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Spark & Echo explores Psalm 126 this in their song, “How to Be Free.”
Psalms 126
How to Be Free
By
The Spark & Echo Band
Credits:
Guitar by Alexander Foote
Bass by Jay Foote
Mixed by Alexander Foot
Mastered by Christopher Colbert
Curated by:
Spark+Echo Arts
2013
Primary Scripture
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This song is both a response to Psalm 126 and in honor of Jonathon’s Grandfather, Al Roberts. In this psalm we see the Israelites rejoicing in their return from exile, and their freedom from oppressors after many years. We see the reversal of tears to joy. It reminds us of Al, who taught the people he knew how to be free. His joy and sense of play were contagious, and it was hard to wear a frown when he was around. The sounds that eventually take over this song reflect that playful quality. We like to see this song as a large party, from its height around midnight, to the last dwindling revelers at 4am.
Spark Notes
The Artist's Reflection
The Spark & Echo Band is a family outfit of songwriting-storytellers led by husband and wife duo Jonathon Roberts and Emily Clare Zempel. Their music brings forgotten poetry and wild stories from the Bible to life: visions of sparkling wheels in the sky, hunger and thirst, and legends of love as strong as death weave with memorable melodies and captivating rhythms. Drawing from a classical background, influenced by the pianism of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds, and emulating Paul Simon’s narratival techniques, Spark & Echo sings epic tales of love and adventure.
The duo has collaborated on three full lengths albums (Spark&Echo, Inheritance, Cities Project), one video album (In the Clocktower), in addition to many theatrical collaborations, this very nonprofit, and two children. They live in beautiful Beacon, New York, with all of the above.
The Spark & Echo Band
About the Artist
White Robe
What a Day
Deep Calls to Deep
Yo Sé
Do You Love Me?
Where Can I Go?
Flesh
Lifeblood
Artist in Residence 2015: Spark & Echo Band
Take to Heart
The Wheels
Frogs
Ruined
Inheritance
The Spark & Echo Band
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Lyrics:
When you saved us from our captors
We were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were full of laughter,
Our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“Oh lord you’ve done great things for them.”
You have done great things for us
And we are filled with joy.
You taught me how to be free,
Free as the river in the spring.
Now those who sow with tears,
Will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
Carrying seed to sow
Will return with a harvest
Carrying songs of joy.
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