Jessye Norman, the renowned opera and classical vocal powerhouse, invites you into her world with "Roots: My Life, My Song." Released on September 24, 2009, under Sony Music and DEAG Music, this album is a profound exploration of her musical heritage and personal journey. Spanning a rich 1 hour and 46 minutes, the album is a diverse collection of tracks that showcase Norman's extraordinary vocal range and versatility.
From spirituals like "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child" to classic standards such as "Stormy Weather" and "Mack The Knife," Norman's interpretation of these timeless pieces is nothing short of captivating. The album also features a mix of French chansons like "Les Chemins De L'Amour" and "J'ai Deux Amours," demonstrating her linguistic prowess and cultural appreciation.
Norman's rendition of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" adds a powerful gospel touch, while her take on jazz classics like "Take The 'A' Train" and "Blue Monk" highlights her ability to seamlessly transition between genres. The inclusion of "Warum Roots?" and "The French Connection" adds a unique personal touch, reflecting her deep connection to her roots and the influences that have shaped her career.
"Roots: My Life, My Song" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to Jessye Norman's artistic evolution and her enduring legacy in the world of opera and classical music. It's a celebration of her life, her music, and the rich cultural tapestry that has inspired her throughout her illustrious career.
(P) 2009 DEAG Music GmbH / Distributed By Sony Music Entertainment Germany GmbH
Tracks
African Drum InvocationTraditional, Jessye Norman, Steve Johns
His Eye Is On The SparrowCharles H. Gabriel, Jessye Norman
I Want Two WingsTraditional, Jessye Norman, Martin Williams
Lord, I Couldn't Hear Nobody PrayTraditional, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Mark Markham
Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless ChildTraditional, Jessye Norman, Ira Coleman
HeavenDuke Ellington, Jessye Norman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
Warum Roots?Jessye Norman
SomewhereLeonard Bernstein, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
My Baby Just Cares for MeWalter Donaldson, Gus Kahn, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
The A ListJessye Norman
Stormy WeatherHarold Arlen, Jessye Norman, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
Mack The KnifeKurt Weill, Jessye Norman, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
Another Man Done GoneTraditional, Jessye Norman
Pretty HorsesTraditional, Jessye Norman, Martin Williams, Mark Markham
God's Gonna Cut You DownTraditional, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
Les Chemins De L'AmourFrancis Poulenc, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Steve Johns, Mark Markham
The French ConnectionDonald J Ellis, Jessye Norman
J'ai Deux AmoursVincent Scotto, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
April In ParisVernon Duke, Jessye Norman, Mark Markham
HabaneraGeorges Bizet, Jessye Norman, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
Take The 'A' TrainBilly Strayhorn, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
Blue MonkThelonious Monk, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
SolitudeDuke Ellington, Irving Mills, Eddie DeLange, Jessye Norman, Mark Markham
It Don't Mean A ThingDuke Ellington, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Mark Markham, Steve Johns, Ira Coleman
Don't Get Around Much AnymoreDuke Ellington, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns
When The Saints Go Marching InTraditional, Jessye Norman, Mike Lovatt, Martin Williams, Ira Coleman, Mark Markham, Steve Johns