Karen W. Hubbard Reviews THE SPIRITUALS
By Karen W. Hubbard
Associate Professor Dance and Theatre Department
UNC Charlotte
The Spirituals is an engaging audio-visual journey into the form and function of Negro spirituals. Comprised of historical reenactments, news file footage and personal reflection; the program unfolds seamlessly like a multi-textured quilt embroidered with rich, heartfelt vocals sung by the American Spiritual Ensemble. Noteworthy, are references to the secret meaning of Negro spirituals; the role played by Fisk Jubilee Singers, Hampton Singers and Tuskegee Singers in garnering public recognition of what is referred to as “music of the cotton fields”; and commentary on how black spirituals influenced renowned European composers. When the landscape shifts away from the southern plantation a clear distinction is made between spirituals and gospel music; “We Shall Overcome” based on a Negro spiritual is acknowledged as the modern day Civil Rights Movement anthem.
As The Spirituals comes to an end and the credits are rolling; baritone/ASE Rehearsal Director Ricky Little walks (some times projected in slow motion) through fields, along country roads, across a bridge and on city streets as his voice is heard singing “I Want Jesus To Walk With Me.” Perhaps Little’s trek is a metaphor for the path traveled by Evertt McCovey whose inspiration it was to found the American Spiritual Ensemble in 1995.
The Spirituals is formatted into a twenty-six minutes program. This makes it perfect for use in the traditional classroom; there is time for discussion both before and after viewing the documentary. For dance creative process courses The Spirituals offers valuable possibilities for the exploration, invention and composition of movement. As well, documentary visuals and narrative provide deeper understanding of the cultural context in which the form evolved.When the documentary ends; it doesn’t let go and viewers will be delighted to discover additional material set in three parts: Additional Scenes, Photo Gallery and American Spiritual Ensemble Background.
As in the documentary, the sound of Negro spirituals sung by ASE is ever present.The Spirituals is a testament to McCovey’s vision to preserve Negro spirituals. Individuals newly introduced to Negro spirituals will find the program feels like a “new best friend”. Those who are already familiar with the subject will welcome The Spirituals like an old and dear family relation.
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