Anima : Live From South Africa   

Formerly the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus, 100-strong mixed-voice children's chorus Anima, Young Singers of Greater Chicago traveled to South Africa in July of 2007. Most of the performances here are recorded from their final concert, shared with the Pro Cantu Youth Choir, directed by Leon Starker, in the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre, Cape Town. There are 12 tracks here, favorites are the traditional Xhosa songs "Ithemba Iami" and "Bawo Thixo Somandla;" traditional Zulu songs "Nginesi ponono," "Senzenina" and "Unonkala;" traditional American "Shenandoah," Elizabeth Alexander's joyous "Faith is the Bird that Feels the Light," traditional South African "African Celebration," Paul Halley's "Untraveled Worlds" and George Jackson & Tom Jones III's rollicking "Old Time Rock 'n Roll." A rhythmic, high-energy remembrance of Anima's amazing musical journey!

Songlist: Ithemba Iami, Nginesi ponono, Shenandoah, Faith is the Bird that Feels the Light, African Celebration, If Music be the Food of Love, Walk in Jerusalem, Unonkala, Bawo Thixo Somandla, Untraveled Worlds, Old Time Rock 'N Roll

Harps Of Melody : Sing And Make Melody Unto The Lord   

The Harps of Melody were formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1950. Invoking the poignant history from which these African-American spirituals originated, the Harps performed extensively in the South, in churches and on radio, throughout their career. This CD is a rare opportunity to discover their sound, as exemplified by the songs 'Two Little Fishes and Five Loaves of Bread', and 'Roll Jordan Roll,' where they demonstrate, through their use of phrasing, trills and 'blue notes,' their command of the style. Their unique version of 'Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen' is distinctive and original. A must for any devotee.

Songlist: Sing and Make Melody Unto the Lord, He Took My Sins Away, Walk In Jerusalem, Lord, Bless the Weary Soldier In Vietnam, Trouble In My Way, Two Little Fishes and Five Loaves of Bread, I've Already Been to the Water, What a Time, Roll, Jordan, Roll, God Is Using Me, I'm A Soldier, I Need Thee, He's My Everything, Nobody Knows the Trouble that I've Seen, I'm On My Way to the Kingdom Land

It's pretty clear from the first few notes from Simi Valley, CA's honey-voiced veteran male Gospel quartet The King's Heralds that we're in for a treat. "Encores" is all about spirituals: "Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John," "Now Don't You Let Nobody Turn You 'Round," "Good News, Chariot's A-Comin'," "(If We Ever Needed the Lord Before) We Sure Do Need Him Now," "There's A New Name In Glory," "Children Keep In the Middle of the Road"... this is inspirational Gospel sung with some of the best deep-bass harmonies we've heard. But it's the feeling behind the music, the spiritual mission of the aptly named King's Heralds that takes "Encores" beyond the usual. Their powerful belief, joyous words and sweet harmonies make this CD very special indeed!

Songlist: Walk In Jerusalem, Now Don't you Let Nobody Turn You 'Round, Good News, Chariots A-Comin', If We Ever Need The Lord Before, Prayer of Our Lord Jesus, Children Keep In The Middle Of The Road, O Lord Of Space, Walk That Milky White Way, Just A Little Talk With Jesus, Old Time Religion, Champion Of Love, Still, Still With Thee, Reprise Walk In Jerusalem

Persuasions : Sunday Morning Soul   

Year 2000 release by this prototypical and legendary vocal harmony group, now reinforced by new member B.J. Jones (replacing the late "Toubo" Rhoad). Though the Persuasions are cast in the doo-wop mold, "Sunday Morning Soul" borrows from the Southern gospel tradition that fashioned the Harmonizing Four, Soul Stirrers and Pilgrim Travelers, to name just a few. It's a blessed union, indeed, and the five sing with an intensity that smolders. Their fundamental harmonies are seasoned with grit and ballast, giving songs such as "That's My Desire" and "Cain's Blood" a condensed earthy depth. It's a sound borne of experience.

Songlist: Cain's Blood, Praise His Name, One Thing You Can't Take Away, Dry Bones, That's My Desire, Walk In Jerusalem, Deck of Cards, Tired And My Soul, Thank You For One More Day, The Storm Is Passing, Did You Stop To Pray?, Shine The Light

Rollo A. Dilworth is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities and Music Education at the North Park University School of Music in Chicago, Illinois. He also serves as director of the Music Institute of Chicago Children's Choir. In 2003, the University awarded Dilworth with the prestigious Zenos Hawkinson Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University, and a Master of Education Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he studied composition and choral music with Robert Ray. He received the Doctor of Music degree in conducting performance at Northwestern University where he studied conducting and composition with Robert A. Harris. This excellent recording features his arrangements of African American spirituals and original gospel selections. Recommended.

Songlist: No Rocks-A-Cryin', Keep On Travelin', Take Me to The Water, Ain't A That Good News, Jeramiah's Fire!, Swingin' Sweet Chariot, I Want Jesus To Walk With Me, How Can I Keep From Singing, Witness for My Lord, De Gospel Train, Soon and Very Soon, Walk In Jerusalem, Ain't A That Good News (instrumental)

Bluegrass, a brand of music appreciated for its intricate musicianship and instrumental virtuosity, has always maintained a fresh appeal while staying true to the gospel roots inherent to the genre. Sacred Voices is a gathering of Bluegrass big shots who have put down their instruments and opened their voices, sounding out an integrated variety of Gospel songs and continuing a tradition that started with Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver sing 'Climbing Up The Mountain' and 'That New Jerusalem'. Peter Rowan & The Rowan Brothers sing a haunting 'Lone Pilgrim' while also making an appearance with the Nashville Bluegrass Band on 'Jesus Made the Wine'. 'Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee' and 'Roll Jordan Roll' also feature the Nashville Bluegrass Band. Tim & Mollie O'Brien contribute 'Shut De Do' and Ricky Skaggs and Tony Rice 'Talk about Suffering'. New Grass Revival adds a touch of live performance to the mix with 'Walk In Jerusalem' while Robin & Linda Williams & Friends keep the faith with 'He's Coming Again So Soon' and 'Don't You Want To Go To Heaven'. Also featured are 'Vision Of A Golden Crown' by Don Rigsby and a whole cast of vocals, 'My Heavenly Home' by Front Range, and 'Feel Like My Time Ain't Long' by The Country Gentlemen. First published in 1855 is the oldest and most recognizable song 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus', a riveting solo performance given by Doc Watson. Bluegrass and Gospel music are both inspiring and timeless; strip down to the naked voice and the result is something sacred.

Songlist: Climbing Up the Mountain, Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee, Vision Of A Golden Crown, He's Coming Again So Soon, My Heavenly Home, Feel Like My Time Ain't Long, Lone Pilgrim, Shut De Do, Talk About Suffering, Didn't You Want To Go To Heaven, Jesus Made the Wine, Walk In Jerusalem, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, That New Jerusalem, Roll Jordan Roll