Something different indeed. I don’t usually blog about anything but biblical studies here, but I’m making an exception for Wayfarer, a band in Seattle about which I just learned a couple weeks ago. I was contacted by Dan Koch, the leader of the band, about what they do — re-purpose hymns. In Dan’s words, “We take lyric sets from old, largely forgotten hymns or Southern Spirituals, and we write entirely new music to those lyrics: melodies, chords, arrangements, etc.” Since I prefer hymns to most of the Christian music these days, I thought I’d give it a listen.
To be honest, I’m not one for music. If I listen to something it’s talk radio or a book on CD (except when writing fiction — not sure why, but the music I have helps me imagine better). I have fewer than thirty songs in my iTunes account (something that makes my kids wonder if Dad really is an earthling). I don’t know anything about instruments or genres or groups. I just know when I like the sound of something. I really like Wayfarer. Very refreshing sound. I bought the album on iTunes (my first album purchase; maybe the kids will stop whispering now.
I hope the group gets serious attention, so I thought I’d give readers a heads up. Apparently they are starting to become known since Christianity Today just posted them on their music site. Have a listen!
Thanks for the great recommendation, Dr. Heiser. I also think you should make time for more music in your life! It’s one of God’s greatest gifts in my opinion.
Excellent news, they sound worthy of being checked out.
On the reformed side, Indelible Grace does similar work, though they’re based out of Nashville, TN. (Perhaps a different sound than Seattle?) They’ve produced a number of albums with reworked hymns. Better by far than some of what you’ll hear on Christian (or even religious) radio stations.
Some good music , but when it comes to Christian music it doesn’t get any better than Mozart’s Dis Irea 😀 .