Albany 1011: Songs of Duke Ellington, Florence Price, Thomas Greene Wiggins & Henry T. Burleigh

[Songs of America: Oral Moses, bass baritone; Rosalyn Floyd, piano; Timothy Holley, cello; Albany ALB 1011 (2008)]

Albany Records ALB 1011 (2008):
"A kaleidoscope of American culture presented by the magnificent bass-baritone Oral Moses.This recording is, in many respects, a unique and creatively conceived kaleidoscope of American culture presented through the expressions and influences of African Americans. Moses and Floyd offer exceptionally convincing interpretations of each song, with clear understanding of the nature and unique message contained in each. The diverse genres, art songs by African American composers and artful settings of spirituals, also include works written by other Americans who use idiomatically African American musical resources, and whose creative energies have been powerfully influenced by African American folk life. This is a delightful tapestry of works that comprise a cross section of musical personalities and compelling lyrical content."

The 20 tracks on the CD include: No. 10. Concert of Sacred Music: no 3, Come Sunday by Edward "Duke" Ellington; 11. That Welcome Day by Thomas Greene Bethune; 16. To the Dark Virgin by Florence Beatrice Price; 18. I been in de storm so long by Traditional, Arranged by Henry Thacker Burleigh. The performers on each of the four tracks are: Oral Moses (Bass Baritone), Rosalyn Floyd (Piano), Timothy Holley (Cello). [The composers Duke Ellington, Florence Price and Thomas Greene Wiggins, and the arranger Henry Thacker Burleigh, are profiled at AfriClassical.com]
Songs of America
Albany Records 1011 (2008)
Thomas Greene Wiggins
Duke Ellington
Florence Beatrice Smith Price
Henry Thacker Burleigh