Search - Florence Quivar, The Boys' Choir of Harlem & Joseph Joubert, Larry Woodard :: Ride On, King Jesus

Indisputably the Best Spiritual Artist Ever!

soulcountertenor | Fort Worth, TX USA | 09/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Miss Quivar's interpretation of the Spiritual, America's original art song, is unsurpassed by any other singer in this or any other era. You might think this is a lofty claim, but find the recording, listen, and then you too will understand. You will feel the soul in every song. Her voice while full, focused, and resonant is at the same time raw with emotion and energy. The use of her chest voice to bring out the sorrow in many of these songs is genius. My favorites include the dark, chilling "Roun About De Mountain" and the Bible-story-telling "Witness". Her interpretation of "I am seeking for a city" will bring a tear to the believer's eye, but the joy revealed in both "Honor! Honor!" and "Plenty Good Room" will bring an instant smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. Don't miss this recording. You will NOT regret it."

A Superb Recording of Negro Spirituals

alpha1906 | Atlantic City, New Jersey | 08/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am delighted that this recording is being rereleased! I have spent more than ten years trying to locate a copy of it. I had it on cassette, however I played the tape so much that it broke. In fact, I met Ms. Quivar at a recital in the late 1990s and asked her if it would ever be reissued; I am so glad that the day has finally come. Quivar's interpretation of the Negro spirituals on this recording is flawless! I especially love the title selection and Hall Johnson's "Witness". This is a recording that anyone who loves listening to Negro spirituals must have. Thank you, Ms. Quivar, for this superb recording!"

EMI has reissued this, so never fear!

Finnamon | New York, NY United States | 07/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's what I wrote about this recording as reissued by EMI:



I have nothing to add to the other reviews here: Florence Quivar's recording of spirituals is the best of its kind that I have ever heard. Marian Anderson is her spiritual forebearer and she can never be matched. But she approached these very much as if they were art songs. It was the perfect approach at the time, and I still listen to her recordings of this repertoire with great respect, admiration, and reverence.



But Florence Quivar lives these songs in a completely different way. Never once does she reach for a showy effect, nor does she make insincere gestures. Other singers in this repertoire may occasionally reach the heights she attains here, but no one sustains it in the same way.



And it doesn't hurt (nor is it a surprise, given how she clearly loves this music) that she is in superb vocal estate here.



I close with a quote from a song Cher sang, "Walking in Memphis" that sums up how I feel about this recording:



"They said, tell me, are you a Christian, child? And I said, 'Man, I am tonight!'"



"