Blurred Lines
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Stunning performances by Sequina DuBose of new vocal works.

This recording of hybrid vocal selections highlights the works of seven prominent 21st century composers who blur the lines between opera, classical art song, and other musical genres. This is music that is as appropriate to major concert halls as it is to nontraditional spaces. Sequina DuBose is a stunning performer most noted for her engaging stage presence — whether performing operatic roles, or as soprano soloist in Wynton Marsalis' work, All Rise. She has toured internationally as a soloist with The American Spiritual Ensemble and with Damien Sneed and Chorale Le Chateau. Dr. DuBose is on the faculty at UNC Charlotte. She is joined by pianist Gregory Thompson, known for his work as a solo and collaborative artist in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Contents:
Tania León, composer
from Scourge of Hyacinths
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano); Mira Frisch (cello)

B.E. Boykin, composer
If I Had Known
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano)

Maria Thompson Corley, composer
The Aftermath
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano)

Leonard Mark Lewis, composer
A Jelly-Fish
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano)

Peter Hilliard, composer
Notes from a Town Hall Meeting
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano); Daniel Ferreira (percussion); Mira Frisch (cello); Kari Giles (violin); Jessica Lindsey (clarinet); Robert Linton (bass guitar)

Nkeiru Okoye, composer
Inside is What Remains
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano)

Douglas Tappin, composer
from I Dream
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano); Daniel Ferreira (percussion); Robert Linton (bass guitar); David Hughey (tenor)

Douglas Tappin, composer
from DIVA
Sequina DuBose (soprano); Gregory Thompson (piano)

Review:
An adventurous listen that covers opera, classical art song and other ideas, 7 prominent 21st century composers are highlighted thanks to Sequina DuBose’s strong vocals and Gregory Thompson’s precise piano playing. “Oh Yemanja” starts the listen with Mira Frisch’s stirring cello complementing DuBose’s stunning soprano and Thompson’s agile keys, and not far down the line, “The Aftermath” is full of vivid, diverse singing and scatting amid the radiant and meticulous finger acrobatics on piano. Further along, the intimate “A Jelly-Fish” is quite pretty, dreamy even with DuBose and Thompson making much beauty, while “Notes From A Town Hall Meeting” showcases Daniel Ferreira (percussion), Mira Frisch (cello), Kari Giles (violin), Jessica Lindsey (clarinet) and Robert Linton (bass guitar), where vivid storytelling is met with both firm and calm moments. Residing near the end, “I Dream” recruits Daniel Ferreira (percussion), Robert Linton (bass guitar) and David Hughley (tenor) for the very mature and elegant song craft, and “Diva” exits the listen with a poetic and emotive display of timeless, absorbing qualities. DuBose has much experience touring internationally as a soloist, and Thompson’s resume is packed with both solo and collaborative work. Together, with the exceptional players on hand, they illuminate the vision of the composers with strong attention to detail and an unparalleled delivery. (www.takeeffect.com)