Christmas Spirituals

Christmas Spirituals

Track Listings

1. Rise up, Shepherd, and Follow

2. What Month Was Jesus Born In?

3. Mary Had a Baby

4. Somebody Talking 'Bout Jesus

5. Virgin Mary Had One Son

6. Go Tell It on the Mountain

7. Shout for Joy

8. Poor Little Jesus

9. O Jerusalem

10. Ain't That A-Rockin'

11. If Anybody Asks You

12. Beautiful Star

13. Children Go Where I Send Thee

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
"These songs could not have happened in Africa alone, or in the United States alone. They are the result of the experience of slavery." So explains gospel-folk matriarch Odetta in the liner notes to this exceptional 13-song holiday collection. The esteemed diva wraps her rich, full voice around an astute assortment of reverent standards such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow," fleshing out the album with less-familiar fare. Spare bass and percussion bedecks these spirituals, but not much accompaniment is required when Odetta is playing guitar and singing. --Steven Stolder

Tracks:

Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
Were You There - Various Artists
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
Deep River - Various Artists
Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
On Ma Journey - Various Artists
A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
Bless This House - Leontyne Price
I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan

Average customer rating:

Negro Spiriuals-Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogin
Recent Review

Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan

Manufacturer: Virgin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Give Me Jesus | Spirituals by Barbara Hendricks and The Moses Hogan Singers
Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit: Spirituals
Go Down, Moses
Witness: What a Mighty God - Spirituals and Gospels for Chorus
Wade In The Water, Vol.1:African American Spirituals:The Concert Tradition

ASIN: B000F3T3A0
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Ain't That Good News
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Lord, I Want To Be A Christian
Walk Together, Children
God's Gonna Set This World On Fire
My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord
Elijah Rock
Ride The Chariot
He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
Lord, I Can't Turn Back
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Great Day
My Lord, What A Morning
I Thank You, Jesus
Away In A Manger
Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees
I've Been 'Buked
Wade In The Water
Come Here Jesus, If You Please
Amen
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

Negro Spiriuals-Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogin.......2007-05-12

Excellent!!!!!!!! I gave my first purchase to a friend who is also a lover of spirituls and hymns and purchased another for myself. I just had to share it with someone. The music is so moving. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone, regardless of them being a lover of spirituals and hymns or not. I plan on purchasing another one soon.

Recent Review.......2007-05-06

THere was only one piece that I thoroughly enjoyed and that was the solo on "My Lord, What a Morning," but I can tell you that one song made the purchase worth while.

Phil B

Average customer rating:

From the Depths of Suffering, Emerges Joy
An early MJ album: 1 of 2 top recommends in her discography
One of the finest vocal performances ever recorded

The World's Greatest Gospel Singer
Mahalia Jackson
Manufacturer: Sony Special Product
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best Loved Spirituals
Amazing Grace
The Best of Mahalia Jackson
Gospels, Spirituals & Hymns
16 Most Requested Songs

ASIN: B000002Y4G
Release Date: 1992-07-07

Tracks:

I'm Going To Live The Life I Sing About In My Song
When I Wake Up In Glory
Jesus Met The Woman At The Well
Oh Lord Is It I?
I Will Move On Up A Little Higher
When The Saints Go Marching In
Jesus
Out Of The Depths
Walk Over God's Heaven
Keep Your Hand On The Plow
Didn't It Rain

Customer Reviews:

From the Depths of Suffering, Emerges Joy.......2007-02-07

The great thing about Mahalia Jackson, is that you don't have to be a fan of gospel music to enjoy her work. Like a great Opera, or an abstract work of art, she is something to be appreciated on many levels...a pure, powerful voice...one of the greatest voices ever to be recorded.

"The World's Greatest Gospel Singer" is Mahalia Jackson as she was meant to be. This collection, with all songs performed with the Falls-Jones Ensemble, is the kind of bluesy, jazz-inspired and painfully heartfelt gospel music that made Mahalia one of a kind. This is her voice and talent in its purest form, before it was bought and sold to mainstream audiences in the late 1950's. Some of the recording quality isn't quite up to snuff, but it adds to the "rediscovered" feel of this unique style of gospel music, and her voice comes loud and clear no matter what.

Hightlights include:
Track 1: "I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing about in my Song"-a bold and powerful stance against hypocrisy.
Track 3: "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well"-a great old-timey tune.
Track 5: "I Will Move on Up a Little Higher"-a bluesier version of her most famous song.
Track 6: "When the Saints Go Marching In"-a great version of an old song that had even this non-Christian tapping my feet and wanting to dance.
Track 11: "Didn't it Rain"-a definative display of her voice.

An early MJ album: 1 of 2 top recommends in her discography.......2004-08-16

In this recording, you get mono sound only, but who cares? It displays the absolutely sizzling talents of a jazz-inflected gospel backup band, including the redoubtable pianist Mildred Falls whose genius is more or less inseparable from Mahaliah Jackson's genius.

No doubt about it, these players cook bacon while they juggle musical chairs. If the hair stands up on the back of your neck all the way through this CD, then good for you. It just means you are getting it. Of course, center of the holy musical storm is Mahaliah Jackson herself.

With her incredibly physical, mezzosoprano-range voice, she can do whatever she wants. She can trumpet, lift, pray, whisper, or shout with the best of them. She is living the life she sings about in her song, and she is singing the life she lives. Many of these versions of these songs have never been better sung, or captured in gospel recording history.

Listen to what she and the group do on a song called, "Didn't it rain". And when the woman Jesus met at the well goes running into town to talk about her encounter, the music embodies the rush of her inner necessity. This music got feet.

When MJ moves on up a little higher, you simply must trust her to carry you with her. At least let your sad eyes follow her upwards. This song is one of the two that she early recorded as an unknown African American Baptist church singer. It was backed on a two-sided 78 disc with the other big MJ signature song, How I Got Over. I have heard MJ attributed as the author of both songs, but I cannot say that for sure. Whoever wrote either one of them, it is safe to say that MJ made each her own in the most unique and powerful way. In its first release, that 78 rpm disc must have been bought by just about every African American Baptist in the USA, because she sold 3 million copies. All of a sudden, the music/money people were sniffing down highways and byways to find out who this amazing singer was. It is so characteristic that they had never hear of her. The USA was even more segregated in those years than it can be today. Indeed, one of the key concerns of the big label Columbia, once it signed its contract with MJ was: how can we set her peformances, so that they don't sound too black, so that they cross over successfully to white america?

This early album, however, will have none of that nonsense. The group (including Mildred Falls)is probably the most brilliant backup that MJ ever had on a recording. The only other recording that offers us the pure, unadulterated musical Mahaliah Jackson in her live in Europe concert CD, also (probably temporarily) available on CD. There, she and Mildred Falls are like super-heroines in a Marvel comic, with all sorts of musical magic up their sleeves.

If you have both of these, you have Mahaliah Jackson. This recording is like a drink of cool well water in the back country on a very hot, humid day. You never knew how good pure water could be. In fact, pour me another glass. I am sitting in the shade for a while, feeling the breezes, and listening to the witness this lady sings about what God is doing in her life.

Unlike many forms of religion, MJ believes the kingdom is wide open. Hers is a generous spirit, and so a generous religion. She is not worried about keeping the heavenly treasures under lock and key, lest they be unfairly distributed to beggars or publicans who have not proved their worth in terms of human empires. She sings for anybody who will bother to listen. Like a prophet, she speaks her truth to power. She makes me wonder what life would be like, if we were all speaking more truth, more often, to power.

In any case, get this CD for the music. Its five stars shape some mysterious constellation that is rare and shining as the firmament circles above our heads.

The other must-have MJ recommendation is: MJ Live In Europe concert. It is newly (and probably temporarily) available. Get both. Now. You can learn many of life's lessons from MJ on these two CD's, and have a whale of a good time listening as you learn. Maybe other singers have, in their own ways, reached so high. But nobody has surpassed MJ. She is the real deal. I think I get just a tad more real, when I listen to her. If the destination is the journey, then MJ offers us the best kind of traveling music. Highly recommended. Get it before it's gone again.

One of the finest vocal performances ever recorded.......1999-07-12

This magnificant work of art, produced by Geroge Avakian in the mid 1950's, contains one of the finest vocal performances ever committed to record, irrespective of musical genre. Accompanied brilliantly by the jazz/blues influenced Fall-Jones Ensemble, Jackson delivers a remarkable reading of African-American spirituals, including some of her own compositions. A recording for the ages, delivered superlatively by one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. In short, a masterpiece.

Average customer rating:

Mahalia Jackson an rare voice,
Mahalia Jackson an rare voice,
Do You Hear What I Hear
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming. . .
REAL Christmas

Christmas with Mahalia
Mahalia Jackson
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mahalia Sings Songs of Christmas!
Gospel Christmas/Silent Night
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ASIN: B0000024UD
Release Date: 1990-07-16

Tracks:

It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
O Holy Night
The First Noel
No Room In The Inn
Silver Bells
Happy Birthday To You, Our Lord
What Child Is This
White Christmas
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming

Amazon.com

As someone who grew up singing gospel hymns in her Baptist church and who later brought that music to diverse audiences around the globe (she sang for John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.), Mahalia Jackson served as the Queen of Gospel Music and as an inspiration and influence to future generations. These Christmas songs benefit from her powerful phrasing and unrestrained enthusiasm which easily transform an old English madrigal ("What Child Is This?") into something deeply felt from her own difficult upbringing. A stylist of the highest order, Jackson infused everything she sang with a majestic sweep that made her one of the most important voices of her day. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Mahalia Jackson an rare voice,.......2006-07-04

Mahalia Jackson is one of the greatest gospel singers of all time even better than Shirly Ceaser.She has an rare and unique voice which makes her stands out more than anybody.Also she is original and an natural for gospel.My favorie Mahalia Jackson Christmas songs were;Hark The Herald Angels Sing,O Come All Ye faithful,Away in A Manger,Silent Night,Joy to the World and among others.Like I said she can really sing gospel and you dont really hear good music like that in the old days anymore!

Mahalia Jackson an rare voice,.......2006-07-04

Do You Hear What I Hear.......2003-07-08

As already stated, "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming" holds it own. Such a lovely arrangement, and Mahalia 'butters' it up a little.

As a child, there is one song from this particular album that was always played on the Gospel station around Christmas. The song that I'm speaking of is "Happy Birthday To You Our Lord." When I hear this song, it sometimes makes me teary-eyed, because I begin to think of the Christmas' when my grandmother was still living- the times when we would be driving around, and this song would come on. Such good times.

"There's No Room In The Inn" is my absolute favorite on this CD. That song skips so much, b/c I always put it on repeat. As Mahalia sings this song, I can just imagine Mary & Joseph searching for a comfortable place to stay- I can see their faces as they're turned away. I can feel their pain. I just get goosebumps thinking about it.

EXCELLENT CD!

Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming. . ........2003-03-08

This song epitomizes Mahalia Jackson. . . she is eternally magnificent. And her voice in this song is rich, full and powerful. Her contralto is perfectly controlled as it
meanders up and down the scale. No Room At the Inn is stunningly soulful. Listen to her curlicues. . . how does she do that?! The spirit of the album is great and I recommend it.

REAL Christmas.......2001-12-02

Just listen to HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,OUR LORD and you will remember what Christmas is all about. I found this album years ago and it is not "Christmas" until I listen to her beautiful renditions of these wonderful Christmas songs. I defy anyone to remain a "grinch" after hearing this angel's voice!

Average customer rating:

Reminder of a powerful singer
1963 or 1994
Christmas blessings.
Most played Christmas record of all time in my collection
Most played Christmas record of all time in my collection

Christmas Spirituals
Odetta
Manufacturer: Vanguard Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Essential Odetta
Gonna Let It Shine
Looking for a Home
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Absolutely the Best

ASIN: B000000EHM
Release Date: 1994-08-30

Tracks:

Virgin Mary Had One Son
Somebody's Talking About Jesus
Ain't That A-Rocking
Mary Had A Baby
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Beautiful Star
Poor Little Jesus
Shout For Joy
Oh, Jerusalem
Rise Up Shepherd And Follow
If Anybody Asks You
What Month Was Jesus Born In?
Children, Go Where I Send Thee

Amazon.com

"These songs could not have happened in Africa alone, or in the United States alone. They are the result of the experience of slavery." So explains gospel-folk matriarch Odetta in the liner notes to this exceptional 13-song holiday collection. The esteemed diva wraps her rich, full voice around an astute assortment of reverent standards such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow," fleshing out the album with less-familiar fare. Spare bass and percussion bedecks these spirituals, but not much accompaniment is required when Odetta is playing guitar and singing. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Reminder of a powerful singer.......2007-01-11

I knew of Odetta years ago, of course, Recently a singer in my commuity chorus wanted to sing Mary Had a Baby. So I got Odetta's version to be a role model. Performance was excellent. Better still, I ended up with the entire CD and it has become a welcome addition to my family's collection of Christmas music.

1963 or 1994.......2005-08-16

Really great album (all year round), but note that there are two different recordings. The original recording from 1963 is rougher with just Odetta and her guitar, the 1994 version is more heavily produced. I prefer the 1963 version but they are both great. If you want one or the other then be careful when ordering - I ordered the 1994 version as advertised but then received the 1963 version. The samples from the album on Amazon are from the 1963 recording.

Christmas blessings........2001-11-21

This arenÕt the Christmas songs youÕll hear in the malls or at the parades. No Santa Claus. No reindeer. No snow. But for me it would not be Christmas without this glorious album. (Although, to be honest, the music is so beautiful, IÕve put it on many times in mid-summer, and it doesnÕt seem out of place. This is the only Christmas album I own that I could say that about). This is the essence of Christmas Ñ simple, unadorned songs about a poor baby king and his struggling mother, songs of hope, joy, and redemption. This is my antidote to exhausting Christmas shopping. Food for the heart and soul. And no one can sing these exquisite songs better than Odetta. Her voice is a great mixture of warm humanity and righteousness that makes these songs belong to her. She renews the meaning of Christmas. Even in July.

Most played Christmas record of all time in my collection.......2000-11-23

Everytime I have a Christmas party, I play this CD and people say, "Who IS that?" They are so delighted to discover Odetta's Christmas music.

If you had to pick one new Christmas CD this year, this is one everyone will enjoy....Souful without being New Age-y or cliche-ish.

Most played Christmas record of all time in my collection.......2000-11-23

Everytime I have a Christmas party, I play this CD and people say, "Who IS that?" They are so delighted to discover Odetta's Christmas music.

Tracks:

Sanctus
Ave Maria, Op.52/6
Panis Angelicus
O Divine Redeemer
The Holy City
Amazon Grace
Greensleeves (What Child Is This)
Let Us Break Bread Together
I Wonder As I Wander
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Gesu Bambino (When Blossoms Flowered)

Tracks:

I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
My Lord, What A Morning
Do Lawd, Oh Do Lawd
There's A Man Going Round - Jessye Norman
Ev'ry Time I Feel De Spirit - Dalton Baldwin
There Is A Balm In Gilead - Dalton Baldwin
Gospel Train - Dalton Baldwin
Great Day - Dalton Baldwin
Mary Had A Baby
Live A-Humble
Walk Together Children
Were You There - Jessye Norman
Hush! Somebody's Callin' My Name
Soon Ah Will Be Done
Give Me Jesus

Blessed Quietness - A Collection of Hymns, Spirituals and Carols

Average customer rating:

A Sacred Pleasure
Perfect piano arrangements of familiar inspirational songs
Blessed Indeed
Music for a Silent Night
"inspired music to live by"

Blessed Quietness - A Collection of Hymns, Spirituals and Carols
Cyrus Chestnut
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002JB1
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

Over My Head
Jesus Loves Me
We Three Kings
Walk With Me Jesus
Silent Night
Amazing Grace
The Old Rugged Cross
Holy, Holy, Holy
The First Noel
Blessed Quietness
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child

Customer Reviews:

A Sacred Pleasure.......2003-06-13

It is a wonderful thing when the skill in a musician's hands is wedded to affection for God in his heart. Cyrus Chestnut brings that powerful combination to the keyboard, and it is most evident in this recording.

_Blessed Quietness_ has it all: boisterous exultation in God's glory, quiet adoration of God's beauty, thoughtful contemplation of God's love, pleas for God's mercy and help, playful frolics in God's joy. That Cyrus Chestnut can say all this so clearly through a piano says a lot about his hands, mind, and heart. Listening to him play is a distinct pleasure.

Lest non-Christians think, based on what I've written so far, there isn't anything here for them, I will say this: there's plenty of flat-out good jazz here that anyone can enjoy. The devil doesn't have all the good music, you know. And if this recording is any indication, God still has the very best music.

Perfect piano arrangements of familiar inspirational songs.......2003-05-10

Through his mega-talented fingers, Cyrus breathes new life into each song represented here. This collection of music is both relaxing and engaging to listen to at the same time, depending on what your mood happens to be while it's playing.

Note: the only instrument on this entire body of work is the piano...period. But with Cyrus, trust me; that's more than enough! You will be amazed at these arrangements, and the piano is used to bring out each and every nuance, even ones that you might not expect. It also helps that the sound quality of this recording is top-notch, also.

"Blessed Quietness" lives up to its title, and will water your soul. Thank you Cyrus, for this spiritual and artful masterpiece.

Blessed Indeed.......2001-12-10

I'm fifty-four, am tired of the malls, of the madness, and of the materialism--you know, the Christmas-in-America thing. What I want and need are those tender mercies that this season affords, those blessings that sometimes get lost amidst the shop-'til-you-drop frenzy.
Cyrus Chestnut's cd is all you need for this season or any season. It speaks directly to the soul, with spirituals such as "Walk with Me, Jesus" to a starkly simple "Silent Night" to the title track. Cyrus is in no hurry; he lingers over these tunes, massages the keys, and produces music that is sweet, fragile at times, and always affirming.
A cd for all seasons from one of jazz's most original and soulful young talents.
Don't rush to the store. Order on-line. It's crazy out there.

Music for a Silent Night.......2000-12-12

A year or so ago, I was watching a TV show where Kathleen Battle was being interviewed. When asked what she would be listening to during the holidays, she mentioned Cyrus Chestnut. With this kind of endorsement, I knew I had to hear this musician, and when I lcoated the CD with the wonderful name of "Blessed Quietness", well........! This is a beautiful CD and with its inclusion of spirituals and hymns as well as carols, it need not be put away after the holidays. It is good for an evening of blessed quietness whatever the time of year.

"inspired music to live by".......2000-01-21

Cyrus plays with a combination of touch, passion and grace. These inspired songs put me right where I wanted to be, in touch with the Almighty. Having seen him live in New York last year, it was even better in person.

Tracks:

In the Upper Room
Jesus Is With Me
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Waltz With Me
He's My Light
I Believe
Amazing Grace
Come to Jesus
God Spoke to Me
Child of the King
Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

Jesus Is With Me.......2003-07-08

This is not your ordinary Christmas CD, but it is great if you want to add a little spunk and soul to your Christmas season. "Jesus Is With Me" is one of those "shout 'n' testify" songs. It will have you clapping, stomping- or possibly 'dancing'.

Just great!

The First Noel of the New Millennium.......2000-09-25

Of all songs it is my favorite. It's "The good news" feel it! It's the Gospel "word". This album is a treasure. When I listen to "In The Upper Room", I remember hours passed to make play this song of enthusiasm. At the time, I understood nearly none of the words, but the rhythm, the sincerity in the voice gave me the true desire to dance, to shout, to sing, to play life instead of supporting it. "The upper room" it is the depth of our conscience, this place where no one tolerates solitude. Always comes this moment at the end of the day after games where one meets only God: it is the upper room in top. "Go Tell It One The Mountain" is the desire to proclaim to all, "Jesus" as the inner self reality, in the darkest recesses of life. It is the desire to say: "I found the peace" to all grief-strickens. "He's My Light" is the incontestable fact, that even all extinct lights, in the bottom of an underground cave, under the giant sea... pictures come to us in our mind, therefore this light that permits to see pictures is omnipresent in each of us. "I Believe" is the starry night that lets perplexed the least believing. And "Amazing Grace" is the complete thrill felt till the tip of hairs. We arrive all at the first Christmas of the new millennium and this woman's voice marvelous of love and faith will make millions of people discover the Gospel "singning" again.

British Choral Music of the 20th Century

Average customer rating:

Spend your money elsewhere

British Choral Music of the 20th Century

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005QX6V
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Customer Reviews:

Spend your money elsewhere.......2006-01-26

I haven't even listened through the entire CD. I don't think I can bring myself to spend my time doing so. Where to begin. From the selections I've heard, the chorus sounds incredibly thin and weak, the organ overpowering them on numerous occasions. Part of the blame in that, however, goes to the mix...the choir not getting enough mic to balance out the instruments. That happens too often in chorus/instrument recordings and it drives me batty. The music selections aren't so inspiring either. You would do much better devoting your hard-earned dollars to Eric Whitacre's acappella choral works, or any of his contemporaries.