Review: CD: Morris Robinson, Going Home

Atlanta native Morris Robinson is an incredible singer. His first CD, a collection of spiritual renditions, is a wonderful introduction to his voice and artistry. Those who would like to hear a phenomenal bass singer need look no further. His impressive resume includes significant work with the Metropolitan Opera and the Boston Lyric Opera. He has sung all of the major concert works that include bass solo work: Beethoven 9th, Hadyn Creation, the Mozart and Verdi Requiem masses, etc.

On the other hand, the present collection of spirituals is not reflective of standard spiritual renditions. These are highly orchestrated settings. Not a thing in world wrong with that, but it's not the standard format. Not what you’re likely to hear on Sunday morning in many churches. Robinson sings with that singular combination of artistry and passion than would have a congregation either on its feet or on its knees. A couple of the tunes use full orchestral accompaniment (Royal Phil., Robert Sadin conductor). There are some nicely set tunes that use a gospel rhythm section and additional vocal soloists and back-up singers. Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday gets a very nice treatment, the strings fulfilling what must have been Ellington's wish for a lush, full sound to accompany the prayer. The unfortunate oddity is "Going Home:" tacky words combined with the theme from Dvorak's "New World" Symphony; I can appreciate the beautiful sentiment of the lyric (and Robinson's choice of it for a first release), but I personally have never liked the combination of words with the powerful, powerful melody. It’s a shame it’s the title track. The ethnic drumming on “Wade in the water” is almost worth the price of the album. (Thanks, Ken, Jr. for sharing this with me.) + + +