With songs of praise, reflection, and adoration, a new album from Blacknall Arts is set to celebrate the heart of the Christian story: Jesus Christ is risen, and new life is breaking through. Beginning this week, our community of in-house songwriters and musicians will release singles from their new album, “From the Dead,” leading up to its June 3 debut. You can listen to the first song off the album now — “O Taste and See.”
The album grew out of a songwriting workshop in spring 2024, when Blacknall songwriters gathered to reflect on the theme of resurrection in Scripture, spend time with old, forgotten hymns, and share stories of resurrection from their own lives. That work has blossomed into a full-length record featuring the creative contributions of 30 Blacknall songwriters, musicians, and some of our youngest visual artists, who created the artwork for each single and the album cover.
The collection includes original works, hymn retunes, and even a classic Wendell Berry poem set to music. Across its rich variety, one theme resounds: Christ is the firstfruits from the dead, and we are drawn with Him into new life.
Each new single will be announced on the Blacknall website and in our Life Together newsletter, with some also arriving in worship as we move through Epiphany and Lent. Stay tuned and get ready to sing.
About “O Taste and See” by co-writer Lindsey Dunn
Download or buy the single on Bandcamp | Find the single on any music platform
This song celebrates the Resurrection with the privilege we have as believers to take the Lord’s supper each week. But it does it through a framing of a posited world where the Resurrection didn’t take place: “If Christ is not raised, [then] Our faith is in vain.” If not for the Resurrection, we would just be without hope and alone in the universe. The Resurrection gives us life and nourishment, as represented by the Lord’s Supper. Let’s feast!
This is a song of encouragement for each other. We spread the exhortation to taste and see — an invitation to each other. Plus, a testimonial of our own experience — my eyes are opened! Let’s testify to each other that the Lord is good.
Performers: Paul Alberti (percussion), Kelsey Minko (vocals), Wen Reagan (vocals, guitars, bass), and Nat Stine (piano)
Writers: Kat Burgett, Lindsey Dunn, John Nicholson, and Wen Reagan
Artwork: Pax Reagan