American Religious Songs
American Religious Songs -- ...Keith and Rusty McNeil ...with many supporting singers, has hit gold again in their California home with their three-CD set titledAmerican Religious Songs with historical narration. Here we have 137 examples, divided into 1492-1800, 1800-1860, 1860-1890 and after 1890. They are very careful to include non-Christian selections, including even a beautifulMuslim Call to PrayerandThe Ghost Dance Songof a short-lived Indian religion that tried to live in peace with the white man and to keep away from liquor.Not every song is necessarily a hymn of praise.The Quaker s Courtshipmakes fun of that sect, while several songs have secular lyrics set to familiar religious tunes. Among the latter areHallelujah, I m a Bum(a variant ofRevive us again),The Whiskey Shops Must Goand at least one other that borrows the melody ofThe Battle Hymn of the Republic.Among the most beautiful of the lot isIt s a Gift to be Simplewhich exemplifies in every way the essence of Shaker life.Chestersung during the American Revolution, is an example of adapting a Biblical passage to fit political needs. There are many sledgehammer selections that make no attempt at subtlety, one being Arthur Sullivan sOnward, Christian Soldiersfamiliar more through Salvation Army renditions than from church services (although it is now part of the Catholic hymnal).The program opens withOh, What a Beautiful Cityand ends withAmazing Grace. Between these two, the variety is dazzling. And I must point out that the soloists voices are just right for this sort of music, with only one song that proves too lyrical for the soloist. The choral work is quite well done too.There is no point in my piling up examples. This is simply a set not to be missed, and every church group (at least) should want a copy to get some insight into what they are singing and the story behind each selection. --Art Times