When the decision was made to add a Bilingual (Spanish/English) service to the Sunday service schedule, there wasn’t much forethought in terms of musical leadership. Therefore, in November of 2005, James Walker became music director for this new 1:00 PM service.

Having no experience or expertise, I consulted colleagues in the Los Angeles area who did lead such Spanish services. At the end of November 2005, we launched with me at the piano and utilizing the Canterbury and Coventry choir soloists on a rotating basis.

In January 2006, when we were past Christmas, we posted a job announcement for Principal Musician for this service. I had no idea where this musical leader would come from, but I cast as large a net as possible.

Boy did we luck out, or the Spirit was at work, or I suspect some combination of both.

Dan Cole was finishing his doctorate at USC. A brilliant guitarist, jazz musician (who also plays a little pipe organ), composer, all-round top-rate musician and human being, Dan applied, auditioned and interviewed.

Dan has planted deep roots at All Saints over the years, and has enriched the liturgical fabric with diverse and incredibly talented singers and instrumentalists. He is the most connected musician in LA that I know.

Over the years, some of my most cherished memories are collaborating with Dan and the 1:00 PM ensemble.