Choral Arts of Chattanooga

Review: Under the direction of Philip Rice this top-notch choir has accrued critical acclaim and as the only professional chorus in Tennessee has developed a series of highly successful performance seasons. This collection of Christmas music has a very special bonus as it features the world premiere of Dave Brubeck's arrangement of 'We Three Kings' which is the icing on the cake of the fine recording. The recording was well produced and engineered and along with extensive color liner notes makes for a great holiday package.

Songlist: O Magnum Mysterium, E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come, Ave Maria, Deck The Halls, There Shall A Star Come Out Of Jacob, Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella, Ave Maria, The Angels And Shepherds, Coventry Carol, My Dancing Day, Ding Dong Merrily On High, Lirum Lirum, Fum Fum Fum, Infant Holy Infant Lowly, We Three Kings

Review: Dave Brubeck is one of the most well-known jazz pianists of all time yet he has also composed several large-scale works including two ballets, a musical, an oratorio, four cantatas, a mass, works for jazz combo and orchestra, and many solo piano pieces. This is a collection of this jazz legend's choral compositions and arrangements recorded over two evenings with Brubeck playing piano on six tracks with the Chattanooga Choral Artists, who he specifically requested to make this recording with, and the others tracks being his a cappella choral works. The emphasis is on Brubeck as composer, not pianist, and is an example of Brubeck's passion, fueled no doubt by his belief that music is the definitive vehicle for emotional expression, transcending generations, musical genres and geographic and cultural borders.

Songlist: We Three Kings, Though I Speak With The Tongues Of Men And Of Angels, Power Chorale And Fugue, Yes, We All Have Our Cross To Bear: Chorale, Alleluia, Regret, Psalm 30, Yes We All Have Our Cross To Bear: Swing Version

Review: A rousing collection of patriotic songs from the times of the Civil War with an emphasis on songs from the south. Philip Rice directs the Chorus with great verve and panache as they sing the songs of Stephen Foster among others with stellar arrangements by Robert Shaw and John Rutter. This recording's historical aspects adds to its charm and will be sure to stir the hearts of true sons and daughters of the great southern states.

Songlist: Dixie, He's Gone Away, Goober Peas, Shenandoah, Beautiful Dreamer, Steal Away, Sourwood Mountain, Gentle Annie, Black Sheep, Aura Lea, Oh Susanna, My Old Kentucky Home, Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Battle Hymn Of The Republic