The title track from Say Amen was co-written by Owens and Ronell Ragbir, a 21-year-old Trinidad native who was receiving treatment for cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (Visit http://fingerprintinitiative.org for more of Ronell’s story.)

"It is entitled Say Amen, which is also the name of the (title) track I wrote several years ago with a young lady named Ronell who was faced with terminal cancer. The record is a collection of original material, old Shakers and spirituals, well-known hymns, and modern versions of old favorites. Initially, it was going to be a simple project of hymns for friends, family, and fans who have encouraged me to make such a recording for years. But after nine months of work, the project had become something bigger."

"I like to think of it as a collage of the music that believers have used to celebrate their faith--from the 17th century to today. I rewrote the melodies for such hymns as "How Can I keep From Singing" and "Just As I Am." I found an old Fanny Crosby hymn entitled "Blind Bartimaeus," which is a beautifully eloquent speech from Bartimaeus to Jesus, as he waits to be healed. I renamed it "The Beggar's Prayer" and arranged it for piano, strings, and voice. Say Amen contains three a capella tracks, as well as some good Mississippi "soulful" Gospel tunes--the kind that are very close to my heart. I love the depth of the lyrics of hymns and spirituals, and am hoping that some of the tracks will be useful renditions of these hymns for modern worship services all over the country. Here is a track listing:

1. "How Can I Keep From Singing" 2. "Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded" 3. "Just As I Am" 4. "The Beggar's Prayer" 5. "Beautiful Savior" 6. "Be Thou My Vision" 7. "Say Amen" 8. "It Is Well" 9. "Bow Down, O Zion" 10. "Be Still, My Soul" 11. "If I Can Help Somebody" 12. "Don't Ya Let Nobody Turn You Round" 13. "Home in Me"

Owens muses, “There’s something amazing about the musical poetry of our past—it’s so deep—full of wisdom, beautiful thoughts, and wonderfully-crafted language. Certainly worth celebrating. Definitely worth singing again and again!”

And for more info on Ginny Owens, visit the JFH Artists Database.

 

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