Dancing Clouds is well-named with the soloists, and Platteau in particular, flying up there where the air is rarefied. It's a lightweight track and none the worse for that, preparing us for the heavier stuff to come on the three part Suite For Africa.
Suite For Africa incorporates the twenty-four strong Matsiko World Orphan Choir who were on the same flight as Figarova and her husband were when the couple returned from South Africa to NYC - the choir, based around orphaned and at risk children from various African countries - were to tour the United States (more about the choir HERE).
It was a fortuitous meeting for both the choir and Figarova who successfully composed the suite around choir and sextet. Her writing conveys the varied emotions explored over the three movements as does her piano improvisations and those of the horns. However, it is the choir who clinch it - if you're in Cincinnati you can catch them live tonight (June 18).
Away from the Suite for Africa there are five tracks by the sextet without the choir that continue along a similar theme. All quite magnificent.
Once again I must apologise for playing catch-up - it was released in May - but was worth the wait. Check out this YouTube video of Forgotten Children from Part 3 of the Suite For Africa. It left me feeling uplifted and yet guilty that I was watching it in the comfort of my own home. It may well have the same effect on you. Lance
Dancing Clouds;
Suite For Africa Part 1: Spirit Africa, Spirit Liberia.
Suite For Africa Part 2: Fifteen as One.
Suite For Africa Part 3: Forgotten Children.
Faith is Her Name; Worldwide; Rain River; Paper Kites.
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