Search - Various Artists :: Let Zion Move: Music of the Shakers

A must for those interested in Shaker music or religion

J P O'Byrne | Norwich, United Kingdom | 01/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This double CD and booklet was issued last year. It follows Rounder Record's "Early Shaker Spirituals" which is a recording of the Shakers themselves singing some of their early music. These new CDs are again the Shakers singing their songs, but covering the timescale of 1833 to 1914. The music and interviews on the CDs were recorded between 1960 and 1980. The booklet is written by Roger Hall, an authority on Shaker music, and discusses not only the music and interviews in the set, but also much other relevant material including a useful discography, and comments about the Shakers and their musical history.Some of the interest of these recordings is in the historical place of twentieth century Shakers celebrating their faith through music. The quality of the recordings is not brilliant but this reflects the fact that much of it comes from LPs made in 1960. The music itself is fairly Victorian to listen to, but the words are quite inspiring. The use of the organ in some tracks reflects the fact that Shakers began using instruments and singing parts after about 1870. Of particular interest to me were the interviews, including a 24 minute track where Sister Mildred Barker speaks of her experiences as a Shaker. This is of great value as she was one of the most inspirational and forward looking Shakers of this century. This is a must for those who are seriously interested in the development of Shaker music. It is also a must for anyone who is interested in Shaker religion and how it is reflected in their music."