Deep River
Navona, 2024
8/10
An enlightening listen that assembles a rich selection of 21 African American spirituals, the selections are interpreted by the countertenor Michael Walker II and early music consort Alchymy Viols.
“Over My Head” begins the listen with Michael Walker II’s sublime countertenor illuminating the traditional, and the title track follows with Stephanie Hall’s dreamy harp and Erica Rubis’ moody bass viola adding much to the rich and intimate delivery of the Moses Hogan selection.
Deeper into the affair, H.T. Burleigh’s “My Lord, What A Morning” allows for Thomas Gerber’s electric organ to add much beauty alongside the elegant strings, while “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” benefits much from Philip Spray’s poetic, consort bass viol and Allison Nyquist’s baroque viola.
Arriving close to the end, “Every Time I Feel The Spirit” is populated by Wendy Gillespie’s tenor viol and Joanna Blendulf’s lyra viol amid much meticulousness thanks to vision of Nolan Williams, Jr., and Hogan’s “Walk Together Children” exits with the strings, vocals and keys interacting with color and care.
A timeless display of America’s first folk songs, each selection here is precisely executed and full of harmonic, chamber nods and tremendous singing.
Travels well with: Dan Goble/Russell Hirshfield- Second Flight; Carlos Manuel Vargas- Souvenirs