Fingerstyle Arrangements for Hymns, Spirituals, and Sacred Songs

For many musicians, hymns and spirituals are a common reference point, with the familiar chord and melody structures bridging otherwise disparate styles. Taking a non-denominational approach here, instructor Happy Traum covers a number of songs from the Christian tradition, including Amazing Grace, My Lord What a Morning, Let Us Break Bread Together, Angel Band (a standout tune from the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack album) and Bob Dylan's I Shall Be Released (incidentally, Traum was Dylan's backup guitar on the recording). Although many of these traditional songs are rooted in the keyboard tradition (especially piano), Traum effectively demonstrates how to add some very gospel-piano-inspired moving bass runs to the guitar. While the arrangements are dead-on, Traum modestly says he doesn't want folks to ape his moves, but rather to make their own songs, using his concepts as a jumping off point. Either way, pickers looking to add a few folk-style spirituals to their trick bag won't be disappointed. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (C. Block)