One of my favorite records that surfaced in the past couple of years was the Minister and Nuns LP out of Brazil. My friend Will turned me onto it, and I pretty immediately fell in love with their way of looking at the world, and the contagious harmonizing they conveyed it with. If you haven't heard the LP it consists of a group of Brazilian sisters accompanying American minister David Wayne Smith who sing-speaks in English positive messages of human kindness and the warmth of God's love. I'm not a particularly religious person and this stuff absolutely melts me. The heart in these grooves is just so unbelievably pure, and they also sound like they're having the time of their lives! There's a wonderful quirkiness to the whole proceedings, a sort of cross-cultural meeting of the minds, if you will - but even if you just want some vibes, the bossa groove laid down by the Nuns is undeniably slayin' (Minister plays trumpet too!), and their back-up vocals will absolutely lift you above and beyond the blue. So, long story short: this magical collaboration came out in the United States on a small label from West Virginia, and was also released in Brazil as a slightly different press with 4 alternate songs. I had been looking for this edition for some time as I was eager to hear what else the group had cleverly tucked up their sleeves... and here it is! Just in time for Christmas. I'm only posting the songs that appear strictly on the Brazilian edition, as I sort of hope the whole project sees a reissue sometime - it's one of the most beautifully uplifting things you'll ever hear. All the best to you in the New Year, I hope that means happiness, health, and good vibrations. Ate logo ~~ JDFBalada da Caridade
Youthful People
A Sad Story
It Feels Good to Be Good
It's good to be good! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to hear these extra tracks, they're wonderful. Need to find this one!
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ReplyDeleteHI 'JDF' - Purely by accident, I stumbled onto your most impressive blog. The listings are great, esp. since they are quite unique & not easily found elsewhere. This particular LP "When THe Heart Sings" is truly amazing! I'm a huge fan of most obscure music, esp. religious stuff. Is there any chance you could post the remaining songs? I'll even buy the LP if you can find one for me.
ReplyDeleteSTORMCHASER
Hi Stormchaser, did you ever find the LP?
DeleteStormchaser - Drop me a line here:
ReplyDeletehobbes@wcvt.com
--J
We went to Brazil together: his eldest son, about my age, was my best friend there. When this was released, you can guess how excited we were, and how many times we played it.
ReplyDeleteHow in the world did your friend Will come across it?
I was playing a song from this album on my guitar this evening, but could remember nothing past the chorus. I hope I can get all of the songs to play, to learn if it is among those you have put up.
Uncle (as Southern Presbyterians, we preserved the old convention of addressing our elders as Uncle or Aunt) Wayne's story is something else. You should look it up. Thank you for posting these songs.
GH
Hi GH! I'm one of Wayne's kids, saw your post and wanted to say hello.
DeleteP.S. The Potuguese for "hasta luego" is "ate logo." For the next time it comes up.
ReplyDeleteGH -- Will found it in a thrift store I believe, where many of these records were originally turned up. Thankyou for sharing your story -- it's an incredible LP...
ReplyDeleteBest, Jack