|
|
Hymn 9
Here's
a brief look at the back story behind
Hymn 9 from the Cherokee Hymn Book, played and sung to the tune of Softly and
Tenderly. The
original Softly and Tenderly was written by American Will L. Thompson in
1880. It is among the most prolifically translated gospel songs. When
well known (at the time) evangelist Dwight L. Moody was hospitalized and barred
from having visitors, Thompson went to see him. Moody insisted that he be
allowed in. The story goes that Moody told Thompson, "Will, I would rather
have written 'Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling' than anything I have
been able to do in my whole life." The
Cherokee lyrics are 5 verses based on Psalm 146, praising God for His help. I
use only verses 1 and 3 to somewhat constrain the track time a little. Verse 1
pledges eternal honor to God, and verse 3 says that good things will happen when
you trust in Jehovah. In Cherokee, Jehovah is pronounced "yi-ho-wa"
and you will hear that at the start of the second line of verse 3. For
my interpretation of this song, I decided on a change of pace. This CD is packed
with multiple instruments, flute duets, vocal duets, with a good deal of spirit
in each song. For this song, I start with an unaccompanied flute solo, followed
by solo vocals, and use only a single guitar throughout. The track ends with the
instruments fading out, first the guitar and finally the flute. I originally
planned to use Hymn 87 (to the tune of Amazing Grace) as the final track, but
after recording this track, decided it had to be the final sound images, giving
an aural reinforcement to the image on the cover art showing the wagons
disappearing slowly at the horizon. Hear
a 1 minute preview of this track at http://johnnykee.com/mp3_Files/Preview-Hymn9.mp3.
Please send questions or comments regarding this website to webmaster@JohnnyKee.com. |