Sacred Harp 373, Homeward Bound. For Amanda

[MrPaulVanRavenswaay]

Mr. Brayfield,

thanks a lot for this song. It is by far my favorite of all the S.H. utub songs! The next is Alabama folks "Nearer My God.." Trying to read the book is difficult (not impossible) because of the distance the eyes must jump for different parts so I never returned to the Lansing ,MI groups' sings, but sure enjoy utub's stuff!

thx again,

pv

[xtotec]

Here we have a "circle" at least a large square. So the tradition is continued, unlike most utube vids.

[PLBrayfield]

Yes, at all the Sacred Harp conventions I have attended they sit in the traditional 'hollow square,' with each of the four parts (tenor, bass, alto, treble) seated on one side of the square. There are many Sacred Harp songs posted on YouTube where you can see the same traditional arrangement.

[rallenfontenot]

How about "We Will Sing With The Angels There? Where is that one? I want the lyrics.

[PLBrayfield]

I just got back from a singing in Kentucky where I recorded that song. I'll post the video soon. Check out my 'channel' if you haven't subscribed to my videos. Also I will send you the lyrics.

Thanks for your interest!

[jstu52]

Does this convention still take place? Can anyone point out when it might be happening this year?

[PLBrayfield]

The Missouri State Convention does indeed still take place. It will be held on March 8 and 9 at the same place, St. John's United Church of Christ, Pinckney, Missouri. Two wonderfull days of all-day singing with dinner on the grounds. Y'all come!

[chase82]

I'm a Catholic who loves Gregorian but this is mind blowing. Awesome! Thanks.

[helmuthoorn]

Kiezik, thanks for reacting.

Of course there is an abundance of beautifull musical christian tradition all over the world.

And I do believe that in your country Poland people in Church can sing the stars out of the sky as well. Just like in the Netherlands by the way.

I was just suprised to find that this specific tradition was still alive in the U.S. today.

You have to love these simple ''folks'', worshipping GOD in the same way their ancestors did.

[Kiezik]

we christians ( Im presonaly catholic) have many beutifull traditions of singing. Maybe I suprise you but Sacred Harp is only reminescence of old medieval or archic culture. In my country (Poland) we have till now traditions f chanting

[warszawianka]

I'm an Orthodox Christian and we have some pretty strong chant traditions in our church. The pure spirit of Sacred Harp singing reminds me of the beautiful open harmonies one finds in Orthodox chanting in the Republic of Georgia - do some YouTube searches on Georgian Orthodox Chant and you'll hear what I mean. The Holy Spirit is truly with all of these singers!

[helmuthoorn]

I'm a preacher from the Netherlands in an orthodox and traditional branch of calvinism.

Recently discovered this sort of church music on the internet and totally blown away by it.

Did know about this tradition, but assumed it died out in the 1950'-s. Who needs electric instruments or indeed even organs ?

[art2liv4]

I like the perspective of this video -- from the choir loft?

[PLBrayfield]

Right! It looks and sounds great from this vantage point. One of the many assets of this location, which the Missouri singers use to host their annual convention. Maybe you can come sometime and see for yourself!

[kbrtiger22]

May God in Heaven preserve this. I wonder if this is how the angels sing sometimes in Heaven? Does anybody else have an old Jimmie Davis Hymnal with the shaped notes? I kinda grew up on that one.

[OvertonGG]

Thanks & I Love this Video of "Homeward Bound" p373 by Howard Denson 1935.

It was one of my daddy's favorite in Double Springs, Al and he led it many times.

[trmpt25]

I first heard of sacred harp through the movie Cold Mountain. Did you enjoy their portrayal? Ever since I have been in love with this style of music and can not get enough of it. There's a documentary now, too.

[PLBrayfield]

Yes, I enjoyed the movie and thought the use of Sacred Harp singing was an interesting touch. But some of my southern friends didn't like the movie, perhaps because of the negative view of southern society embodied in the story. The documentary you mention is probably 'Awake My Soul, the Story of Sacred Harp.'The trailer for this is listed among 'related videos' to the right of this window on YouTube.

I invite anyone to check out my channel for more shape note videos. Happy listening!

[Pickinbuddy]

This is truly INSPIRED singing...

[PLBrayfield]

Thanks for the comment. I agree. And being actually present will lift you up to heights with the music.

[ellajaysings]

I was at this wonderful event. Music was glorious (nice sound reproduction). I'll admit I stepped outside of the century plus old wood-structure church above the Missouri River in the middle of a forest--the sound echoed through opened church doors & across the county road. No way to describe emotions I felt standing in front of that magnificent country church listening to these voices. Thank you for helping me relive the memory & thank you for showing others the beauty of shape-note singing.

[PLBrayfield]

Thanks for your comment and for sharing your personal experience.

I always hope, when a post a video, that it will reach the people who will most appreciate it. The saying 'misery loves company' should have a counterpart, 'joy seeks company.'

[AmosPressley]

Well said! Think of all the people that go to church seeking to bring a smile to God's face through pure worship and fellowship, and all they get is some canned, pre-packaged, beat-driven soundtrack or "praise band" and a powerpoint presentation. It is nobody's fault. It is our culture, and we have to beat it back or it will take over.