Shaker Hymn, Simple Gifts

The traditional Shaker Hymn, performed at Southport Christian Church, Indianapolis. As I say in the introduction, the inspiration for this arrangement comes from the experience of re-enacting a Shaker worship service when I was a student at the University of Kentucky and sang with the UK Choristers under the direction of Sara Holroyd.

This arrangement is included on my CD, "Give Us a Song," available at CD Baby (www.cdbaby.com/cd/deanphelps3) and iTunes (www.itunes.com/deanphelps/giveusasong).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Shaker hymn
• folk hymn
• thumbstyle guitar
• Joseph Brackett
• acoustic
• live music
• folk music
• solo
• music

[ItsPerseus]

Wow, really beautiful arrangement and singing. Much appreciated

[jdphelps]

@ItsPerseus Thanks for stopping by and giving it a listen!

[gacowbear]

This is not a shaker hymn it is from Aaron Copelands appalachian spring. shouldnt you spend a little time to make sure your correct?

[jdphelps]

@gacowbear Perhaps you should spend a little research time yourself. Joseph Brackett composed this melody in 1849. Copland adapted it for Appalachian Spring. BTW, Copland also did not compose Bonaparte's Retreat. He used the melody in, you guessed it, Appalachian Spring.

[jeffmclain]

You did a awesome cover of this song, however, This song would not have been part of a authentic worship song and it's not a hymn. This is a praise song, which they would sing while they work and play - not in church. - Jeff (a mennonite Pastor who loves some aspects of Shaker Culture)

[jdphelps]

@jeffmclain Thanks for sharing your knowledge of the Shaker culture, Jeff. I don't completely agree with you, and there are competing sources, but whether in worship or at work, it's a beautiful song and a great reminder!

[gcpropertymanagement]

Check out the collection by Vicky Cimprich, "Pretty Mothers Home". You will not find a better description of the time and the place through the eyes of a young girl who chooses a life among the people. Vicky lives in N Kentucky and did her research at Pleasant Hill. Her work is amazing and no one who reads it will ever forget it.

[mandipitt]

I love how you've sped up this simple folk song. It's lovely. I've always loved "The Lord of the Dance" and had no idea the tune came from this Shaker song until I started researching american hymns that would be suitable for my upcoming wedding. It was a very nice listen, particularly with all the bad recordings on youtube of people singing hymns.

[88momart]

How I would love for kids today to be brought up on pure music such as this...not the demon inspired filth in the world.

[jdphelps]

@buddmar Thanks for stopping by and leaving feedback. I can see how this arrangement takes away from the simplicity of the song, but it is a delightful song, very meaningful to me, and a lot of fun to play. I hope you'll keep listening!

[buddmar]

A lovely song, played a skilled guitarist ... but ... I do not like this arrangement. I think the beauty of the song is it's simplicity, and this is too "ornamented" for my tastes, too fancy . There are other versions here on YouTube I like better.