RED In Transition: Only The Black Notes -- AMAZING GRACE!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Only The Black Notes -- AMAZING GRACE!

I have watched this video a dozen times. I try to figure out exactly why it draws me and inevitably brings tears to my eyes. Is it because I love Wintley Phipps' exuberance? Is it his clever communication of how most Negro spirituals can be played on only the five black keys of a piano? Is it that he is black and that I have always been around blacks and admire and respect their struggle? Is it my enjoyment at seeing Evangelical Christians demonstrably feel songs, and wish my LDS brothers and sisters would also? Is it his beautiful bass voice (I'm obviously partial to bass voices!)? Is it his reverence for what he is singing? Is it because I feel deep in my soul the lyrics of Amazing Grace and its message of salvation? Probably a little bit of all of these. You may or may not be moved as I always am by this video, but you might understand who I am a little better if you watch and listen to it

1 comment:

Anonymous said...: Resonates in my soul! Being raised in the south, Virginia, and hearing this song sung by whites in my church, and blacks in their church, I have treasured it's message in my heart. I have felt the music and been moved by it time and time again, and sang it in a Sacrament meeting. I still moves me. Thanks for sharing this, RED. Harry McLaughlin; May 20, 2013 at 9:39 AM

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Why I Blog

I blog because I need to blog. It lets me share with the Universe and with people I invite to read it what is important to me. I tend to be transparent--perhaps too much so, some would say--but that is the way I am. This blog is the best way for me to process what is happening in my life. It forces me to focus my thoughts and feelings, and while writing is difficult, I enjoy the challenge and rigor of the exercise. I also love photography and I include many pictures that I've taken, although not all posted pictures are mine. I will occasionally come upon videos that resonate with me, and I will post them as well. I appreciate any comments or feedback a reader might have for me. I'm amazed and humbled that as many read it as do.