I'm sure I have mentioned the music of Christopher Tin before, but now I'm more excited than ever: his highly anticipated debut album, Calling All Dawns, has been released! Performed by the Royal Symphony Orchestra and an impressive lineup of world renowned vocalists, the CD of ethnic-orchestral choral works collectively forms a breathtaking song cycle. I do not exaggerate when I say that this is the BEST album I have added to my collection in years.
Chris quickly rose to fame with the main theme he composed for the popular video game Civilization IV, "Baba Yetu." (Of course, an updated version with the Soweto Gospel Choir is the very first track on Calling All Dawns!) Like many, that is how I first discovered his music, and I have been a fan ever since.
So what is my personal connection here? Over the last couple of years, I worked with Chris to record the demo vocals for many of the songs on his album, and provided a good deal of background vocals for the final product. It may not sound as glamorous as actually being one of those international stars... but when Frederica von Stade heard my demo recording for her solo performance on "Hymn do Trójcy Świętej" and commented, "I'm not sure I can do much better," I nearly died of happiness. :)
Vocals on Christopher Tin's "Calling All Dawns"
I might have to check this out though!