The Hillbilly Thomists (CD)

The Hillbilly Thomists

Recorded by the student brothers of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., they skillfully and joyfully present old bluegrass classics, great folk standards, and a dash of Scotch-Irish instrumental music. Traditional bluegrass music is playful and energetic; along with American folk music, it often contains explicitly theological themes: belief in Christ, the goodness of life, the pain of unrequited love, the finality of death, and hope in eternal life. It is a traditional southern form of testimony to the presence of grace in the human heart. So when it is played by Dominicans who study Thomas Aquinas, there is no doubt that what comes about as a result is Hillbilly Thomism.

“I do think music can enhance evangelization if done right. We’re bodily beings, so beautiful images and sounds can be good for us, can help lift our minds to God.” - Brother Peter Gaustsch, mandolin, piano, and guitar

You can download the album booklet for free here.

Track List

1 Leaning on the Everlasting Arms  2:46
2 Angel Band 3:56
3 What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul? 3:11
4 Poor Wayfaring Stranger 4:20
5 Amazing Grace 2:26
6 I'm a Dog 4:36
7 Steal Away 3:45
8 St. Anne's Reel 1:56
9 What a Friend We Have in Jesus 2:13
10 What Wondrous Love Is This 4:57
11 To Canaan's Land 2:30
12 Just a Closer Walk with Thee 4:16

Click here for their second album (2021), Living for the Other Side.

Click here for their new album (2022), Holy Ghost Power.