Lay my burden down is a series of organ pieces based on African-American spirituals and traditional songs. It features five compositions, each one being based on a particular melody and freely using influences of gospel, soul and jazz. The collection opens with When I lay my burden down, an energetic, positive and gospel-inspired work. Sometimes I feel like a motherless child is an elegiac and solemn piece, building to a passionate climax before subsiding into a reflective resignation. Amazing Grace is a continuous sequence of jazz/gospel variations on the well-known tune, full of joy and optimism. Steal Away is mostly simple and reflective, the melody sounding over a rocking accompaniment, becoming gradually more intense, then disappearing in the highest register. The final number in the set is Every time I feel the spirit, a jazzy display piece that develops into a toccata to finish the group. Movements can be played separately or in any combination. 1. When I lay my burden down (2’55”) 2. Sometimes I feel like a motherless child (4’43”) 3. Amazing Grace (6’28”) 4. Steal Away (4’36”) 5. Every time I feel the spirit (4’33”) Total duration: c.24 minutes