Elvis Perkins in Dearland

A few of us sang on a very cramped stage last night with Tim Eriksen (I was sprawled over some huge MOOG floor pedals), four songs fast & high. It sucks it was sold out, hopefully there'll be better opportunities in the future for us to sing in loud bars. The next band was really great, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, very wide-ranging musicians with positive energy. & since I think Jessica & I were the only shape-note singers remaining by the time they did their Sacred Harp medley, I'll post this video of "Weeping Pilgrim" (it was even better than this last night, & it segued into an inspiring cover of "Weeping Mary".) I believe their "Weeping Pilgrim" is on the second disc of the Awake My Soul cds. Their drummer is so cute & has quite a way with thwacking bass drums.

Linda's Tips for Newbies: Leading

As we were a small group tonight, Susan kindly prompted newer singers to share their questions. This reminded me that I've been meaning to post some tips that were helpful to me as a new singer. Perhaps this will be a series, if I don't get too distracted.

Leading

It's important to learn to lead, because it preserves the democratic and participatory nature of the tradition. That said, it can be a little intimidating at first. Here are some tricks to make it easier:

1. Always beat time at your seat. Then when you come up to lead, it won't be so unfamiliar. It will also make you a better singer, and help others stay on track, too.
2. Don't worry if you don't know the notes yet. Just do the best you can. No one will call you out for making a mistake.
3. Pick a song even if you don't lead it. You can also ask for someone to stand up with you while you practice leading.
4. Consider choosing a song with lots of half and whole notes- it's a little easier to get the shapes right when they're not going by so fast.
5. Pick a song and memorize at least the words- one less thing to figure out on the fly.
   
6. Lean on the front row of the tenor bench. They are supposed to beat time, and support the leader in keeping the class together. Kick us if we let you down.
7. It's helpful to have decided which verses of a song and if you want a repeat at the end. Announce your choices clearly, and make sure that the tenors really heard you. While an experienced leader can get away with making these decisions as the song progresses, a mini-train wreck can happen if a newer leader gets confused or gives confusing signals.
8. Consider the class. On a night with lots of strong singers you can try out a song you are less comfortable with but want to practice. When we have few strong singers it may be better to stick to things we know a bit better. 
9. Even a song you think you know by heart can produce little challenges when leading. Check the song for
   

• internal repeats- don't forget to sing the notes twice
• songs that start on the upbeat (the downbeat is a rest)
• time changes

  10.  Relax. We know you're new. The only way to learn to be good at leading is to persevere                through being a bit awkward and clueless. 

Murillo's Lesson

Here are the lyrics to the Murillo's Lesson, number 358 (lyrics credited from the Sacred Melodeon) a hymn especially popular (I just read) in Cleburne County, Alabama.

As down a lone valley with cedars o’erspread,
From war’s dread confusion I pensively strayed,
The gloom from the face of fair heaven retired,
The winds hushed their murmurs, the thunders expired.
Perfumes as of Eden flowed sweetly along,
A voice as of angels enchantingly sung,
Columbia, Columbia to glory arise,
The queen of the world and the child of the skies.

Fair science her gate to thy sons shall unbar,
And the east see thy morn hide the beams of her star.
New bards and new sages unrivalled shall soar
To fame unextinguished when time is no more.
To Thee the last refuge of virtue designed,
Shall fly from all nations the best of mankind;
There grateful to heaven with transport shall bring
To Jesus, the author of nations will sing.

I just found this amazing recording of Murillo's Lesson at this website, bee mp3, performed by Jimmy Wofford & the Churchmen. They have a pretty impressive website format, making tons of recordings from WFMU & old 78s free online, easy to download, & easy to embed:

	Jimmy Wofford and the Churchmen - Murillo's Lesson
	Found at bee mp3 search engine

There's several videos on the Youtubes of the Sacred Harp version: