14-strong M.E.N. was formed in Longview, Washington in 1982, by choral musician and educator Howard Meharg. His mission was "to celebrate the art of male choral singing, to inspire men of all ages to musical artistry, and to encourage young men in leadership and example among their colleagues in music." The ensemble has been honored by invitations to sing as state, regional and national conventions of the ACDA. Unique among male choruses, each member of Male Ensemble Northwest is a conductor as well as an outstanding vocal musician. There are 13 richly harmonic tunes here, some of our favorites are some spiritual tunes, "Shout for Joy," "Alleluia," "When I Hear The Trumpet Sound," "City Called Heaven;" and Andrew Crouch's "Soon and Very Soon" (arranged by Randy Crenshaw); a pair of Lennon/McCartney songs, "I Will" and "Eleanor Rigby;" 5 Celtic Folk songs by Vijay Singh, "Timor et Tremor," "Fergus an' Molly," "Lament of a Fisher's Wife" and the delightful "Finnan Haddie;" "Sweet Rivers" and the lovely, traditional "Irish Blessing." There is occasional light piano and guitar accompaniment, but the voices, with their rich, bright harmonies, are the focus here. Powerful, beautiful material from this talented, veteran men's chorus! |
