"Carolina in the Pines" - Michael Martin Murphy

This song takes me back to my years in North Carolina, and all the loblolly pines.  It is such a beautiful state - quite possibly my favorite in that regard.

"I Will Arise (and Go to Jesus)" - arr. John Carter

This is a hymn from the Southern Harmony, a "shape-note" songbook compiled by William Walker that contains many great early-American hymns (more info here). Enjoy!

"The Fallow Way" - Judy Collins

I love this wintertime ballad by Judy Collins.  I find the words thought-provoking, and the melody beautiful and peaceful.

(If you can find a better YouTube video of this song, please share it!!)

"Shanghai Breezes" - John Denver

I love this sweet, long-distance-love song.  I think the flute really gives the song a soft, gentle tone, suggesting a soft pillow or gentle breeze.

"La Bamba" - Ritchie Valens

I once saw a movie about Ritchie Valens (in Spanish class), that was quite interesting.  In one scene, he is recording "La Bamba," which was originally a Mexican folk song. Every time he runs through it he does it a little different - just like he's used to, but it drives the US recording studio folks nuts!

Ritchie Valens died at age 17 in the tragic plane crash, "the day the music died."

"Africa" and "Jordan" - William Billings

William Billings (1746-1800) is often considered the father of American choral music, composing many four-part, a cappella pieces.  I was first introduced to Billings' work while I was in Boston, Billings' birthplace.  The harmonies you hear in these songs may sound odd and unfamiliar at first, and if I ever learn enough music theory to describe why, I will tell you.  (Or, if some of you music folks out there know, please do share!)

This first song, "Africa," is a joyful tune, applied to Isaac Watts' hymn about the saving power of God (click for more info about this song).

The second song, "Jordan," - also with text by Isaac Watts - compares death to crossing the Jordan River and describes the delights of the next life, not unlike "Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" from last week's Sunday post.

Recommendations: Week 2 ("Song for a Winter's Night" and "Reach")

Thanks for the recommendations, everyone!  (sorry for not posting yesterday!)
This week we have a sweet romantic song and another "I can do it" song.  Enjoy!

"Song for a Winter's Night" - Gordon Lightfoot

"Reach" - Gloria Estefan (from the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games)

"The Promised Land" - arr. Ronald Staheli

A beautiful American song - I love Staheli's arrangement, especially the descant, and the cool harmony that is at 2:55 in this video.  (The song ends at 3:22.)

(My recording is from BYU Singers.)

"Copperline" - James Taylor

I love the warmth and sincerity of this song.  The timeless, nostalgic lyrics always make me think of little kids running through the woods....