HANDEL'S MESSIAH: A SOULFUL CELEBRATION

(Reprise)

Even if you hate pop versions of the classics, this deconstructed Messiah is galvanic, its sacred message told by dozens of African-American music luminaries, who interpret the familiar text in gospel, jazz, rap, big band, evolved barbershop, and Motown. "Comfort Ye My People" (Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Daryl Coley) begins meditatively and ends with a prolonged, ecstatic shout. "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted" starts with a symphonic introduction, then crashes into wild hip-hop, with florid vocal embellishments by Lizz Lee and Chris Willis. Stevie Wonder and Take 6 do a soaring, close-harmony "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion." The whole production, culminating in a mass, manic "Hallelujah" conducted by Quincy Jones, evokes Christmas in swinging spirals of devotion.

-- Marcia B. Siegel

Back to the menu