Going Home

Amazon.com Today's gospel is more eclectic than ever before. While remaining true to the spiritual and historical roots, gospel artists welcome different styles and varieties to keep things interesting. But Morris Robinson's Going Home has to be a first: gospel and opera? Sure, there's a dramatic flair to both, but the marriage of these two distinctive sounds comes across as quite fresh. Pulling a song list from many traditional gospel songs, bassist extraordinaire Robinson commands attention with his vocal presence. Song arrangements will also pique your interest, from the soft jazzy opener "Walk With Me" to "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain," thanks to the great studio work from Cyrus Chestnut (piano), Lionel Loueke, and Jonathan DuBose (guitars). With a change of gears, "Go Down Moses" sounds more like something from a soundtrack or opera, thanks to the classy Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Big Mo shows he also can change styles, and he relaxes the operatic voice on "Sister Mary" and "Were You There?" Perhaps the most brilliant fireworks come on the title track, as Robinson and the Royal Philharmonic weave their sounds into a powerful sonic climax that should shake any foundation. And to add to the variety, Robinson quickly follows with the old-time gospel testimonial "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," complemented nicely by Joseph Joubert on the keys and sung by Robinson with the same power and emotion he called upon when singing it at his mother's funeral. An amazing piece of work, Robinson's Going Home is a knockout punch. --Michael Lyttle Product description Morris Robinson , His presentation of "Going Home" was unbelieveable. What an amazing natural talent. His presence is towering and his singing is inspired. If you like gospel music this new CD is a must have!! From the Artist "This album is my way of giving back and thanking God for the many blessings that He has given me," Robinson said. "Many albums can follow, but the first one is for Him. My music comes from the heart. I want to give glory to God through my music and thank Him for my many blessings." In describing "Go Down Moses," Robinson says, "This Spiritual blends the two worlds I straddle the best and allows me to express my love for opera and gospel in one song." Perhaps the most poignant song on the album, however, is "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." Robinson performed this song at his mother's funeral. "I do it on the album exactly the way that I did it for her that day in the church," Robinson said. About the Artist By titling his debut album Going Home, renowned bass Morris D. Robinson shows that he is reflecting on the amazing personal journey that has brought him to stardom. Home for Robinson is Atlanta, where he was raised as the son of a Baptist preacher. One might expect to read that he sang in the church choir, but actually Robinson was the drummer from age 9 to 18. While Robinson has made his name in the opera world over recent years, Going Home reflects a return to his musical roots while showcasing his rich bass voice. Among the most notable songs on Going Home are "Walk With Me" and "Go Down Moses," both of which combine Robinson's Gospel background with the love for opera that he has developed as an adult. Robinson is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most interesting and sought after basses of his generation, but growing up, Robinson's background did not point him toward the world of opera. The music played in his home was always Gospel. And though Robinson joined the Atlanta Boys Choir at age 7, Robinson said he would have preferred to be out with the "cool kids" playing football. In high school, Robinson did a little bit of everything. He played in the band, he sang in the chorus, and he joined the "cool kids" on the football field. In fact, he was so good at football, he earned a scholarship to play for The Citadel, and there he was named as an All-American. After graduating with an English degree, with various stints in marketing and even as a bouncer, Robinson took a sales job in Washington, D.C., where he auditioned for the Choral Arts Society in 1996. Robinson knew by the reaction of the choral director that maybe his mom had been right; maybe he did have a voice that needed to be heard. After moving to New England, Robinson started taking weekend classes at the New England Music Conservatory, and was soon encouraged to delve a little deeper and begin to explore the world of opera. It was a perfect match. Shortly after, a star was born. Robinson auditioned for a local opera in Salem, Mass., and was cast in a leading role. As serendipity would have it, in the audience of opening night was the music director for Boston University who sought out Robinson back stage when the curtain fell. "She told me that I had some real talent. Talent I needed to be nurturing. She told me to hire a private vocal coach, learn five arias and then come and audition for her." In the spring of 1999, Ro
ASIN: B000KGGISW
VSKU: DBV.B000KGGISW.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Robinson, Morris
Binding: Audio cd
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!