MUSIC FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER PART II
Gesualdo Six, TENEBRAE RESPONSORIES (Hyperion, $19.98) – The Gesualdo Six, directed by Owain Park, pair two masterpieces of Renaissance polyphony, Carlo Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories for Maundy Thursday and Thomas Tallis’s Lamentations of Jeremiah, as well as two short contemporary works by Judith Bingham and Joanna Ward.
Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, NOW THE GREEN BLADE RISETH: Choral Music for Easter (King’s College, $15.98) – Daniel Hyde directs the Choir in an historically wide-ranging set of music, from English Renaissance, through Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-20th century choral works, interspersed with popular Easter hymns. There is also a special feature of a Duruflé transcription for Matthew Martin on the King’s College organ.
NEW JAZZ
Marquis Hill, NEW GOSPEL REVISITED (Edition, $14.98) – Trumpeter Marquis Hill revisits his debut album, New Gospel (2011), live at Chicago’s Constellation club. His group includes some of the best players of his generation: saxophonist Walter Smith III; vibist Joel Ross; pianist James Francies; Harish Raghavan, bass; and Kendrick Scott, drums.
Joel Ross, THE PARABLE OF THE POET (Blue Note, $14.98) – The young vibes player Joel Ross (who’s also on Marquis Hill’s album, above) debuts an album-length suite, featuring his octet with Immanuel Wilkins and Maria Grand on saxophones; Maquis Hill, trumpet; Kalia Venderer, trombone; Sean Mason, piano; Rick Rosado, bass; Craig Weinrib, drums
MORE CLASSICAL
Véronique Gens and Sandrine Piau, RIVALES (Alpha, $18.99) – Two leading French sopranos pay tribute to two of their great predecessors, Mme Dugazon (1755-1821) and Mme Saint-Huberty (1756-1812), who inspired many composers. There are arias and duets by Gluck, Grétry, Monsigny, J.C. Bach, Piccinni, Elelmann, and Cherubini. Ms. Gens and Ms. Piau are accompanied by Le Concert de la Loge, directed from the violin by Julien Chauvin.
Emőke Baráth, DUALITÀ: HANDEL OPERA ARIAS (Erato, $18.98) – The soprano takes on both male and female roles portraying some of Handel’s greatest characters: Radamisto, Alcina, Cleopatra, Partenope, and Tauride. She is accompanied by the ensemble, Artaserse, directed by countertenor Philippe Jaroussky.
NEW POP
Wet Leg, WET LEG (Domino, $14.99) – The duo of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, from the Isle of Wight, had a breakthrough hit for their song (and fun video), “Chaise Longue.” Their full length album has more poppy tunes, sly, deadpan vocals, and an infectious feel.
Kurt Vile, WATCH MY MOVES (Verve, $14.98) – The slouchy, laid-back song-speak of Kurt Vile is back with more narrative tunes.
NEXT WEEK: New Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder!
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