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Our Review

The Gift: Love (Part 1) is a special presentation by the Sound of the Northwest, a group dedicated to the preservation of Negro Spirituals and the promotion of music reflecting African-American heritage. Under the skilled direction of Juan Huey-Ray, the Sound presents 15 a cappella offerings and one bonus track ("Mary Had a Baby") that includes instrumentation (piano, bass guitar, and drums).

The Sound's music bursts with raw emotion and energy. Joy and intensity shout from every corner. These African-American pieces represent both the old and new, and the vocal harmonies range from the gently flowing to the discordant. The mood is upbeat and alive from the robust opening cut "Peter Go Ring Dem Bells" to the dramatic finale (and longest piece), "Mary Had a Baby." My favorite cuts include "Mary's Little Boy Chile," which features Huey-Ray's outstanding, expressive solo, the melodic "African Noel" with its rhythmic choral cycles, and the sweet harmonies of "Mary Borned a Baby."

Those who especially love spirituals will find themselves naturally attracted to the Sound of the Northwest's vivid production of The Gift: Love (Part 1). It is a fascinating departure from the usual holiday fare!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Director: Juan Huey-Ray

Sopranos
Connie Barrow, Alison Burton, Shirley Neal, Marion Nesby, Molly Pere, Marty Phillips, Vera Williams, Shirley Young

Altos
Gloria Burgess, Doris Huey-Ray, Karen Robinson, Crystal Rogers, Chrystal Weinberg

Tenors
Avance Byrd, Rodney Figaro, Andre Head, Jessilyn Head, Cora Jackson, Motiryo Keambiroiro

Baritone/Bass
Jack Barrow, Nicholas Bellotto, Juan Huey-Ray, Steve Malloy, James Polk

Guest Soloist: Bridget A. Bazile

(Bonus Track Only):
Cecilia Johnson, Soloist
Tedde Gibson, Piano
Arthur Nelson, Bass Guitar
Jeff Busch, Drums

The Sound of the Northwest is a spiritual group of singers from the greater Seattle, Washington area. Since 1987, we have come together to share with you the joy music brings to our lives.

We are dedicated to the preservation of the Negro Spiritual and the promotion of the music of the African American heritage.

This recording is the first of two depicting Love. Christmas is God's gift of His Son to the world. The songs on this recording (some old, some new) remind us of the reason for the season. Most are also unique in that they are all composed or arranged by African-Americans.

--Juan Huey-Ray

The Sound of the Northwest

The Gift: Love (Part 1)

Artist link

Track List