Album Notes

Lookout Mountain 1968 is the first CD from Squirrel Hill Recordings. A selection of more than 30 songs from the 1960 edition of the Original Sacred Harp (plus one song from the Cooper Book) and spoken portions recorded by James "Bud" Oliver at the Lookout Mountain Sacred Harp Singing Convention in August 1968 at New Bethel Church on Lookout Mountain, Alabama, this recording captures the drive, energy, passion and character of a style of Sacred Harp singing that is disappearing and is treasured by many. Leaders and singers include many beloved folks who are no longer among us, as well as many who are.

The songs on this CD were recorded by Bud Oliver using a stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder. While computer software has been used to reduce as much noise from the recorder as possible, the songs are otherwise presented with the accompanying voices, page-turning, foot-stomping and other sounds you would have heard had you been there in the church that weekend.

Two songs (including "Idumea," a version of which you can hear on this CD) from the Sacred Harp are featured on the soundtrack to the motion picture "Cold Mountain," sung by a group of singers that includes some whose voices are captured on this recording 35 years earlier.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD will be donated to the Lookout Mountain Sacred Harp Singing Convention, which is held every fourth Sunday in August and Saturday before. This convention, which welcomes all, singers and listeners alike, to its current home at Pine Grove Church near Collinsville, AL, celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 2003.