Leon Bosch describes the circumstances that crystallized in this production:
My introduction to Negro Spirituals was thanks to Rebeca Omordia. I played a few South African folk songs in her African Concert Series, and based on that she thought that the spirituals would suit me. She gave me a collection of five, arranged for baritone and piano. I transcribed these for double bass, and we first performed them live on Radio 3. That led to the idea of a CD recording and I began to look for more….and there are huge collections available online, in various guises: solo voice, choral arrangements, piano solo, instrumental arrangements etc. Then I had to find ones that resonated with me – and would work on the bass.
LISTEN TO A PREVIEW:
Nobody Knows
Deep River
2. Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
3. I know de lord’s laid his hands on me
4. Swing low, sweet chariot
5. Ev’ry time I feel de Spirit
6. By an’ by
7. Deep river
8. I got a robe
9. I want to be ready
10. Death’s Gwineter Lay His Cold Icy Hand On Me
11. Go Down, Moses
12. My Little Soul’s Goin’ to Shine
13. I am Bound for the Kingdom
14. I’m workin’ on My Buildin’
15. Roll Jordan Roll
16. I’m Goin’ to Lay Down my Heavy Load
17. My Soul’s been Anchored in de Lord
