The banjo is often considered a folk instrument, and Moravian chorales are in a way a kind of folk music. They are tunes people know by heart, they represent important aspects of life, and they have been passed down by a small community of people over the years.

Banjo playing is generally divided into two main styles with different musical philosophies that are often at odds with one another. However, this album features some songs back to back in both the clawhammer style and in the 3-finger style. This represents the Moravian commitment to unity in diversity, and is a slight nod to the Moravian Easter tradition of playing hymns antiphonally.

This album is dedicated to the glory of God and in memory of Robert Conrad, who entered into the more immediate presence of the Lord in 2024. Two of the tracks feature Robert’s own mandolin that he gave Adam years ago.

“Fierce Was the Wild Billow” was one of the hymns Robert most enjoyed. The tune and its words especially resonated with him as one who served in the Navy.