“The ninth edition of the Bay Psalm Book (1698), contained the first music printed in the Colonies. The thirteen printed tunes are in two-part harmony; the noteheads resemble diamonds; each tune is paired with a Psalm. Throughout the 1700s, these tunes were sung in churches, where the Deacon or other leader would give a key (no pitchpipe allowed). Few people at this time could read music, much less sing accurately in parts. The resulting sound was a ‘drawling, quavering discord’ according to Founding Father John Adams. I hope that my two-track recordings are slightly better than that!”