Softly And Tenderly

Gentle guitars establish a soft pulse that becomes a familiar melody, played on acoustic instruments. "Softly and tenderly," a hymn written in 1880 by William Lamartine Thompson, uses the imagery of Jesus calling out to those who are weary and seeking rest. The music, after stating the melody, arrives at a place of rest, using an alternating chord pattern to support improvised reflections in various voices, from mandolin to nylon string guitar to electric bass, with a soft choral pad appearing in the background. The melody returns, and the improvised release appears again, leading the listener to a gentle experience of peace and rest.