“Ye, Souls who are bound unto Canaan…”
September 23, 2008 · Print This Article
“…come join in and help me to sing.” What a great opening line for a song! I’ve heard it said before that one of the most remarkable things about being present when Sacred Harp is being sung is that you have this powerful music being created by strong passionate singers giving life and breath to rich, time-tested lyrics, but when each song is over there is an awkward silence. No applause. Not even congratulations given among the singers as a response in the absence of praise from an audience. That’s how last night’s pre-release party for Help Me To Sing started.
Packed into the back of Criminal Records in edgy Little Five Points, surrounded by new and used vinyl and a well curated collection of comics and graphic novels, the singers formed a hollow square as best they could. I couldn’t tell who said it as I was passing off the camera to veteran film maker Michael Ivester, but I heard someone call out a number and the hum began. After three songs, each one building with enthusiasm and adding to the tension in the room, those who came to listen and meet the artists who contributed to Help Me To Sing couldn’t help themselves and broke into applause. The singers, who were already smiling because they love it that much, were unaffected and seemed to deflect the praise back to The Sacred Harp - those who wrote it and the One who inspired it.
Tim Eriksen took the stage from there and appropriately paid homage to the understanding that the songs are best unchanged and sung by a seasoned group of singers. Nonetheless, Eriksen and the others performed live what they accomplished well on Help Me To Sing, the companion cd to the soundtrack of Awake My Soul with each artist’s performance followed by the original being sung from the book by the crowd turned performers. Tip of the hat to Matt Hinton for the time and effort involved in bringing his concept to reality on the album and in person. Help Me To Sing is uniquely a transcendent collection that is eclectic in sound and style yet grounded with a firm respect for the singular tradition of The Sacred Harp. If the in-store performance at Criminal Records is any indication, many more souls who are bound unto Canaan are responding to the call to come join in.
Links to previous ONE Atlanta posts about Sacred Harp and Awake My Soul:
Awake My Soul Pre-Release Party, posted 9.13.08
Hate that I missed it, but great post, man. I’m looking forward to going to one of these Sacred Harp singings.
I HATE that I missed it too. I had all the boys by myself last night as my husband is out of town.
The singing at Criminal Records was just the warm-up. It was delivered with smoldering intensity for about 30 minutes over at The Earl later that evening.
Wow. I’d forgotten about that. Please tell me more. Thanks.
At The Earl about 40 chairs set up in a square on the dance floor and the house lights were turned up enough to see. I joined five other trebles in what was probably the most spirited singing I have participated in. And I’m not saying that because it was in a bar, either! In 30 minutes six leaders led us rapid-fire through 18 songs. It was a very exhilarating experience. I think there were between 30 & 40 singers on the floor and maybe another 40 people listening.
After we finished that, Jeni & Billy performed some old-time country songs. This was followed by The Good Players, a six-piece rock band from Chattanooga. After performing two of their own numbers, they invited the Sacred Harp singers to join them in front of the stage for their version of “David’s Lamentation” which was powerful. Tim Eriksen performed for about 40 minutes, alternately accompanying himself on fiddle, banjo or guitar. Jim Lauderdale then came on stage, played guitar and sang a couple of songs. He invited Jeni and Billy to join him for another rendition of “The Christian’s Hope” and then another song or two. We left before the end so I’m not sure how much longer it went.
Man, that’s a great concert review. Just wish I’d been able to hear it for myself. Thanks for taking the time to share that, man.