Ep. 420: Fernando Ortega Writes Songs For The Church

We have a special treat on today’s program, and that’s a conversation with musician and songwriter Fernando Ortega. Fernando Ortega is one of my favorites, in part because he takes both the theology and the traditions of the church seriously in his music. Both his original music, such as “This Good Day,” and his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus", "Be Thou My Vision" and "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty", are known for their rich musical and theological palette. Fernando Ortega is, in short, someone I think the church needs today. However, we haven’t seen him in a while. His last album, which I argue might have been the best of his career, was 2017’s “The Crucifixion of Jesus.” But now he’s back. He has a new EP called “For All The Saints.” I’ve heard it. It’s beautiful, and I’m delighted to have these new songs out there in the world, and equally delighted to have Fernando on the program. Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, near the banks of the Rio Grande, which is where he lives today. He started learning piano at eight years of age. His family lived in Chimayó, New Mexico, for eight generations, a legacy cited as an influence on his music. Fernando had this conversation with me from his home in Albuquerque. His new EP is “For All The Saints,” and I encourage you to check it out on all your favorite streaming platforms. Thanks to Jeff McIntosh for producing today’s program, and for Rick Hoganson for his help in arranging this interview. I hope you’ll join me on Friday, with my co-host Natasha Cowden, when we return with our weekly roundup of the stories we’ve been covering here at MinistryWatch. Until then, may God bless you.