We don't get too many chances to listen to a cappella gospel singing around the sub-basement of the GMR building, but this week we took a break from SPike's new obsession with a certain British techno-punk diva and played this new CD by Anonymous 4. Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer, Jacqueline Horner and Johanna Maria Rose make up the quartet who have chosen to remain anonymous. With voices like theirs...anonymity would be a curse. Listen up, America, these women can SING!
Based in the American tradition of shape note, or sacred harp, the 20 folk hymns/revival songs presented here accomplish exactly what the title claims. This album brings American Angels right into your living room, or your office, or your car, or wherever you listen to music. I listened in all of these places, and in the office I could feel my blood pressure lower as the quartet sang the good news about the "Amazing Grace" of the Saviour; in the car I was lifted above the cares of the road as I was reminded that "I am a poor wayfaring stranger..." and "my shepherd will supply all my need;" and at home my wife and I relaxed to the strains of "What wondrous love is this?"
The album is divided into five sections, each presenting three or four thematically grouped selections. "Invitation" (the first group) includes "Brethren, we have gathered here to worship," "Come Holy Spirit come," "What wondrous love is this?" and "Sweet hour of prayer." Both worshippers and the One to Whom worship is offered are invited to join together. Traditionally these songs were sung by the worshippers, who would gather in a square, and sing parts, the harmonies which are so richly textured, and true. The church that I attend used to meet in such a manner, with benches which were set up in a square (we called it the "squared circle," the shape singers call it a "hollow square"); it is a square with God in the midst. Our best efforts at singing came nowhere even close to the delicate vocals included here.
A photo of Anonymous 4 shows a quartet of attractive women in black gowns, looking like nothing so much as much classier Dixie Chicks. Musically gifted, linked to the past but firmly in the present, they have other similarities too.
The second group is entitled "Grace" and includes two different songs called "Amazing Grace" bookending "My God, my portion and my love" as the worshippers respond to the gift God has given, His Son. God's Riches At Christ's Expense! The third collection is called "Journey" and the five songs included under this title deal with the believer's walk, in the world, but not of the world.
Then "Crossing" as the believer deals with life, and loss, and to preparation to meet his maker. The finality of death, and the eternal hope of the believer appear in the final section "Parting." "Death, like an overflowing stream," "Hark, I hear the harps eternal," "My Christian friends, in bonds of love," and "My latest sun is sinking fast" complete the cycle. The music is beautiful, rich, moving and the words add meaning to the amazing performance. The album sounds as though it was recorded in an empty room, which simulates the chapel experience.
"Songs of Hope, Redemption and Glory" is the subtitle, and that pretty much sums up the album. The package contains only a few pictures of some lovely quilts, and ads for other Harmonia Mundi releases, minimal liner notes, but there is a wealth of information about shape singing, and sacred harp concerts on-line. As an introduction to this loveliest art American Angels is almost perfect.
