Trevor Payne

Review: Trevor Payne's renowned, veteran Choir brings us this moving tribute to the Negro Spiritual. Following in the footsteps of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and other gospel music pioneers, this is a rare collection of a cappella Spiritual "hits," beginning with "Lord, I Know I've Been Changed," the lovely "There Is A Balm in Gilead," "Ezekiel Saw The Wheel," "Deep River," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Soon Ah Will Be Done," "Steal Away," "In That Morning When The Lord Says Hurry," "Ain't Got Time to Die," "Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho"...the good stuff just keeps on coming! One of the best collections of this wonderful, inspirational music we have heard!

Songlist: Lord I Know I've Been Changed, There Is A Balm In Gilead, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Deep River, In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin', Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Soon Ah Will Be Done, Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit, Steal Away, In That Morning When The Lord Says Hurry, The Storm Is Passing Over, Ain't Got Time to Die, Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho

Review: Trevor Payne has taken his Montreal Jubilation Choir around the world and back, literally and musically, since their first concerts after their founding in 1982. Whether performing in Africa, Europe or home in Montreal, the group has built their reputation on its innovative a cappella work, their most popular recording being 1992's "A Cappella." While selecting the music, however, Payne kept hearing instruments, a bassoon here, an African kora, even a New Orleans street band. The traditional spiritual "Zion's Walls" gets the steely counterpoint of a harpsichord, and "Great Day" picks up after church and follows the rollicking New Orleans street band home. "Mary Had a Baby" features some nice soprano sax call-and-response, and a deep, sinuous double bass adds to the cool rhythm on "Elijah Rock." The soaring vocals of "Hail Mary" are complemented by English horn and bassoon. A beautiful pair of songs from Payne's travels in Africa are happily included, the rhythmic a cappella "Nkosi Sikelel, iAfrica" and the haunting "Kwa Unyenyekevu." Our friend Kirby Shaw's finger-snapping spiritual "Plenty Good Room," and the traditionals "Fix Me" and "I'm Gonna Sing" are other favorites among these 15 tunes. A beautiful, feel-good collection from the MJGC!

Songlist: Nkosi Sikelel, iAfrica, Kwa Unyenyekevu, Ain'a That Good News, Zion's Walls, Great Day, Hail Mary, Just A Little Walk With Jesus, The Storm Is Passing Over, Elijah Rock, Plenty Good Room, Fix Me, Mary Had A Baby, Geographical Fugue For Speaking Chorus, I'm Gonna Sing, Sonata No. 18, Opus 13 "Pathetique" Second Movement; Adagio Cantabile

Review: Joy To The World - Jubilation V, was originally intended to be a Christmas record, but it is definitely one that can be enjoyed all year round. It features such tracks as "Geographical Fugue for Speaking Chorus" and their version of "Amazing Grace" proved the choir to be at the top of its power. Indeed, as Canada's music business trade, The Record, stated in their review, "The Choir has now moved well beyond their original black roots. This is, in fact, more of a choral "world music" album. This recording was awarded a JUNO Award in the best blues or gospel album category.

Songlist: Gregorian Chant, Gloria In Excelsis Deo, Remember, Quel Est l'Enfant Qui Est Ne Ce Soir, Wohl Mir Da§ Ich Jesum Habe, Over My Head, Stille Nacht (O Nuit De Paix) (Silent Night), Go Tell It On The Mountain, Amazing Grace, King Of Orient, Geographical Fugue For Speaking Chorus, Calypso Christmas Medley: Joy To The World/O Come All Ye Faithful/Les Anges Dans Nos Campagne..., Amen