When I realized that I knew most of
WGUC's Top Classical CDs of 2007, I had to stop and wonder: "What the heck is going on with me?"
It was only somewhat comforting to read that these discs represent "a new generation of instrumentalists, singers, and conductors"—it's not your grandpappy's classical. I'm not over the hill, yet.
Most important, however, is the fact that Number 9 on this impressive list is Cantus' new eponymous disc—
engineered, edited, mixed, and mastered by our man, John Atkinson.
I have to say that this is my very favorite Cantus release—with clever renditions of pop favorites like Smokey Robinson's awesome "Who's Been Loving You," and Billy Joel's great "Lullaby," there's some real tear-jerkers on this disc, all soulful and lovely. And especially fun is the innovative setting of the American classic, "Casey at the Bat" with its handclaps and hollers, the crack of the bat, and all sorts of vocal theatrics. It nearly broke JA. He'd call me into his office to listen: "Listen to this. Hear those birds? Hear those echoes? It took me about eight billion hours to get that right."
I'm joking, but only a little bit.
Anyway,
Cantus—the 9th best classical release of 2007, according to the Cincinnati-based NPR station
WGUC—is now available
right here.
