The Musicians of Melodious Accord are a 16-voice professional chorus in New York City, offering recordings and concerts of many styles. Their conductor, Alice Parker, is internationally known as a composer, arranger, conductor and teacher, with a passion for true folksongs. "Take Me to the Water" is the command, request and plea (founded on John 4:14) made by those who seek the "well of water springing up into everlasting life." It serves as a unifying phrase for the powerful African-American spiritual songs in this collection, which come from the mid-19th century and earlier, from such sources as "Slave Songs," published in NY in 1867. 13 a cappella songs, sung with tremendous feeling, strength and sweetness by the MMA, from "I Know the Lord," "Come On Up to Bright Glory" and "Hush! Hush!" to "Free at Last," the title tune, and "Who'll Be a Witness." "Take Me" is a beautiful, inspirational collection! |
