Anonymous 4 + 2="Gloryland"
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Two years ago, fans of the vocal ensemble Anonymous 4 were heartbroken; after one final American tour, the group was splitting up. In the next breath, though, the singers added that special projects would reunite them in the future. Their new recording, "Gloryland," is one of those special projects. This is the sequel to Anonymous 4's top-selling collection of American spirituals, "American Angels."
"American Angels" was an unusual departure for a group known for opening listeners' ears to medieval and contemporary classical vocal music, yet it quickly became a favorite. Last fall, the foursome ventured into the studio for their second rendezvous with traditional ballads, folk songs, hymns and gospel tunes. This time they invited two outstanding instrumentalists along for the ride, mandolinist Mike Marshall and fiddler Darol Anger.
On "Gloryland," Anonymous 4 remains true to its finely tuned vocal harmonies, and its penchant for deep musical research. With the addition of Anger and Marshall, players known for contemporizing folk-based traditions, the sound becomes especially appealing--with a more relaxed, looser feel. Their accompaniments are subtle, yet authentic, helping to bridge the gap between the church sanctuary and a revival meeting.
Anonymous 4 approaches this music in the same way as traditional singers from the Ozark and the Appalachian Mountains do. The group sings shape-note tunes with spare, three-part harmonies just as they appeared in the 19th-century tune books.
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"The Shining Shore" dates from the 1850s, and is one of two gospel songs performed in its original musical setting. The gentle accompaniment of the guitar and mandolin nicely complements the sweet harmonies of Anonymous 4. The overall effect is captivating, yet calming.
The revival songs on "Gloryland" are my favorites. Anonymous 4 offers its own arrangements on several songs, including one titled "Merrick." Darol Anger and Mike Marshall's musical interludes provide an added sense of energy that gradually builds with each verse. By the end, we are revived and refreshed, which is the whole point of the song.
"Just Over in the Gloryland" kicks off with Darol Anger playing solo mandocello, giving this gospel tune a fun, bluegrass treatment. The well-balanced vocal harmonies quickly join in, making way for some fancy finger-picking by Anger, along with Mike Marshall on guitar.
The final track, "Green Pastures," is definitely worth the wait. On this old gospel tune, the comfort level of these musicians is at its peak. The guitar and mandolin are front and center along with the vocalists, giving us a bolder impression of the fine musicianship each performer brings to the table.
With the release of "Gloryland" and an extensive U.S. tour that begins in November, more new audiences will soon discover the crystalline style of Anonymous 4. For current fans, the reunion tour offers one more reason to appreciate the quartet's willingness to push the envelope.
