Jessye Norman, the renowned soprano with a career spanning over seven decades, invites you into her musical world with "Roots: My Life, My Song." Released in 2009 under Sony Music/DEAG Music, this album is a testament to Norman's versatility and profound connection to her musical roots. Spanning a diverse range of genres including opera, classical, jazz, folk, gospel, and swing, the album is a rich tapestry of 26 tracks that reflect her early influences and lifelong passion for music.
The album opens with "African Drum Invocation," setting the stage for a journey through spirituals, jazz standards, and operatic arias. Norman's powerful and emotive voice shines on tracks like "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child," showcasing her deep connection to the spiritual and folk traditions. Her rendition of "Mack The Knife" and "Stormy Weather" highlights her jazz prowess, while "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" demonstrates her operatic brilliance.
"Roots: My Life, My Song" is not just a collection of songs but a personal journey through Jessye Norman's life and career. The album features collaborations with notable musicians, including Mark Markham on piano and Martin Williams, adding depth and richness to the performances. With a duration of 1 hour and 46 minutes, the album offers a comprehensive exploration of Norman's artistic range and her ability to transcend genres.
This album is a celebration of Jessye Norman's enduring legacy, offering a unique blend of her favorite pieces and personal influences. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to her work, "Roots: My Life, My Song" provides a captivating glimpse into the soul of one of the greatest vocalists of our time.
(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
Jessye Norman, the acclaimed American opera singer, captivated global audiences with her powerful and dramatic soprano voice. Renowned for her commanding stage presence, Norman's repertoire spanned iconic roles such as Beethoven's Leonore, Wagner's Sieglinde and Kundry, and Berlioz's Cassandre and Didon. Her voice, often described as a "grand mansion of sound," boasted immense range and depth, filling concert halls with its rich, resonant tones. Norman's illustrious career, which spanned over five decades, earned her four Grammy Awards and the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal. Her performances were not just musical; they were transformative experiences that left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of hearing her sing.
Vinylscout
Jessye Norman
