Several years ago, I was invited to help provide creative music resources to the worship services with my local congregation of Brethren. Intrigued by the opportunity to seek new forms of expression, I explored the Brethren/Mennonite hymnal (Hymnal: A Worship Book: Pew Edition Brethren Press, Faith & Life Press, Mennonite Publishing House. 1992) for innovative and inspirational songs and hymns. During my exploration, I found multi-national folk songs, Gregorian chants, traditional church hymns and contemporary tunes. Early creative attempts included drumming; fiddle, whistle, and gospel-style piano arrangements; acapella, canons, and sing-a-longs; and even egg shakers distributed among the congregation members! I was drawn to the songs in the hymnal that worked well on my 12-guitar, and I now use more than 100 in a special collection for the early service. The hymns are arranged as folk songs and use a traditional string band for accompaniment. The main instrument is the 12-string guitar tuned in DADGAD. This modal tuning lends an archaic mood to the songs with the droning strings giving a sense of calmness and serenity. Other instruments included in the recording are: String Bass, Octave Mandolin, 5-string claw-hammer banjo, and a 6-string guitar.
3 Lord, Teach Us How to Pray Aright (Adapted from Dayton)
4 Come, Thou Fount (Nettleton)
5 On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand (Bound for the Promised Land)
6 My Life Flows on (How Can I Keep from Singing)
7 All Beautiful the March of Days (Forest Green)
8 Far, Far Away from My Loving Father (Restoration/I Will Arise)
9 Oh, Holy City Seen of John (Morning Song/Consolation)
10 Comfort, Comfort, O My People (Geneva 42/Freu Dich Sehr)
11 Oh, Have You Not Heard (The Beautiful River)
12 Holy Spirit Come with Power (Beach Spring)
13 Come Away to the Skies (Exultation)
14 I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say (Kingsfold)
Several years ago, I was invited to help provide creative music resources to the worship services with my local congregation of Brethren. Intrigued by the opportunity to seek new forms of expression, I explored the Brethren/Mennonite hymnal (Hymnal: A Worship Book: Pew Edition Brethren Press, Faith & Life Press, Mennonite Publishing House. 1992) for innovative and inspirational songs and hymns. During my exploration, I found multi-national folk songs, Gregorian chants, traditional church hymns and contemporary tunes. Early creative attempts included drumming; fiddle, whistle, and gospel-style piano arrangements; acapella, canons, and sing-a-longs; and even egg shakers distributed among the congregation members! I was drawn to the songs in the hymnal that worked well on my 12-guitar, and I now use more than 100 in a special collection for the early service. The hymns are arranged as folk songs and use a traditional string band for accompaniment. The main instrument is the 12-string guitar tuned in DADGAD. This modal tuning lends an archaic mood to the songs with the droning strings giving a sense of calmness and serenity. Other instruments included in the recording are: String Bass, Octave Mandolin, 5-string claw-hammer banjo, and a 6-string guitar.
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