John Langstaff's pure vocal style was profoundly influenced by American pianist, composer and folk song collector John Powell. In 1961, two years before the composer's death, the two collaborated on an album of Appalachian folk music, including Powell's tender epic "Five Virginia Folk Songs" (Opus 34). His settings are haunting and evocative, and Langstaff is in glorious voice, his baritone rich, warm and resonant. As a CD bonus, pianist Judith Gordon, named Musician of the Year by the Boston Globe in 1996, plays three Powell settings for solo piano.
See a review in All Music Guide
Songlist
Hear samples from select pieces.
1.
Bonnie Wee Thing
2.
Pretty Sally
4.
The Deaf Woman's Courtship
7.
There Was a Man In Our Town
8.
Baby Bunting
9.
When I Was a Little Boy
10.
Rosey Boy, Posey Boy
11.
The Frog Went Courtin'
12.
The Daemon Lover
13.
Jockie to the Fair
14.
Pretty Sally