Founded by Everett McCorvey in 1995, the 32-strong, mixed-voice American Spiritual Ensemble has toured Italy, Germany, Britain, Scotland, Spain and Japan, and has sung in the Metropolitan Opera, NYC Opera and Houston Grand Opera, among many other venues. All the members are soloists in their own right, and the ensemble thrills audiences with their dynamic renditions of classic spirituals, jazz and Broadway selections. "Lily of the Valley" is a dynamic, generous collection of 19 spirituals, some favorites are "You Must Have That True Religion" (which segues into "Gimme That Old Time Religion"), "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel," the title tune, "I Want To Be Ready," "Fix Me Jesus," "My Lord, What A Mourning," "Ride Up In The Chariot," "Scandalize My Name," "Done Found My Lost Sheep," "Watch and Pray" and "Come Down Angels." Some of these songs are new to us, others are old favorites, but all of them are stunningly powerful and lovely. There is some piano and light drum percussion. Don't miss this wonderful CD by one of the finest spiritual ensembles in the world! |
