Day 14 — Share Your Music: 30 Days, 30 Songs
As a singer in a gospel choir for over six years, I need to include at least two gospel songs as my contribution to the 30 Days, 30 Songs challenge. Gospel exponent, Tony Backhouse (a New Zealander), has done a beautiful arrangement of the fabulously uplifting, Shine On. I thought I would share it with you so that you could hear how Australians are taking traditional gospel music to their hearts. If you do an internet search on Tony Backhouse and Shine On, you will come across a very high quality recording on Soundcloud. Amazing sound, amazing acoustics.
I was fortunate enough to sing in the Australian choir that was formed for the Canberra leg of the Beijing Olympics Torch Relay. We sang this song at one of the torch relay ceremonies. If my memory serves me correctly, we assembled on the edge of a very foggy Lake Burley Griffin. We waited for the torch to appear, then began singing. The torch bearer then carried the torch across the lake on a boat. It was very atmospheric.
The fabulously talented Sarah of Art Expedition is hosting 30 Days, 30 Songs for the month of June. You can see her latest post here. It is not too late to join in the challenge. Casual players welcome.
Kind Regards.
Tracy.
Reflections of An Untidy Mind 
That must have been an absolutely amazing experience. Shine is a gorgeous song and to be part of such a moment – I can see how it touched you. This version is everything gospel music should be – deeply felt, deeply touching.
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It was an interesting experience, Sharon. I hope I get to sing that song again one day.
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What a wonderful experience that must have been. Do you still sing a choir?
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Kind of, Heather. It was more interesting than anything else. But the song was a great one for the occasion.
I don’t sing in a choir anymore. I can’t hold my part. Not that I ever could, but some do that seriously. 🙂
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I get goosebumps thinking about you singing while the torch is carried by boat. That must be a wonderful memory, Tracy.
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It was certainly an interesting one, Lois. Geopolitics and all.
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What a very special experience to sing this song in the way you did Tracy. It’s a wonderful, soaring sound.
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It was a great song for the occasion. The occasion was marred though. Geopolitics.
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Beautiful song. How wonderful that you had a chance to sing it, and at such a special event.
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It could have been so nice. The singing was nice. Supporting our torch bearers was nice. Many others things about it were ugly. I cannot say more.
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That is really sad.
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Yep. Geopolitics.
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☹️
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This is the first time I have heard Shine On, but I enjoyed it very much. I do like Gospel music…I had no idea you sang in a choir. Personally, I couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I enjoy listening to those who can!
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I haven’t sung in a choir for ages, Ann. I still enjoy a sing in my loungeroom though. No auditions necessary there. 🙂
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Such a beautiful song, Tracy! I have goosebumps all over! African American gospels are my favourite choir songs, such emotions and so beautiful voices! ☺
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That was an Aussie choir, Sarah, reflecting that there is such respect the world over for African-American gospel music.
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I know! Which makes it even better in my mind! 😀
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