Rising w/ The Crossing
New Focus, 2020
8/10
Listen to Rising w/The Crossing
A Philadelphia based outfit who are under the direction of Donald Nally, The Crossing deliver an ideal listen during a pandemic, where a hopeful and joyous environment radiates across their 22nd commercial recording.
David Lang’s “Protect Yourself From Infection” starts the listen vocally strong as harmony vocals emit a warm, gospel execution, and “Lost Forever”, by Jody Talbot, follows with soft piano guiding the expressive, ethereal singing.
Closer to the middle, Paul Fowler’s “First Pink” is an exciting display of vocal acrobatics that range from sparse and soothing to vibrant and powerful, while “Lincoln” illustrates Alex Berko’s talent in both firm, soaring atmospheres as well as bare moments of beauty. One of the best selections is Ted Hearne’s “What It Might Say”, where the singers reach a spiritual level with their combined tonality amid a highly melodic landscape.
At the end, Eriks Esenvalds’ “Earth Teach Me Quiet” finds itself in sublime, dreamy territory, and Santa Ratniece exits the listen with the atmospheric “Hora Hora Hata Hata”, which illustrates the ensemble’s varied, timeless skill.
It’s of little surprise that The Crossing have won a pair of Grammy Awards across 5 nominations, as their contemporary approach and unparalleled group singing leaves an indelible mark on anyone willing to lend an ear, as evidenced by this remarkable live effort.
Travels well with: Kenneth Gaburo- New Music Choral Ensemble; Harmony Of Dissonance- Traces Of Croatian Traditional Singing