Peter M. Blachly
Higher Ground - For Your Consideration
Submitted in: Roots Gospel
Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1857 – 1922)About Peter M. Blachly’s Higher Ground
“My great-grandfather, Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1857 – 1922), was one of America’s most revered hymn writers, with titles such as “Higher Ground” and “Count Your Blessings” that have been included in hundreds of hymnals from all denominations. He is reputed to have authored the lyrics to over 5000 hymns, most of which were set to music by his collaborators — some of them decades after his passing in 1922. Although I grew up singing as a boy soprano in the choir of the Washington National Cathedral, it was only recently that I conceived of writing new music for some of his more beloved hymns. Not only did I see this as a way of possibly making his lyrics relevant once again in the 21st Century, it was for me much more a way of connecting with and getting to know him as my ancestor. It is my hope that these hymns will find their way into the repertoires of choirs and Gospel groups everywhere.”
~ Peter M. Blachly
Artist Bio
Peter Macdonald Blachly is a guitarist and singer-songwriter from Bath, Maine with a long musical resume that includes sharing the stage with many icons of folk and rock music – from Buddy Guy, Poco, Tim Harden and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott to Chuck Berry, Jon Fishman, Vic Briggs of The Animals and many more. Former president of the Maine Songwriters Association (2009 – 2013) and music columnist for the Coastal Journal (2014 – 2016), Peter is also co-author, with his wife Johannah Harkness, of “One Way Trip to Mars,” a rock opera that was produced at the Waterville Opera House in 2017.
Peter Macdonald Blachly
Higher Ground
Video Playlist
Please enjoy the “Higher Ground” project in the form of our YouTube playlist.
Aretha Franklin performed Johnson Oatman, Jr.’s hymn “Higher
Ground” throughout her long career. Here she is as a young woman with the Davis Sisters, with excerpts from her 2015 concert performance of the same hymn at the Obama White House.Here is the full video of Aretha singing "Higher Ground” for the Obamas at the White House.Peter M Blachly performing his own composition of “Higher Ground” at the Brunswick Maine Unitarian Universalist Church.Live performance of “Beulah Land“ at the Brunswick Maine Unitarian Universalist Church."Sails are Spread for Glory” by Peter M Blachly, with video of Peter sailing."Holy Holy Holy” Lyrics by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (1856 - 1922), Music and performance by his grandson, Peter M Blachly, with photos by Laurie Larson.
Track #1 Sailing On the Ark… Track #2 Holy Holy Holy Is What The Angels Sing… Track #3 Higher Ground… Track #4 It All Comes Back To You… Track #5 Sails are Spread for Glory… Track #6 Almost Home… Track #7 If Today Were the End of the World… Track #8 Count Your Blessings… Track #9 The Last Mile of the Way… Track #10 Beulah Land…
Track #1 Sailing On the Ark… Track #2 Holy Holy Holy Is What The Angels Sing… Track #3 Higher Ground… Track #4 It All Comes Back To You… Track #5 Sails are Spread for Glory… Track #6 Almost Home… Track #7 If Today Were the End of the World… Track #8 Count Your Blessings… Track #9 The Last Mile of the Way… Track #10 Beulah Land…
Project Credits
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Peter Macdonald Blachly
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Music by Peter Macdonald Blachly
Lyrics by Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. (except “It All Comes Back to You”)
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Recorded by Jud Caswell at Frog Hollow Studio, Topsham Maine
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Peter M. Blachly: Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Ukulele
Ronald Bouffard: Drums
Jud Caswell: Saxophones
Chris Molé: Cover Design
Michael Oberman: Cover Photo
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Chris Molé: Cover Design
Michael Oberman: Cover Photo
Photographs of Peter Blachly by Johannah Harkness
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PHOTO GALLERY
Praise for Higher Ground
“I just finished listening through Higher Ground. You have done such a fantastic job with these beautiful hymns your great-grandfather wrote! I loved the blend of both electric and acoustic-focused instrumentation… your melodies, accompaniment, and harmonies are such pure American folk, paired across the years beautifully with the century-old lyrics. Congratulations on a beautiful, purposeful record! I thoroughly enjoyed it.“
— J.B.
“My brother Peter, a gifted songwriter, has re-set the old-time hymn lyrics of our Great-Grandfather Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr., in his own style, creating in the process modern popular songs that bring new life to texts that have been staples in hymnals for years. This is music that flows effortlessly, with wonderful harmonies, and superb instrumental and vocal performances.”
— Alexander Blachly, 1998 GRAMMY® Nominee.
“Hello Peter! Thank you so much for this beautiful message. I just watched the video and wow! That is so inspiring!! The old sounds, the rhythm, the energy is so soul lifting.”
— T.N.
“Listening to my Uncle Peter's recording of original songs using his own Great-Grandfather's hymn lyrics was such a wonderful way of connecting to our family's musical history and tradition. I hope that those timeless words will reach a new generation (or several) with this recording!”
— James Blachly, 2021 GRAMMY® Winner
“Hi Peter, I'm enjoying "Almost Home" right now. It is awesome!! I love the guitars, voice, groove, production. Great stuff! Thank you for sharing!!”
— M.H.
“I just listened to your album “Higher Ground”. What an incredible musical legacy your family has. It must have been a special experience spending so much time with your great grandfather’s lyrics. I had the privilege of growing up in a home where hymns were sung, including “Count Your Blessings.” (That one may be my favorite from the album!) Now I feel just a bit more personally connected to the song thanks to knowing about your family.”
—K.R.
“Peter, woah! What an incredible story, and what a magnificent tribute to your great-grandfather. Beautiful work. That jaunty approach to both "Holy Holy Holy is What the Angels Sing" and "Sails are Spread for Glory” is so perfect (love that picking on Sails!) Just a wonderful project!”
— L.S.