Since 1990, Amasong: Champaign-Urbana's Premier Lesbian/Feminist Chorus has been connecting with far-away cultures and next-door neighbors through music. Time and again, singing has built bridges that help us to understand one another, just as it has around the world for thousands of years. In the hope of bringing you, our listener, into the atmosphere of an Amasong concert, this collection includes live recordings from the past six years (2002-2008). We feature songs from thirteen countries that celebrate the communion of cultures, the search for unity, the joys of sisterhood, and the enduring power of making music together.

Listen to Jsniejze mi, usnij in RealAudio.

Amasong is an inclusive women's chorus that brings together women from all lifestyles and experience in the pursuit of choral excellence. Largely a cappella, though several of the tracks are judiciously accompanied (e.g., the horns, trombones and bells of 'Ave: Meditation on Two Marian Chants'), this recording integrates works from a variety of cultures, be it from the World War II Jewish ghettoes of Lithuania ('Unter Dayne Vayse Shtern') or 'Strange Fruit,' written for Billie Holliday. The interpretation is exclusively Amasong's (as directed by Kristina Boerger, their founder), though thoroughly consistent with classical values in structure and arrangement. A 1998 GLAMA winner.

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'Amai', the title of Amasong's second CD release, means 'mother' and 'woman' from the Shona Language in Zimbabwe. Amasong is a 60 women strong Premier Lesbian/Feminist chorus from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Graced with traditional arrangements from around the world, this CD is both enjoyable and educational. Favorites include; 'The Stove,' a short and humorous Feminist composition, Four Russian Peasant Songs by Igor Stravinsky, and 'Cradle Song,' an Amasong original of prayer and inspiration. Intense emotion and sensitivity are generated through dynamic movement and rhythmic expression. Having chosen so many languages the degree of difficulty is incredible, yet these women sing with ease. Their diction and sympathetic perception of the music are right on the money, and their dedication is admirable.

The pride of Champaign-Urbana, IL, premier lesbian/feminist chorus Amasong, over 100 strong, brings us an exuberant collection of 21 folk songs, some accompanied, from many different traditions. 'Laulu's' smorgasbord of cultures begins with Brazilian (the joyful 'O Xote Das Meninas'), Chinese (the love song 'Kangding Qing Ge'), Estonian (the lilting 'Tantsides'), Afghani (the mourning dance song 'Lailaw'), Scottish ('Gone the Boat'), Finnish ('Taivas On Sininen' The Sky Is Blue), Quaker, Sephardic, Italian, Provencal, Guadeloupe, Bulgarian, American Indian and others. Beautiful, extensive liner notes with all lyrics. Amasong's third excellent CD-'Laulu' is a sumptuous joy!

Listen to Laula Voim in RealAudio.