Some of the critical and emotional high points of Cold Mountain, the Nicole Kidman film of the best-selling novel, occurred when Tim Eriksen brought Shape Note singing to the screen. Eriksen’s role in coaching the cast and incorporating rural singers gave a jolt of authenticity to the Academy Awards telecast as well, and a similar program, often including local singers, is now making its way to performing arts venues and concert halls.

Eriksen combines his immense knowledge of the music with his ready sense of connection with the communities and culture of a vanishing middle America. The result is a heady and exhilarating journey into a vibrant corner of Americana that is only now receiving the attention that it deserves.