Down to the River to Pray

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A collection of liturgical songs and choral anthems for the church year, Down to the River to Pray brings together eight songs from Scot Crandal that are wonderfully unique, and equally well-written and arranged. Scot's eclectic musical background shines through as he expertly moves from contemporary folk/pop to spiritual to traditional choral anthems, all without skipping a beat.

Two of the more contemporary-styled compositions, "You Gather in the Outcast" and "With Empty Hands and Empty Hearts" utilize texts by Sr. Genevieve Glen that provide powerful, timely perspectives in support of Pope Francis' emphasis on caring for the poor and needy.

Best suited for Christmas or Easter, "The Thorn Tree" features a striking text by Sr. Genevieve Glen that encapsulates the life of Jesus in four evocative verses. A new setting of The Beatitudes, "Rejoice in the Promise of Jesus" represents another compelling collaboration, this time with Sr. Delores Dufner.

The spiritual "Down to the River to Pray," comes to life in Scot's lush arrangement amid layers of harmonies that are added in, one verse, one refrain at a time, to mesmerizing effect.

Featuring timeless texts and accessible, rich harmonic writing, "Ave Verum Corpus" and "O How Amiable" are choral anthems that choirs can come back to for years to come. Scot's a cappella arrangement of the 14th century eucharistic hymn "Ave Verum Corpus"—from the Latin, literally "Hail, true body"—makes a truly wonderful addition to any assembly's Communion repertoire.

Scot bids us adieu with the traditional Irish text of "May the Road Rise Up to Meet You," especially effective for weddings, funerals or anytime a blessing is needed. All in all, Down to the River to Pray leads God's faithful Church to worship in a more profound way, bringing greater meaning to our spiritual life through strong melodies, polished harmonies and moving lyrics.

Track listing

You Gather in the Outcast | The Thorn Tree | Down to the River to Pray | Rejoice in the Promise of Jesus (The Beatitudes) | Ave Verum Corpus | With Empty Hands and Empty Hearts | O How Amiable | May the Road Rise Up to Meet You