Fifty Six-strong MUSE is a women's choir dedicated to musical excellence and social change. Believing that diversity is strength, they are feminist women of varied ages, races and ethnicities, with a range of life experiences, political interests and musical abilities. Heterosexual, lesbian and bisexual, these are women loving women united in song, seeking out pieces composed by women, songs that enhance women's voices, and a concert experience that entertains, inspires, motivates, heals and creates a spirit of community in their audience. Some of our favorites of these 20 songs were commissioned by MUSE, Holly Near's "Foolish Notion" and "I Ain't Afraid" (with the spot-on refrain about religious fundamentalism, "I ain't afraid of your praying, I'm afraid of what you do in the name of your god"), Therese Edell's "Emma," and Sweet Honey in the Rock's Beatrice Johnson Reagon's "Greed" (from "Anybody Here"). Other favorites are "Step By Step," "Three Walking Songs," Connie Kaldor's "Mother's Prayer," Jennifer Stasack's "Wage Peace," Daniel Galay's "Mayim Maya" and "Emily Remembers" by Shirley Eikhard. Also wonderful are George Gershwin's "S'Wonderful," Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean A Thing" and Ysaye Maria Barnwell's lovely a cappella "Wanting Memories." Extensive to light accompaniment on most songs. "Growing" is a powerful, thought-provoking, inspirational CD that touches us on many levels! |
