Alliance Music has recently published an arrangement by Thomas Sheets of the early 20th century gospel hymn "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus" for unaccompanied SATB chorus and alto solo. The piece is an excellent general anthem; the tone of it would also make it well-suited to any of the first five Sundays of Lent.

 

The first of the three verses is a straightforward setting of this touching, soulful tune for four-part chorus in the key of G.  The second verse is arranged for TTB (or TBB) and alto solo in the related key of E flat, and is somewhat more complex harmonically.  The last verse, in the key of A flat, is the emotional high point of the composition, and the piece ends with tight harmonies.

 

To hear the complete work, go to alliancemusic.com; in the Search Catalog box, select "Go to catalog;" under "Composer/arranger

last name" enter Sheets; then click on the catalog number, AMP 0823, to hear the recording.

 

Alliance Music has priced "There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus" at $1.70.  A perusal copy may be obtained by request from the publisher by sending your name and address to info@alliancemusic.com.