Surprising, unexpected and overwhelming. Those are some of the words Winkler area husband and wife Henry and Marge Wall, who make up Prairieland Gospel, used to describe the response to their first low German album Harlich Es Sien Nom'n which came out in late 2022. That response led the duo to go back in studio with Mark Fehr at Howler Studio and record a second titled Soo Aus Ekj Sie, or translated to English, Just As I Am.
"There were requests from people and friends and family saying, 'Why would you not do another Low German one," shared Henry. "The first one went over quite well. It is being played in Mexico and in Bolivia on the radio stations there, so we've been getting requests from essentially across the world, I'd venture to say, why not make another one? We thought, okay, we can try to do another one. We've chose a few of our favourite songs, again, and that's what kind of led to it."
How did it feel to see that first low German album connect so well?
"Actually overwhelming," said Marge when asked that question. "We never thought that would go over so well, a low German CD. It was just a blessing that people actually want the low German music, and the language being spread as the Gospel."
Henry seconded that thought.
"At first we thought a low German one was a bit of a risk, but the reviews that came back, we weren't quite ready for that, I guess," he said. "It was great to know, though, that people actually do appreciate it."
The sixteen songs on the CD were picked with purpose, with Henry and Marge noting there are some of their personal favourites.
"It's our life," stated Henry. "How have we felt when people encouraged us, when people prayed for us, or we would pray for other people and things? We kind of picked songs that would uplift us, and we hope it will uplift the public as well."
Memories and times past
A popular comment from those who have already enjoyed the music from new album Soo Aus Ekj Sie is it reminds them of home and memories of going to church as a child.
"I would have to agree," noted Henry when prompted with that thought. "These are memories, songs that we used to sing at home with our parents. My parents, they did not speak English very well, so they would sing a lot of low German and high German songs and this related to that. It brings back a lot of good family and childhood memories. Also, when we go to Salem Home (personal care home in Winkler), we sing these to the older folks. You can just see them singing along, because it brings back memories of childhood songs I believe so many of them are missing, or they don't hear them regularly anymore. When you do sing these songs, you just see their faces light right up with joy, and they just love to participate with it."
Preserving the low German language
Henry and Marge admit they did run into some challenges translating the songs from English to low German for Prairieland Gospel's first plautdiestch album, but this time around it was easier, because they were able to take some of the songs from the D'Friesens low German song book, asking for permission to use them on their album.
The husband and wife couple have always believed in the importance of preserving the language, and also ensuring the Word is available in low German for those who would like it.
"It has not changed in any way other than it has reinforced us to a double our efforts in trying to get the message out in low German," shared Henry. "For those that have never heard the Salvation plan in plautdietsch, I believe it's very important, because God does tell us to spread the Word in all languages, and I believe he has blessed us with this language that we can carry this forward."
Henry noted it's just a joy to see and hear people express how they've been encouraged and uplifted by the songs of Prairieland Gospel.
"We've had stories of people that were in the valley, and they went through some hard times in the hospital or something, and they would listen to it and be encouraged, and to us, that's the main thing."
More plautdietsch albums to come?
Including this latest album, Soo Aus Ekj Sie, Prairieland Gospel has released three CDs in the last two and a half years... so could there be even more music on the horizon from Marge and Henry?
"I'm not sure what to say here," said Henry with a chuckle. "We thought the Matthew 24 (album) would be the last one, but here we are again with another one, so I dare not say that we are done. I don't know what the future holds, but for the moment I think we're okay. We don't plan anything just yet, so we'll see where it goes from here."
Meanwhile, Henry and Marge Wall of Prairieland Gospel are in concert tonight (Saturday, January 11th) at Winkler's P.W. Enns Centennial Concert Hall at the next Thousand Oaks Music Night. Show time is 730pm, and joining Henry and Marge will be joined by Menno and Linda Penner for the show.
You can purchase a copy of "Soo Aus Ekj Sie" at Sunny Day in Winkler, or you can reach out to Henry and Marge directly via email to buy a copy at henrywall2009@hotmail.com.