05) The Pilgrimage (to Bethlehem) (1:43) - Randall Franks

05) The Pilgrimage (to Bethlehem) - Randall Franks (1:43)


Songwriter/Arranger: Randall Franks
Publisher and PRO: Peach Picked Publishing/BMI
Release: 1989 Golden River Fiddlin'
Crimson

Musicians - The Golden River Grass and guest:
Randall "Randy" Franks: Fiddle
Wesley Clackum: Acoustic Guitar
James Watson: Clawhammer Banjo
Gene Daniell: Acoustic Bass
John "Doodle" Thrower: Harmonica
Sue Koskela: Mandolin & Rhythm Guitar

The original tune was released as 'The Pilgrimage' on the 1989 cassette and in the late 1990s, Randall released the tune as a radio Christmas single calling it "The Pilgrimage to Bethlehem."

Top 150 Best Instrumental Composition of 1990

NARAS

“I wrote this melody with the long travels in mind. I was always fascinated by Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem as a boy. Also the long journeys taken by my ancestors as the migrated from one place to another to begin again. I tried to share my thoughts musically of the different phases of emotion within such a trip.” Randall Franks

"I like the European flavor of the song." Larry Robinson, Bluegrass Music News