Having worked with Emily and Hope Dunbar on numerous music projects in the past, Tone Tree Audio is always awaiting the next amazing idea from the sisters to arrive.
Enter Bluestem Psalter: described as 'Liturgy, Hymnody, Scripture and Americana' on their official website, the Dunbars have created a unique blend of numerous genres with an uplifting message. The goal is 'reimagining liturgy for corporate worship' and, most importantly, 'sharing with others' in song.
The project began as basic ideas for Vacation Bible School songs, and then turned into Bluestem Psalter: Volume 1, collecting over 20 songs of original material recorded and mixed by Tone Tree Audio, mastered by Focus Mastering and released in spring of 2018. Elements of folk, bluegrass and gospel abound, as well as hints of jazz, acoustic rock and even children's music peeking through.
Bluestem Psalter Volume 1 CD cover.
The sisters Dunbar are masters of their instruments and accomplished singer-songwriters. Utilizing guitar, ukulele, glockenspiel and accordion, along with their unique vocal harmonies, Emily and Hope created dynamic, hopeful and inspiring songs on Volume 1 to share with the world.
Emily said this about the recording process: "We had such a good time recording with Tone Tree Audio. Kent is patient, fun, and quick with ideas and suggestions when you need them or get stuck. He's a great communicator, so we always knew exactly what was happening in the studio and also during the mixing process. We had a vision for how we wanted our songs to sound and Kent helped us make it reality. In the end, our album sounds great and we're continuing to work with Tone Tree on additional projects."
For information about Bluestem Psalter, including news, how to buy a CD, and shows, visit the official website here.
Listen to one of the tracks from Bluestem Psalter Volume 1 below, titled 'Spirit.'