Customer Reviews

Jubilation

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After hearing Jubliant and Christopher on a Christmas tour a couple years ago I have been waiting for them to record something since... Finally!!! After listening I am just amazed by Jubliant's virtuoso voice. I think all the Americal Idol hopefuls should really listen to true God given talent versus copying commerical radio stars. Amazingly good voice. Now, I have been playing guitar for 18+ years and am an avid player and fan of classical guitar. Christopher Parkening has always been my inspiration for starting and he shows no signs of letting up on his wonderful styling, phrasing and best of all his sound! This was a match made in Heaven. Literally!

Finally, these two great musicians who have toured this music for over a year have recorded a delightful collection of songs, spirituals and solo guitar works. Sykes' voice is complimented by Parkening's masterful playing of the classical guitar. I highly recommend this recording. What a treat!

This CD is a collection of music both traditional and modern. Christopher Parkening and Jubilant Sykes are a perfect match for the completion of perfection in this collection of music. Christopher Parkening's performance of solos are brilliant and heart felt. Jubilant Sykes is excellent as well and his deep tones mix so well with the gentle harmony of the classical guitar. This is a must for any music library.

I listen to a lot of "classical music" these days, but it wasn't what I grew up with. Every once in a while, a friend who also is a relative neophyte might actually ask me for my recommendations for an "Introduction to Classical Music." That's flattering, since I'm hardly an expert. But then again, they know that I come from the same place, so to speak, and I might have an insight or two that a more traditionally classically oriented music lover might not have.

Well, the one bit of advice I have for anyone seeking to dip a toe into "classical," is to think STREAMLINED. If you like guitar or piano or voice in a more popular setting, try the great classical soloists in those fields. If you're nutty about guitar in general, then you're going to relate to a classical guitarist more readily than you likely to do so to the Philharmonic, say.

And if you a fan of good singing, in general, then listening to SELECT classically trained singers can be a wonderful introduction to what some call "serious music" (a snooty term I don't recommend myself). If that's you, well, you probably want to take the plunge into full scale opera for a later day. Maybe even make it "later for Lieder," and explore some of the works of classically trained singers who have some roots in folk, pop and, particularly, gospel.

Since I am a lover of voice AND guitar, I get particularly excited about projects like this one. Christopher Parkening can do no wrong in my book. His playing is usually inspired and inspiring, often breathtaking. I was familiar with Jubilant Sykes, his collaborator on this record, only by reputation, but having heard him hear, I can well understand Parkening's eagerness to work with him. It's a brilliant pairing.

JUBILATION is billed as something of a musical tour of the Americas, and it does seem to cover a lot of territory. Sykes' gospel roots are evident on several tracks, and his rich, supple baritone is certainly well suited for traditional numbers like "The Water Is Wide" and, especially, "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child." These are heartfelt and very moving, as is the version of Copland's "At the River" included here. Amazingly, he seems to do just as well and sounds just as authoritative on the Spanish and Portuguese language compositions. His classical training and his gospel feel make for a truly formidable presence.

It is, however, somehow appropriate that Parkening is featured as a soloist on both the opening and closing tracks (as well as a few in the middle). Parkening's solos give the record a grounding that cannot be ignored. I would like to hear more of Sykes--in all kinds of settings--but the musical intimacy he and the legendary Parkening establish is simply a joy to hear. And, yes, I would recommend it to just about ANYBODY.

Well, if you're a Christian and want to expand your ears (and song list) this one did that very thing for me. I've since gone on to purchase more of Jubilant Sykes'spritual music. Listening to his voice takes me into the clouds. He is absolutely fantastic. Accompanying Parkening just enhances the experience. In this album, there are a few instrumentals (guitar only) and the over-all effect is a perfect balance - you end up enjoying the album more because of the ebb-n-flow between the superb singing and the superb classical guitar. Highly recommend as a 'take-a-risk' for Christians wanting to add to their spiritual listening.

Going out on a limb here. This cd may be as good or better than Pleasures of Their Company. There is some real magic going on here. Christopher's sensativity and willingness to let Jubilant take the spot light is really what makes this cd for me. The tunes with the vocalise are particularly satisfying. It's just great to see Christopher continue to put out such quality work so many years into his career. I have seen them play some of these tunes live and hope to again someday in the near future. If you like this cd check them out live... at times I thought Jubilant's voice was going to bring the ceiling down.