Fifteen-strong San Francisco-based women's vocal ensemble Musae takes its name from the classic nine muses of Greek mythology, the original "ladies of song." Since its founding in 2004 Musae has performed its diverse and accessible repertoire at venues throughout the Bay Area, and has gained a reputation for stretching the boundaries of traditional repertoire for women's voices. Performing largely without a conductor, Musae is a musical collective where each singer may sing a range of vocal parts. "From Argentina to Appalachia" is Musae's impressive debut album, which features music from North America, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. There are 11 songs here, "Selections from Como Tu," the bright, rhythmic, drum-accompanied "Mahk Jhi," "Selections from Como Tu," the soaring "Bright Morning Stars," the poignant traditional gem "Queen Jane," the lively "Las Amarillas," the heartbreaking love song "Te Quiero," the spiritual "There is a Balm in Gilead," the powerful "Salmo 150," the lovely "Duerme Negrito," the gorgeous, piano accompanied "Homeward Bound," the joyous "Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal" and finishing with the short but sweet "Coda." "Argentina to Appalachia" is simply amazing and beautiful from beginning to end! |
