Hymn Revival

The Lower Lights convened in fall 2009 for five days of recording. The goal was to dive into the hymns- familiar hymns, overlooked hymns, Hank Williams hymns, and more- and connect with them on a deeper level. Drawing equal parts reverence and celebration from the rich well of hymns, we ended up with 30-plus songs that felt part-revival, part-vigil. And we ended up with more than just an album. We ended up with an experience. Listen to the songs and suddenly you're there: a few people are in the studio hallway working out a candlelit arrangement to 'Jesus Savior Pilot Me' while in the main studio no fewer than 15 people record a spirited version of 'Israel, Israel, God Is Calling,' making a choir out of anyone not holding an instrument. Somebody's flipping through an old hymnal A couple of guys tune a marxophone with a wrench. Spontaneous handclapping breaks out. And another song is crossed off the chalkboard.