Kathleen Battle Sings Spirituals
Soprano Kathleen Battle appeared on stage at UCLA’s Royce Hall Saturday night in a program entitled “Underground Railroad”. Although Ms. Battle was clearly the star of the evening, she shared the stage with the very talented Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers (AMJS) and jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut.
The program began with “Tribulation”, an aggressive piano solo performed and composed by Chestnut. The audience was clearly thrilled by Chestnut as he attacked the music (and the piano) with passion and virtuosity. Their enthusiasm for Chestnut remained undiminished throughout the program.
Battle then arrived onstage in true diva fashion in a flowing black velvet gown and floor sweeping cream wrap. Her first number “Lord, How Come Me Here?” was sung a cappella with the AMJS providing softly hummed chords. It was a satisfying contrast to initial fireworks provided by Chestnut.
The most stunning moment of the evening occurred when Battle sang two a cappella numbers in a row: “Over My Head” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”. Battle’s shimmery tones and expressive phrasing were exquisite. Battle graciously turned up to the choir as she sang the lyrics “A band of angels comin' after me. . .”
AMJS’ rendition of “I’ve Been ’Buked an’ I’ve Been Scorned” was another highlight of the evening. The tight chords and laser precision of the choir in this difficult piece was incredible. A small ensemble from AMJS also joined Battle in a poignant arrangement of “Balm of Gilead”.
Thoughtfully, the AMJS members also recited various Frederick Douglas quotes throughout the evening. “They were tones loud, long, and deep. . . Every tone was a testimony against slavery and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains.”
For more information regarding UCLA Live at Royce Hall programming contact uclalive.org, Ticketmaster or the UCLA Central Ticket office at 310.821.2101.