I downloaded the Kindle version of this book on Saturday night. I finished reading the book Monday night. That's the kind of book it is, especially if you love Sacred Harp.
Buell Cobb is the master chonicler of Sacred Harp music. And this book is an essential and wonderful experience.
If you already know Sacred Harp music, stop reading this review right now, and go buy the book. You absolutely won't regret it.
If you don't know much about Sacred Harp music, this book may be a little bit like diving into the deep-end of the pool. You will probably get caught up in the excitement, the warmth, and the passion of this peculiar music and its adherents. This book is very much the story of Buell's personal journey through Sacred Harp and the wonderful people he has encountered along the way. But if you're new to Sacred Harp you may be missing some context. In which case I heartily recommend Buell's first book, The Sacred Harp: A Tradition and Its Music.
Like Cords Around My Heart is one of those books you will pull out to re-read passages that were particularly striking to you, or made you laugh out loud. And often you will find yourself re-reading these passages aloud for the pure pleasure of hearing the rhythm and music of Buell's words.
Reading this book is much like sitting around with Sacred Harp singers after a particularly good singing convention and listening to stories of singers past, of amazing leading, of foibles and kindness, and of a shared love.
William H. Waddington
Buell Cobb is the master chonicler of Sacred Harp music. And this book is an essential and wonderful experience.
If you already know Sacred Harp music, stop reading this review right now, and go buy the book. You absolutely won't regret it.
If you don't know much about Sacred Harp music, this book may be a little bit like diving into the deep-end of the pool. You will probably get caught up in the excitement, the warmth, and the passion of this peculiar music and its adherents. This book is very much the story of Buell's personal journey through Sacred Harp and the wonderful people he has encountered along the way. But if you're new to Sacred Harp you may be missing some context. In which case I heartily recommend Buell's first book, The Sacred Harp: A Tradition and Its Music.
Like Cords Around My Heart is one of those books you will pull out to re-read passages that were particularly striking to you, or made you laugh out loud. And often you will find yourself re-reading these passages aloud for the pure pleasure of hearing the rhythm and music of Buell's words.
Reading this book is much like sitting around with Sacred Harp singers after a particularly good singing convention and listening to stories of singers past, of amazing leading, of foibles and kindness, and of a shared love.
William H. Waddington
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