GREGORIAN RELEASES NEW ALBUM ‘PURE CHANTS II’
Gregorian reinvigorates ancient traditions with the hollowed ground of “Pure Chants II.” The songs have a stripped-down beauty behind them. Drawing upon centuries’ worth of musical history, the pieces flow effortlessly into each other. Best taken in as a singular listening experience, an expansiveness occurs through the sheer contemplative vocal droning. Everything here feels carefully constructed as if they considered every possibility. The communal quality of the sound is virtually built-in, as the choir has this warm, welcoming presence. The way they go for this seemingly timeless and classic nature helps lend everything a peaceful sensibility.
A purity resides within the heavenly “Ava Marie (Pure Version)” with the inclusion of the organ in the latter half a refined touch. “Winter Light” has a gentle glow to the arrangement, letting the strings feel virtually weightless. Rhythmic vocalizations give “O Fortuna (Pure Version)” that sense of tension that the song deserves. The gorgeous church organ swells into the infinite blue sky with the lovely “Dear Lord And Father of Mankind.” On “Rivers Of Babylon (Pure Version),” there is a familiarity with the piece alongside the absolutely stunning cinematic execution. Verses have a gentle loveliness to the peaceful demeanor of “My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose.” Choirs spill over with the spacious architecture of “Gloria XV.” Victory rises out of the triumphant “Gaudete,” where the evolution of the sound feels inspiring. Things end on a reflective note with “Noel Novuelet.”
“Pure Chants II” reveals Gregorian’s exquisite detail and elegant arrangements.
Gregorian are touring North America this fall:
Friday, November 15 Halifax, NS Rebecca Cohn Auditorium
Saturday, November 16 Charlottetown, PEI Confederation Centre
Sunday, November 17 Montreal, QC L’Olympia
Monday, November 18 Ottawa, ON Bronson Centre
Tuesday, November 19 Mississauga, ON Living Arts Centre
Wednesday, November 20 London, ON Centenniall Hall
Friday, November 22 Rockford, IL Coronado Theatre
Saturday, November 23 Madison, WI Barrymore Theatre
Sunday, November 24 Duluth, MN West Theatre
Monday, November 25 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Theatre
Tuesday, November 26 Regina, SK Conexus Arts Centre
Wednesday, November 27 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall
Thursday, November 28 Sherwood Park, AB Festival Place
Saturday, November 30 Kelowna, BC Kelowna Community Theatre
