Beyond the Jordan
This collection beautifully and powerfully captures the experiential essence of the African American Spirituals. They are sung just as they were composed--with spontaneous power, group harmony, and personal authenticity.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."

African American Spirituals: The Concert Tradition
This is an excellent presentation of glorious music which helped to save the sanity and physical being of slaves.

Better than I expected (from collegiate selections)
I listen to the last two songs (Ain't Got Time to Die & Wade in the Water) over and over and over again. Selections 5, 7, 10, 16, and 17 are great for sing-along. Seven more still have appeal. 14 of 19 - a better than average CD!

Excellent!
Spirituals as presented in the concert tradition, such as were performed by the Jubilee Singers after the Civil War. As such, they are not intended to sound like "field recordings" (as one reviewer here had apparantly expected) but rather, polished concert performances. The documentation (liner notes, bibliography, etc) is outstanding...one could teach a workshop just using the CD and notes.

If you're seeking a field recording sound, I suggest "I Believe in Angels Singing: Songs from the Underground Railroad Era (Cassette)
Order from Highlander Center 1959 Highlander Way
New Market, TN 37820 Tel: (423) 933-3443

Quality recording but not true to form.
This is a nice recording and it is well done. The quality of the music is very good but I was disappointed. All of the pieces are performed by choirs and as such are not true to the spiritual in its purest form. These are songs intended to be sung by people that are weary and heavy laden looking for rest. These are very personal songs which should be sung from the heart by a single voice. If not a single voice, a small group. If you are looking for spirituals sung by a large choir in a tightly controlled environment, this is for you. If you are looking for songs which are sung from the heart and soul, this is not it.