Deep River

Adam Reinwald (Artist), Alan Dunbar (Artist), Kelvin Chan (Artist), Timothy Takach (Artist), Harry T. (Henry) Burleigh (Artist), William Levi Dawson (Artist), Jester Hairston (Artist), John W. II Work (Artist), Albert Jordan (Artist), Brad Erbes (Artist), Brian Arreola (Artist), Michael Hanawalt (Artist), Peter Zvanovec (Artist), Cantus Male Ensemble (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 1, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cantus
• ASIN: B0000V8G1O
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #142,922 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Ezekiel Saw the Wheel: Harry T. Burleigh

2. Heaven, Heaven: Harry T. Burleigh

3. Poor Man Lazrus: Jester Hairston

4. King Jesus Is A-Listening: William Dawson

5. In His Care-O: William Dawson

6. This Ol' Hammer: John W. Work III

7. Great God A'mighty: Jester Hairston

8. Were You There?: Harry T. Burleigh

9. There is a Balm in Gilead: William Dawson

10. Deep River: Harry T. Burleigh

11. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot: William Dawson

12. My Lord, What a Morning: Harry T. Burleigh

13. Steal Away: William Dawson

14. Soon ah-Will Be Done: William Dawson

15. Ain't a That Good News: William Dawson

16. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit: William Dawson

17. In That Great Getting' Up Morning: Jester Hairston

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Cantus proudly announces the release of "Deep River," a treasury of African-American Spirituals. The Spiritual represents the musical melting pot of America like no other type of song by at once revealing its African roots while reflecting the American experience with music that speaks of both hardship and hope. The album features some of the most beloved American folk songs such as "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel", "Were You There", "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Soon-ah Will Be Done." "Deep River" also delves into the roots of American roots music by exclusively featuring music by the preeminent first and second generation African-American composers - Harry T. Burleigh, William Dawson, John W. Work and Jester Hairston - in both well known and long forgotten arrangements of these immortal songs. Recorded by Stereophile Magazine editor John Atkinson in 24 bit sound, "Deep River" is a treat for the ears and a balm for the soul.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Recording by One of our Finest Choral Ensembles, October 23, 2004

By	Birdman (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

"Take this Hammer,' "Steal Away," and "My Lord What a Morning" are just three of the acappella treasures recorded in a warm, natural accoustic by these nine superb singers from Minnesota. The arrangements they've chosen are as complex and moving as their source lyrics and melodies, and the the 24-bit recording by John Atkinson is as good as you get.

It's not easy to make spirituals sound fresh, dynamic and viscerally affecting. But that's exactly what Cantus has done. This is choral singing of the highest order recorded by a master of recorded sound.

I do hope Cantus continues to record on this or another independent label. A big music conglomerate would just glitz it up.

These young men have accomplished so many splendid things on their own over the past nine years, and this release is their best by far.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Sound & Rhythm, January 7, 2004

By	Christopher D. Helmkamp (Falls Church, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Cantus is a little-known yet outstanding all-male vocal ensemble, and this is perhaps their best album yet. The acoustic detail of the music and the feel of the room in which it is recorded comes out brilliantly in this high quality recording. The artistic directors also deserve much praise, for the songs are arranged such that the entire album becomes a spiritually engaging and moving experience from start to finish. If you like vocal ensemble, you will not be disappointed by the lovely voices here.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A replacement for Robert Shaw, December 2, 2004

By	Jerome G. Jagodzinski "Jerry Jagodzinski" (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Many years ago I had a vinyl record by the Robert Shaw Chorale the title of which was "Deep River." I've been waiting for it to be reissued on cd and have purchased many recordings of negro spirituals on cd hoping to find one where the performance could be compared favorably with the Robert Shaw recording. All of the tries were busts until I found this one. Wow!!! This is a super recoridng of those spirituals. The only thing it lacks is the female voices but thi group of males needs to make no apologies. I love this cd.