Molly Merrett and Maggie Shar have carried on the tradition of sacred harp singing with a beautiful difference: Instead of singing a capella, they accompany themselves on banjo. Though it's not strictly traditional, their music sounds as though it's been been around for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years. These are nothing less than the deepest cries of the soul. Every time I finish watching one of their videos, I find myself looking for more.
Something else I want more of is their rich, layered banjo sound. Who knew that multiple banjos could sound so deep and complex? Sure, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn use this technique, combining frailing with melodic banjo, but the Ephemeral Stringband uses a clawhammer technique on two very different-sounding instruments. I love what they do, and I'll be sharing more.
In the meantime, this is sacred harp #67, Columbus, which has what surely must be some of the most despairing yet universal lyrics ever, regardless of your faith. Haven't we all felt as though we've lost our way and might never find it again? Here's The Ephemeral Stringband to guide us through the dark night of the soul.
