Search - Stephen Foster, John, American Traditional :: Blue Wheat

Kim S. from PARAGOULD, AR
Reviewed on 3/18/2019...

Very good choral singing! Nice arrangements of familiar songs. If you love choral music you would love this cd.

Superb singing matched with superb arrangements

Bruce Hodges | New York, NY | 07/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A project like this one inevitably highlights the skill of arrangers, and Dale Warland has selected some of the most talented anywhere. Most of these selections will be familiar to listeners, but I doubt most people have heard, for example, "Red River Valley" in Carol Barnett's haunting version here, and ditto for her magnificent "Deep River."



The disc opens with a spectacular, panoramic "Shenandoah" that takes maximum advantage of the Dale Warland Singers' refined sound, and things only get better (if that's possible). Other favorites are a cheery, fizzing "Nelly Bly" and Mark Keller's strong reworking of Stephen Foster's "Hard Times Come Again No More."



Throughout the recording, the freshness of the arrangements is matched by the irresistible singing. This group is known for its outstanding performances and recordings, but this must be counted as one of their all-time best. The sound quality is terrific, capturing the gorgeous blend and precision of the group in a natural-sounding acoustic. Just stunning."

Robert Shaw's crown passes. A true American choral picture.

Bruce Hodges | 01/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Minnesota, since the days of F.Melius Christiansen,is the focus of fine choral music. All those small colleges with generations of exquisitly trained singers have been cemented togather in this celebration. The sound and the selections on this album are as pure as the Mississippi leaving Lake Itasca."