American Originals
Acis, 2021
8/10
The countertenor Reginald L. Mobley is in fine company here, as Agave, i.e. Aaron Westman (violin, viola), Anna Washburn (violin), Katherine Kyme (violin), William Skeen (cello), Kevin Cooper (guitar) and Henry Lebedinsky (organ and piano) are on hand for the rich, timeless pieces that explore much culture.
“Resignation” starts the listen with strings and keys interacting with much beauty as expressive vocals guide the cautious opener, and “Tú Mi Dios, Entre Pajas” follows with a very pretty display of flowing vocals and agile strings that mesh with much precision.
Elsewhere, “Taedet Animam Meam” offers plenty of grace and warmth, while “Sympathy” gets a bit more tense via the bright story telling and firm piano. “Tobacco”, the album’s best, then discusses all the pros of tobacco in a charming, upbeat 50 seconds.
On the back half of the listen, the sublime “The White Rose” gets dreamy amid the soft strings and gentle keys, and “Songs To The Dark Virgin” exits the listen with power and emotion meeting at a very meticulous intersection.
Mobley and company offer a very worldly listen, where they celebrate composers from the last few centuries from all over the Americas who are of color, and they do it with much poise in its chamber, classical, orchestral and baroque appeal.
Travels well with: Paul Cohen- Heard Again For The First Time; James Dashow- Synchronies