Customer Reviews

Sing Lustily & with Good Courage

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

 

 

The first time I heard a song from this disc the piece rooted my attention completely.

I had no idea who was playing the piece or who wrote it. The lady singing lead vocal had a glorious voice but wasn't familiar. That the song had roots in traditional folk was obvious. That it was a hymn of some sort was apparent by the end of the song.

That it was something special, there was no doubt.

Hearing the artist's name and the CD's title announced wasn't much help. Fortunately CBC radio keeps extensive playlists and furnished the information necessary to trace the disc. It turned out that the song was from a collection of eighteenth century gallery hymns. A small ensemble calling themselves the Carnival Band had adapted them for modern times. The lead singer was Maddy Prior. The disc was an import. Getting it took a while, a few months in fact.

It was worth every second of the wait and then some.

From the opening chords of John Bunyan's "Who would true valour see" through lovely pieces like Charles Wesley's "Lo he comes with clouds descending" this disc is a joy to listen to. Simply put, it's a thing of beauty capable of moving the listener to tears of purest contentment and peace. These people are fabulous players, expert on their instruments and playing with a feel that only a labour of love can offer. They harmonize beautifully. The lead singer, Maddy Prior, has the voice of an angel, strong, subtle and expressive all at once. Her singing is totally unaffected, just easy and natural as if it rolls off her shoulders. Her singing is a thing of transcendental beauty. As the disc draws to a close with the soft "O worship the King" by Robert Grant" the listener knows they've found something special. When it ends with Charles Wesley's stirring "And can it be" the listener knows they've found one of those rare works which crosses all barriers. This disc was a labour of love. The joy these people took in this work carries through with every note. In the liner notes they state that no attempt was made to create an authentic performance, rather that their goal was capture the spirit of the music.

They succeeded gloriously.

This is wonderful music, great material performed in a way that sounds fresh and alive each time I listen to it. In the six years I've owned this disc it's become one of my most cherished recordings. It may not be easily available here. If it's not the thing to do is to go through Saydisc, the label that first released it. It is still listed in their catalogue.

If you are at all familiar with Maddy Prior, this deserves to be a five-star item. Familiar with some of these hymns? You will be given a good shot of courage through the lionlike way she sings!

The classical violin background and background vocals are top-notch as well.

The one all instrumental song has me and my girls twirling around the dining room! Very good for country dancing!

Highly recommended.

This is another exquisite album by Maddy Prior containing hymns that will be familiar to many church goers. The album has a decidedly baroque flavour with some very interesting arrangements.

Such a fine piece of music ruined by bad technology. First copy I got was blank. Complained, received a new one. It starts out fine but later cuts are just loud noises. I gave up!

She's a great singer; a unique sound. What a waste of talent!

Bought this CD for my wife to almost complete her Maddy Prior collection. Maddy has such a beautiful voice. The arrangements and sound is excellent.
I highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys Maddy Prior's music.