Sparse, Simple and Worshipful
Posted December 24, 2017
By BPence,
Sara Groves follows her acclaimed 2015 album Floodplain with her thirteenth studio album. She has stated that her previous album found her on the floodplain reflecting on the kind provision that comes when she finds herself in a place where she cannot rescue herself. Abide with Me is a collection of hymns and songs that were with her on the floodplain. The album was recorded in a 105-year old church (the construction of which is shown on the album cover photo), that the Groves purchased in 2011 and converted into Art House North, a creative community for the common good, in the West End of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Groves has stated that it was appropriate that the album was recorded in a space built for congregational singing. The album was recorded with her long-time bandmates, Aaron Fabbrini (bass, pedal steel) and Zach Miller (drums), produced by John Mark Nelson and mixed by Ben Gowell. The album includes songs carefully selected from Groves’ personal list of hymns. Each song has provided a source of healing and comfort to her throughout the years. Groves’ husband first came up with the idea of a hymns album about fifteen years ago and has been compiling possible songs for inclusion since then.
The album is recorded simply and sparsely, and may underwhelm on initial listen. However, I encourage you to give these hymns additional listens and the project will grow on you with each listen. I would also recommend you have the lyrics to these hymns in front of you as you listen to this beautiful recording.
Below are a few comments about each of the eleven songs:
For the Beauty of the Earth – This Eucharistic hymn was written in 1864 by Folliott S. Pierpoint. It begins beautifully with woodwinds, then Groves’ vocal and then piano is added. Many will be familiar with the chorus:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise
Fairest Lord Jesus – This hymn, also known as “Beautiful Savior”, has a long and unconfirmed history. The lyrics we are familiar with are most likely from an 1873 translation by Joseph A. Seiss. The song begins with acoustic guitar. Groves’ vocal is then joined with light drums, pedal steel guitar and backing vocals. Key lyric:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast
Praise to the Lord – The lyrics to this hymn were written in German by Joachim Neander in 1680. Catherine Winkworth translated them into English in 1863. This was my favorite hymn growing up. This version features a choir providing backing vocals.
Abide with Me – This hymn was written by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte in 1847 as he was dying from tuberculosis. He would die just three weeks after its completion. It is most often sung to English composer William Henry Monk’s tune “Eventide”. This version features piano, banjo, pedal steel guitar and backing vocals. Key lyric: In life and death, Lord, abide with me
The Love of God – This hymn was written by Frederick M. Lehman in 1917, based on a Jewish poem titled Haddamut. This song starts with Groves accompanied by acoustic guitar and light backing vocals. As the song moves to verse two, she is joined by piano, bass and then a choir. Key lyric:
O love of God, how rich and pure
How measureless and strong
The Song of Blessing - Groves sings this short song with a choir, backed by acoustic guitar, piano and banjo.
What a Friend – This song has Groves singing to her redeemer about what a friend he is over piano, acoustic guitar and light backing vocals. Key lyric:
Nearer, draw nearer
Till my soul is lost in You
To the Dawn – This beautiful song is based on Henry Burton’s 19th century poem “There’s a Light Upon the Mountains” with a refrain based on Isaiah 9:2. “All who walk in the dark have seen a great light”. The song begins with piano and strings. then guitar, percussion, pedal steel guitar and backing vocals are added.
Tis So Sweet – The lyrics to the hymn “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” were written by Louisa M.R. Stead in 1882. The music was written by William J. Kirkpatrick. This version begins with some likeable percussion, and then adds acoustic guitar, backing harmonies and a good mandolin solo. A highlight.
Lead on O King Eternal – This hymn was written Ernest Shurtleff upon request of his classmates for their graduation ceremony at Andover Seminary in 1887. The song begins with piano, with backing vocals and light drums added.
He’s Always Been Faithful – This song originally appeared on Groves’ 2001 debut album Conversations. The song incorporates the hymn “Great Is Your Faithfulness”, the lyrics of which were written by Thomas Chisholm in 1923, and the music composed by William Runyan that same year. The song features piano, upright bass and woodwinds. Groves estimates that she has played the song in concert well over a thousand times. A highlight.
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