I ordered the book last Wednesday and we were gone over the weekend. I was checking our caller ID and noticed that the store had called. It is in. Will get it tomorrow. Our daughter and I went to see my 100 year old mom. She is an amazing lady. She was singing old songs that she learned as a kid when she went to sacred harp singings. Anyone out here know that type of singing? It is by notes instead of words. Very interesting!
Yes, I know about sacred harp singing. I think there was a special on it on the History Channel or PBS several years ago. It has a very unusual sound, but is very beautiful.
Hi MamaB--How are you doing?
Glad you got to see your mom!
There are still a number of Sacred Harp singings in Alabama and in fact all over the country. Visit www.fasola.org for info on upcoming sings.
I also know of several churches in the Huntsville area that still practice the old-time style of worship -- shape note, a capella, congregational singing etc. It's like a page out of history coming alive.
You might get her a CD or tape, if she likes to listen to music, of a great vocal group doing American Spiritual songs with a big emphasis on the shape singing, which I assume is similar to Sacred Harps.
The group is named Anonymous 4. They are a quartet famous for their a cappella singing of Medieval music, which I love. The CD I'm suggesting to you is called "American Angels". You can listen to some of the pieces on the CD HERE We saw them in concert doing the music from the CD this past winter. It was just gorgeous!!