It’s very special, David. Still sends chills through me every time I hear it. But it’s especially powerful when you’re there among the group, with all the sounds surrounding you.

I remember once a friend and I were driving up in the mountains, windows down, and we passed this little church. They had the front door open, and you could hear the shape note singing coming from inside. Maybe it was “Weeping Pilgrim” they were singing? I’m not sure now. All I remember is I made my friend stop right in the middle of the road, so I could listen, until they were finished, and then we continued on.

That’s what this music is to me. A little pause in life, before I continue on. It works — even for Old Testament hill folk like me.