Wide As Heaven: A Century Of Song By Black American Composers

James Martin, Lynn Raley

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Cat No: NW80845

Release Date: 26 April 2024

Label: New World

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 093228084525

Genres: Classical Vocal

Description
This collection of songs performed by James Martin (baritone) and Lynn Raley (piano) represents one hundred years of music produced by American composers and poets of colour. From the blues-tinged harmonies of Hall Johnson's "On the Dusty Road" to Howard Swanson's setting of Langston Hughes' poignant "The Negro Speaks of Rivers", and a walk through the streets of Harlem in W.C. Handy's "Harlem Blues", this seminal disc presents an in depth exploration of this lesser-known century of song.

"Unfortunately, too many of these voices have been stifled from inclusion in our American story thus far. The songs collected here are a mere sampling of the finest of those neglected voices. Most are from our published archives. Some have been recorded from transcriptions of sound recordings.

Are they "art" songs? Are they popular songs? Is it jazz, Bebop, or blues? Is it "classical" music? It is music, in all cases. Music to be enjoyed and reflected upon. Performed with integrity and informed enthusiasm by all who would approach it. Resist the urge to classify and segregate. Enjoy the creativity and savor the sounds of words and music dancing together as one in each singular work of art." – James Martin

"[a] varied, moving and entertaining album […]. Hall Johnson's "On the Dusty Road" has marvellous blues feeling; Davis's "Bells" rings with echoes of bebop and gamelan during its take on art song. And the boogie-woogie piano elements of Margaret Bonds's "The Way We Dance in Harlem" inspires rousing vocalizations from Martin." – The New York Times

"This album's wonderfully varied programme […] represents [Martin's] longstanding efforts to champion the creative legacy of Black Americans whose voices have been overlooked if not outright excluded from the mainstream repertoire." – Gramophone

"Martin projects a dramatically vivid presence throughout, always attentive to the sense of story contained in each song. His expressive diction and finely calibrated vocal colouration underscore the singer's admiration for the poets whose work is likewise represented" – Gramophone

"Every song listened to and re-listened to is a wonderful discovery or rediscovery, every song a shining piece of the great world music." – Kathodik
Tracklisting