Kristina G. Boerger

Review: "Amai", the title of Amasong's second CD release, means "mother" and "woman" from the Shona Language in Zimbabwe. Amasong is a 60 women strong Premier Lesbian/Feminist chorus from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Graced with traditional arrangements from around the world, this CD is both enjoyable and educational. Favorites include; "The Stove," a short and humorous Feminist composition, Four Russian Peasant Songs by Igor Stravinsky, and "Cradle Song," an Amasong original of prayer and inspiration. Intense emotion and sensitivity are generated through dynamic movement and rhythmic expression. Having chosen so many languages the degree of difficulty is incredible, yet these women sing with ease. Their diction and sympathetic perception of the music are right on the money, and their dedication is admirable.

Songlist: Blood and Gold, Women of Ireland, Lauluja Merelta, Draum om Nedsnodde Bruer, Orientis Partibus, There is no Rose, The Stove, Four Russian Peasant Songs, On Suuri Sun Rantas Autius, Fisher Lid, J'ai Fait Mon Idee / La Danse de Marti Gras, We Will Walk with Mother and Mourn, Cradle Me, All is Well, Shenandoah, Keep Your Lamps, Job, Job, Amai

Review: The pride of Champaign-Urbana, IL, premier lesbian/feminist chorus Amasong, over 100 strong, brings us an exuberant collection of 21 folk songs, some accompanied, from many different traditions. "Laulu's" smorgasbord of cultures begins with Brazilian (the joyful "O Xote Das Meninas"), Chinese (the love song "Kangding Qing Ge"), Estonian (the lilting "Tantsides"), Afghani (the mourning dance song "Lailaw"), Scottish ("Gone the Boat"), Finnish ("Taivas On Sininen" The Sky Is Blue), Quaker, Sephardic, Italian, Provencal, Guadeloupe, Bulgarian, American Indian and others. Beautiful, extensive liner notes with all lyrics. Amasong's third excellent CD-"Laulu" is a sumptuous joy!

Songlist: O Xote das Meninas, Kangding Qing Ge, Laulu Voim, Lauliku Lapsepolv, Tantsides, Lailaw, A Waulking Trilogy: Gone the Boat, Hame oor Bottachan, and Na Himbo, Taivas on Sininen, Song from Cymbeline and Ballade with. Skydellh Christine de Pisan, How Can I Keep from Singing?, Puirt a Beul

Review: Amasong is an inclusive women's chorus that brings together women from all lifestyles and experience in the pursuit of choral excellence. Largely a cappella, though several of the tracks are judiciously accompanied (e.g., the horns, trombones and bells of "Ave: Meditation on Two Marian Chants"), this recording integrates works from a variety of cultures, be it from the World War II Jewish ghettoes of Lithuania ("Unter Dayne Vayse Shtern") or "Strange Fruit," written for Billie Holliday. The interpretation is exclusively Amasong's (as directed by Kristina Boerger, their founder), though thoroughly consistent with classical values in structure and arrangement. A 1998 GLAMA winner.

Songlist: Caritas Abundat, Dios Te Salve, Maria, Ave: Meditation On Two Marian Chants, Unter Dayne Vayse Shtern, Strange Fruit, Poor Man Laz'rus, All My Trials, Soon I Will Be Done, Coventry Carol, Greensleeves, Grey Funnel Line, Doffin' Mistress, Hotaru Koi, Dig My Grave Both Long And Narrow, Todor Todorka, Pajdu Vydu, Burial Society Song, Asikatali, Vesle Kari Rud, Vesi Vasyy Lumen Alle