Safe Harbor
Aerocade, 2026
9/10
The Portland-based acclaimed choral ensemble, Resonance Ensemble, make an impression with this first album on the Aerocade label, where the double disc allows for 12 world-premiere choral commissions that surround themes of sanctuary, resilience, and hope.
Cecille Elliott’s “We Are Murmurs” opens the listen with warm vocal harmonizing that’s soulful and flowing in its a cappella delivery, and “There’s A Man Goin’ Round” follows with a spiritual mood via Madeline Ross and Onry’s powerful solos.
Deeper into disc 1, “From The Book Of Sankofa, Part 1: Words She Would Have Us Know” welcomes Hannah Brewer’s piano and well timed strings amid the colorful choir, while the title track enlists Maria Collinsworth’s soprano and Joe Kye’s voice and violin alongside the soft ambience and 15 minutes of gorgeous textures.
Disc 2 offers us the live recording of “We Hold Your Names Sacred”, where the many voices complement the radiating keys, and “Shout Out” exits with Valdine Mishkin’s cello emitting much grace between soft and loud group singing.
The 2 discs have different themes, i.e. REflect and REimagine, and both illustrate unparalleled choral singing and messages of the utmost importance that are executed with incredible detail.
Travels well with: Ensemble For These Times- El Tiempo Latine; Meerenai Shim- The Audacity