKD-1503

"Navigatio" is also available on iTunes and Amazon.

Some of the music on "Navigatio" is also featured on "Prayers of St. Brendan - The Journey Home."

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