In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Sistrum

Group.

Sistrum, Lansing Women's Chorus, is a women's community chorus that has been making music for over 25 years. Founded on ideas of social justice, feminism, and creating beautiful music for both ourselves and our community, Sistrum can be found singing at many area events and celebrations as well as traveling across the US to choral events and conferences. Winner of a special Joy of Music citation from The American Prize for artistic vision and infectious performances, Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn is Sistrum's second CD and presents their first commissioned piece of music. Our name comes from a musical instrument, a rattle used in ancient Egypt. It was kept in constant motion as a symbol of Isis, the sacred and ever-changing Life Force. Likewise, we draw upon the words, music, and energy of women composers, arrangers and poets to inspire, empower, and entertain our audiences.

Discography

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Sistrum : Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn

Review: Lansing, MI's award-winning, 30-strong women's chorus Sistrum's vision is "to provide a musical haven where women may find their voices and enjoy the camaraderie offered by the Sistrum community." They further endeavor "to create a choral instrument by which our members can use their voices to raise beautiful music and powerful energy." This CD was inspired by Sistrum's first commissioned work, the 3-part "Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn," with words by Kris Radish and music by Jenni Brandon. There are 15 songs here, a World tour, if you will, beginning with the piano-accompanied French tune "Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser," a lighthearted piece about a girl trying to get a monk to dance with her by bribing him with material possessions; two chants; with roots in the Celtic pagan culture, "Full Moonlight Dance" and "Everything She Touches;" "Koowu" is directly translated as "strength" and incorporates Middle Eastern scales; Stephen Hatfield's "Camino Caminante" is inspired by the swirling mix of cultures in Miami; and the lightly percussioned, Tamil-based "Odi Odi" urges us to look internally for inspiration and empowerment. Randi Driscoll's powerful "What Matters," the traditional Spiritual "Balm in Gilead," Harold Arlen's "Over the Rainbow," the 3-part, piano-accompanied title tune, and "Still I Rise," an ode to survival regardless of the challenge or obstacle, complete our list of favorites. "Dancing" is a beautiful, inspirational collection from talented Sistrum!

Songlist: Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser, Full Moonlight Dance, Everything She Touches, Koowu, My Love Walks in Velvet, Both Page and Pen, Camino Caminante, Odi Odi, What Matters, Balm in Gilead, Over the Rainbow, The Dark Line, Morning Prayer, Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn, Still I Rise