We did this song a couple weeks ago on Easter Sunday. It had been a while since I used this song, and it had such a powerful impact on our church, I thought I would do an arrangement of it. I kept it pretty simple, so the arrangement hopefully doesn't overpower the strength of the song. All RealTracks/Drums, with some piano and organ played by me. I hope you enjoy it!

Video:
The Old Rugged Cross - Video

SoundCloud:
The Old Rugged Cross - SoundCloud

Here are the RealTracks/Drums used...

RealTracks in song: 777:Bass, Acoustic, PopWaltz Ev 085 (A:simple)
RealTracks in song: 2716:Guitar, Nylon, Background WaltzBrent Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 2053:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking CountryWaltzBrent Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 982:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm CountryWaltzCleanArp Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 2555:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking WaltzJoeHigh Sw 085
RealTracks in song: 1285:Guitar, Electric, Soloist CountryWaltzBrent Sw 085
RealDrums in Song: PopWaltz: a: Brushes b: Sidestick, Ride

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Steve

Hi Steve,

This one brings back so many fond memories. It was my (Alan's) maternal grandparents' favorite hymn. It was played at both their funerals. My grandfather, whom I quote in my signature block, used to sit around their house and sing this from time to time - at least a couple of times each week.

This is so beautiful. The arrangement is is soft yet captivating. And the gentleness of your vocal is tear-rendering. Thank you so much for the memories and the wonderful listen. God Bless.

Alan & Di

Nice take on a classic, I like the arrangement. Vocal is excellent!

Certainly a good job on an old classic.

Beautifully done, Steve.

You vocal is exquisite. So "comfortable" - as they always are...

Your piano is a very nice addition - very "tasteful".

Excellent production and mix. What do you do to the acoustic guitars (processing) - they sound so crisp and clean...?

floyd

Love this song Steve. Super vocal...

Steve,

This has always been one of my favorite songs (along with How Great Thou Art) and you have done a superb job with it. Love it, love it. love it.

Hi Steve.

A very special arrangement and performance.

I first encountered this song when playing bass in the school jazz band and I've loved it ever since.

This is beautifully done and it brought back lots of memories for me. Thanks.

ROG.

Nicely done Steve!! I always like your productions, and this one is also great. I like the relatively sparse arrangement, and your heartfelt vocal is wonderful! Take care. Greg

Steve

Very nice arrangement liked the organ and the lovely heartfelt vocal.

Peter

Steve, the choice of a minimal amount instrumentation in this is a wise one. This old classic is done in a very honorable way here. Everything sound great! Thanks, Torrey

Steve,

Di didn't get a chance tp hear this yesterday so I played it for her a little while ago. She simply loved it. It's one of her favorite hymns. She said to tell you how much she enjoyed the listen. You already know how much I enjoyed it. Wishing you the very best,

Di (and Alan)

Steve,
Simply beautiful.Your vocal is excellent and the mix top class- nothing detracts from the power in the lyrics.
A very enjoyable listen.

Robert

Hello, Steve

Very nice country waltz with nice and soft vocals.
The melody is very simple and classic, but very beautiful.
The use of Piano is very nice.
Enjoyed my listen a lot.

Best regards.

Shigeki Adachi

Steve,

You have something very special here... Beautiful version.

Bob

Like Alan, it was my grandmother's favorite hymn. I still remember sitting on Nana's lap and listening to her sing this. Beautiful vocals and a super arrangement and mix. Wonderful in all ways. Tom

Thanks so much, Alan. I think this song probably brings back memories to a lot of us. I know this was one of my Grandmother's favorite songs, and it passed down as one of my Mother's favorites as well. Hard to believe the song is almost 105 years old, but still has a lot of "life" in it. I appreciate your comments.





Thanks, Dave! Glad you like this one.



Thank you, Herb! Always good to hear from you.



Thanks, Floyd! I always enjoy hearing from you! I taught myself to play the piano, listening to Floyd Cramer albums. That came in handy on this song.

As to the acoustic guitars, I eq them with a high pass filter to make sure they don't clutter up the lower frequencies of the mix, and also allows for just a tad more volume for them. Sometimes I will dip the lower mids just a little to keep them from sounding too boxy, and sometimes I'll add just a little high frequency 9-10k shelf to give them just a little shine. I use very little compression on them, to let them breathe. Also, I have the Audiophile edition, which is maybe slightly cleaner sounding in the higher frequencies.

Thanks again for your comments!

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Steve

Lovely and moving rendition!

Beautiful version of this

Your voice sounds soothing and great

thanks for sharing

Kenny

I (Bud) so well remember as a kid Easters in South Georgia at my grandparents when this was was sung in an old bare pine Methodist church. And Janice's 95 year old mother still plays it on the piano.

Your version is as Kenny mentioned soothing and beautiful.

Thanks!

J&B

PS Oddly there was no sound via Vimeo and I'm a subscriber. Will check back.

You certainly did justice to this fine old
hymn, Steve, both the Soundcloud audio
and the Vimeo movie.
Hoping to hear more. (Ed)