Trevor Payne has taken his Montreal Jubilation Choir around the world and back, literally and musically, since their first concerts after their founding in 1982. Whether performing in Africa, Europe or home in Montreal, the group has built their reputation on its innovative a cappella work, their most popular recording being 1992's "A Cappella." While selecting the music, however, Payne kept hearing instruments, a bassoon here, an African kora, even a New Orleans street band. The traditional spiritual "Zion's Walls" gets the steely counterpoint of a harpsichord, and "Great Day" picks up after church and follows the rollicking New Orleans street band home. "Mary Had a Baby" features some nice soprano sax call-and-response, and a deep, sinuous double bass adds to the cool rhythm on "Elijah Rock." The soaring vocals of "Hail Mary" are complemented by English horn and bassoon. A beautiful pair of songs from Payne's travels in Africa are happily included, the rhythmic a cappella "Nkosi Sikelel, iAfrica" and the haunting "Kwa Unyenyekevu." Our friend Kirby Shaw's finger-snapping spiritual "Plenty Good Room," and the traditionals "Fix Me" and "I'm Gonna Sing" are other favorites among these 15 tunes. A beautiful, feel-good collection from the MJGC! |
