From their CD:
Vital Spark was formed by myself and some friends in the winter of 1992 to sing and play what is now called West Gallery music. This name comes from the galleries which were erected in churches in the 18th century to accommodate the singers and musicians who were to perform this new style of church music. We also sing pieces from the allied American tradition known as Sacred Harp or Shape Note singing.
Vital Spark is based in Malvern, Worcestershire, England and most of its members are from the local folk scene. This type of music was mostly written and performed by amateurs who, like us, took their influences from the sort of music they performed outside the church environment, be it folk songs or country dance tunes. Although we stick to the original arrangements, most of our influences are obviously from the 20th century … John Williams 2001
Here’s a photo of the group (obviously a humble, fun-loving bunch, who enjoy what they do ... kinda remind me of my own choir :)
