Going Home

Morris Robinson (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B000KGGISW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #43,430 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Today's gospel is more eclectic than ever before. While remaining true to the spiritual and historical roots, gospel artists welcome different styles and varieties to keep things interesting. But Morris Robinson's Going Home has to be a first: gospel and opera? Sure, there's a dramatic flair to both, but the marriage of these two distinctive sounds comes across as quite fresh. Pulling a song list from many traditional gospel songs, bassist extraordinaire Robinson commands attention with his vocal presence. Song arrangements will also pique your interest, from the soft jazzy opener "Walk With Me" to "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain," thanks to the great studio work from Cyrus Chestnut (piano), Lionel Loueke, and Jonathan DuBose (guitars). With a change of gears, "Go Down Moses" sounds more like something from a soundtrack or opera, thanks to the classy Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Big Mo shows he also can change styles, and he relaxes the operatic voice on "Sister Mary" and "Were You There?" Perhaps the most brilliant fireworks come on the title track, as Robinson and the Royal Philharmonic weave their sounds into a powerful sonic climax that should shake any foundation. And to add to the variety, Robinson quickly follows with the old-time gospel testimonial "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," complemented nicely by Joseph Joubert on the keys and sung by Robinson with the same power and emotion he called upon when singing it at his mother's funeral. An amazing piece of work, Robinson's Going Home is a knockout punch. --Michael Lyttle

From the Artist

"This album is my way of giving back and thanking God for the many blessings that He has given me," Robinson said. "Many albums can follow, but the first one is for Him. My music comes from the heart. I want to give glory to God through my music and thank Him for my many blessings." In describing "Go Down Moses," Robinson says, "This Spiritual blends the two worlds I straddle the best and allows me to express my love for opera and gospel in one song." Perhaps the most poignant song on the album, however, is "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." Robinson performed this song at his mother's funeral. "I do it on the album exactly the way that I did it for her that day in the church," Robinson said.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, March 8, 2007

By	Angela C. Johnson (Americus, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I heard this amazing voice and person on NPR's "All Things Considered" in an interview. I was driving to a relative's house to seek safer surroundings and electricity after a tornado. I left my house stressed and tense. Hearing Morris Robinson's interview and the music clips absolutely soothed my soul. Not even an hour after I reached electricity and internet service, I ordered the cd. I received it yesterday. After a day of volunteering at a coworkers severly damaged house, I came home, listened, and my soul was soothed once again. Beautiful voice, moving spirit, wonderful new arrangements on traditional spirituals. Highly recommended.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wow, March 2, 2007

By	Comandante (College Station TX) - See all my reviews

I heard Morris Robison sing on NPR's 'Fresh Air.' He has a truly amazing voice.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SWEET JESUS!, March 10, 2007

By	coryisawake "**" (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews

I had the pleasure of hearing Rigoletto, where the Sparafucile fell ill and was replaced by Morris Robinson. He sang the entire role, plainclothed and from the orchestral pit. The voice BOOMED over everything and had a richness unlike anything I have heard in person (besides in the voice of Ewa Podles).

A few months later, my friends and I were still raving about how his voice had ripped the paint off the theater walls. SO a friend took took me to the Cincinnati May Festival to see his Osmin. In a significantly larger hall the same effect was present. From top to bottom, Morris' voice is a formidable instrument with no apparent weaknesses. In this music, which was created initially to bring joy to those hearing it, his voice is perfectly suited. I'd encourage anyone to purchase this album and if given the opportunity, SEE THIS SINGER IN PERSON.