Immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful world of George Crumb's "Complete Crumb Edition, Vol. 10," released on February 15, 2007, under Bridge Records. This captivating album is a profound exploration of the American Songbook, divided into two distinct yet interconnected parts: "The River of Life" and "Unto the Hills."
"The River of Life" opens with a series of spirituals and hymns, each reimagined through Crumb's unique avant-garde lens. From the stirring "Shall We Gather at the River?" to the poignant "Amazing Grace!," Crumb's chamber music arrangements breathe new life into these timeless pieces. The album's title track, "Time Is a Drifting River [A Psalm for Daybreak and Morning]," is a standout, showcasing Crumb's mastery of blending traditional melodies with contemporary musical techniques.
The second part, "Unto the Hills," continues the journey with a collection of folk songs and lullabies, each one a testament to Crumb's deep appreciation for American musical heritage. Tracks like "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" and "All the Pretty Little Horses" are rendered with a delicate touch, while "Appalachian Epiphany [A Psalm for Sunset and Dusk]" and "Down in the Valley, Hush, Little Baby [An Appalachian Lullaby]" offer moments of serene reflection.
Throughout the album, Crumb's innovative use of extended techniques and unconventional instrumentation creates a rich, textured soundscape that is both familiar and otherworldly. The album's duration of 1 hour and 23 minutes allows for a comprehensive exploration of Crumb's artistic vision, making it a compelling addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Crumb's work or a newcomer to his avant-garde style, "Complete Crumb Edition, Vol. 10" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2007 Bridge Records2007 Bridge Records
Tracks
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 1, Shall We Gather at the River?George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 2, Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown?George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 3, Amazing Grace!George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 4, Give Me That Old Time ReligionGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 5, Time Is a Drifting River [A Psalm for Daybreak and Morning]George Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 6, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 7, One More River to CrossGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 8, Nearer, My God to TheeGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook I (The River of Life): No. 9, Deep RiverGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 1, Poor Wayfaring StrangerGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 2, All the Pretty Little HorsesGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 3, Ten Thousand MilesGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 4, Ev'ry Night When the Sun Goes InGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 5, Appalachian Epiphany [A Psalm for Sunset and Dusk]George Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 6, Down in the Valley, Hush, Little Baby [An Appalachian Lullaby]George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 7, Black, Black, Black Is the ColorGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 8, The RiddleGeorge Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
American Songbook III (Unto the Hills): No. 9, Poor Wayfaring Stranger [Echo]George Crumb, Ann Crumb, Orchestra 2001, James Freeman
Vinylscout