I receive approximately one dozen CD’s each week. Every now and then I receive a recording that reminds me of what first attracted me to folk music and why the music became an important part of my life. Jerimoth Hill’s debut CD “The Halfway Ground” is one of those CD’s.

If you have spent any time in Rhode Island, you might know that the highest point in the state is Jerimoth Hill, located in the town of Foster. It is also the home of Atwater-Donnelly, the acoustic folk comprised of Elwood Donnelly and his wife Aubrey Atwater. Elwood had been planning to do a gospel album for many years and the duo decided it would be their 10th recording project. As the project began to take shape, Elwood invited Cathy Clasper-Torch (fiddle and cello), Heidi Cerrigione (autoharp), John Cerrigione (bass), Uriah Donnelly (piano and lead guitar), Kevin Doyle (percussion), and of course – Aubrey Atwater (vocals, mountain dulcimer, banjo and mandolin). The group gave themselves the name Jerimoth Hill, and their recording certainly takes the listener to a higher plateau.

The CD blends gospel songs from a variety of sources and eras – bluegrass tunes, Carter Family standards, 19th century revival spirituals, Baptist meetings songs, and an inspired re-working of “Amazing Grace” among others.

The CD kicks off with Elwood Donnelly giving a strong vocal performance on Ralph Stanley’s “Going Up Home“. The song sets the mood for the rest of the CD. These songs are not “preachy” but instead explore the importance of the gospel in every day life in a variety of styles.

There are a couple of tunes credited to A.P. Carter with my favorite being “There’s No Hiding Place“. Jerimoth Hill’s powerful group harmony makes the performance memorable.

The arrangements are traditional, and even the re-worked version of “Amazing Grace” feels like an old friend come to visit. The lyrics of John Newton remain, but the tune was written by Krishna Das based on an ancient Tibetan chant.

Elwood has spent years researching and exploring the songs and examining how many communities in America utilize this music as an important part of their daily lives. The songs serve as examples of committment, faith, community and love. This is not a CD of bible-thumping, hellfire and damnation songs. No matter what your beliefs, you will find a common thread in this collection sung by a talented group of musicians that treats the music with love and respect.

If you happen to find yourself in Providence, Rhode Island this Saturday (February 24th), stop by the Central Congregational Church (located at 296 Angell St). when Jerimoth Hill celebrates the release of this CD with a concert that begins at 8pm.

You can purchase a copy or find out more about this and other projects by Atwater-Donnelly by visiting their website – www.atwater-donnelly.com