Rev. Cwirla's Blogosphere

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Cor. 1:25)

March 24th, 2009

The Angels Stop and Listen

Posted At: 12:47pm by Rev. William M. Cwirla

Since Christmas 2008, I've become a huge Alison Krauss fan. My wife says groupie. I first heard her on a tribute to Paul Simon singing The Boxer, which lyrically does not work when a woman sings it, yet you simply forget when hearing Alison Krauss. I became thoroughly enchanted when I heard her on Yo-Yo Ma's "Christmas" album singing the Wexford Carol. (Go here for a great video of that performance and have a little Christmas in Lent.) Some have said that when Ms. Krauss sings, the angels stop to take notes. I'm inclined to believe it.

Having turned 52 yesterday and making far too many trips to the doctor, I'm waxing a bit nostalgic if not a bit melancholic. This soothes my soul. Sit back on the porch, put your feet up, and enjoy this with me.

Edited on: March 24th, 2009 6:37 pm

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Comments

Re: The Angels Stop and Listen

Posted On: March 24th, 2009 at 3:39pm by Alan [ + ]

I've been a fan of hers since my college days. Her music is all over my iPod. Her voice is so soothing, and the music she's done, both independently and with Union Station, is musically profound.

I just watched "the Boxer" on YouTube, and I agree with your assessment. It worked somehow.

Re: The Angels Stop and Listen

Posted On: March 24th, 2009 at 6:37pm by Rev. William M. Cwirla

It worked somehow.

No kidding. When I first saw this on PBS, I looked at my wife and said, "Huh?" And then when it was over, I said, "Never mind. That worked."

I had exactly the same reaction when I heard that she had done a CD with Robert "Led Zeppelin" Plant.

Re: The Angels Stop and Listen

Posted On: March 24th, 2009 at 11:47pm by Mason Beecroft [ + ]

Fr. Cwirla,
If you enjoy Allison, then I would recommend Nanci Griffith, Kasey Chambers, Gillian Welch, and Patty Griffin. They are all in the same genre and, for someone at your age, might be therapeutic. Blogger Smiley

Joke... (must qualify)
+Mason

Re: The Angels Stop and Listen

Posted On: March 25th, 2009 at 9:07am by Shannon Matthew

Amen, her voice is truly angelic. My first experience of Allison was from Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack.

May I suggest another artist named Sandra McCracken, specifically "The Builder And The Architect" album. I have yet to find anyone that sings the pure unadulterated Gospel like she has on this album.

The Love of Christ is Rich and Free won me to this album after hearing a few verses of it on a White Horse Inn commercial break. Some of her work has a folky, bluegrass appeal. Every song in my opinion brings the Gospel of Christ. She is an independent artist so I'm not sure if she is on ITunes yet.

You will not be disappointed.

SMH