Wake Thy Slumbering Children
The church has a glorious heritage in the hymns of those saint who went before us, and I’d hate for all that that richness to be lost as generations pass and music styles change. That’s why I appreciate the work of Indelible Grace Music, known for putting old hymns to new music in order
to rekindle a love of hymns and to invite many who would never associate rich passion with hymns to actually read the words.
The most recently released CD from Indelible Grace is Indelible Grace V: Wake Thy Slumbering Children. It’s a collection that reminds me, oddly enough, of a gray-haired lady who sings and accompanies herself on her guitar at my dad’s country church. I suppose that’s because the songs are not too polished, a little down-home bluesy, and genuine. What you get here, most of all, is truth and sincerity, and that’s a really fine thing.
My favorite songs?
- Go to Dark Gethsemane, Sandra McCracken. This hymn by James Montgomery has poetic words that beg to be revived, and the simple gentleness of this rendition seems exactly right for them.
- In the Hours, Emily DeLoach. Bluesy, with a little black gospel sound, and more quality poetry, this time by Helen L. Parmlee.
- Beneath the Cross of Jesus, Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken. A perfect example of how a familiar hymn with familiar words can takes on fresh meaning with new music.
My nitpicks, which are small, but I’ll mention them anyway.
- Face to Face is set to music in a minor key. Minor keys are perfect for words of lament, but when we behold Jesus face to face, it will be a glorious time, a time of rejoicing, and this music seems like a poor fit.
- Slow can be good, but there are a couple of pieces that do seem go overboard in the slow department.
- I’d like to throw in a few changing dynamics, too, so there is more variation throughout the multiple verses of a few songs.
- I’d like to throw in a few changing dynamics, too, so there is more variation throughout the multiple verses of a few songs.