This week I managed to catch a broadcast from the BBC Proms at Sage Gateshead. Countertenor Reginald Mobley performed a selection of traditional American spirituals, accompanied by acclaimed French jazz pianist Baptiste Trotignon. I heartily recommend it to you, it is an unusual fusion of contemporary jazz and a classically-trained singer, who is more commonly heard singing Handel operas. It’s a complete collision of styles and thus a very refreshing take on some familiar tunes.
In an interview with Mobley, broadcast during the interval, he described his passion for this music, learned at his grandmother’s knee; the traditional tunes hummed around the house and sung in his childhood church’s choir (often at times when they didn’t have enough hymnbooks to go around).
Asked if there was any doubt as to whether those not of African American heritage should listen, perform and enjoy Spirituals, his answer was simple “Have you ever felt pain? Have you ever felt sorrow? Have you ever felt dejected? Have you ever felt lost?” The implication being that this music, like the Gospels themselves, is for anyone who has.
It’s hard to argue with that.
Frances Stratton
