Download Free MP3s & Lyric Sheet, Midi and Sheet Music from my "It's Christmas" CD... and check out more of my original music, special arrangements, readings and poems! |
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throughout Southern California for over fifty four years playing and singing their favorite songs. To find out more about me and how I got started in music, my early years with my bands, and the many places I've performed, click on About Carl Vasta. To contact me, please email me at carlvasta@nethere.com. If you click on this link, your email program should open with my email address. Just write a message and send! Scroll down and listen to my original songs or arrangements of old traditional songs. Download MP3s and lyric sheet and print out the lead sheet music and midi files, where I made them available. Enjoy the 19 easy to read pages read by Kathy Bird called The Storyline Of The Bible. It has references where you can find the topics in any standard bible. Also check out the The Paraphrased Quotes From Jesus with bible references and audio by me. There are other items of interest and readings too! MERRY CHRISTMAS! I've made the Christmas MP3s available in three downloadable speeds: 32kbs for dial-up, 128kbs for faster connections, and now 320kbs, near CD quality for the fastest internet connections. The "It's Christmas" CD has really been popular with online visitors. It contains seven original selections:
You may be interested in some of the readings and poems that are included on this site;
written by Carl Vasta - publish July 2006 at carlvasta.com
There are at least 66 books that make up the Bible. Sometimes trying to follow a storyline is difficult because there are books, in between the storyline, that are good for support and prayer like Wisdom, Job, Psalms and Proverbs. They take you away from the storyline, but I have put the "Storyline Of The Bible" into 19 easy to read pages ... that you can read and print out or save as a PDF file. And Now, you can listen to the Storyline Of The Bible read by KATHY BIRD! There is an MP3 link to listen to every "whole page" (19 pages), or you can listen to MP3 topics that interest you on the page. MP3 makes it fast and easy for you to listen with your computers, ipads, and smart phones. The Storyline includes ( Book, Chapter, & Verse ) references so you can find the topics ... in just about any version of the standard bibles. If you ever wanted to know what the bible is all about, Here Is Your Chance! Audio Read By Kathy Bird By the time Noah came to be, the earth had become a bad place to live because the people were wicked and did as they pleased. There were even stories of giants; 'sons of god or gods' who saw the beautiful daughters born to men and took them for their wives. Then God said, "My Spirit will not remain with man forever, for he is corrupt...." and made the length of years a man would live to about one hundred and twenty years. ' When the Lord saw how wicked everyone on earth was and how evil their thoughts were all the time, he was sorry that he had ever made them and put them on the earth. He was so filled with regret that he said, "I will wipe out these people I have created, and also the animals and the birds, because I am sorry that I made any of them."' God looked upon Noah favorably because he was righteous compared to the wicked generation that lived on the earth and the bible says Noah walked with God and did everything God commanded him. Noah had a wife and three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Although the bible doesn’t name them, Noah’s sons had wives. God told Noah to build an ark (a floating ship) 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. It was to have three decks; a lower deck, a middle deck, and an upper deck. The ark was to be finished to within 18 inches of the top, which was the roof. The 18 inches provided enough space to put window hatches that could open and close to let in air and light. There was also a large door in the side of the ark. God told Noah to make rooms in it and make the ark waterproof by coating it with pitch (a tar-like substance) inside and out. God told Noah he was going to destroy all life on earth, but Noah, his wife, and his sons and their wives would enter the ark and He would start the world over with Noah's family. God told Noah that two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. Also God told Noah to take seven of every kind of clean animal and it's mate and seven of every kind of bird and it's mate. When everyone and everything was on board the ark, the bible says in Genesis, Chapter 7, verse 16, that Noah entered the ark... ' Then the Lord shut him in.' Click on the link to the topic to open the page. 2006 January Lazarus And The Rich Man ("about death & believing") February The Greatest Commandment ("about love") March The Lost Sheep & The Lost Son ("rejoicing for who has given up their life of sin") April The Meaning Of Easter - Three Examples From Jesus May The Worry Of Daily Life June The Ten Lepers July The Good Samaritan August How To Give and How To Pray September The Un-believing Towns October Signs Revealing Christ's Return To Earth November     The Last Supper December Why We Should Celebrate Christmas 2007 January The Things That Make A Person Unclean February Marriage, Adultery, and Divorce March Jesus Chooses The Apostles April The Coming Persecutions For The Believers May Jesus Feeds 5000 Men, ( not counting the women and children ) ( part 1 ) June Jesus Walks On The Water ( part 2 ) July The Bread Of Life ( part 3 ) August The Meaning Of The Cross September Jonah And The Whale October Jesus And The Devil ( Satan ) November Jesus And The Sabbath ( The Day Of Rest ) December The Christmas Story ( The Birth Of Jesus ) |
Christmas Review I never thought I would make a recording even though I've made my living with music for over 44 years. God helped me raise my four boys and lately I've had time to write and record the music that's been in me for a while. For this CD, I wrote seven songs, each with a different style of music: ballad, gospel, bubble gum, comedy, bluegrass and slow rock. I played all the instruments with my synthesizer and sang all the vocals. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day MP3 and Lyric Sheet This song was written by the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), after coming to the conclusion that their was no "Peace On Earth", but that right and good would eventually prevail and that wrong doing and evil would fail. He penned "The Christmas Bells" in 1864 before the end of the Civil War. Five stanzas of the seven were set to music in 1872 by John Baptiste Calkin (1827-1905), and the song named "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day." Bluegrass Jingle Bells MP3 and Lyric Sheet I hope you enjoy this fun Bluegrass version of Jingle Bells! Christmas Carols MP3 and Lyric Sheet This is a medley of six popular 'Christmas Carols', describing the events at the birth of Jesus. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, The First Noel, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Silent Night, Away In A Manger, and We Three Kings. If The Little Baby Jesus Hadn't Been Born MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File Among my favorites is this song I wrote after seeing a man, all dressed up, on a street corner, waving a bible and shouting to the people in the cars passing by. Invitation ( Hanukkah - Christmas Song ) MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File This song describes how people of the Jewish faith are waiting along with the Christians for the return of the Messiah. The Christmas Child MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File This song is about the best present anyone can receive for Christmas. Christmas Is For Children MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File Here a song that is dedicated to my children and their mother, my late wife, Mary. The Lord's Prayer MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File This is another version of the Lord's Prayer (Jesus' prayer to the Father) and my daily prayer! It's Christmas MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File "It's Christmas", the title of this album, is about keeping Christmas in your heart all year. |
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One Holiday Season, three weeks before Christmas, Wal-Mart stores decided to remain open 24 hours a day till Christmas. I couldn't resist and so after finishing my late shift, I decided to drop in and see who would be shopping at two or three o'clock in the morning. I was amazed to find a couple of dozen people Christmas shopping. I even saw one shopper with her small children sleeping in the cart. I wrote this song for those nocturnal shoppers. MALL-MART AT THREE IN THE MORNING MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File
In God we trust…. Is the “motto” of our land How can we trust… unless we have the faith to believe In the land of our fathers where freedom is trademark There are those who oppose the freedom of our land The dividing of our people and the hiding of God’s word Brings foreclosure to a house that will not stand America, America, What does your future hold for you? Will your leaders serve un-selfishly and not tax human dignity With every dream you hope to be, America you’re part of me Will your people choose to be "America The Free"? Don’t ask your Uncle Sam, he’s done all he can do! The problem needs solutions, it’s up to you And from sea to shining sea, we can all be free, if we try, We got to try Don’t forget your power, Your voice can be heard Just VOTE, and you will have… the very last word And from sea to shining sea, we can all be free, if we try, we got to try Elect the ones who listen, people to do your will Those you can be proud of on Capitol Hill And from sea to shining sea, we can all be free, if we try, We got to try They say a house divided cannot really stand So people, join together across this land And from sea to shining sea, we can all be free, if we try, if we try, if we try With the help of God I know, we can make our freedom grow Then the world will surely see that America Is Free |
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cold, crisp and clear. It's as if the whole universe exists in the mind of God and that is why His will is always done. Each star represents one of God's thoughts, but there are too many stars to count, and the naked eye cannot see them all. ![]()
His brightest and the faintest thoughtsare all included in the starscape. There are stars for the creation of the universe, the creation of the angels, the creation of mankind and his salvation. There are stars for all of God's thoughts that are written in the sacred books, and for His secret thoughts. The Christmas Star was a thought that led three wise kings to a child in a manger. God's thoughts..... they all shine! ![]()
Take a look at the beautiful skyand see all the people you know and love! Those here on the earth and those who have died. They all twinkle and shine as if to say, "Look up, we're still here.... in God's thoughts!" Say hello, tell them you love them and know that you also exist in God's thoughts, There you are! Twinkle and Shine!
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A SONG FOR THE FALLEN HERO When the news of how their loved one, in battle, gave their life They made the choice to fight there and try to set things right And give the freedom, that they knew, to all those living in blight This song for the fallen hero is not a sad lament It gave a meaning to their life, helping those, where they were sent To take oppression from the weak, so they could live like you and me And they’d gladly do it over just to keep all man kind free A friend who’s in need, has a friend who will fight for them in deed There’s no greater love than to give your life for your friend. A song for the fallen hero, we stand and sing out loud To all who fought for freedom, you know you made us proud May God in all his mercy, rest upon you still Passing years may fade away, but your memory never will |
Donald Vasta June 10th, 1946 - September 6th, 2007 My brother Donald was a talented musician who played the drums, guitar, and keyboards. Along with these talents he was a singer, songwriter, arranger, and performed as a "Show Drummer". He was the original drummer of "The Innocents Band", with Herb Alpert, as the manager. He was a drummer for the The Dick Grove Big Band and was a graduate of the Dick Grove School Of Music. Donald also served in the Armed Forces performing with the "Strategic Air Command Band" USAF ( March Air Force Base - four years as an instrumentalist, singer and announcer ), and performed at USO Shows with Bob Hope. Donald was awarded the Gold Medal by President Richard Nixon.
At the age of five, Donald made his first appearance on the "Live Like A Millionare" TV show that was broadcast from New York City in 1951. He appeared on the show with our mother, Betty Hathaway, who performed in variety shows doing dance routines and tap dancing on roller skates. She won 1st prize on the show and received the interest on a million dollars. Donald sang "I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover". More pictures at About Carl Vasta In 1953, our parents moved to La Crescenta, California. During high school, I started 13 a piece band. It was hard to book, so I finally settled on a four piece group that included my brother on drums. It wasn't long before Donald was attending drum clinics with Philly Joe Jones and performing with the Buddy Rich Big Band.
Donald took a job with The Karin Coffee Review at the Show Boat in Las Vegas for a year. He joined The Innocents Band and was with them until he was drafted and joined the Air Force. After the service, Donald worked locally with different rock bands, then he signed up with the Dick Grove School Of Music. He worked with professional people, including Henry Mancini, studying composing and arranging for big band. He learned to play keyboards and guitar, and graduated at the top of the class. He continued to pursue writing music for movies and even did some acting when sickness started taking it's toll. He is survived by his loving wife Beverly, his son Donny, and me. by Carl Vasta / copyright 2007
The morning brings the rain, My tears may ease the pain My brother's gift to me, A childhood memory
Your music lingers onA never ending song Your spirit now is free Your love remains with me |
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This is a song I wrote in 1963 for my soon to be wife, Mary, for Valentine's Day. I recorded it and had a single record made at a studio. I gave it to her inside a red foam heart to protect it. We were married in December of 1964. WITH THIS HEART OF MINE MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File With this heart of mine, I will love you, till the end of time, Till the stars begin to lose their light And fade away With this heart of mine I will give to you a love that’s kind And a reason for our love to grow, Surely with this heart of mine With each passing day, with each lonely prayer, you’re near me Filling every dream with your lovely smile to cheer me With this heart of mine I will be your funny valentine Someone who will trust you with his heart Love you with this heart of mine |
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THE LORD'S PRAYER MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File This is another version of the Lord's Prayer (Jesus' prayer to the Father) Our Father, you are in heaven Holy is your name
Your kingdom come,
Give us today, the food we need
And help us not to be tempted
For yours is the kingdom LET JESUS IN MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File This is a gospel song calling us to open our hearts to Jesus. If you are lost, you'll find your way If you believe there's an answer Open your heart, Let Jesus In He's gonna show you the way
If you believe I'm a liar
If you need love, you'll receive it MARY, MARY, MARY MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been given a special place in this world, and through the ages, Mary's appearances have brought faith to many people all over the world. Even today her image brings people to her. The Beatles even wrote a song about Mary titled, "Let It Be". I've often thought about the people who lived in Mary's time and knew her. What would they say to her about the crucifixion of her son, and the empty tomb three days later? I've tried to capture the scene in this song. Mary, Mary, Mary, I heard your son had died They nailed him to an old wooden cross It must have made you cry Mary, Mary, Mary, Why oh why, Mary why Mary, Mary, Mary, what is that you said Mary, Mary, Mary, you say your sons’ not dead He rose above the angry earth Into his Father’s hands Mary, Mary, Mary, help me, Oh oh help me.... understand MY FATHER IS SO GOOD TO ME MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File God gives us blessings that are seen and not seen. I read your book, Psalm 71 My heart is strengthened and my spirit set free My Father is so good to me, I know He's So good, so good, My Father is so good to me His blessings are seen and they're not seen, my Father is so good to me "It's a good day, I’m lucky”, you say! He has helped you, and you go on your way Never seeing the help or the truth Your Father is so good to you So good, so good, your Father is so good to you His blessings are seen and they're not seen, your Father is so good to you Has your life been lonely and sad? Has your heart been missing a Dad? Borrow mine, He will help you get through My Father will be good to you, He will be So good, so good, my Father will be good to you His blessings are seen and they're not seen, my Father will be good to you Each day as this world grows old, and people seem careless and cold He gives me help that is seen and not seen My Father is so good to me, I know He's So good, so good, my Father is so good to me His blessings are seen and they're not seen, my Father is so good to me INTO GOD'S HANDS OUR SPIRIT WILL GO MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File ( The Martyr's Song ) This is a song for Christians facing the persecution that Jesus told us about. Don't be afraid of those who kill the body They have no power to kill your soul In Jesus name our cross we carry Into God's hands, our spirit will go Our spirit will go Our spirit will go Into God's hands, our spirit will go In Jesus name our cross we carry Into God's hands, our spirits will go Our spirits will go Our spirits will go |
I was walking in the land of giants, not forest green, but red. I was feeling sad and lonely, Someone told me you were dead. I came to see the big red trees that had lived from long ago, and maybe in their presence I would find out what they know. These massive souls with roots so shallow grasping to the sod, were somehow being balanced by the loving hand of GOD. I saw some struck by lightning, others broken on the ground, and all around the redwood tombs, new life was abound. GOD made a promise to the "red" that they would never die, and be the giants of the world ever trying to reach the sky. All they did was to believe, strong and faithful these, and the only ones that ever died were the non-believing trees. I feel your presence here with me as we walk along. I feel your spirit loving me and I know you're living on. Your new life has found in me a reason not to cry, but like the giants of the world keep trying to reach the sky. All they did was to believe strong a faithful these, and the only ones that ever died were the non-believing trees. |
"The Smiling Kitty" is a fun song to play because it wanders through twelve different key changes using the circle of fifths. This is a song I wrote for my cat named "Kitty" that God brought to me to sweeten the days and nights of my life. She only weighed five pounds, but she was always a lively mini-kitty that I could hold in the palm of my hand. For seven and a half years she had been the light of my life, but on October 3, 2009, her fragile little heart beat for the last time. I will miss her greatly! MP3 Mono & Stereo Sheet Music & Midi File with florescent clouds that go floating by A lonely kitty in a window sill, watches the moon hide behind a hill Morning shadows across the yard, a heavenly changing of the guard Soon the day is full of light, with one last yawn kitty says, "good night" |
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This is a song I wrote in 1980 after my sweet wife had died of cancer. With our four boys, ages 5 to 13, it was one of the hardest times of our life. Only for the grace of God did we keep our sanity! I'VE GOT A HEARTACHE MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File Lonesome feet that walk to my door I turn the key, you're not there any more A big ol' bed that's lonesome for two I've got a heartache just thinking of you There are pictures that hang on the wall Happy mem'ries that I can recall All the sweet things that you used to do I've got a heartache just thinking of you I reach out for the love that we used to know I reach in my dreams to hold you close There's just so much love, and so little time Now I reach for a glass and a bottle of wine Oh, the kids are asleep in their beds And your mem'ry is tucked in their heads My head is spinning, but what can I do I got a heartache just thinking of you (Ending Lyric) I've got a heartache just thinking, A headache from drinking A heartache just thinking of you |
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I wrote this song because a friend's father and mother had died. I thought about my own parents and thanked God for them. Being a parent myself I hoped my children would remember me and their mother for the good times we had and the things we tried to teach them. I REMEMBER MAMA MP3 and Lyric Sheet Sheet Music & Midi File Today I lost a friend, I lost one awhile ago And now I'm sittin' here and cryin' Thinkin' 'bout tomorrow, what am I goin' to do How am I goin' to keep myself on tryin' Oh, I remember Mama, I remember Papa and the good times that we knew I remember Mama, I remember Papa and the good things they would do Well, they taught me how to pray and to put my faith in Jesus Taught me how to laugh instead of cry I'll remember Mama, I'll remember Papa Till the livin' day I die Won't you listen to me Mama, listen to me Papa You left your little boy (girl) behind Now all I have are mem'ries, sweet mem'ries of you And a love you gave me for a time Oh, I remember Mama, I remember Papa and the good times that we knew I remember Mama, I remember Papa and the good things they would do Well, they taught me how to pray and to put my faith in Jesus Taught me how to laugh instead of cry I'll remember Mama, I'll remember Papa Till the livin' day I die |
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I wrote this song a while ago but didn't have name for it. One of my sons liked it enough to learn to play it on his cello, so I named it after him. The mp3 arrangement is done with an accordian and a Spanish guitar. The sheet music midi file is done with piano. STEPHEN'S SONG MP3 Mono & Stereo Sheet Music & Midi File |
A Special Thank You
to my son William for his contribution to my website in photo and technical help. God has blessed me with four sons: Stephen, Thomas, Joseph, and William. Although their mother died early in their lives, I'm sure she is proud of all of them, just as I am. William Vasta has photographed five U.S. Presidents, several dozen Prime Ministers, and countless celebrities. William’s gallery showcases his ability to make compelling images in a variety of situations, and under pressure. William is a contract photographer based in Southern California and spends much of his time covering editorial assignments, as well as, photographing trade shows, city events, and private meetings. I invite you to take a look at William's website. Just click on whitehousephoto.com |
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"Christmas All The Year Round" Steve Kalynuik has created the "Christmas All The Year 'Round" world wide web site containing 374 songs, lyrics & midi files. Christmas Reviews.com This site exists for the purpose of celebrating Christmas music and other seasonal music. It features reviews of CDs on the site, focusing the attention on outstanding independent label and artist releases--records that are often difficult to locate through conventional distribution channels, providing people an opportunity to see and hear music they might not otherwise find out about at all. Feels Like Christmas.com Feels Like Christmas mainly exists to offer you high-quality Christmas music...for free*! Plus, they have scoured the web looking for some unique gift-giving ideas, sprinkled links and banners throughout the site, and have one page that's dedicated exclusively to gift-giving ideas. SantaSearch.org (click on picture) Did you ever wonder what the weather was like at the North Pole? Or why people celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or Kwanza. Did you want to write a letter to Santa or see some that children wrote and Santa's reply? Would you like to send an electronic greeting card or choose among 1899 Christmas and holiday songs and sheet music, by title, artist or author? Listen or download them. There is much more at this site, just click below on SantaSearch.org and enjoy!
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