“In the beginning was the “beat”… simple…strong. Out of the heavens it came and snapped its rhythm.
THEN THE BEAT HIT BETHLEHEM.
It was like a symphony from heaven breaking loose.
A few fingers started snapping,
Some toes started tapping
Hands began clapping.
There was swinging and singing like you wouldn’t believe.”
Sleeve notes
The impulse to sing communally seems to be deep rooted in the human psyche. Even as society becomes more focused on the individual, that need remains, whether it manifests itself in via church, community choirs, or on football terraces. In the late 1960s and early 1970s there was a definite movement of energised young people, brought up with the Beatles and wider pop culture, who began to sing together songs of faith that were more relevant to their everyday lives and musical tastes.
Much of the style and feeling of this music appears to have been influenced by the sounds of the hippyish Californian peace and love period - particularly the sunshine pop and harmonies of bands like the Beach Boys, the Turtles and the Mamas and Papas. This wasn’t just a one-way street - California Dreamin’ was infused with religious imagery and utilised gospel style male/female harmonies. Soon Christian self-released, private press records were being cut, with groups or youth choirs singing. These normally weren't widely distributed but rather sold to family, friends and local church members. Whilst the trend started in California, it quickly spread to neighbouring states and then much further afield.
One of those records that really stands out was by a group, based at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Phoenix, Arizona called Soma Christo. Their album has a fantastic vibrant sleeve - a real burst of energy designed by Cindi Merkle. Her brother, Steve, contributed the remarkable lead guitar work to the album, including the fuzzed-up, raw garage sounds on 'With Joy'. The song, a Robert Edwin cover, is focused on the present and is expressed beautifully by the massed singing - you can sense how much fun they are all having belting out the lyrics to the beat.
Patti Kiser
One of the singers who sang with Soma Christo on their live performances was Lynne McGinley, who was just thirteen years old. I managed to make contact with her, and she was kind enough to give me some more information about the record. The project was led by Patti Kiser, who Lynne recalls “had lots of energy and found the music”. The music selections were an informed choice of originals and covers of contemporary, often little known, Christian songs that emphasised much of the spirit of the time, of freedom, community and social activism.
Perhaps a particular influence for Patti was God Unlimited – a folksy youth choir at Arizona State University, led by Rev. Tom Bolt. Soma Christo’s version of 'God Unlimited' (the song) is particularly enthralling, with an hypnotic guitar line and controlled, sensitively arranged singing. The singers included the Rev Howie Wennes, the other leading light who helped shape the project. According to Lynne:
“Howie was awesome. He had a great tenor voice, so could hit the high guy notes. He was the associate pastor and led the youth groups and confirmation classes, among other things. I was his babysitter for a while to his three children.”
The Soma Christo original songs include a brace from Howie Wennes that start each side of the album. They are full of the language and the progressive attitudes of the time, with Christianity seen as a means to deliver freedom, peace and fairness. A further personal favourite, Invocation was written by teenager, Patti Lynn Peterson. The communal nature of this project, built on friendship, gave the opportunity for so many to be involved and be creative.
Lyric sheet insert
The desert is never far away from thought for those in Arizona. The average temperature in Phoenix has risen by over 2.5 degrees centigrade since Soma Christo released their record in 1974, and desertification is a major issue today. Streams in the Desert (A Tom Bolt song that references Isaiah 43:19) captures both the sense of place and potential for improvement. The flute solos by Nancy Engebretson combine with human voices to create the soothing and healing sounds of a stream in the wilderness. Arguably, it is their signature piece.
1990s Post Card of Prince of Peace Church with Camelback mountain in the background
Today, the Prince of Peace Church website highlights that it is a forward-thinking congregation and explores ways to empower ordinary people to change the world. They have a preschool facility, work with foodbanks, are involved with fund raising for the Arizona AIDS walk, and you can talk theology over a beer. Music still plays a big role in the church. Lynne, fifty years on from being a teenager singing on the Soma Christo record, told me:
"I am on staff at the church now as the music director. Most of the members have scattered, but there are a couple left still attending. I was only in 8th grade when the record was made. I mostly played piano for the live presentations on Sunday at church."
The legacy of Patti, Howie, Steve and the others from Soma Christo remains, songs will continue to be sung together, hopefully helping to ensure the spirit of love and peace shines on brightly, even in this troubled world.
Special thanks to Lynne and the Prince of Peace Church, Phoenix for all their help - much appreciated.
https://www.popphoenix.org/
The Prince of Peace Church can also be found on social media including facebook.
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