Brazeal W. Dennard

Review: "In Silent Night" is of course a Christmas CD, but it is so much more. The 51-strong Brazeal Dennard Chorale bases their music on the traditional African-American spiritual's deep emotion, intensity and strength. Dr. Karen Walwyn is listed as the accompanist. 13 powerful songs from a talented group dedicated to preserve and perpetuate the African-American spiritual.

Songlist: In Silent Night, Ave Maria, Alleluia, He Stooped To Bless, Little Lamb, Psalm 57, Hehlehlooyuh, O Praise The Lord, Negro Bell Carol, Nowhere To Lay His Head, Hail Mary, Betelehemu, Siyahamba

Review: The story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers is one of the most inspiring in all of American Music. In 1872 a history of their struggle, triumph, and music finally saw print. They sang the songs which were handed down to them by their slave ancestors. The songs expressed profound religious beliefs, an unshakable faith, relief from the suffering of slavery, and the optimism for a better world to come. In truth they were a major contributing tributary to the musical stream which diverged into gospel and blues. This beautiful recording recreates and shares with us some of that body of work which is so important to American music. It is meant to document and present to posterity some of the most powerful music ever sung.

Songlist: Oh, That Bleeding Lamb, I'll Never Turn Back, Listen to the Lambs, In Bright Mansions Above, Is a Light Shining, Heavenly Union, An' I Cry, O Holy Lord, Ain'A That Good News, Lily of the Valley, Gonna Journey Away, Any How, There's a Lit'l Wheel, O the Rocks and the Mountains, I'm Gonna Sing the Spirit, Elijah Rock