Stanford University's world-class mixed ensemble Talisman is dedicated to the sharing of stories through music, specifically the musical traditions the African diaspora. "The Quick Day" is the group's 7th spirited recording, and features the 2003-4, 2004-5 and 2005-6 groups-each with fifteen to twenty singers. 14 powerful, rhythmic songs, some with non-vocal African drums. From the first cut, "Before This Time," we are drawn into the soulful current of this music: "Frekoba," "Majhi," "Soweto Blues," the soaring "Ohureo," the dramatic Native American song "Xihtecuhtli," the joyous, hand-clapping spiritual "Way Beyond the Blue," the vocal percussion gem "Belgo Zairoise," the plaintive spiritual "No More My Lord," the heartbreaking "Stimela," the marvelous "Akekho Ofana No Yesu,' and stunning (although orchestrally accompanied) bonus track "Baba Yetu." We were deeply moved by every one of these songs, and consider "The Quick Day Is Done" one of the best of the year-don't miss this one!